Skip to main content

YouTube to launch the social networking features you’ve always wanted

YouTube will soon let you interact with creators like never before thanks to the rollout of a new social timeline.

The feature, which is internally known as “Backstage,” allows users to share a host of multimedia content including photos, polls, links, text posts, and videos with subscribers.

Recommended Videos

YouTube plans to launch Backstage by the end of the year, and as early as this fall, to a select number of influencers on mobile and desktop, according to VentureBeat.

By the sounds of it, Backstage will offer similar social functions that already exist elsewhere on platforms such as Twitter (which lets you conduct polls), and Facebook. This isn’t the first time this year YouTube has emulated those services — in June, Google’s video platform announced it was rolling out its very own mobile live-streaming service, arguably in response to the success of Twitter’s Periscope, and Facebook Live.

The latter live video feature poses the biggest threat to YouTube. Facebook Live is already poaching some of YouTube’s biggest creators with lucrative financial deals. Additionally, Facebook already boasts a massive social networking interface that those same creators can take advantage of to increase their audience.

Backstage is evidently YouTube’s answer to the growing threat of Facebook Live and Twitter. The popular video platform is planning to integrate the social features into its individual channels, alongside the “home” and “video tabs. Instead of relying on an algorithm, the Backstage timeline will appear in a reverse chronological order, with channel subscribers receiving notifications every time content is shared to the feed. Subscribers will eventually be allowed to reply to posts with their own comments, including multimedia posts that could include photos, videos, and GIFs.

Critically for YouTube, Backstage could help it to retain more creators that are busy extending their digital brands across social networks. Like its rivals, YouTube is also keen on encouraging more activity. As we’ve seen with Instagram (which recently copied Snapchat’s Stories feature) the more options you give users to share a status, the more engagement you are likely to receive.

Digital Trends reached out to YouTube for a comment on Backstage, but did not immediately receive a response.

Saqib Shah
Saqib Shah is a Twitter addict and film fan with an obsessive interest in pop culture trends. In his spare time he can be…
YouTube updates will help you sleep and speed things up
The new YouTube Shorts interface.

There are a million ways Google could improve the YouTube experience across all of its platforms. And today it announced a handful that aim to make how you watch on your mobile device, computer, and TV just a little bit better. The updates focus on playlists, interaction, playback speed — and maybe most importantly an option that'll keep you from waking up at 4 a.m. with Mr. Beast still doing whatever it is he does on your screen.

There are more than two dozen improvements on the way, Google says. Here's a quick look at the biggest of what's coming in the near future:
Sleep timer available to all
Sleep timer is graduating from YouTube Premium and rolling out to everyone on mobile devices. It's exactly what it sounds like — a method by which you can tell YouTube to stop playing at some point. You have a bunch of options for the sleep timer (maybe too many) and and choose whether to have videos stop after 10, 15, 20, 30, 45 minutes, or 1 hour — or when it hits the end of the current video.

Read more
What is YouTube Music? Everything you need to know
iPhone 15 Pro Max showing the YouTube Music app.

YouTube, long renowned for its vast video library, has quietly established itself as a formidable music streaming service. Its dedicated app, YouTube Music, offers a curated collection of songs, albums, and podcasts catering to various music lovers. With millions of songs and countless music videos, YouTube Music boasts a comprehensive catalog that rivals industry giants like Spotify and Apple Music.

The app utilizes advanced algorithms to suggest music based on your listening habits, ensuring a tailored and enjoyable experience. YouTube Premium subscribers can download their favorite tracks for offline playback, perfect for commutes, workouts, or areas with limited internet connectivity.

Read more
What is YouTube Premium? Price, content, and more
YouTube Music

When it comes to watching videos on the internet, YouTube remains the most common place to do it. It's been around since 2005, delivering a hub for video content and includes everything from the newest music videos, to live-streaming events. While the website itself is free to use, its filled with ads that have a tendency to interrupt your videos at the worst possible time. However, with YouTube Premium you can eliminate those pesky ads, and get back to watching the content you want to see -- without interruptions.

The YouTube family of products can be a bit confusing, however. In addition to YouTube Premium, there are other paid services like YouTube Music, YouTube TV, and the now-defunct YouTube Go, plus some free movies on YouTube you don't want to miss. The price of YouTube Premium has changes since launch, and with new services like YouTube Premium Lite, its worth considering which option is right for you. There are even bundling options that could save you some money like the YouTube Premium family plan, or the free trial.

Read more