YouTube Communities Update Enhances Connection Between Fans and Creators

YouTube has announced a significant update to its Communities feature, aiming to enhance the connection between fans and their favorite content creators on the platform.

This update was unveiled during the Made By YouTube event held on September 18, 2024, and it expands upon the existing Communities section by creating a Discord-like environment where content creators can engage directly with their audience.

According to their blog post, “This new space, accessible from the creator’s channel, allows creators and fans to genuinely connect on YouTube, fostering deeper relationships through shared interests.”

Unlike the previous community section where only channel owners could initiate discussions, this update empowers fans to start and share posts. This change encourages conversations to extend beyond the creator’s latest videos and facilitates more frequent interactions among fans.

The company emphasized that a recurring theme in feedback was the longing for a sense of belonging. “People want a space where they feel included and understood by those with similar interests. We recognize the necessity of balancing vibrant engagement with an environment that allows for authentic self-expression, whether sharing content, asking questions, or simply hanging out.”

screenshot of YouTube's new community section on a red gradient background — YouTube

The Google-owned platform also noted that currently, only a select number of channels have access to this feature, but they plan to expand availability to more users shortly.

If you’re an active participant on Twitter/X, this new feature may seem quite familiar. YouTube’s community update parallels the existing tab on X, which provides fans with a space to rally around their favorite creators.

This kind of interaction is often utilized by fans of prominent Twitch and Kick streamers such as Hasan, Pokimane, Adin Ross, as well as various FaZe members including Banks, Silky, Lacy, and more.

Additionally, during the Made By YouTube event, the introduction of Gifts was announced, providing creators with a fresh avenue to monetize their vertical live streams and enhance real-time engagement. However, specifics regarding pricing and revenue sharing were not elaborated upon in the announcement.

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