Why Isn't the Manikarnika Trailer on YouTube's Trending Page?
The question often arises, especially with Indian cinema releases, whether the trailers of new movies are featured on YouTube's trending page. One case in point is the trailer of the film Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi. Despite staggering views on the first day of its upload, it never made it to the trending section of YouTube India. This article delves into possible reasons for this phenomenon, including the broader context of content bias in the tech industry.
Understanding YouTube's Trending Section
YouTube determines its trending page by a complex algorithm that aims to show the most popular and relevant videos to its users. The trending section is designed to highlight videos based on a combination of engagement metrics like views, likes, dislikes, comments, and uploads.
First-day View Counts and Initial Popularity
The trailer of Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi received massive views on its first day of upload, which is typically a positive sign. However, for a video to stay in the trending section, continuous engagement is required. View counts alone do not guarantee a video's presence on the trending page; engagement over time is equally crucial.
Factors Affecting the Trending Page
Several factors can influence a video's presence on YouTube's trending page:
Engagement Metrics: The video needs to maintain a high level of engagement (likes, dislikes, comments, shares) to stay relevant.
Wait Time: New videos often require a certain wait time before they can appear on the trending page. This ensures that the metric is stable and genuinely represents viewer interest.
Community Feedback: Positive or negative community feedback significantly impacts a video's position on the trending page.
Analysis of the Manikarnika Trailer
The Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi trailer faced scrutiny, primarily for its content and the cultural narrative it represents. This scrutiny can influence the algorithm, as left-leaning content can sometimes be seen as more timely and relevant.
Content Bias in Tech Companies
There have been well-documented instances of content bias in tech companies, particularly Silicon Valley firms. These companies often prioritize content that aligns with their ideological leanings. Companies like YouTube might suppress or highlight content based on their interpretations of what is popular, relevant, or culturally significant.
During hearings before US Congress, several tech giants admitted to suppressing right-wing content, suggesting that the algorithms used to determine what appears on their platforms are not neutral. This bias can extend to content that is perceived as opposing certain worldviews, including cultural pride and heritage.
Indian Culture and Left-leaning Ideologies
There is a debate around whether certain tech companies are imposing western, left-leaning ideologies that may not resonate with the values and traditions of different cultures. Indian cinema, for example, often celebrates native culture and historical figures. Content that promotes pride in this tradition can sometimes be perceived as a threat to the dominant worldview.
Conclusion
The absence of the Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi trailer on YouTube's trending page is not entirely unexpected, given the current content bias in tech companies. While algorithms are designed to show the most popular and engaging content, they can also reflect the ideological leanings of those managing the platforms. This highlights the need for greater transparency and fairness in these algorithms.