YouTube will explore NFT features for creators

YouTube’s chief executive officer says the company is exploring features for its video creators to capitalise on non-fungible tokens. — AFP pic

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan 26 ― YouTube is exploring features for its video creators to capitalise on non-fungible tokens, its chief executive officer said yesterday, becoming the latest tech company to tap into a digital collectibles craze that has exploded in the past year.

“We're always focused on expanding the YouTube ecosystem to help creators capitalize on emerging technologies, including things like NFTs, while continuing to strengthen and enhance the experiences creators and fans have on YouTube,” wrote YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki in a letter on the company's 2022 priorities.

NFTs are a type of digital asset which exist on the record-keeping technology blockchain. They have seen a surge in popularity over the last year, with people buying artwork and video highlights from sports games as NFTs.

Sales of NFTs reached some US$25 billion in 2021, according to data from market tracker DappRadar, although there were signs of growth slowing toward the end of the year.