News Analysis India

Tag: youtube

  • Watch: YouTube Music Employee Informed About His Layoff During Live Speech In Council |

    New Delhi: A team of 43 contractors working for YouTube Music found themselves without jobs after advocating for improved pay and benefits, according to reports. These contractors were employed both directly by Google and by its subcontractor, Cognizant.

    Layoffs At The Company

    The contractors were reportedly blindsided by the layoffs, which occurred shortly after they raised concerns about their compensation and benefits. (Also Read: Who Is Nupur Dave, Bengaluru Woman Who Worked With Google For 10 Years, Takes Retirement On Friday, Regrets Just After Two Days)

    In a widely circulated video on social media, YouTube data analyst Jack Benedict addressed the Austin City Council to seek support for his union’s negotiations with Google, only to discover during his speech that he and his entire team had been laid off. (Also Read: BIG Blow To THESE SBI Credit Card Holders; You Will Not Get Rent Payment Rewards From April 1)

    this is the exact moment our coworkers found out we had been laid off while speaking in front of city council pic.twitter.com/IcsCszGe3Z


    — jacob (@peepaw_) March 1, 2024

    Reactions From Workers

    Speaking to The Washington Post, Benedict expressed his shock and anger at the sudden termination of his employment. He and his colleagues believe that they were targeted as an example to discourage others from making similar demands.

    Company Responses

    Google distanced itself from the layoffs, stating that the contracts with its suppliers typically end at their natural expiry date. Similarly, Cognizant described the layoffs as part of their regular business operations, with contracts ending “naturally.”

    Employee Support

    In response to the layoffs, the affected employees will be provided with seven weeks of paid time to explore other opportunities within the company.

    The layoffs come after YouTube Music contract workers voted to unionize last year, seeking improved pay, benefits, and flexible return-to-office policies. However, Google refused to negotiate with the contract workers, citing their status as non-employees of the company.

  • YouTube Offers Premium Subscription With 3-Month Plan For Free; Here Are Steps To Claim

    Several YouTube users are receiving a complimentary 1-month offer, whereas others have the opportunity to claim a 3-month Premium subscription. 
     

  • You Can Now Remix YouTube Music Videos In Shorts – Here’s How! |

    New Delhi: In a recent update, YouTube has announced a new feature that allows users to “remix” their music videos directly within Shorts. This move is seen as a strategic step to enhance its competitive edge against TikTok. Notably, YouTube had introduced similar tools like Collab and fun effects on Shorts last year indicating a continuous effort to innovate and attract users in the short-form video landscape.

    “Today, we’re helping you take it to a whole new level with the ability to remix a music video on Shorts, unlocking even more ways to connect and get creative with your favourite artists and their music on YouTube,” said company in a statement.

    How to Remix videos in Shorts

    Users can access this feature by tapping “Remix” while watching a video on YouTube enabling them to choose from four options: Sound, Green Screen, Cut, and Collab. (Also Read: Elon Musk’s X Bans Over 2 Lakh Accounts In India For Policy Violations)

    “Take just the sound from the video and use it in your Short, making a perfect soundtrack for your upcoming trip to Nashville that happens to be this weekend,” stated YouTube. (Also Read: Samsung Galaxy A34 5G Price Drop In India: You Can Get Rs 3,000 Instant Discount On Flipkart)

    YouTube introduces the option to create Shorts alongside videos, enabling users and their friends to choreograph alongside their favorite artists. Users now have the ability to use videos as backgrounds for their Shorts allowing them to capture their real-time reactions while listening to content for the first time.

    “On YouTube, you can watch the music video on repeat, check out other Shorts that have been created from the same song by fellow fans, and discover deep catalog cuts from your favourite artists and relive those moments by remixing them as your own,” informed the company.

    Daily views of YouTube Shorts have surpassed 50 billion. (With IANS Inputs)

  • YouTube Trims Workforce, Lets Go Of 100 Employees In Latest Layoff Season |

    New Delhi: In the latest wave of layoffs hitting the tech industry, YouTube, a part of the Alphabet family, has reportedly let go of around 100 employees. This move comes as part of a broader restructuring effort focusing on Creator management and operations. The restructuring aims to create more localized Creator management teams, centralize other functions, and divide support teams into Creator-facing and end-user segments.

    The goal is to enhance scalability for international growth and address the platform’s slowdown in ad revenue. Despite these changes, assurances have been given that no Creators will lose support. (Also Read: ‘We Have To Make Tough Choices’: Google CEO Sundar Pichai Hints More Layoffs In Coming Time)

    This follows last week’s layoffs at Google, impacting various sectors. Let’s delve into the details of YouTube’s strategic moves and the broader context of layoffs within the Alphabet company. (Also Read: How You Can Invest Rs 3K For 35 Years And Earn Rs 1.5 Lakh Per Month? Check Return Calculator Here)

    Creator Management And Streamlined Operations

    As YouTube undergoes strategic changes, one key aspect is the localization of Creator management teams on a per-country basis. Simultaneously, other teams are being centralized, with a focus on specific areas such as music and another dedicated to sports, media, film, and TV.

    Support teams are also undergoing a division into Creator-facing and end-user segments. These moves are part of an effort to streamline operations and achieve better scalability for international growth.

    Amid these structural changes, YouTube has emphasized that Creators will not lose support. The platform is reorganizing its teams to ensure dedicated and effective support for Creators, aligning with the evolving needs of the platform and its users.

    Addressing Ad Revenue Challenges

    YouTube’s restructuring comes in response to challenges in ad revenue over the past year. The platform has faced a slowdown, prompting measures such as cracking down on ad blockers and encouraging users to engage with ads.

    Additionally, YouTube has explored alternative revenue streams, including subscription-based models such as YouTube Premium.

    The recent layoffs at YouTube are part of a broader trend within Alphabet, Google’s parent company. Last week, Google announced layoffs affecting various sectors, including hardware, Assistant, engineering, and ads. The ongoing structural changes within Alphabet indicate a shift in organizational strategies and operations.

    YouTube’s Focus On Subscription-Based Services And Innovation

    Beyond the challenges in ad revenue, YouTube has been directing attention to its subscription-based services, including YouTube TV and subscriptions featuring the NFL Sunday Ticket.

    The platform has also embraced innovation with the introduction of generative AI features, enhancing the overall experience for Creators and viewers alike.

  • YouTube Is Now Working Slowly For Users Using This Tool, Check Here

    YouTube intensifies the battle against ad blockers, impacting global users. For a better video experience without interruption, users must either remove the ad blocker tool or opt for the premium plan.  

  • BREAKING: PM Narendra Modi’s YouTube Channel Reaches 2 Crore Subscribers |

    NEW DELHI: In a big indicator of his ever-growing popularity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first world leader to amass a staggering two crore or 20 million subscribers on his official YouTube channel. The Narendra Modi Channel, which features diverse content, has outperformed not only other Indian politicians but also world leaders in terms of the number of subscribers and the amount of video views.

    PM Narendra Modi Achieves Another Milestone

    PM Narendra Modi boasts an extensive digital footprint with approximately 23,000 videos on his YouTube channel. Beyond YouTube, his influence extends to other platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp.

     

    PM @narendramodi becomes first world leader whose YouTube Channel reaches 2 crore subscribers. pic.twitter.com/imOaaenq6s
    — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 26, 2023

     

    In 2022, PM Narendra Modi’s YouTube channel crossed one crore subscribers, with the highest subscriptions on the platform amongst top global leaders.

    Diverse Content On YouTube

    On YouTube, the Prime Minister has curated a diverse range of content, covering various aspects of governance, policies, and public addresses. The vast collection of videos caters to a wide audience, providing insights into his leadership and initiatives.

    Engagement Across Social Channels

    Apart from YouTube, Prime Minister Modi actively engages with the public through other social media platforms like X, Instagram and WhatsApp. His presence on these channels is marked by a substantial number of followers, indicating a significant reach and impact on diverse demographics.

    Interactive Governance Through Social Media

    The extensive use of platforms such as X, Instagram and WhatsApp showcases a commitment to interactive governance. By leveraging these channels, Prime Minister Modi ensures direct communication with citizens, fostering transparency and accessibility.

    Building A Comprehensive Digital Narrative

    PM Modi’s substantial presence across various digital platforms contributes to the creation of a comprehensive digital narrative. Through videos, images, and text-based content, Prime Minister Modi has established a multifaceted online persona, reaching a broad spectrum of the population.

    Prime Minister Modi’s digital strategy goes beyond YouTube, encompassing a strategic presence on X, Instagram and WhatsApp, enhancing the government’s communication and engagement with the public.

  • YouTube Success Story: From Ambitious Dreams To Dazzling Realities, Saurab Joshi’s Unconventional Journey To Success | People News

    New Delhi: Sourav Joshi stands out as one of India’s most rapidly emerging YouTubers. This multifaceted individual is not only a social media influencer and skilled sketch artist but also holds the coveted title of India’s leading vlogger. Despite his youth, Sourav has managed to secure a position among the wealthiest YouTubers in the country, amassing a substantial fan base spanning both children and adults alike. Thus, it is apt to refer to him as a burgeoning Indian superstar.

    Biography of Sourav Joshi:

    Born on September 8, 1999, in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Sourav Joshi hails from a family where financial instability prompted his father, Harinder Joshi, to seek stable employment in various cities. This resulted in Sourav changing schools five times until his 12th standard, with a significant portion of his education occurring in Hisar, Haryana. He eventually graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the Punjab group of colleges.

    Early Life of Sourav Joshi:

    Sourav, initially an average student, ventured to Delhi for a year of architecture coaching after completing his 12th grade. Although he did not succeed in the architecture exam, he discovered a passion for drawing upon his return home. Encouraged by his brother, Sourav embarked on a journey into the world of YouTube, sharing his artistic creations.

    YouTube Journey:

    Sourav’s artistic endeavors began on Facebook before transitioning to YouTube. His first video, titled ‘Drawing 2000 Note By Color Pencils,’ premiered on July 24, 2017. After multiple channel name changes, he settled on ‘Sourav Joshi Arts.’ Initial growth was modest, with 3-4k subscribers after 250 to 300 videos. However, as Sourav diversified to sketching trending personalities and creating tutorial videos, his channel gained traction. Subsequently, he launched a vlogging channel, ‘Sourav Joshi Vlog,’ which faced verification challenges but eventually found success.


    During the nationwide lockdown announced by the Indian government on March 24, 2020, Sourav capitalized on the situation, committing to 365 vlogs in 365 days. His content resonated with viewers, leading to a surge in subscribers and culminating in his recognition as India’s number one vlogger on June 26, 2021. Despite initial shyness, Sourav’s confidence grew over time, attributing his success to consistency and personal development.

    Achievements:

    At the age of 21, Sourav Joshi’s earnings have propelled him to a luxurious lifestyle, including ownership of several high-end cars. Notably, he achieved a remarkable feat of 100 days with 100 trending videos on YouTube. His channel experienced unprecedented growth during the lockdown, averaging 1 million views per day and surpassing renowned YouTubers like Flying Beast and Mumbaikar Nikhil in subscriber count. Additionally, Sourav ventured into the music industry with his debut in the music video “Mauja” in August 2021, subsequently collaborating on numerous music albums.

  • Sexual assault allegations: YouTube stops Russell Brand making money from adverts 

    By Online Desk

    YouTube has suspended Russell Brand’s ability to earn money through his channel for ‘violating Creator Responsibility policy.’

    Under the terms of his suspension Brand – whose net worth has been estimated at between £15m and £40m – will still be allowed to post videos on the platform but will not receive any of the advertising revenue, Daily Mail reports.

    Industry experts have estimated Brand probably makes between £2,000 to £4,000 a video, which, based on five videos a week, could produce close to £1m a year, The Guardian said.

    Brand, The Guardian added, had prepared for this eventuality by moving many of his videos across to rival site Rumble, although this a relatively niche outlet that does not give Brand access to the 6.5 million subscribers he has built up during a decade on YouTube.

    The 48-year-old has been accused of rape, assault and emotional abuse between 2006 and 2013, when he was at the height of his fame working for the BBC, Channel 4 and starring in Hollywood films. He denies the allegations, saying all his relationships were consensual.

    The Met police said on Monday they had received an allegation of sexual assault in Soho, central London, in 2003. The force added that as yet no investigation had been launched, The Guardian report said.

    YouTube has suspended Russell Brand’s ability to earn money through his channel for ‘violating Creator Responsibility policy.’

    Under the terms of his suspension Brand – whose net worth has been estimated at between £15m and £40m – will still be allowed to post videos on the platform but will not receive any of the advertising revenue, Daily Mail reports.

    Industry experts have estimated Brand probably makes between £2,000 to £4,000 a video, which, based on five videos a week, could produce close to £1m a year, The Guardian said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Brand, The Guardian added, had prepared for this eventuality by moving many of his videos across to rival site Rumble, although this a relatively niche outlet that does not give Brand access to the 6.5 million subscribers he has built up during a decade on YouTube.

    The 48-year-old has been accused of rape, assault and emotional abuse between 2006 and 2013, when he was at the height of his fame working for the BBC, Channel 4 and starring in Hollywood films. He denies the allegations, saying all his relationships were consensual.

    The Met police said on Monday they had received an allegation of sexual assault in Soho, central London, in 2003. The force added that as yet no investigation had been launched, The Guardian report said.

  • 110 YouTube channels banned since Dec 2021 for violation of IT Act: Anurag Thakur

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on Tuesday said the government has issued directions for blocking 110 YouTube-based news channels and 248 URLs since December 2021 for carrying content against the sovereignty of the country.

    In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Thakur also said the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) did not maintain any separate data on journalists.

    The minister was responding to a question put by Congress member Pradyut Bordoloi who had sought details and the number of journalists arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act (UAPA), Indian Penal Code and other penal laws during the last five years and the current year.

    “‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are state subjects under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India and state governments are responsible for prevention, detection and investigation of crimes and for prosecuting the criminals through their law enforcement agencies,” Thakur said.

    He said NCRB does not maintain data separately for journalists/ media personnel.

    Thakur said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued directions for blocking access of 110 YouTube-based news channels and 248 user generated URLs, including webpages, websites, posts/accounts on social media platforms, podcasts, and apps for carrying content referred to section 69A of the IT Act, 2000.

    In response to a separate question, Thakur said the Fact Check Unit of the Press Information Bureau has busted more than 1,160 fake news.

    The minister said the Fact Check Union takes cognizance of news both suo-motu and by way of queries sent by citizens. 

    NEW DELHI: Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on Tuesday said the government has issued directions for blocking 110 YouTube-based news channels and 248 URLs since December 2021 for carrying content against the sovereignty of the country.

    In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Thakur also said the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) did not maintain any separate data on journalists.

    The minister was responding to a question put by Congress member Pradyut Bordoloi who had sought details and the number of journalists arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act (UAPA), Indian Penal Code and other penal laws during the last five years and the current year.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are state subjects under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India and state governments are responsible for prevention, detection and investigation of crimes and for prosecuting the criminals through their law enforcement agencies,” Thakur said.

    He said NCRB does not maintain data separately for journalists/ media personnel.

    Thakur said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued directions for blocking access of 110 YouTube-based news channels and 248 user generated URLs, including webpages, websites, posts/accounts on social media platforms, podcasts, and apps for carrying content referred to section 69A of the IT Act, 2000.

    In response to a separate question, Thakur said the Fact Check Unit of the Press Information Bureau has busted more than 1,160 fake news.

    The minister said the Fact Check Union takes cognizance of news both suo-motu and by way of queries sent by citizens.
     

  • SC rejects plea seeking Rs 75 lakh compensation for ads on YouTube, imposes cost

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday slapped a cost of Rs 25,000 on a petitioner who had sought compensation of Rs 75 lakh from Google India for the advertisements shown on YouTube which allegedly had explicit content.

    While dismissing the plea, the apex court termed as “atrocious” the petition filed by a Madhya Pradesh resident who claimed that due to the advertisements, his attention was diverted and he could not clear a competitive examination.

    Google-owned firm, YouTube, is a video hosting platform.

    “You want damages because you saw advertisements on internet and you say because of that your attention was diverted and you could not clear the exam?” a bench of Justices S K Kaul and A S Oka asked the petitioner, who was appearing in person.

    “It is one of the most atrocious petitions filed under Article 32 (of the Constitution),” the bench observed.

    “This kind of petitions are utter wastage of judicial time”.

    The petitioner had also sought a ban on nudity on social media platforms. The bench observed that the petitioner has claimed that he was preparing for an examination and subscribed to YouTube where he saw advertisements containing alleged sexual content.

    “If you don’t like an advertisement, don’t watch it,” the bench said, adding, “Why he choose to watch the advertisements is his prerogative”.

    Initially, the bench imposed a cost of Rs 1 lakh on the petitioner while dismissing the plea. Later, the petitioner, who argued in Hindi, urged the top court to forgive him and remove the cost imposed. The petitioner also said that he is unemployed. The bench said he can’t come just to the court and file such petitions only for publicity.

    “Make it Rs 25,000,” the bench said, while reducing the cost from Rs 1 lakh.

    NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday slapped a cost of Rs 25,000 on a petitioner who had sought compensation of Rs 75 lakh from Google India for the advertisements shown on YouTube which allegedly had explicit content.

    While dismissing the plea, the apex court termed as “atrocious” the petition filed by a Madhya Pradesh resident who claimed that due to the advertisements, his attention was diverted and he could not clear a competitive examination.

    Google-owned firm, YouTube, is a video hosting platform.

    “You want damages because you saw advertisements on internet and you say because of that your attention was diverted and you could not clear the exam?” a bench of Justices S K Kaul and A S Oka asked the petitioner, who was appearing in person.

    “It is one of the most atrocious petitions filed under Article 32 (of the Constitution),” the bench observed.

    “This kind of petitions are utter wastage of judicial time”.

    The petitioner had also sought a ban on nudity on social media platforms. The bench observed that the petitioner has claimed that he was preparing for an examination and subscribed to YouTube where he saw advertisements containing alleged sexual content.

    “If you don’t like an advertisement, don’t watch it,” the bench said, adding, “Why he choose to watch the advertisements is his prerogative”.

    Initially, the bench imposed a cost of Rs 1 lakh on the petitioner while dismissing the plea. Later, the petitioner, who argued in Hindi, urged the top court to forgive him and remove the cost imposed. The petitioner also said that he is unemployed. The bench said he can’t come just to the court and file such petitions only for publicity.

    “Make it Rs 25,000,” the bench said, while reducing the cost from Rs 1 lakh.