Chapter 1: The YouTube I Once Knew

YouTube is one of the platforms where I spend a significant amount of my online time. Consequently, even minor alterations can significantly affect my overall experience. I have always been a fan of YouTube for its vast library of videos, which has made information and entertainment readily accessible. For me, it has been the primary resource for learning, entertainment, and addressing various issues. While alternative video platforms exist, none have proven as valuable as YouTube.

Despite the increasing number of advertisements, I typically remained unfazed because I believed the premium experience justified it. However, recent updates have left me feeling disheartened, as they have fundamentally altered the classic YouTube experience, particularly with the introduction of YouTube Shorts.

I initially questioned whether I was alone in disliking this feature, but after browsing through a Reddit thread, it became evident that many share my sentiments. I have consciously avoided TikTok and similar applications, finding them lacking in meaningful content beyond fleeting entertainment. Sadly, the introduction of YouTube Shorts has brought this trend to my beloved platform.

Who decided that YouTube needed a "TikTok replica"? I doubt many users requested this addition. YouTube's decision to incorporate this feature seems driven by the fear of losing its top position to TikTok. This isn't the first time YouTube has borrowed ideas from competitors like Twitch, Snapchat, and Instagram.

While I understand that YouTube operates as a business and must adapt to current market trends, they could have launched a separate platform for Shorts. At a minimum, they should have offered an option to disable these features, preserving the premium experience for users who prefer it.

The essence of YouTube lies in its long-form, quality videos, which distinguish it from other platforms. By mixing various content types, YouTube risks losing its unique identity. Different types of content deserve their own space, allowing users to choose what they wish to engage with. Combining everything into one platform dilutes the quality of all content types.

Moreover, video length significantly influences quality. Longer videos require more planning and effort, while shorter ones tend to lack depth. Fitting essential information into a one-minute video is challenging, making longer videos typically more purposeful and valuable.

It’s important to note that not every piece of content on YouTube Shorts is subpar. Some creators invest considerable effort into their shorts. However, they represent only a fraction of the content available, with many shorts focused on quick entertainment rather than meaningful value.

YouTube Shorts not only impact viewers but also undermine quality creators on the platform. When users click on a suggested short, they often find themselves scrolling through an endless stream of similar content, which detracts from the time spent on longer, more substantive videos. This shift also influences YouTube's recommendation algorithms, which favor content that garners quick views and engagement.

Additionally, features like "YouTube Stories" and "Community Posts" contribute to the decline in content quality, with community posts often filled with memes and stories echoing the same low-quality shorts.

In a further blow to user experience, YouTube has complicated the process for selecting video quality. Previously straightforward, the new setup often leads users to select the wrong options due to its confusing layout.

The user interface has also suffered, cluttered with unnecessary features and options. The old YouTube was clean, simple, and user-friendly, but the current design feels disjointed compared to Google's other products, with thin icons and borders that detract from the overall aesthetic.

While I have focused on the changes that have impacted my experience, many other alterations, such as the removal of the dislike button, have affected others' enjoyment of the platform.

Today’s YouTube feels less like the classic version I cherished and more like a blend of Twitch, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok.

I remain a fan of YouTube, its content, and the services it provides, and it will continue to be one of my most frequented applications. However, as a loyal user, I feel compelled to voice my concerns regarding features that detract from the experience.

I wonder if YouTube still listens to its users. If they happen to read this, my request is simple: no matter how many new features you introduce, please provide an option to disable those I personally find unhelpful.

The first video, Why YouTube NEEDS To Get Worse, discusses the decline of YouTube's user experience and the impact of recent changes on content consumption.

The second video, YOUTUBE is just getting WORSE for creators, explores the challenges faced by content creators in the evolving landscape of YouTube.