New YouTube update leaves users FURIOUS – ‘nobody asked for this’
YouTube fans have been angered by a rogue change to the order in which you see videos
YOUTUBE has sparked fury among users with a major new change to how you see videos.
Some users are seeing their Subscription Feeds out of time order – with videos promoting using algorithms instead.
When you go onto your YouTube homepage, you'll find a Subscription Feed.
This kicks off with a Today section, showing you a reverse-chronological list of all of the videos posted by YouTubers you subscribe to.
That means you'll always see the latest videos posted by your favourite channels.
But some users are now being shown out-of-order lists, which means you won't necessarily see the latest videos.
This so-called "personalised order" recommends videos that Google-owned YouTube thinks you'll want to watch.
The end result should be a more interesting feed that gets better over time.
A statement given to The Sun by a YouTube spokesperson explains: "With more videos coming to YouTube every minute we're always experimenting with ways to help people more easily find, watch and share the videos that matter most to them.
"We're testing a setting that allows users to sort the subscriptions feed based on the content a user usually engages with the most.
"This is one of many small experiments we run all the time on YouTube.
"We use both quantitative data as well as user and creator feedback to make decisions on which features to launch."
But the move sparked scorn from users who blasted YouTube on social media.
One irate Reddit user called/u/BandeFromMars moaned: "Who even thinks of sh*t like this at YouTube? Seriously, I don't get it.
"Same thing with Instagram, just give me my damn content in chronological order with no bullsh*t."
Another user compared the new feature to similarly controversial moves from other social media platforms.
Reddit user /u/DeathByDragonDildo said: "No one wanted it on Facebook. No one wanted it on Instagram. No one wanted it on Twitter. What makes them think anyone will want this on YouTube?"
And another angry YouTube user wrote: "So I won't be able to see the most recent uploads from the channels I follow? What's the point of subscribing then?"
It's worth noting that the feature is entirely optional – and you can stick with a reverse-chronological feed if you like.
And The Sun understands that subscriptions watch-time and the number of people using the subs feed have both risen during the trial.
That means it's arguably already a success among users, even if it's annoyed a few people.
In a tweet on the official Team YouTube account, Google explained: "Just to clarify. We are currently experimenting with how to show content in the subs feed.
"We find that some viewers are able to more easily find the videos they want to watch when we order the subs feed in a personalised order vs always showing the most recent video first."
Some users attempted to explain YouTube's decision.
One angry user said YouTube's monopoly means you simply have to accept the new feed style.
"There is no and has never really been a popular YouTube alternative," they complained.
"So basically, YouTube can do whatever the f**k they want because, what, you're gonna get your favourite content from Vimeo?"
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But another revealed how YouTube was probably justified in its decision to try the new feed order.
"They're not doing it out of stupidity or malice," wrote Redditor /u/JavanQuesadilla.
"They will have researched the sh*t out of it and came to the conclusion that it's better for their profit and health as a company.
"I understand people being angry, but I think it's silly to make these companies out to be fools."
It's worth noting that YouTube has admitted the "personalised order" is simply a test.
That means it's entirely possible the change will be scrapped thanks to the growing controversy.
Do you think YouTube's new feed order is a good idea? Let us know in the comments!
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