YouTube Tests Blurring Video Thumbnails For 'mature Content'

Google is running a new test on YouTube that will see the thumbnails for videos containing “mature content” blurred out.

In its latest test, YouTube will blur thumbnails for videos that appear in a search for mature content, such as searches that contain sexual themes.

Google explains:

We’re experimenting with a new feature that’s aimed at providing safer search experiences for all users. For search queries that frequently include sexual themes, the search results may display blurred thumbnails. The video title, channel name, and description will remain visible. Users will have the option to unblur thumbnails. The goal of this test is to understand whether this type of feature helps users avoid accidentally viewing content that follows YouTube’s Community Guidelines but may be sensitive in nature. We’re rolling this test out to a small percentage of viewers.

This change is only appearing for a “small percentage” of viewers, and the exact appearance of the test has yet to be shown.