The platform recognises the anxiety and damages caused when an account is hacked, and this new feature aims to provide an immediate, structured approach to regaining control.

The newly introduced support assistant is the first step for creators who believe their channel has been hacked. This assistant will guide them through securing their Google login, as YouTube channels are typically linked to Google accounts. 

By securing the login, creators can prevent further unauthorised access. Following this, the assistant will help in reversing any changes made by the hacker, such as altering profile information, email settings, or unauthorised uploads.

Creators who are eligible for this service will see the option to recover a hacked channel within the YouTube Help Centre. The tool is designed to be intuitive, leading users through a series of questions about their channel to ensure all necessary steps are taken to secure it. 

This process includes verifying the channel’s ownership, resetting passwords, and checking for suspicious activity or unauthorised content.

Currently, this new tool is available only in English, limiting its accessibility to those who access the Help Centre in that language. 

Again, certain features of the tool are not yet available to all users. However, YouTube says it will expand the tool’s availability to creators worldwide in the near future.

For those who may not find the tool effective or are unable to access it, YouTube has provided alternative support options. Creators can still seek help by reaching out to @TeamYouTube on X (formerly Twitter), where a support team is available to assist with recovery efforts.

Online threats are increasing and tools like these are highly important in ensuring that creators can maintain control over their channels and continue to produce content without interruption.

The campaign, which is in partnership with a select group of African creators, seeks to celebrate the diversity of the continent’s cultural heritage.

Creators from across Sub-Saharan Africa were challenged to create and share videos on their YouTube Channels that reveal their unique cultural heritage stories.

They have captured their interpretation of cultural heritage through stories about their local traditions and practices, conversations with friends and family, and with people in their local communities.

Their stories have been shared on their channels as well as the YouTube Google Africa Channel.

“At YouTube, we have always prioritised and recognised the diverse cultures, creators, artists and content on the platform. The Voices of Africa campaign is an opportunity that allows us to spotlight the uniqueness of Africa’s cultural heritage through the different voices and experiences of creators across the continent,” says Strategic Partner Manager at YouTube, Twala Ngambi.

“We’ve encouraged the creators to be as creative as possible, giving them the freedom to craft their heritage stories in a way that will best relate to their audiences as well as showcase their authenticity. Whether it’s taking us into their family homes, the primary school they attended, or sharing a personal family recipe with us, we believe that each story will educate, entertain and inspire audiences,” continues Ngambi.

Some of the creators who are part of the campaign include South African creator, Seithati Letsipa, who used her video to unpack the cultural practice of Pabadimo, a thanks giving ceremony in her culture.

Susan Wahome, from Kenya shared a video on the secrets behind great African food while Nigerian creator ‘Stylebereme’ took her followers on a journey, unpacking her love for African Wax prints.

Additionally, Wongel Zelalem provided an indepth look at her Ethiopian heritage, while Nigerian storyteller Steven Ndukwu travelled to Kano to take an immersive look at Dambe, a martial art of the Hausa people from West Africa.

Finally, Kenya’s Kate Kendy took viewers on a journey through her history, heritage as well as the countryside.

Banele Ndaba, a South African creator, took audiences on a journey through his upbringing  – where he grew up, attended school as well as conversations with his family.

Reggie Mohlabi also released a video where he shares  an in depth look at his background  with audiences.

The campaign is aimed at showing the continent’s unique stories and voices with the rest of the world.