YouTube tests creator tag feature for collaborators
YouTube is testing a new feature that allows video creators to tag collaborators directly in their content, facilitating viewer discovery of partner channels. A Google employee announced this development via a YouTube Help community post.
This functionality replicates established collaboration tagging features on TikTok and Instagram, where mutual tagging in joint content amplifies visibility for all participants. The testing phase currently involves a limited group of trusted creators. YouTube plans broader implementation following evaluation.
The feature’s only confirmed usage to date appears in a recently posted video from creator MrBeast, featuring collaborators Mark Rober, Ben Azelart, and the Stoke Twins. Viewers who click the primary creator’s name during playback trigger a pop-up display listing all tagged collaborators.
Each collaborator’s entry includes their channel name with an adjacent subscribe button, enabling immediate follower acquisition. Creators cannot freely assign tags; collaboration requires mutual agreement. Invited participants must likely accept requests before appearing as official co-authors.
YouTube’s rollout strategy involves expanding accessibility to additional creators after assessing initial user feedback and technical performance metrics obtained during the current restricted trial period.