❓ Why Are YouTube Thumbnails Blurred in Search Results?
▶️ YouTube is currently testing a feature that blurs video thumbnails in search results for queries that "often include 18+ topics."
🔒 A Safer Search Experience
The goal is to create a safer browsing experience, especially for younger users, by preventing immediate exposure to potentially sensitive or inappropriate visual content.
👁 What’s Still Visible?
- Video title
- Channel name
- Description
All remain visible. Users will also be given the option to unblur thumbnails if they choose.
🚫 Not the Same as SafeSearch
Unlike SafeSearch (which filters out results), this feature doesn’t remove content, but adds an extra layer of visual caution.
🧪 Who’s Affected?
This feature is part of a limited test and is currently being rolled out to a small subset of users to evaluate its effectiveness.
