YouTube tests ‘Hype’ feature with small creators: What is it, how it works

Google’s video streaming platform YouTube is testing a new “Hype” feature in select countries. It essentially allows viewers to increase the possibility of a video appearing in the rankings with other hyped videos that week. YouTube has titled the announcement about the testing of the feature as “New way for viewers to support their favourite creators.”

YouTube has noted on its support page that Hype is similar to the Like and Share function that it already has. The official announcement also states that Hypes are not used as an indicator for YouTube’s reach and discovery system.