YouTube has unveiled an enhanced suite of audience engagement tools, aimed at helping creators better understand and grow their viewership. The update introduces more nuanced viewer categories and expands access to key comment filters and live audience analytics.
Enhanced Audience Segmentation
YouTube now categorizes its audience into three distinct tiers:
1- New Viewers: First‑time watchers during the selected timeframe.
2- Casual Viewers: Users active between one and five months over the past year.
3- Regular Viewers: Those who have returned consistently for at least six of the last twelve months
These new tiers offer creators deeper insight into audience behavior, enabling refined strategies to convert casual watchers into loyal followers.
Expanded “Most Relevant” Comment Filter
The “Most relevant” filter, which identifies high‑priority engagement opportunities such as viewer questions, is now available to all creators. This tool highlights interaction-worthy comments, helping creators quickly connect with their community.
New Live‑Stream Engagement Leaderboard
A recently tested leaderboard feature for live streams is now more widely available. It highlights the most actively engaged viewers in real time offering creators greater insight into their live-audience dynamics.
U.S. YouTube Premium AI Discovery Features
YouTube Premium users in the United States can now access AI‑driven discovery tools. These features auto‑generate topic context within search results especially for queries around shopping, places, or local things to do helping users and creators alike discover relevant content and new audiences.
Implications for Creators
1- Refine Outreach: By identifying casual viewers, creators can customize content and engagement tactics to convert them into regulars.
2- Boost Connections: Utilizing the “Most relevant” filter and live-stream leaderboard strengthens bonds with engaged audiences.
3- Tap Emerging Discoverability: Premium-level AI features may help creators reach new audiences via enhanced contextual indexing.
YouTube advises creators to pair these data tools with community-driven efforts like replying to comments, launching Community Posts, and hosting live events to solidify deeper audience engagement.
Availability
These features are being rolled out globally to creators across desktop and mobile platforms as of early July 2025. Full access should be available to all eligible creators within the coming weeks .