YouTube is currently testing a new feature that allows participants to respond to comments with voice messages. To do so, users can click on the "soundwave" icon and select the "Record Voice Reply" option to publish it just like a regular comment. Viewers will be able to interact with these voice replies in the same way they engage with text-based comments.
At the moment, this feature is only available on the YouTube app for iPhone and iPad users, and only on videos from participating content creators. Additionally, voice replies can only be listened to through mobile apps; they are not supported on desktop browsers.
To provide a more flexible user experience, a "Written Transcript" button will appear below each voice reply, allowing followers to read the comment instead of listening to it if they prefer.
It's important to note that this feature is still in testing, and YouTube has not yet disclosed plans for its expansion to other platforms or operating systems.
In 2024, YouTube has focused on increasing engagement between creators and audiences, launching new features such as exclusive Shorts for subscribers and interactive spaces within channels similar to Discord. Additionally, YouTube announced that it will give creators more control over how their content is used to train AI systems, allowing them to decide whether or not to allow companies to use their videos for this purpose.