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All the YouTube updates social media managers need to know: YouTube news from 2026 [updated monthly]
The easiest way for social media managers to keep up with all the changes on YouTube in 2026. Bookmark this page because we update it with more YouTube news every month!
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Iliyana Shoushounova
April 30, 2026
Table of contents
What’s happening with YouTube in 2026?
May 2026: YouTube updates for social media managers
April 2026: YouTube updates for social media managers
March 2026: YouTube updates for social media managers
February 2026: YouTube updates for social media managers
January 2026: YouTube updates for social media managers
What’s happening with YouTube in 2025?
December 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
November 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
October 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
September 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
August 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
July 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
June 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
May 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
April 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
March 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
February 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
January 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
December 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
November 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
October 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
September 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
August 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
July 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
June 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
May 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
April 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
March 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
February 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
January 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
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Looking for the easiest way to keep up with all the changes happening on YouTube in 2026?
You found it! Every month, we gather the top headlines about YouTube and compile them here in this resource. Bookmark this page so you can come back next month for even more YouTube updates.
And while you’re at it, you’ll want to bookmark these social media news resources too!
- LinkedIn updates from 2026
- Facebook updates from 2026
- TikTok updates from 2026
- X (Twitter) updates from 2026
- Instagram updates from 2026
- Threads updates from 2026
- Bluesky updates from 2026
Ready to discover the YouTube updates you need to know as a social media manager? Let’s get into it!
What’s happening with YouTube in 2026?
Social updates from April social media managers need to know - YouTube
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Social updates from April social media managers need to know HeyOrca
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Here are the top YouTube updates, month by month.
May 2026: YouTube updates for social media managers
YouTube is testing variable display formats for thumbnails\ \ The platform says: “We're testing new ways to make the Home feed more immersive on Android and iOS devices.”
YouTube is testing a new UI for its Home and Subscription feeds\ \ The platform aims to make it easier for users to find the content they care about.
April 2026: YouTube updates for social media managers
You can now like multiple comments at once (community management just got faster).
Creators get deeper data to showcase their channel performance.
Timestamp sharing is now on YouTube mobile
You can now share exact moments from videos right from your phone.
Fewer push notifications for unengaged subscribers
YouTube will send fewer alerts to subscribers who aren’t engaging.
March 2026: YouTube updates for social media managers
YouTube is expanding its likeness detection tools. Now, when you upload a selfie, the platform can alert you if someone might be misusing your image. A neat way to stay in control of your online presence!
YouTube is testing a “Discover videos with Previews” feature. You’ll be able to hover or glance at a preview before deciding to watch.
February 2026: YouTube updates for social media managers
YouTube is rolling out auto-dubbing to all creators, making it easier to reach global audiences.
New YouTube TV subscription options
The platform introduced new subscription packages to offer viewers more flexibility.
YouTube will now switch to closed caption when on mute
Videos will now automatically display closed captions when viewed on mute.
New editing tools are giving creators more control over how their content is refined and published.
YouTube has broadened access to voice replies, adding more ways for creators to engage in the comments.
January 2026: YouTube updates for social media managers
YouTube cleans up mobile content management
YouTube is redesigning parts of its mobile video management experience to reduce confusion. Updates include improvements to the Video Settings page and clearer content management tools in the main app.
Monetization rules loosen for sensitive subjects
YouTube is easing restrictions around videos that mention controversial topics like reproductive rights, self-harm, suicide, and abuse. As long as content isn’t graphic, creators may now be eligible for monetization — a big shift from previous policies that often demonetized these videos outright.
YouTube's CEO shares what's coming in 2026
YouTube plans to focus on building safer experiences for kids and teens, introducing new creator monetization options, improving AI transparency, and adding stronger creator protections.
What’s happening with YouTube in 2025?
December 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
YouTube will comply with Australia's social media ban for users under 16
The update will go into effect December 10.
YouTube expands access to the title A/B testing feature
YouTube is giving more creators access to title A/B testing, making it easier to see which titles drive views and engagement.
YouTube's Expressive Captions will be available on all devices
YouTube’s Expressive Captions are rolling out across all devices, helping viewers enjoy captions with fun animations and personality.
More creators can now access AI editing features, including standalone clips, greenscreen backgrounds, and other smart tools to speed up video creation.
November 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
YouTube is expanding access to comment summaries in YouTube Studio
The test is rolling out to a small group at first.
YouTube expands access to AI editing features
The features include standalone clips, greenscreen backgrounds, and more.
October 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
YouTube Shorts enables users to generate alternative endings with AI.
YouTube explains, "Your remixed creation becomes a new Short that you can share, while the original creator's video remains the same."
YouTube announces public-to-member livestreams.
This means public live streams can be transitioned to members-only mid-broadcast.
YouTube has updated its editor for Shorts
It will now separate your projects into distinct audio and video tracks.
YouTube rolls out a UI refresh
The update includes expanded voice replies, expanded access to courses, and an update on fixable violations.
YouTube is adding AI-generated Q&A stickers, a new time limit option
The platform has also added Halloween-themed stickers.
YouTube shares more insights on its new Ask Studio AI tool
It's a chatbot that will help you extract relevant insights and ideas from your channel data.
Adobe Premiere announces a new integration with YouTube Shorts
It's coming soon to the Premiere app.
September 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
YouTube adds social sharing options
This update will apply to YouTube's Community Posts feature.
You will now have the option to hide the end screen on YouTube videos
The platform is also removing the hover-to-subscribe button on desktop.
YouTube added new comment filters
One notable new comment filter is "responses with new replies."
August 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
YouTube videos with swear words in the first 7 seconds These kinds of videos are now eligible for full ad revenue (these videos used to only be eligible for limited ad revenue).
YouTube has added this new feature for podcasts.
YouTube launches a new "Effect Maker"
It will be available for Shorts.
YouTube is running an experiment:
Using machine learning to improve the quality of Shorts.
To help you think of your next video idea.
YouTube expands access to its Hype program
It's made to help boost emerging creators.
July 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
YouTube's TV app inspires other apps?
After the success of YouTube's TV app, Instagram and TikTok may be looking to do the same.
YouTube is experimenting with Ask Studio
This tool will summarize comments, leverage channel performance data, and brainstorm ideas.
YouTube is experimenting with adding a video title testing option
Interested in giving this a try, Pod? The experiment would be available in YouTube Studio.
YouTube is testing a new comment threading feature
The goal is to provide "a more focused reading experience" and help users "easily understand conversations."
YouTube Shorts releases an image-to-video AI feature
It will help you transform photos into videos.
June 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
More YouTube channels now have access to communities
Back in February, YouTube gave access to the community feature to some YouTube channels. If you didn't get access then, check again! The platform just gave even more users access. The community feature is a text-based discussion board for your channel.
You can now search for things you see in YouTube Shorts
If you see something in a YouTube Short that you would like to learn more about, like a landmark, you will be able to search that location and learn more. This tool will be released as a beta feature.
YouTube has announced its new feature called Open Call. This feature will let brands place an open call to work with creators in the Partner Program.
YouTube rolls out changes to Advanced Mode within the analytics The changes include a new left-hand sidebar that features additional controls for configuring reports.
May 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
YouTube is testing a two-person premium plan YouTube is experimenting with more ways to provide premium plans that are flexible for users. Its newest idea is to offer a Premium subscription for two people at a reduced cost.
April 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
YouTube is testing a change for notifications
YouTube is currently testing the ability to turn off notifications for channels you don't watch. The platform says it's trying to prevent users from feeling overwhelmed.
YouTube Shorts changes how it counts views
YouTube will count the number of times a video plays or replays instead of counting a view only when a specific amount of time has been watched.
March 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
You may be able to hide the end screen from your YouTube video YouTube is currently testing the ability to hide the end screen from a video that typically shows promotional thumbnails or product listings from the creator.
YouTube introduces Premium Lite Starting this week, YouTube will be expanding its Premium Lite pilot to users based in the US. This subscription will be $7.99/month and will give users a way to watch content ad-free.
February 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
YouTube is expanding its test of leaving voice replies to comments so you may see this on your account! To find this feature, you have to choose a comment, tap reply, and then tap the sound wave icon.
Add AI-generated clips to your YouTube Shorts
YouTube's Dream Screen tool integrated with Google's Veo 2 AI video model to bring users the ability to add AI-generated clips into Shorts. Have you been posting to Shorts? If so, we'd love to hear about your experience!
You may be able to repost your TikToks to YouTube Shorts
YouTube has partnered with Repurpose.io to enable reposting from TikTok and Instagram Reels to YouTube Shorts.
January 2025: YouTube updates for social media managers
YouTube tests a floating "Play something" button If you've ever been on YouTube and weren't sure what to watch, you'll like this new test. YouTube is testing a floating "play something" button that will pick a video for you.
December 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
YouTube releases a list of trends from this year I love this time of year because we get so many amazing trend lists! YouTube has released its list which covers trending topics, creators, songs, and Shorts.
YouTube tests multiplayer games YouTube is in the beginning stages of new multiplayer games that you will be able to play with other users.
YouTube releases auto dubbing With this new feature, you can now dub your video with another language.
November 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
Want to amplify emerging YouTube creators? You'll want to pay attention to YouTube's new Hype tool. The tool, which is currently being tested in Brazil, allows fans to award "Hype points" to creators with less than 500,000 subscribers.
AI music experiment expands on YouTube The feature can generate a 30-second soundtrack for you to use in your Short. Are you in the test group for this feature?
Shorts creators may soon be able to request brand partnerships YouTube is offering creators more ways to monetize their content! The platform is creating an avenue for Shorts creators to approach brands for potential partnerships.
October 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
YouTube's dislike button is going away? A new Save button is in testing for YouTube Shorts. Due to this update, YouTube's dislike button will be removed from the main Shorts UI.
YouTube reveals the tops reasons why viewers watch videos YouTube's "Why We Watch 2.0" report has insights from thousands of viewers about what kind of content they want to watch on YouTube. Over 50% of viewers are seeking a sense of belonging.
YouTube's AI-powered comment generator is set for testing AI-powered reply suggestions will be tested on YouTube soon. The goal of this test is to help creators engage with their community.
YouTube Shorts . . . but make them longer TikTok introduced the option to make long-form videos, and YouTube Shorts is following suit. YouTube Shorts will soon allow creators to make shorts that are up to 3-minutes long.
September 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
YouTube will let you remove rule-breaking content from your video Has your video been age-restricted or removed due to Community Guideline violations? YouTube is testing a new feature that would allows you to edit out the portion of the video that triggered the restrictions.
YouTube's AI assistant is available to more users The AI chatbot can provide answers to questions in your video.
YouTube launches new features at "Made on YouTube" event The platform revealed several updates including AI-generated advice for creators through YouTube Studio, channel communities, an area called Hype to showcase emerging creators, and more!
YouTube adds a new option for direct campaign objectives Website visits is now available as a new target goal.
August 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
YouTube tests one feed for both short- and long-form content Shorts are undeniably popular. So YouTube is now running a test that shows short- and long-form content in the same feed.
Picture-in-picture ads are in testing, too! Look out for this test if you watch YouTube live streams! Picture-in-picture ads are currently being tested in YouTube lives.
QR codes have made it to all YouTube channels YouTube spent a few months testing this feature. Now, the platform has released it to all channels.
July 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
Save music from YouTube Shorts This update makes it possible to save your favourite trending audios from your Shorts feed.
Community spaces are in testing We love a good community-building feature! This update would allow creators and viewers to share posts and interact.
It's easier to remove copyrighted music on YouTube now YouTube's new AI-powered tool helps users mute copyrighted music without affecting their other audio.
"Add Yours" stickers may be coming to YouTube This update feels Instagram-inspired! YouTube Shorts may be getting "Add Yours" stickers.
YouTube adds new languages for @handles YouTube's @handles will now be available in 75 languages.
YouTube is now testing picture-in-picture viewing YouTube announced a few new tests including picture-in-picture viewing for Shorts, a new way to mention other users in comments, and Shorts downloads for Premium users.
June 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
Community notes are being tested on YouTube With this update, which is currently in testing, viewers would be able to add context to YouTube clips.
You may soon be able to test multiple thumbnails on YouTube What’s every digital marketer’s favourite thing? A/B testing!
QR codes are coming to YouTube? To promote faster connection, YouTube is testing QR codes for channels.
YouTube comment topic sorting is in testing YouTube expanded its test of AI-generated comment summaries for YouTube Shorts.
YouTube’s Inspiration tab gets revamped Feeling a creative block? YouTube is testing AI video ideas in the revamped Inspiration tab.
YouTube's Community Posts are now available to all users As a channel manager, you can post text updates that will appear in the Community tab and your subscribers’ feeds.
May 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
Nothing to see here!
April 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
YouTube launches a way to find the best parts of videos With more and more people streaming YouTube content on their TVs, you can now easily access key moments of any video.
March 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
No YouTube updates from March 2024. You’re all set!
February 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
YouTube is the #1 streaming platform Wondering how much YouTube content viewers watch on their TVs every day? The answer is 1 billion hours!
January 2024: YouTube updates for social media managers
There’s an easy way to turn long-form YouTube videos into Shorts Look for the “Remix” option to create Shorts from your YouTube videos.
Summary
See you next month for more YouTube news and updates! If you want to get the latest YouTube headlines even faster, subscribe to our free daily social media newsletter, the HeyOrca Brief.
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Iliyana Shoushounova
Iliyana is a Content Marketing Manager who loves reading, writing, and adding a spark of creativity to everything she does.
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