YouTube’s latest tests: will QR codes for appeals, AI remixing in Shorts, and Gifts & Jewels hit or miss?

YouTube is constantly tinkering with new features, some met with applause and others with resounding boos. Over the past few months, YouTube has been rolling out updates and tweaks to improve user experience (or, sometimes, to test our patience). Just recently, it threw in a controversial miniplayer redesign that seems to have been reverted, tried hiding the likes counter, and even experimented with truncating video titles. And that’s not all. They even toyed with a new fullscreen swipe gesture that emulates the way YouTube Shorts works.

Now, with that wave of “meh” and “huh?” moments behind us, YouTube has two fresh experiments on deck: QR-based verification for appealing terminated channels and AI-powered “restyled soundtracks” for Shorts.

In the latest effort to streamline its appeals process, YouTube is testing a QR code verification step for creators who want to appeal a channel termination. Now, instead of just filling out an appeal form, you’ll be prompted to scan a QR code using your phone. The scan verifies that the appeal is coming from the actual account owner and adds an extra layer of security.

QR verification for appeals: We’re rolling out a trial with a new verification step in the appeal process for channel terminations. Some creators may be asked to verify their account by scanning a QR code on their phone when attempting to appeal a channel termination in Studio on desktop. If you’re unable to complete the verification, you can click on “Learn about appeals” on the QR verification page to be redirected to the Help Center for alternative appeal options.

While this QR-based verification sounds practical in theory, it’s not hard to imagine creators being less than thrilled about having yet another hoop to jump through, especially if they’re already dealing with the stress of a terminated channel. Given the blowback YouTube has faced in the past over changes that add more steps to seemingly straightforward processes, we’re betting this feature will have a mixed reception.

YouTube’s second experiment is, admittedly, pretty creative. Building on the “Dream Track” feature launched last November, YouTube is testing AI-driven “restyled soundtracks” for Shorts. The Dream Track experiment already allows creators to use AI-generated versions of select artists’ voices in their Shorts, with big names like Charli XCX and John Legend lending their vocal likenesses. Now, creators in this test group have a whole new layer of customization at their fingertips.

With the latest update, creators can select a song, decide how they’d like to remix it—say, make it sound jazzy, edgy, or even ethereal—and the AI goes to work generating a unique 30-second track that still keeps the original artist’s vocals and lyrics intact. The new soundtracks clearly note their AI origins and offer attribution to the original artist, ensuring that fans know exactly where the tune comes from.

This feature taps into the booming AI music trend, and while it sounds fun, it’s also bound to raise a few eyebrows among music purists and artists who might be wary of their work being remixed by algorithms. Still, it’s a bold move by YouTube to keep creators engaged and their content fresh, even if the tool is still very much in experimental territory.

Restyled soundtracks for Shorts: We’re adding a new capability to our Dream Track experiment. This experimental feature allows a small group of creators to restyle a limited number of official songs made available by select music partners. If you’re a creator in the experiment group, you can select an eligible song > describe how you want to restyle it > then generate a unique 30-second soundtrack to use in your Short. For example, if you want to give a song a different genre or mood, you simply enter your vision into the ‘Restyle a track’ prompt and you’ll soon have a customized soundtrack that reimagines the music while maintaining the essence of the original song’s vocals and lyrics.
• These restyled soundtracks will have clear attribution to the original song through the Short itself and the Shorts audio pivot page, and will also clearly indicate that the track was restyled with AI 🎶

On the monetization side, YouTube has also rolled out Jewels and Gifts — an interactive way for creators to earn during vertical live streams. Viewers can purchase Jewels in bundles and send animated Gifts to creators during live streams, creating a real-time connection and show of support. For every 100 Rubies (YouTube’s payout unit for Gifts), creators earn $1, with some eligible creators even receiving a limited-time 50% bonus on their earnings.

Gifts might just be a game-changer, replacing Super Stickers for eligible vertical streams and offering an accessible way for fans to show appreciation. This test, which is exclusive to the U.S. for now, is adding a playful new layer of monetization and engagement, although some wonder if the constant push for in-app purchases could feel overwhelming for viewers. Others are already comparing it to Reddit Gold.

These latest tests come on the heels of a series of YouTube’s other tweaks and overhauls — some celebrated, others not so much. Not long ago, YouTube rolled out a new swipe gesture for full-screen videos, aiming to make the exit gesture more “intuitive.” But instead of swiping up to exit, viewers had to swipe down, which felt as unnatural as using your non-dominant hand to write a novel.

Then there was the drama around YouTube’s ad approach. The platform’s tendency to test viewers’ tolerance levels by piling on ads (ever had a “pause ad” pop up?) reached a boiling point recently.

On the flipside, YouTube is also making waves with a new VR experience. Partnering with Meta, the YouTube VR app for Meta Quest now supports co-watching, so you and your friends can sync up and watch videos together in a shared VR space.

As YouTube tests these features, it’s clear the platform is still figuring out how to keep its massive user base engaged without crossing the line. QR codes for appeals might sound tech-savvy, but let’s hope it doesn’t become another frustration point for creators. And while restyled soundtracks are a genuinely innovative way to give content a fresh twist, it remains to be seen if they’ll find a permanent home on the platform.