Google’s YouTube has revealed plans to combat troublesome ‘YouTubers’ by throwing $5 million at other stars and so-called influencers on its video platform.
The investment is being channelled into YouTube’s Channel for Change program, which launched in 2016 and is designed to have 39 YouTubers discuss and promote pressing issues to their followers around the globe.
Such issues involve raising awareness around of racism, bullying, and police brutality, and now YouTube wants the video-happy influencers to ensure its platform it put to use to promote worthy topics rather than shocking content as was the case with YouTuber Logan Paul.
“We will engage more creators in the program, arm the wider YouTube community with new tools and education on how to create change, and empower more young people to use their voices to encourage positive social messages,” said Juniper Downs, head of YouTube Public Policy.
The new investment, which is but a drop in the ocean of funds YouTube generates, will be used to get more YouTubers involved in Channel for Change and provide more “production and marketing support” for the influencers already involved in the program.
Despite YouTube touting the successes the Channel for Change program has achieved over 2017, it still has plenty of work to do if it’s to curtail the number of influencers making controversial and shock-heavy videos to gain large followings and make money from the advertising YouTube supports.
Controversial videos tend to garner thousands and thousands of views on YouTube which makes them attractive to YouTubers trying to make a name for themselves or to expand their audience numbers.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
