Finding a YouTube video that truly matches your interests can be a challenge. The video-sharing platform recognises this issue. Consequently, YouTube is taking steps to address it with a new experimental feature called “Your Custom Feed“.
This new test aims to tackle the frustration users often face with algorithm-driven recommendations. If you are participating in the experiment, you will notice a change. A “Your Custom Feed” button now appears next to the standard “Home” button on the homepage.
Clicking this button allows you to input prompts tailored to your specific interests. Instead of passively scrolling through a stream of content, you can actively shape your feed. For instance, if you want more videos about cooking, simply type that into the custom feed. This encourages YouTube to prioritise similar content in the future.
Historically, YouTube’s algorithm frequently misjudges user intentions. For example, watching a few Disney videos often leads the platform to presume you are a loyal fan. This results in an overwhelming amount of similar content, even if that isn’t what you truly want.
Does YouTube’s algorithm completely ignore what we actually want to watch?
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Therefore, the ability to customise a YouTube feed could be a game-changer. It offers a more effective alternative to clicking on videos one by one. Users no longer have to rely solely on the “Not interested” or “Don’t recommend channel” options to curate their viewing experience.
YouTube isn’t the only platform launching a customised feed. Competitors are also exploring ways to give users control. Threads was recently seen testing an algorithm-configuration feature. Similarly, X is working on a feature that would allow users to tag its AI chatbot, Grok, to adjust their feed.
While it remains to be seen how popular “Your Custom Feed” will be, it marks a significant shift toward user-controlled content curation.