Google-owned YouTube on Thursday provided a snapshot of the video platform’s foray into the world of metaverse and blockchain, following the footsteps of other social media companies like ByteDance and Meta that have already begun harnessing the power of technology to bring immersive experiences for their users.
Foray into the metaverse, NFTs
YouTube’s Chief Product Officer Neal Mohan said the platform’s first touchpoint on the metaverse would be on its gaming content, where it plans to make the viewing experience more immersive by way of “more interactions to games and make them feel more alive.”
Regarding Web3 technologies like non-fungible tokens (NFTs), the company believes it can provide a platform for these digital assets in a safer and more responsible approach, such as verifying the authenticity of such assets. “Giving a verifiable way for fans to own unique videos, photos, art, and even experiences from their favorite creators could be a compelling prospect for creators and their audience,” said Mohan.
YouTube hinted at the NFT prospect late last month when CEO Susan Wojcicki said the company is exploring ways to help creators capitalize on emerging technologies like NFTs on its content-based video platform.
More offerings for creators
For creators and artists, Mohan said the company plans to improve its short-form video feature, YouTube Shorts, by making it easier to create videos through new video effects, editing tools, and more.
For better engagement with the audience, YouTube will introduce a feature allowing creators to reply to individual comments by creating a Shorts. Mohan revealed YouTube Shorts has already hit five trillion all-time views.
In terms of live-streaming, YouTube intends to launch a more collaborative feature that allows creators to go live together, a feature already seen in other social platforms like Instagram. It is also testing out a feature to help creators set the tone of conversations in comments on their channel.
Tangent
In December 2021, Meta launched the beta version of its multiplayer virtual reality game downloadable to all American and Canadian adults for free as it dives deep into the metaverse, a concept of a digital world where virtual reality blends with physical reality.
Source:
- https://www.forbesmiddleeast.com/innovation/consumer-tech/youtube-gives-a-snapshot-of-its-entry-to-metaverse-nftsheres-what-to-expect-in-2022
