YouTube’s New Custom Feeds Let You Control Your Homepage Algorithm

My YouTube algorithm is sacred: years of data about my tastes and viewing history have shaped every video that appears on my homepage. YouTube’s algorithm isn’t perfect, but it usually knows what I want to watch. Right now, my top three recommendations are Apple Watch analysis, an Older Brother Season 28 update, and comedian Chris Fleming “losing to the Muppets.” Click. Click. Click.

As part of Wednesday’s Made on YouTube event, Google announced several new features, including a custom feed button that lets users adjust which videos appear on their homepages. It’s a rare opportunity to directly influence YouTube’s algorithmic feed without simply scrolling through videos or blocking creators.

How to Create a Custom YouTube Feed

To try the feature, click the Custom Feed button below the search bar and enter a request describing the feed you want to see. YouTube uses an extensive language model to process your request and create a new, personalized homepage.

One suggestion I entered was: “I want a rainy Shanghai vibe: cafe jazz, street food, video blogs, etc.”

YouTube Custom Feeds Are Coming to US Users

YouTube tested custom feeds as an experimental feature earlier this year and decided the tool was a good fit. The company plans to roll it out soon as an option for all users in the US, whether they watch on mobile, desktop, or TV.

“Users always say they want more control,” said Emily Moxley, YouTube’s vice president of product management. “They want more ability to manipulate the algorithms. By using custom feeds, we’re giving them a natural language way to do that. They can tell us exactly what they want.”

What YouTube Custom Feeds Are Like

I told YouTube exactly what I wanted to watch: “Melty Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Video, Caleb Hearon Clip Compilation, Crystal Singing Bowl Video Under 15 Minutes.” The resulting feed delivered just that—a zen blend perfect for relaxing on the couch after a long day.

YouTube also suggested ways to refine the feed, including “Upload this month” and “Without dialogue or comments.” It’s not bad.

The Custom Feed button appears below the search bar, next to topic tabs such as “Music” and “Podcasts.” Using the tool does not replace the standard YouTube homepage. The standard homepage remains available at any time with the click of a button, and users can save multiple custom feeds.