Now, when you watch a video on YouTube, the clip's creator can gain insight into your identity.
YouTube Insight - a free tool that allows users to view detailed statistics about the videos they upload - was released last week.
Students who post videos on YouTube have reacted positively to the new feature, but they admit that releasing any more information about site visitors may violate users' privacy.
With the launch of Insight, anyone with a YouTube account can now see how often their videos are viewed in different geographic regions. Users can also see when their videos are viewed, helping them gage how long it takes for a clip to become popular.
The tool is aimed at helping users "better understand and serve their audiences," according to a YouTube press release.
Wharton freshman Andrew Dudum said the new features will be especially important for independent musicians like himself. Dudum posts videos on YouTube "to get as much buzz as possible" for his music.
Even students who post less-serious videos said they are excited about Insight.
College sophomore Mike Tague said the videos he and his friends have posted on YouTube have gotten about 10,000 hits. Tague added that he was interested in learning more about the types of people who view his videos.
Until he installed the new tool, Tague "had no idea" that his videos had been viewed in 73 different countries, he said.
According to the press release, YouTube will be making more features available shortly, including a breakdown of how viewers find the videos they watch.
Students raised concerns about this planned tracking tool being an invasion of user privacy.
"I think what would benefit people who upload videos would be knowing what else people watch," Tague said, adding that Insight's expansion "is also approaching the creepy line."
"Artists and people using the program need to be respectful," Dudum agreed. When companies give away too much personal information, they "obstruct confidentiality," he said.
According to YouTube, Insight was designed with advertisers in mind. The feature will help advertisers optimize marketing efforts, making YouTube "one of the world's largest focus groups," YouTube says.
