YouTube is testing a new feature that allows creators to respond to comments using their voice. The platform announced that this experiment is currently being rolled out to a small group of creators in the United States. The feature aims to deepen engagement between creators and their audiences while offering a more personal and dynamic way to interact.
Creators who are part of the test group will see a sound wave icon when replying to a comment through the YouTube app on iOS. Tapping this icon lets creators record a voice reply, which is then posted as a comment. While the feature is currently limited to creators responding on their own channels, all viewers and creators can listen to and interact with the voice replies.
This experiment aligns with YouTube’s broader focus this year on building community and enhancing fan engagement. Earlier in 2024, YouTube introduced several tools to strengthen creator-subscriber relationships. In March, the platform rolled out a feature that allows creators to share exclusive YouTube Shorts with their subscribers, fostering a sense of exclusivity. In September, YouTube launched a Discord-like discussion space within creators’ channels, giving subscribers a dedicated space to connect and engage with both creators and fellow fans.
Additionally, YouTube has been working on AI-powered tools to enhance the user experience. On November 25th, we reported that YouTube is planning to roll out an AI-generated video summary feature. This tool will automatically create video summaries to help viewers quickly understand the content before watching.
The voice reply feature represents YouTube’s latest effort to help creators build stronger, more meaningful relationships with their audiences. As the test phase progresses, YouTube will gather feedback to assess how creators and their communities respond to the new tool. For now, only select creators in the U.S. using the YouTube app on iOS can try out the feature.
