YouTube is discontinuing its Trending page and Trending Now list, opting instead for category-specific charts, the company announced Thursday. This shift moves away from a single list of trending content to showcasing the most popular videos in specific categories on YouTube Charts.
YouTube stated that this update better reflects current trends in content discovery. When the Trending page launched in 2015, it was simpler to capture viral videos in one list, but viewing habits have evolved.
The new category-specific charts will feature Trending Music Videos, Weekly Top Podcast Shows, and Trending Movie Trailers, with plans to expand these categories in the future.
“In addition to highlighting popular content, we’ll continue to show viewers videos we believe they’ll love through personalized recommendations,” the company explained in a blog post. This approach aims to present a broader range of relevant content that aligns with how viewers typically discover new videos.
Users can still explore non-personalized content via the Explore menu, creator channels, and their subscription feeds.
YouTube noted that trends are increasingly shaped by diverse videos from various fandoms, resulting in more micro-trends. Viewers now discover trends through recommendations, search, and comments, rather than solely through the Trending tab. This shift has led to a decline in visits to the Trending page over the past five years.
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The platform is adapting to changing viewer habits, having evolved significantly since 2015, when it mainly featured amateur videos. Today, it hosts a mix of professional and independent content competing for advertising revenue.
YouTube remains committed to providing creators with tools to gauge popularity among their audiences. The Inspiration Tab in YouTube Studio will continue to offer personalized ideas for creators looking to identify emerging trends. Additionally, new features like “Hype” will help viewers promote fresh videos they enjoy.
YouTube will also highlight Creators on the Rise through its official @YouTube social media accounts and YouTube channel.
These changes are set to take effect in the coming weeks.
SOURCE: TECH CRUNCH
