Official Blog
Expanding fact checks on YouTube to the United States
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Over the past several years, we've seen more and more people coming to YouTube for news and information. They want to get the latest on an election, to find multiple perspectives on a topic, or to learn about a major breaking news event. More recently, the outbreak of COVID-19 and its spread around the world has reaffirmed how important it is for viewers to get accurate information during fast-moving events. That's why we're continuing to improve the news experience on YouTube, including
raising up authoritative sources
of information across the site. Today, we’re continuing this work by expanding our
fact check information panels
—
which we launched in Brazil and India last year
—
to the United States.
The fact check feature expands upon the other ways we raise and connect people with authoritative sources. For example, our
Breaking News and Top News shelves
help our viewers find information from authoritative sources both on their YouTube homepage and when searching for news topics. In 2018, we introduced information panels that help surface a wide array of contextual information, from links to sources like Encyclopedia Britannica and Wikipedia for topics prone to longstanding misinformation (e.g. "flat earth" theories), or more recently, linking to the WHO, CDC or local health authorities for videos and searches related to COVID-19. We're now using these panels to help address an additional challenge: Misinformation that comes up quickly as part of a fast-moving news cycle, where unfounded claims and uncertainty about facts are common. (For example, a false report that COVID-19 is a bio-weapon.) Our
fact check information panels
provide fresh context in these situations by highlighting relevant, third-party fact-checked articles above search results for relevant queries, so that our viewers can make their own informed decision about claims made in the news.
There are a few factors that determine whether a fact check information panel will appear for any given search. Most important, there must be a relevant fact check article available from an eligible publisher. And in order to match a viewer’s needs with the information we provide, fact checks will only show when people search for a specific claim. For example, if someone searches for "did a tornado hit Los Angeles," they might see a relevant fact check article, but if they search for a more general query like "tornado," they may not. All fact check articles must also comply with our Community Guidelines, and viewers can
send feedback
to our team.
Our fact check information panel relies on an open network of third-party publishers and leverages the
ClaimReview
tagging system. All U.S. publishers are welcome to participate as long as they follow the publicly-available ClaimReview standards and are either a verified signatory of the International Fact-Checking Network’s (IFCN) Code of Principles or are an
authoritative publisher
. Over a dozen U.S. publishers are participating today, including The Dispatch, FactCheck.org, PolitiFact and The Washington Post Fact Checker, and we encourage more publishers and fact checkers to explore using ClaimReview. In addition to this roll out, YouTube will provide $1M through the
Google News Initiativ
e to the IFCN to bolster fact-checking and verification efforts across the world. This follows Google’s
efforts
to support the ecosystem in the midst of the challenging COVID-19 environment, and we'll be looking for more ways to support the fact check ecosystem in the future.
As always, it will take some time for our systems to fully ramp up. Our systems will become more accurate, and over time, we'll roll this feature out to more countries. We are committed to our responsibility to protect the YouTube community, and expanding our fact check information panels is one of the many steps we are taking to raise up authoritative sources, provide relevant and authoritative context to our users, and continue to reduce the spread of harmful misinformation on YouTube.
Observing Ramadan at home
Thursday, April 23, 2020
The month of Ramadan begins today, with millions around the world beginning a time of reflection, fasting and prayer that will feel very different than in years past, as faith communities find new ways to celebrate safely in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 within their communities.
During these difficult times, it’s incredibly important for us to continue to connect with each other and feel part of our wider communities, even from home. Community is an important part of Ramadan, and Muslims around the world are going online to share and celebrate safely while staying at home.
To assist faith organizations everywhere who may be new to online services, YouTube has brought together helpful information to get started with live streaming. Please visit our
Playlist
and
Help Center
for best practices, or check out instructions for hosting a live stream event either from a
mobile device
or
desktop
.
YouTube will also be home to a wide range of Ramadan content over the coming weeks. From sahur (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (breaking of fast) activities, to faithful fashion to live streams of religious ceremonies, please visit our
Stay Home #WithMe
and
YouTube Arabia
channels for the latest.
Upcoming highlights:
Daily prayer services from Mecca and Madinah are live streamed from both
SaudiQuranTV
and
haraiminfo
.
Major Indonesian TV networks
TRANS7
and
MetroTV
will launch a series of shows and news segments throughout Ramadan, focusing on entertaining, informing, and educating viewers on Ramadan topics from breakfasting, sahur, family life, and looking after the needy during this challenging time. Music label
3D Entertainment
recently released
Ramadan Berkah
to celebrate the Holy Month, while
NAGASWARA
will publish ten episodes of Ramadan acoustic music sessions.
In Singapore,
Muslim.Sg
is producing many videos that you can binge-watch in the comfort of your home: a weekly talk show with Asatizah Youth Network, a video where religious teachers answer the most Googled questions on Ramadan and a moving short film about celebrating Hari Raya (Eid) amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
JAKIM
, Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development, is planning to use their YouTube channel to launch daily live streams of Quran reading sessions, talk shows featuring religious leaders in Malaysia, and tutorials on how to perform Ramadan rituals.
Aysha Harun
, an LA-based hijabi fashion and beauty vlogger, will kick off the third year of her annual Ramadan Daily series, giving viewers a glimpse into her everyday life with family and iftar preparations.
Baim Wong
, a famous actor in Indonesia and his wife Paula, are joining other Muslim families on YouTube in Indonesia to share daily content around their sahur, iftar, and other family activities while they #StayHome. As part of GEMAS (Gerakan Memakai Masker), a nationwide initiative that Baim Wong founded to provide 30 million free masks for the underprivileged in Indonesia, Baim Wong will also release content on how people from different regions in Indonesia are helping each other during this difficult time.
The Saudi Reporters
are one of the oldest and most successful creators in Saudi Arabia. From sketches and competitions, to comedy series and vlogs, they make millions across the Arab world laugh with them through their videos. This year they will be releasing the second season of their animation series Boody and Zozo.
Dina Tokio
is a UK stylist who began vlogging while working in a call centre. Today, she has her own clothing line and is one of the most high profile modest fashion influencers in the world. As a proud member of the Muslim community, Dina will be posting Ramavlogs as often possible during the month, including plans to host a live iftar once a week on YouTube with her husband Sid.
Turkish chef, TV presenter, and food columnist,
Refika Birgül
, is planning a number of videos focused on Ramadan, for both her
Turkish
and
English
channels, including how to set the dream iftar table, a Ramadan recipe series, and much more.
Anas and Asala, known as the
Anasala Family
, are a young Syrian couple, living in Canada, who vlog about daily life as Arabs in the Western world. This Ramadan they will be releasing a series of videos about what it’s like observing Ramadan while under quarantine.
We wish safe and healthy holidays for faith communities across the world.
— The YouTube Team
YouTube Originals announces slate of new content amidst COVID-19 #WithMe initiatives
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
YouTube Originals today announced a new slate of projects aimed to support, entertain and educate viewers around the world. Among the announcements, celebrities and educators come together to energize distance learning in “Celebrity Substitute” including Karlie Kloss working through a coding problem and Ken Jeong giving a Biology lesson; a weekly series “Stay Home With: YUNGBLUD,” following the UK recording artist and his band as they adjust to a remote lifestyle while creating music; a short-form family series, “Create Together #WithMe,” hosted by Joseph Gordon-Levitt featuring the creations of everyday people collaborating to make art on HITRECORD and YouTube while being at home; and “The Secret Life of Lele Pons” which gives an intimate look at battling Tourette Syndrome and OCD while juggling life in the spotlight.
In addition, engaging new content will come directly from notable YouTube personalities who will be able to leverage the global platform’s quality livestream capabilities from a safe space. Kicking off this new wave of content is a first-of-its-kind global live event, "The Creator Games Presented by MrBeast," hosted by top Creator and philanthropist
MrBeast
(34M subscribers) on April 25, where he will challenge some of the platform’s biggest stars to remotely go head-to-head in a battle of stay-at-home games where there can be only one winner. The proceeds will go to a COVID-19-related charitable organization.
"YouTube’s greatest strength is its ability as a global platform to build community and connection among people from all walks of life,” said Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content for YouTube. "We’re working to develop exciting new original content that is relevant, useful, and entertaining in order to deepen those connections and give people an outlet to come together."
Also, as part of YouTube’s continued commitment to families, beginning in May, several new kids & family Originals will launch and be available on YouTube and
YouTube Kids
. These new Originals will help inspire kids’ curiosity, creativity, resourcefulness and resiliency during these unusual times.
Below is the current list of planned new Originals rolling out within the next few months:
"Money Talks: Taxes" —
Streaming now!
In this new Learning Playlist, a roundtable of leading female financial experts provide answers to the questions surrounding personal finances that we are all desperate to know. Offering a step by step guide for viewers, this first series of videos covers pressing questions about filing taxes and the COVID-19 stimulus check. “Money Talks” is produced by Refinery29.
"The Creator Games Presented by MrBeast" — Live stream premieres April 25 at 6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT
A global LIVE event where popular YouTube creator,
MrBeast
(34M subscribers), challenges the platform’s biggest stars to remotely go head-to-head in a first-of-its-kind battle of stay-at-home games where there can be only one winner. “The Creator Games Presented by MrBeast” will encourage viewers to donate to support COVID-19-related charitable organizations and is produced by Night Media and Fly On the Wall.
"Stay Home With: YUNGBLUD" — Series premieres April 27
This weekly episodic series follows UK recording artist,
YUNGBLUD
, through a month at a rental apartment in L.A. Along with four friends - his manager, videographer and two bandmates with whom he is quarantined - YUNGBLUD attempts to shoot a music video, write new songs, cook meals and stay connected to his UK-based family and avid global fanbase, all within the disconcerting shelter-at-home restrictions. “Stay Home With: YUNGBLUD” will encourage viewers to donate to support
No Kid Hungry
and is produced by Stick Figure Entertainment.
"#MoveWithMe" — Global Dance Event premieres April 29
In celebration of International Dance Day (April 29), this special will feature acclaimed choreographer
Matt Steffanina
as host, and talented dancers and choreographers from across the globe as they come together to provide dance-lovers with high octane performances to today’s chart topping songs in a way that can only be done on YouTube. Choreographers and dancers including
LaurieAnn Gibson
,
WilldaBeast Adams
,
Chachi Gonzales,
Kasia Jukowska
,
Vale Merino
,
Sonali Bhadauria
,
FitDance
,
Kaelynn KK Harris
,
Twist And Pulse
,
D-trix
and more will be featured.
“#MoveWithMe”
will encourage viewers to donate to support the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO during the event and is produced by Den of Thieves.
"Stream #WithMe (UK)" — Live stream premieres April 30
In “Stream #WithMe”, a star-studded crew of some of the UK’s most loved YouTube creators and stars let us in on how they are coping with the lockdown experience in a livestream celebration of solidarity. The all-star group of creators and celebrities will share tips on how to keep entertained, upbeat, and active as they tag-team their way through four hours of joyful unexpected performances and exciting challenges culminating in an almighty stunt for the nation. “Stream #WithMe" will encourage viewers to donate to support
NHS Charities Together
and is made in partnership with Electric Robin (part of EndemolShine UK).
"Celebrity Substitute" — Series premieres May 7
Around the world, millions of students are joining virtual classrooms as part of the current distance learning initiative and teachers are looking for ways to keep their students engaged and focused to stay on target with their curriculum. In this series, some of the brightest celebrities and educators come together to energize distance learning. In each episode, a celebrity steps in to teach crucial high school lessons with real teachers. Some examples include Karlie Kloss working through a coding problem, or Ken Jeong giving a biology lesson that will be remembered for years to come. Additional celebrity substitutes include: Bill Nye, Camila Mendes, Janelle Monáe, and Terry Crews. “Celebrity Substitute” is produced by B17 Entertainment.
"The Secret Life of Lele Pons" — Series premieres May 19
In this raw and intimate five-part series, internet personality and music artist
Lele Pons
shares a side to her that no one knows about… Her lifelong struggle with Tourette Syndrome and OCD. Viewers will follow along on her journey of building and expanding her music career while battling what was previously hidden. Link to official trailer
HERE
. “The Secret Life of Lele Pons” is a Shots Studios Production.
"BookTube - Read with Me Special and Mental Health Episode" — Premieres May 21 and June 2020
The critically-acclaimed monthly book club, “BookTube,” is creating a special “Read With Me” episode premiering May 21. Now more than ever, people around the world are turning to books to help them feel connected. This special episode will feature several celebrities, booktubers, and authors - including Melinda Gates, John Grisham, James Patterson, Elizabeth Gilbert, Nicholas Sparks, Elaine Welteroth, and many more - sharing their current book recommendations. Additionally, the June 2020 episode of “BookTube” will feature authors Dr. Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General (author of Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World), Lori Gottlieb (author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone) and Haemin Sunim (author of The Things You Can Only See When You Slow Down) discussing anxiety, mental health, and advice for self care during these uncertain times. “BookTube” is produced by Boardwalk Pictures.
"Create Together #WithMe" (working title) — Series premieres May 2020
This mini-series, hosted by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, invites friends and families from all over the world who are coping with this unprecedented time of isolation to come together and showcase their creativity and collaboration. Rather than profiling lone artists and showcasing their finished work, each weekly episode will document the creative process as people find each other online and remotely collaborate on a variety of family friendly projects—short films, short documentaries, music videos, and more. Anybody can come be a part of the show on HITRECORD, Gordon-Levitt’s Emmy-winning platform for creative collaboration. “Create Together #WithMe” is produced by Brian Graden Media and HITRECORD.
"Locked Down" (working title) — Scripted series premieres May 2020
A social media mystery in a social distancing era! This scripted event series follows a group of bored teens working together online to solve a mystery involving one of their neighbors. Shot entirely via webcam and smartphone, “Locked Down” is a suspenseful look at how young people stay in touch while having to stay away, as well as what happens when boredom leads to suspicion. The story unfolds almost in real-time as the friend group works together - from a distance - to solve the mystery, while also exploring their own anxieties and frustrations about life during a pandemic. “Locked Down” is created and produced by Toronto-based Sinking Ship Entertainment (Dino Dana, Endlings, Odd Squad).
"Untitled Juanpa and Luisito Project" (LATAM) — Series premieres May 2020
Latin America’s top YouTube creators Juanpa Zurita (10.2M subscribers) and Luisito Communica (30.6M subscribers) come together for the first time to document an unprecedented situation (COVID-19 quarantine) in an unprecedented way. Filmed entirely under quarantine with no physical interaction, viewers will hear first hand personal stories from around the globe, including YouTube creators, health specialists, and everyday people as they reflect on their reality. Their challenges, their hopes, their solutions, their stories of inspiration and most importantly the resilience of human nature. This limited series will give a voice to individuals around the globe to unify us regardless of region or language. This project is produced by DW Entertainment & Media.
These new projects join a robust slate of learning, music and personality-focused original series and specials including
“Kevin Hart: What the Fit,”
(new episodes premiere each Thursday), YouTube Originals’ first beauty competition series,
“Instant Influencer with James Charles”
(premiering April 24),
“TWICE: Seize the Light,”
an 8-part docu-series on the K-pop girl group (premiering April 29 KST) and
“Dude Perfect: Backstage Pass”
chronicling the YouTube supergroup’s rise to fame (premiering May 11). Personality-driven projects including third seasons of hit scripted series
“Cobra Kai”
and
“Liza on Demand,”
“This is Paris” starring Paris Hilton and an unprecedented live event with David Blaine are scheduled to come later this year.
As part of YouTube Originals’ programming strategy, YouTube’s audience of two billion logged-in monthly users will continue to have the opportunity to enjoy new, upcoming original series and specials, focused on music, learning, personalities and kids & families, for free with ads. YouTube’s subscription service, YouTube Premium, will continue to offer ad-free access to all YouTube Originals as well as bingeabilty and exclusive content for select programs behind the paywall.
This news comes on the heels of YouTube’s recent announcements to release popular legacy and kids & family original content in front of the paywall, and the larger global initiative to encourage the world to stay home and save lives through the platform’s At Home
#WithMe
campaign. The campaign expands upon #WithMe -- a trend continuing to grow on YouTube over the past 15 years -- showcasing how people all around the world find community and engage with one another, especially during this time of crisis. From
Emma Chamberlain
,
Markiplier
and
The Dolan Twins
, to
Karlie Kloss
,
Venus Williams
,
Sam Smith
,
Shawn Mendes
,
Hailee Steinfeld
,
J Balvin
and many more, the campaign features YouTube creators, music artists, athletes and celebrities who have all made a home on YouTube.
Pray #WithMe: Connect online with your faith community
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
This week, millions of people across the globe will celebrate Passover and Easter. And in the coming weeks, millions will begin to observe Ramadan. This year, these important religious holidays will feel very different, as faith organizations all over the world look for new ways to celebrate safely in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 within their communities.
During these difficult times, it’s important for us to continue to connect with each other and feel part of our wider communities, even from home.
While some faith organizations have used digital tools to connect with their congregations for many years, this year’s broadly mandated orders to stay home will make it essential for churches, synagogues, mosques, families and individuals to find new ways of coming together, online.
The shift has already begun. Since the start of March, the combined subscribers of all
Vatican News
channels has more than doubled.
To assist faith organizations everywhere who are new to online services, YouTube has brought together helpful information to get started with live streaming. Please visit our
Playlist
and
Help Center
for best practices, or check out instructions for hosting a live stream event either from a
mobile device
or
desktop
.
For those who are observing Passover this week, synagogues are offering many ways to share and celebrate online.
Park Avenue Synagogue
, in New York City, is live streaming Seders and festival services throughout the week, starting with a one hour Seder on Wednesday, April 8 at 6 p.m. ET.
We also invite you to celebrate with a special Saturday Night Seder, premiering exclusively on YouTube via
Tasty
and
SaturdayNightSeder
on Saturday, April 11 at 8 p.m. ET. This Passover-themed variety show will raise funds for the
CDC Foundation
, and includes comedy sketches, heartfelt moments and music, with an impressive list of participants including Jason Alexander, Ben Platt, Idina Menzel, Dan Levy, Henry Winkler, Tan France and Senator Chuck Schumer, among many others.
For those celebrating Good Friday and Easter, many churches are hosting live streams for their local congregations, so please check in with your church.
The Vatican
will live stream all of its Holy Week services from St. Peter’s Basilica, including Easter Sunday mass at 11 a.m. CET.
Renowned opera singer
Andrea Bocelli
will perform live at 7 p.m. CET on Sunday, April 12 from Milan’s historic Duomo Cathedral, available exclusively on YouTube. The concert entitled, “Music For Hope,” will represent a message of love, healing and hope to Italy and the world. The Duomo, currently closed, will open its doors exceptionally for Andrea Bocelli who will be accompanied only by the cathedral organist, Emanuele Vianelli, playing one of world’s largest pipe organs. The “Music For Hope” trailer can be seen
here
.
We’ll have more to share in the next few weeks about upcoming Ramadan celebrations.
We wish safe and healthy holidays for faith communities across the world.
—The YouTube Team
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