YouTube is extending its health-related programs to enhance the accessibility of accurate medical information for users in India. Recently, the video streaming platform revealed plans to introduce ‘health content shelves’ and ‘health source information panels’ to registered healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses, moving beyond the exclusive use by accredited health organizations.
YouTube to Highlight Content from Registered Health Professionals
In a blog entry, Google’s YouTube provided details about this initiative. The announcement highlighted the earlier introduction of health content shelves and health source information panels, designed to make medical knowledge easily accessible and visible to users.
Health content shelves appear prominently in search results related to medical topics on YouTube, such as heart attacks or diabetes. Displayed in a horizontal carousel format, these shelves allow users to easily scroll through verified information, helping them avoid misleading headlines and sensationalized content.
Previously, these features were limited to recognized health organizations like AIIMS, NIMHANS, Apollo Hospitals, and Max Healthcare, which had their content featured in this dedicated section. Videos shared from these organizations also included badges confirming their verified status.
YouTube is now broadening access to these tools for registered healthcare providers, allowing them to apply for verification. Once approved, their content will join the carousel alongside established health organizations. According to the blog post, this move aims to include more high-quality information from diverse healthcare channels.
Content creators who wish to participate will undergo a review process to ensure compliance with established guidelines for health information sharing. These guidelines have been developed by authoritative bodies, including the Council of Medical Specialty Societies, the National Academy of Medicine, and the World Health Organization. Additionally, applicants must maintain a YouTube channel in good standing and have their professional credentials verified.
YouTube emphasized that this expansion will simplify the process for users to discover and connect with healthcare content creators. Plans are in place for further development of these features, targeting additional medical specialties in the near future.
