YouTube to remove in-video promotional pop-ups
YouTube is to remove video links that pop up during clips to promote other content. Until now, creators could plug other videos, playlists or live streams with in-video links, but figures show very few users actually click on them, and most regard them as spam. The links will be removed from new and existing videos from 14 December, resulting in instances where presenters point to links that no longer appear. YouTube says that end-screen links and video descriptions are a more effective way of promoting other videos.

Have you ever clicked a YouTube creator's suggested video link when it pops up mid-clip? No? You're far from alone. YouTube has revealed that it's removing the ability to promote videos, playlists or livestreams through in-video notifications as of December 14th. The streaming service isn't shy about the reason why: few people were actually interested in these links. Only 1 in 20 people actually clicked on them, and many of those people were taken to a dead livestream. Users said it felt like spam, according to YouTube.

The company doesn't think this will cause too many problems. Cards and end screen video links are more effective, YouTube said. For third-party links, it wants you to use video descriptions, channel pages or even your channel artwork.

YouTube told us this will remove existing in-video notifications, which could lead to some awkward moments in videos where presenters point to pop-ups that no longer exist. On the balance, though, this appears to be positive news if you're a YouTube fan. It should mean fewer intrusions while you're viewing on the web, and fewer creators going out of their way to plug one video while you're watching another.