DeArrow extension for YouTube that makes thumbnails bearable

host0@lemm.ee to Technology@lemmy.world – 2843 points –
i.imgur.com
369

You are viewing a single comment

This really feels like another one of those bandwagon pet peeves, like Comic Sans, pineapple on pizza, or toilet paper orientation. Like, if it pisses you off so much, then don't reward the creator by watching their video. In fact, the addon kind of defeats its own purpose by making you more likely to do just that.

More and more channels have been using this type of clicks ate, because if they do not then they get buried by the algorithm.

There are lots of good channels that should be cleaned up.

YouTube creator guidelines encourage clickbaiting because engagement means more ads being served. They also encourage begging for "like, subscribe, ring the bell and comment" in every video for the same reason.

The algorithm burying other videos is just the side-effect. Non-clickbaity videos are still suggested if the engagement is high.

I hate that the YouTube scheme works, it's extremely unfriendly to both the consumers and the creators. But that's how the world turns nowadays. My YouTube bookmark links to my subscriptions tab, so I never have to go to the main site.

Sadly I don't think boycotting clickbait channels is a solution at this point. First, because almost every Youtuber does it. Second, even if you boycott it, it will remain a shockingly effective strategy. Case in point, after installing this extension I was shocked as to how little I wanted to click on videos - clickbait works.

This really feels like another one of those bandwagon pet peeves

Open YouTube in a private tab, and if you aren't convinced click on the first MrBeast video you see, mute and let it play through then return to the homepage and see the results. Some creators are far worse than others, but the top .1% of channels are so insanely over the top with this