YouTube's new leader outlines 2023 plans: focus on TV, Podcasts, and generative AI

Neal Mohan discussed the 2023 priorities of the video service, following Susan Wojcicki's resignation and the appointment of a new leader at YouTube.

The top priority for YouTube in 2023 is to support creators. Mohan, a YouTube executive, revealed that the company had increased the number of creators and partners who could receive live help through chat or email by over 100% in the previous year. More than half of these creators are located outside of the United States. YouTube has also expanded the number of creators who have access to a partner manager, who provides strategic advice for success on the platform.

Another key focus for YouTube is to optimize the television viewing experience. The company has highlighted the Shorts player on televisions and the Primetime Channels store for third-party streaming services. YouTube's TV audience grew rapidly last year, and the platform is experiencing growth and momentum globally. YouTube is also planning to introduce new features such as NFL Sunday Ticket, which will allow viewers to engage with other fans through comments, chats, and polls. YouTube TV will also offer a new feature that lets viewers watch multiple games at once.

YouTube is also making progress on its podcasting capabilities. The company has introduced new features in YouTube Studio to make it easier for creators to publish podcasts. In addition, YouTube Music will soon offer both audio and video-first podcasts to its users in the United States, with plans to expand to other regions. Podcasters will have the option to upload their shows to YouTube using RSS integration, giving users more listening options.

YouTube is also exploring the use of AI to "reinvent video and make the seemingly impossible possible." This could potentially become a competitive advantage for video platforms in the future. Creators will be able to enhance their storytelling and production value using AI's generative capabilities.

In the short-term, YouTube plans to roll out a new creation tool that allows creators to record a Short in a side-by-side layout with both Shorts and YouTube videos. This will enable them to add their own take on a trend or join in with reactions. More details on YouTube's AI capabilities and other upcoming features will be announced in the coming months.