YouTube’s new search filters make clearer distinctions between long-form videos and Shorts

Though YouTube encourages creators and viewers to embrace all of the formats it offers, its latest update acknowledges that some people may have preferences for certain types of videos. The Google-owned hub has debuted new search filters that make it easier to single out long-form videos or Shorts.

On a help forum page, YouTube announced that it intends to “improve content discovery” through a new set of filtering options. “Our goal is to equip you with more effective advanced search tools, ensuring you can consistently and efficiently locate the content you love,” reads the post.

The most notable of those advanced tools is a new option in the “Type” menu on the search bar dropdown. A filter for “Shorts” joins preexisting options that let users single out “Movies,” “Channels,” “Playlists,” and general “Videos.” Filters related to video runtime have been slightly adjusted so that the middle of the sorting options begins at three minutes rather than four. It just so happens that three minutes is the maximum runtime for Shorts uploads.

Another change affects viewers who like to sort their searches by view count. The new language YouTube is using for that menu is “prioritize,” and the change allows YouTube to incorporate “other relevance signals” besides raw view count.

All of these updates point to the same issue: Shorts viewership has become so massive that it is making YouTube’s search results wonky. Deprioritizing raw view counts and providing the option to sequester Shorts from other results will serve users who want to see more long-form videos they’re used to. (Just don’t expect Shorts viewership to decline — we’re well into the era of short-form dominance at this point.)

As noted in an eMarkter article, the updated filters could also have ramifications for advertisers. Since it is now easier for YouTube users to single out specific formats in their searches, brands can theoretically target intent with more precision. “This could be helpful in a crowded algorithmic environment by giving brands a more direct line to user interest,” reads the post.

At the end of the day, more granular options for ‘Tube filters is a nice perk for all kinds of users. Hey, Tube filter — that sounds like a good name for a publication.