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YouTube teases new mobile app for content creators, on-site crowdfunding

 

Online video powerhouse YouTube on Friday gave users a glimpse at the future of its product roadmap, which is set to expand to include a new mobile application aimed at helping content creators manage their channels as well as a way to raise money from viewers.

"We saw creators struggling a lot with not being able to do basic YouTube management stuff on their phone," YouTube designer Molly Nix said in a video introducing the initiative. "We saw this as a really great opportunity for us to build something that you guys can use on the go and manage your channel anywhere you are."

The company was mum on exactly what that new mobile app will include, but it is likely to allow for tasks like comment moderation which cannot easily be accomplished with the current mobile suite. They also hinted at the ability to manage advertising and other monetization strategies.

YouTube also announced a new on-site crowdfunding feature. Using the system, fans will be able to donate directly to YouTube content creators, rather than going through third-party sites like Kickstarter or Indiegogo.

Additionally, a new crowdsourced captioning system is inbound. The project will allow creators to accept caption submissions from viewers, making language translation easier.

Not timetable for the changes was announced, but YouTube did say more will be available "in the coming months."