YouTube Health gets two new features in India: How they work

Searching for credible health-related topics may have just got easier on YouTube. Google is adding new features aimed to help improve the ‘quality’ of the search for health-related topics on YouTube Health. These are — health source information panels and health content shelves. The two new features aim to help users access videos from verified health sources on the platform. They will be available both in English and Hindi languages.
How will the new features on YouTube Health work
Health source information panels will provide context to help viewers identify videos from authoritative sources. These ‘health labels’ will show up under videos from accredited health organizations and government entities, so that viewers can better evaluate the source of information and distinguish credible health content on YouTube.
Health content shelves will more effectively highlight videos from authoritative sources when viewers search for specific health topics. For example, when users search for specific health conditions such as heart disease, breast cancer among many others, a new content shelf in search will surface videos related to the relevant health topic from accredited health organizations and government entities. These shelves are intended to visually separate and highlight authoritative videos in search.
Speaking about thefeatures, Dr Garth Graham, Director and Global Head of Healthcare and Public Health, YouTube said, “Video can help make complicated, clinical topics understandable and accessible in ways that text simply cannot. YouTube has the potential to transform how healthcare providers inform, educate, and motivate people to live healthier lives. That’s why we’re investing to grow our platform’s role as an effective, engaging, and trusted tool for public health communication through principles, partnerships and product development. We remain committed to our mission to provide equitable access to highly authoritative health information that is evidence-based, culturally relevant and engaging.”
Over the last year, YouTube Health has partnered with leading health organizations like Apollo Hospitals and Max Healthcare, as well as with clinicians and creators, and continued to increase the accessibility of high quality health content on the platform.
In 2020, YouTube Health also launched health panels for depression and anxiety to provide users with helpful, easy to understand information from authoritative sources, so that they can make more informed decisions about the content they watch and care or support they seek.