YouTube is experimenting with a feature to blur video thumbnails that might include content that sexual nature, like Google's SafeSearch.
YouTube announces that it is launching a test of a feature that blurs thumbnails in search results. The platform aims to offer a “safer experience for all users” by hiding the thumbnail of videos that may contain sexual content. “The goal of this test is to determine whether this feature helps users avoid accidentally viewing content that complies with YouTube's Community Guidelines, but is potentially sensitive”, the streaming service explains.
It is specified that the title of the video, the name of the channel and the description will remain fully visible. It will therefore still be possible to know the theme of a video. Creators may have to adapt, as many rely on a deliberately vague title and embed information directly in the thumbnail to encourage viewers to start the video.
YouTube's SafeSearch-style thumbnail blurring
YouTube has announced that the experiment will be rolled out to a small portion of users. If the test is successful, it should be rolled out to everyone eventually. Blurring of thumbnails with potentially sensitive content will be enabled by default, but users will have the option to disable it in the settings if they don't want it. We can compare this option to what Google already offers in its search results with the SafeSearch filter, which blurs images that are detected as potentially sexual or violent.
Remember that YouTube also has a restricted mode. “This mode helps hide videos that may be suitable for mature audiences”, explains the platform. This involves simply eliminating videos that may contain mature content from search results. It's especially useful for computers in public places or to prevent a child from stumbling upon a video they're not supposed to see. Blurring provides a middle ground, keeping search results intact, but still providing a layer of protection.
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