YouTube Implements Changes to Combat Youtube Shorts Spam and Malicious Links

 YouTube’s Shorts feature is undergoing a significant alteration due to the prevalence of spam. As of August 31st, 2023, YouTube will begin a phased approach to render links in Shorts comments, descriptions, and live verticals non-clickable. This strategic move aims to shield users from the risks associated with malware, phishing scams, and other fraudulent content often linked to scams.To counterbalance this change, YouTube has outlined plans to introduce a more secure method by the close of September. This method will allow creators to seamlessly connect Shorts viewers with other content present on the YouTube platform.

Furthermore, the video-sharing platform has decided to eliminate clickable icons from its desktop channel banner system, citing them as a “source of misleading links.” However, this transition does come with certain drawbacks, particularly for creators who heavily rely on these links to enhance their content diversity. These clickable links serve as a means for creators to guide their audience to affiliated content on alternate platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

The catalyst behind these alterations is the surge of spam encountered within the Shorts feature, compelling YouTube to take corrective measures.

In an effort to provide creators with viable alternatives, YouTube intends to allocate new space on channel profiles. This space will accommodate prominent and clickable links, allowing creators to direct their audience to websites, merchants, and other content adhering to community guidelines. This enhancement will be accessible on both mobile and desktop versions, commencing on August 23rd, and will be positioned in close proximity to the “Subscribe” button.