Youtube Comments Question
Hey YouTube pros – do you prefer the YouTube comments section to default to sorting by "top comments" or by "newest first"? I just got the ability to change the default for my videos and thought I'd ask you which you prefer!
Comments (11)
Top comments will work better for the end user, however it might be hard to get attention even with a good comment if you are late in the thread. Despite the fact I would still prefer top one approach, as most of the great insights are there early in the thread.
Top comments is the way to go. It helps reduce the pointless, off-topic, and troll-type posts.
"Top comments" helps to filter out some of the noise...
Newest first is just too random, top comments is at least somewhat static, so easier to see what you wanted...
Newest first will draw the "first post" trolls. Top first will draw the attention-deprived trolls. Unless the comments are moderated actively, neither will achieve a "good" (pending definition) outcome. If I have to pick one, default to chronology, i.e. oldest or newest. At least it is impartial.
If I decide to spend time reading more than a few comments, I switch to "newest first" so that I can see the discussion in (reverse) chronological order.
I prefer top comments. I have no time for those with too much.
It depends upon why you want to look at the comments. Top can be good for solid, insightful responses; newest can be useful for a developing topic.
Agreed. That said, have a slight preference for newest first.
I like "top comments" myself. That being said I don't read the comments much there nowadays because of the trolls.
I read the comments in-depth on certain videos, and then I choose "newest first". For a quick skim, "top comments" is sufficient.