YouTube are trying to maintain full transparency on the platform and reduce the number of scammers.
One way they are doing this, is by removing the ability to hide your subscriber count that is displayed on your profile.
YouTube new changes
As of now, YouTube channel users can opt not to showcase their subscriber count, which some users might very well tend to favor, if they believe it will not attract many viewers or diminish credibility.
However, those in charge of the platform have discovered that this option is frequently used by people impersonating popular users on the platform.
The platform states:
“While we’re aware that some creators find this feature valuable, as YouTube grows, we found it is often used to impersonate channels. Bad actors often lure people to their channel page by impersonating other creators in comments. And now, channels will no longer be able to hide their subscriber pens on YouTube.”
It’s an useful update, that will provide increased security and authenticity within the app.
Feedback from this news going live has sparked a lot of positive conversation!
One user took to YouTube to write:
Just saw the announcement post, this is great! I think the limited character set in usernames will especially make a huge difference. The harder it becomes for scammers to impersonate, then the more convoluted methods they’ll have to use which will make the scams more obvious to would-be victims. Then hopefully it will become not worth their time.
Another person wrote:
Delighted that you are dealing effectively with channel impersonation.
How else could YouTube combat impersonation issues on the platform? Let us know your suggestions on Twitter @itpliveme.