YouTube threaded comments are finally here—at least for Premium users. In an effort to clean up chaotic discussions and make conversations easier to follow, YouTube is testing a Reddit-style layout that brings order to the comment section. This new format, available on mobile for a limited time, could be a game-changer for creators and viewers alike.
What’s Changing: The Shift to Threaded Conversations
In an ongoing experiment, YouTube is giving its Premium users a sneak peek at a nested comment layout, reminiscent of Reddit’s tiered replies. Replies are now grouped under their parent comment, and sub-replies continue stacking in logical order.
No more “@username” detective work. Just clear, structured conversations.
Available on Android and iOS only, this feature is part of a limited test phase running until August 14, 2025. If you’re a Premium subscriber, you can opt-in via youtube.com/new.
Why Youtube Threaded Comments, and Why Now?
YouTube’s comment section has long been a paradox: it fuels community, but also toxicity. While some creators disable comments altogether to avoid the chaos, YouTube seems committed to reclaiming that space with smarter design and tighter moderation possibilities.
Here’s what’s driving the change:
- Clarity in communication: Organized replies reduce confusion and improve discourse.
- Community building: Nested comments encourage micro-discussions under each topic, rather than sprawling flat threads.
- AI readiness: With YouTube testing AI-generated summaries and search-enhancing tools, structured data from threaded discussions could significantly boost accuracy.
This isn’t just cosmetic—it’s part of a larger ecosystem shift, aligning YouTube with social-first platforms like Reddit, Threads, and even Bluesky.
So… Is This Reddit 2.0?
Not exactly. YouTube’s approach is less about copying Reddit and more about evolving the comment experience to match the expectations of modern internet users.
Other platforms have set the standard:
- Reddit uses unlimited nesting (sometimes overwhelming).
- Facebook and YouTube (until now) limited threading to just one or two levels.
- Forum communities like XenForo have debated this for years, with plugins and experimental designs trying (and failing) to bridge the gap between linear and threaded content.
The verdict? Most users prefer options. Those used to traditional forums or straightforward discussions may resist, but younger audiences raised on Reddit and Discord expect it.
First Impressions: Hit or Miss?
Early testers report mixed feelings:
- Pro: Conversations flow better and arguments are easier to track.
- Con: Some feel it clutters the layout, especially on smaller screens.
But here’s the kicker: YouTube is listening. This is a feedback-driven test, not a forced rollout (yet). Whether it becomes default or optional will likely depend on user reception in the coming weeks.
The Bigger Picture: YouTube as a Social Hub
This feature is just one part of YouTube’s bigger goal: turning channels into full-fledged communities. Between polls, Stories, community posts, and now smarter comments, the platform is slowly shedding its “video-only” skin in favor of creator-first social networking.
And with AI lurking in the wings—capable of summarizing, recommending, and even replying—structured conversation might be the key to powering smarter, more relevant content recommendations.
Should YouTube Threaded Comments Become Permanent?
Whether you’re a casual viewer, content creator, or community manager, YouTube’s threaded comments could change how we interact with videos forever.
Want to try it? Head to youtube.com/new if you’re on Premium.
Not convinced? No worries—this might just be the start of more customization options that let you choose how you experience YouTube.
The internet has evolved. Shouldn’t our comment sections evolve too?
