United News of Bangladesh

YouTube has announced a major update to its Dream Screen feature, enabling users to create AI-generated videos for shorts. This development comes with the integration of Google DeepMind’s latest video generation model, Veo 2, allowing content creators to generate video clips simply by entering a text prompt. Enhancing AI Capabilities in Shorts Initially launched in September 2023, Dream Screen allowed users to generate AI-powered backgrounds for their Shorts by inputting a text description. With the latest upgrade, the feature now extends beyond backgrounds, empowering users to create entire video clips that can be seamlessly incorporated into their short-form content. New Features and Benefits The integration of Veo 2 brings several enhancements to the Dream Screen feature. Content creators can now generate independent video clips without the need for extensive stock footage searches or additional scene recordings. The AI-generated clips can be customised according to specific creative needs, including style, lens effects, and cinematic elements. Additionally, Veo 2 is designed to enhance efficiency, significantly reducing the time required to generate video content. YouTube asserts that Veo 2 provides high-quality outputs while maintaining realism. “Veo 2 understands real-world physics and human movement better, making its output more detailed and realistic,” the platform stated. Safeguards Against Misinformation To maintain transparency and curb misinformation, YouTube will incorporate SynthID watermarks and clear visual labels on all AI-generated content. Developed by Google DeepMind, these watermarks are invisible to the human eye but can be detected digitally, ensuring that AI-generated or altered footage can be identified. Availability and Future Rollout At present, the upgraded Dream Screen feature with Veo 2-powered video generation is accessible to users in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. YouTube has confirmed plans to expand availability to more regions in the future. With AI continuing to reshape content creation, YouTube’s latest update is set to revolutionise how creators produce engaging and innovative Shorts, making high-quality video generation more accessible than ever. END/UNB/SAM/1800 hrs  

Samiul Hossain, a 39-year-old agricultural entrepreneur, has successfully transformed his fortune through jujube (boroi) cultivation in Gomastapur upazila of Chapainawabganj becoming a source of inspiration for others. After a failed career in Iraq as an expatriate, Samiul, a resident of Daingpara area of the upazila, returned home around five years back amid frustration over his career. Being inspired about the jujube cultivation after watching videos on YouTube, he decided to venture into it. The fruit is popularly known as boroi or kul. With consultancy from a relative, he leased 16 bighas of land near his house and started its cultivation. As his business began to grow, he expanded the orchard gradually. Currently, he has been cultivating various types of jujube on 40 bighas of land, flourishing with clusters of ripe fruits. His endeavor and subsequent success set an example to many unemployed youths to transform their fortunes through farming this fruit. The 40-bigh orchard is now enriched with various types of jujubes like Bolsundari, Indrasundari, 'Baby Sundari, Kashmiri, and 'Tokmisti.' The trees are now full of fruits, and the branches are weighed down by the abundance of jujubes with the blessing of congenial weather. The entrepreneur said he initially started selling the ripe fruit at Tk 110 per kilogram, but now the price has come down at Tk 70-80. Tetulia’s Tulip: Boosting tourism, regional economy He informed that he has so far sold his yields worth Tk 20 lakh this season, expecting to earn another Tk 30 lakh if the weather remains favourable, indicating a good profit. Samiul said buyers from different parts of the country come to this orchard and buy the fruit in cash. Currently 25 employees are working with him. "I used to be unemployed myself, but now, 20 to 25 workers are employed in my orchard every day, and it gives me peace of mind knowing they have work," he said. Fazlul Bari, a local school teacher who visited the farm, said, "I heard about the bumper harvest of jujube here, so I came to see it for myself. I walked around the orchard, tried the different varieties, and they tasted very sweet. I’m really satisfied, and I’m thinking of starting a similar orchard myself in the future." Another visitor from Nachol expressed the same sentiments. Calling Samiul a successful agricultural entrepreneur, Agriculture Officer of Gomastapur Upazila Tanvir Ahmed Sarker said he has shown that agriculture can be highly profitable and become an inspiration for young entrepreneurs. Flower market booms in Jashore’s Godkhali ahead of spring, sales expected to reach Tk 100 crore The agricultural department continues to offer him all kinds of support and guidance, he said. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, this variety of fruit was cultivated on 535 hectares of land in the district this year.  

The video game industry is more than just a source of entertainment—it’s a booming multibillion-dollar market with projected global revenues soaring to $312.40 billion by 2025. For gamers who are passionate about immersing themselves in virtual worlds and have a knack for tech-savviness, this industry offers lucrative opportunities to turn their hobby into a thriving income stream. Here’s how you can tap into the goldmine of gaming and start earning. Ways to Earn Money While Playing Virtual Games Turning a passion into a money-making skill is not easy; it takes a lot of hard work, patience, and consistency to see any results. Confident players can choose any strategies below to leverage the most out of the gaming industry. Livestreaming Streaming is one of the most trusted ways for players to generate income. Several popular streaming platforms let gamers build and join communities and share their gaming sessions. Established players earn millions of dollars by showing off their gameplay strategies and techniques to their followers. Read more: Top 8 Free High Graphics Winter Games for Android and iOS in 2025 Here is a list of platforms where you can live-stream your games: - Twitch- Kick- YouTube Gaming- Facebook Gaming- DLive Apart from gaming expertise, streaming requires gamers to have a few non-gaming skill sets, like giving voice-overs, narrating live gameplay to engage viewers, marketing their content on social media, and making connections. According to Statista, around 1.8 billion people will be on game live-streaming platforms by 2029. Starting a YouTube Channel Making guides on popular video games, reviewing the latest releases, talking about leaks and rumours, game developers, and famous players, and posting them on your channel can be lucrative skills. Read more: 10 Best-Selling Video Games of 2024 Around 200 million people watch gaming content on YouTube every day, and 2 of the 5 most subscribed YouTube channels are gaming-related. With this sheer number of active viewers and the incredible popularity of gaming content, players can earn money in multiple ways on YouTube. They can promote products and brands, earn stickers from streaming, charge a small fee for exclusive content, and generate ad revenue. Game Testing Playtesters test out newly developed games before their launch and check for anomalies in the gameplay. Game manufacturers hire playtesters to get feedback on the overall experience of their games and look for issues to fix. Playtesters are gaming professionals who possess an intuitive understanding of every aspect of a game. They are mostly seasoned gamers keen to detect bugs and abnormalities in characters, items, controls, and overall gameplay. Aspiring players should join public beta game testing opportunities and build their portfolios before finding paid opportunities. Read more: 7 Most Hyped Virtual Action Games Releasing in 2025 Joining Gaming Competitions Gaming competitions offer a large amount of money as cash prizes to the players. Skilled gamers can opt for various onsite or online gaming tournaments and win to earn money. Tournaments open opportunities for streamers and content creators to meet famous players and create their presence in the gaming world. Players with a great network can host tournaments and earn money by recruiting sponsors and charging entry fees for participation. Investing in tournaments is also profitable, but you must check the credibility of the organizers first. Creating a Gaming Podcast Hosting gaming podcasts is another money-making option for gamers. Podcasting involves commenting on live gameplay, reviewing new games, sharing personal takes on industry updates, interviewing industry representatives, answering audiences’ questions on live sessions, and entertaining audiences with humour and puns. Read more: Top 7 Gaming Earphones of 2024: Must-Have Picks for Gamers Gaming podcasters monetize their channels by asking for donations, selling gaming-related items, earning ad revenues, and promoting brands. They are often called to host events like game inaugurations and tournaments. Blogging on Gaming Blogging is still a great revenue generator for gamers as it offers several ways to monetize written and video content. Blogging is more like podcasting but in a written format. Game bloggers write reviews on games and related products, the latest industry news, how-to guides, and interviews and regularly post them on their blogs. Blogs are great for running affiliate campaigns, promoting brands and their products, and earning ad revenues. Players who want to start a blog should know how to create, host and maintain a website and reach the target audience's attention through search engine optimization and online marketing. Read more: Top 10 Best Gaming Monitors Released in 2024 Conclusion Making money by playing video games is possible, but it requires dedication and adaptability. You must keep learning new skills and adapt to industry trends to be relatable to audiences and offer them what they want.

YouTube has announced plans to tighten its regulations on misleading titles and thumbnails, commonly known as "clickbait," in India. The platform aims to enhance the user experience by ensuring that content meets the expectations set by its headlines and visuals. This move is part of YouTube's ongoing effort to build a more trustworthy environment for its growing audience, particularly in the realm of news and current events. Starting in the coming months, YouTube will begin enforcing stricter measures targeting videos that feature titles or thumbnails that misrepresent their actual content. For example, a video titled "The President Has Resigned!" that does not discuss such an event would be flagged as "egregious clickbait." Italy fines OpenAI for ChatGPT data privacy violations Similarly, thumbnails promising "Top Political News" that contain no substantial political content will be removed. Clickbait has long been a source of frustration for viewers, who are often lured into clicking on videos only to find content that bears little resemblance to the initial promise. This not only wastes time but also damages trust in the platform, particularly when it involves breaking news or current events. In these cases, the stakes are higher, as people rely on YouTube for timely and accurate information during critical moments. The initiative will be rolled out gradually, giving creators time to adapt to the new rules. Initially, YouTube will focus on removing offending videos without issuing strikes against creators' channels, allowing them to adjust without facing immediate penalties. This approach is designed to educate creators on what constitutes clickbait and to help them align their content with the updated guidelines. RSF urges Apple to scrap AI feature after misleading headline incident One of the driving factors behind this move is the sheer volume of news and current affairs content produced by Indian creators. As YouTube's user base in India continues to expand, the platform seeks to ensure that users are not misled by sensational or false titles and thumbnails. The new policy will prioritise the removal of recent uploads that violate the guidelines, though older content may not be targeted immediately. However, creators are encouraged to review their existing content and make necessary adjustments to avoid future complications. To further assist creators, YouTube will provide educational resources on identifying and avoiding "egregious clickbait." For viewers, this is a welcome development. Misleading titles and thumbnails often leave users feeling tricked and frustrated, and this crackdown is expected to foster a more reliable and user-friendly platform. With these new measures, YouTube hopes to provide a more transparent experience, where viewers can trust that the videos they click on will deliver the content they were promised. Source: India Today

In an era of rapid globalisation and technological advancement, social networking sites such as Facebook and YouTube have become integral to students’ academic and informal learning activities. A recent study published in the Teacher’s World: Journal of Education and Research by Saiful Islam and A B M Najmus Sakib explores how Dhaka University utilised these platforms for educational purposes during the research period from January to December 2022. The findings shed light on the evolving patterns of social media usage among university students in Bangladesh. A recent study published in the Teacher’s World: Journal of Education and Research by Saiful Islam and ABM Najmus Sakib explores how Dhaka University students utilise these platforms for educational purposes. The research, conducted over an extensive period, sheds light on the evolving patterns of social media usage among university students in Bangladesh. Key Findings of the Study The study employed a mixed-method approach, including structured surveys and semi-structured interviews, to gather data from 130 Dhaka University students. The research focuses on the role of Facebook and YouTube in both formal academic studies and informal learning, guided by Social Learning Theory (SLT). Read: Should reform education system to create generation of entrepreneurs: Prof Yunus The theory emphasises learning through observation, imitation, and modeling—a process facilitated by these platforms. Demographic Insights Nearly half of the respondents, both male and female, belong to the age group of 20–22 years. A smaller proportion of students under 20 years (13.1%) and those above 22 years (approximately 40%) were also included. The respondents spanned different educational levels, including undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students, indicating that social media use cuts across all academic tiers. Facebook in Education The study highlights that Facebook plays a crucial role in academic activities, with 92.3% of respondents using it to enhance their studies. Common uses include: · Attending online classes. · Sharing academic materials via Messenger groups. · Providing feedback during live sessions. · Participating in group discussions. Facebook also serves as a hub for collaborative learning, with students uploading and sharing course content and class lecture links. YouTube’s Growing Role While Facebook dominates in academic contexts, YouTube excels in informal learning. About 75.4% of students rely on Facebook for informal study, compared to 79.2% who turn to YouTube. Popular YouTube channels such as 10 Minute School, Farjana Drawing Academy, and 5-Minute Crafts provide content on diverse topics ranging from graphics design and videography to spoken English and health-related tutorials. Read more: Britain keen to invest in Bangladesh’s youth education: UK Deputy High Commissioner Many respondents described YouTube as “the teacher of all teachers,” thanks to its vast repository of free, accessible educational materials. Impact of the Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced the use of social media in education. The study notes that social networking platforms replaced traditional classrooms during lockdowns. Online education became the norm, with students increasingly relying on Facebook and YouTube for coursework, tutorials, and virtual group discussions. This shift underscores the necessity of integrating social media into the formal education system to address future disruptions. Call for Further Research The researchers recommend further sociological studies to analyze the role of other platforms like LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Twitter in educational activities. They also stress the need for a deeper exploration of the long-term effects of social media usage on academic and informal learning. This study highlights the dual role of social media as a tool for formal education and informal learning among the Dhaka University students. As the use patterns of platforms like Facebook and YouTube continue to evolve, their impacts on education in Bangladesh remain profound.

In the digital age, YouTube reigns as a content creation powerhouse, captivating viewers with its diverse array of videos – from vlogs and tutorials to documentaries and skits. As this dynamic platform evolves, creators strive for innovation to captivate their audience. At the heart of a triumphant YouTube video lies its script – the bedrock of engaging storytelling that effectively communicates a video's essence. In today's swiftly shifting landscape, scriptwriting has emerged as a vital skill for YouTube creators aiming to make a lasting impression. What is Scriptwriting?  Scriptwriting is the process of creating a written document that outlines the dialogue, actions, and directions for a video, film, or any other type of visual production. It serves as a blueprint for the production team, including actors, directors, camera operators, and editors, to follow during the filming or creation process. Scriptwriting is necessary to make an effective video because it provides a structured and organised framework for storytelling. A well-written script helps ensure that the video's message, plot, and characters are clearly communicated to the audience. It guides the visual and auditory elements, ensuring a cohesive and engaging final product. Without a script, a video might lack direction, coherence, and impact, making it challenging to convey the intended story or message effectively. Read more: YouTube Video Script Writing: Some Effective Tips and Tricks Essential Skills to Develop a Career as a YouTube Video Scriptwriter To become really good at writing scripts for YouTube videos, there are some important skills you should have. These skills are crucial for making videos that are interesting, informative, and fun. Even though skills like being creative and communicating well are important, let's focus on the specific skills you need. Writing Skills Being great at writing is very important for a YouTube Video Scriptwriter. You need to know how to use words correctly, like grammar, punctuation, and sentences. This helps you develop scripts that are polished and meaningful, so people enjoy watching your videos. Editing Skills A good scriptwriter knows how to make their work better through editing. This means going back over what you wrote and improving it. You check if it makes sense, if it's not too long, and if the ideas flow well. Doing this helps make the script and video more interesting. Read more: YouTube Explainer Videos: Ways to Make Money While Sharing Knowledge Creativity and Storytelling A special skill of a great scriptwriter is being creative. This helps you tell stories that grab people's attention. You can make videos that are captivating and leave a strong impression. Your stories should be engaging and memorable. Video Making Skills Even though you might not make videos yourself, it's good to know how videos are made. This helps you write scripts that work well when they're turned into videos. Knowing about filming, editing, and how videos are put together helps your scripts become great videos. Research Skills Excellent scriptwriters do thorough research. They find accurate information and facts to make the script better. Adding good research makes the content more interesting and reliable for the viewers. Read more: How to Protect Your YouTube Channel from Getting Hacked Knowing the Audience A smart scriptwriter thinks about the people who will watch the video. This helps you write scripts that people will enjoy. When you know what your audience likes, you can make videos that really connect with them. Being Able to Adapt The world of YouTube changes a lot, so a good scriptwriter can change too. You keep up with new trends and what people like. You can write about different things and adjust to what's happening on YouTube. This helps you stay successful over time. How to Learn Scriptwriting Learning to write scripts can be a fulfilling creative pursuit. Here's a step-by-step guide with five detailed subheadings to help you get started. Learning the Basics of Scriptwriting Introduction to Scriptwriting: Familiarise yourself with the concept of scriptwriting. Understand that scripts are blueprints for films, TV shows, plays, and more. Read more: YouTube Affiliate Marketing: Tips to build a successful channel Script Formats: Learn the standard industry formats for different types of scripts, such as screenplays, teleplays, and stage plays. Study the layout, formatting, and conventions used in each format. Exploring Storytelling and Structure Story Elements: Gain a grasp of fundamental storytelling elements like plot, characters, conflict, and theme. Learn how these components work together to create engaging narratives. Three-Act Structure: Study the three-act structure commonly used in screenwriting. Understand the setup, confrontation, and resolution phases of a story, and how they contribute to pacing and tension. Character Development: Learn how to create well-rounded characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and arcs. Understand their role in driving the plot forward. Read more: How to Increase YouTube subscribers for free?

YouTube has become an efficient platform for sharing ideas, entertaining audiences, and educating viewers on various topics. But creating a successful YouTube video involves more than just pressing the record button. A well-crafted script is the backbone of any compelling video, guiding the creator's message and ensuring a coherent and engaging delivery. Let’s take a look into the process of writing an effective YouTube video script that captivates your audience and keeps them coming back for more. Why is Scriptwriting Necessary to Make an Effective Youtube Video? A quality script can do more than just simplify the content creation process. Here are some reasons why aspiring YouTubers should dedicate time to scriptwriting. Enhanced Content Quality A skillfully crafted script enhances the video's quality by ensuring the content's structure is well-arranged and the message is lucid. With a clear plan in place, content creators can allocate more time to developing top-notch visuals, refining edits, and other aspects of video production, all while being confident in the meticulousness of their content. Elevated Engagement Through a solid script, creators can maintain viewer engagement and interest throughout the video, improving viewer retention rates. By pre-planning the content, creators can guarantee an engaging pace and a presentation style that facilitates effortless comprehension and assimilation of information. Read more: YouTube Explainer Videos: Ways to Make Money While Sharing Knowledge Consistency Amplification A proficient script ensures channel content consistency with a recurring series or thematic approach, resulting in a more devoted and engaged viewership. By pre-meditating content, creators can ensure that messaging and content delivery remain in harmony with past videos within the series or aligned with the overarching theme of the channel. Time-Efficient Approach An effective script streamlines the filming process for creators by offering a comprehensive guide to what needs to be captured and when. This contributes to an efficient filming process and empowers creators to generate high-calibre content promptly. Augmented Professionalism A meticulously composed script bestows a sense of professionalism and refinement upon the video, leading to a more favourable overall impression on viewers. By pre-planning content and presenting it coherently and succinctly, creators can demonstrate their commitment to delivering high-value content, ultimately conveying their dedication to producing content of the highest quality. Read more: How to Protect Your YouTube Channel from Getting Hacked Required Competencies to Be an Efficient Script Writer A path in screenwriting might be your destined route. The realm of screenwriting can offer an exhilarating and rewarding career if you possess a genuine passion for it. Discover the key aptitudes that every aspiring screenwriter should cultivate before making your YouTube Videos: Passion A passion for your craft is not only pivotal for any vocation but finds amplified significance in the realm of prospective screenwriters. It can revel in the enchantment of attracting experiences and narratives. Screenwriting entails more than the mechanics of script composition; it is a study of the art form, entailing an authentic appreciation for its nuances. Persistence Crafting an exceptional screenplay is a formidable undertaking. The screenwriter's path is laden with hurdles such as creative impasses, external discouragement, and the shifting tides of genre trends and concepts. Throughout this journey, a screenwriter must surmount these obstacles, defying the forces that seek to thwart their progress and resolutely pursue their aspirations. A solitary "yes" amid a sea of "no's" can prove transformative. Flexibility The life of a YouTube screenwriter demands adaptability across all facets. The writing process, critiques, troubleshooting – each domain necessitates nimbleness. Challenges like technical constraints, availability of sources of elements, and subject material shifts can lead to script-related exigencies. Read more: YouTube Affiliate Marketing: Tips to build a successful channel Notwithstanding these upheavals, the ultimate objective remains consistent: delivering impeccable content. You can transcend these challenges by persevering, embracing feedback, harnessing your vision, and exercising patience. Cultivating this flexibility is paramount. Knowledge A substantial component of this endeavour is immersing yourself in script reading. By engaging with scripts, you absorb the language of screenwriting, grasp distinct attributes and structures, and enhance your craft. Fully immerse yourself in the realm of screenwriting. Attend workshops and seminars, devour literature, devour podcasts, and engage with video content. Every nugget of insight is invaluable, and its relevance might emerge unexpectedly in the future. Consistency Consistency reigns supreme in the realm of content creation. As a wordsmith, you'll grapple with deadlines and time-sensitive obligations. The temporal canvas might range from ample expanses to brief windows. Regardless, punctuality in submission is non-negotiable. Read more: Best Educational YouTube Channels for Children Numerous techniques and tools, aiding organisation and surmounting creative blocks, await your utilisation as deadlines approach. Nurturing a reputation of dependability is indispensable; hone the skill of preemptively tackling deadlines to prepare for future challenges. Perpetual Writing The process is familiar: a surge of inspiration births a captivating concept, only to encounter an obstacle that halts your progress. Perplexity prevails, leading you to abandon the endeavour. This cycle, though understandable, should not be a reason to cease your efforts. Perfection eludes every initial draft; refinement and repetition are constants. Establishing daily page quotas, like completing five pages each day can help. Interjecting breaks during writing to recharge your mental faculties will also work on your behalf. The next time your creative flow falters, remember that even the most remarkable screenplay you've encountered embarked on its journey as a less-than-stellar initial draft. Read more: How to Increase YouTube subscribers for free

The internet has transformed the ways of sharing information and knowledge in the digital age. Among the many platforms to share ideas and expertise, YouTube stands out as a platform with vast potential for creators and viewers. YouTube offers content creators the opportunity to make money through its Partner Program, where they can earn revenue from their videos based on views and engagement. One popular format for content creation on YouTube is the explainer video, which allows creators to share knowledge and monetize their content. In this article, we will delve into the world of YouTube explainer videos, the skills necessary to create them, and the earning potential for content creators. What is an Explainer Video?  An explainer video is a short, engaging, and informative piece of content that aims to explain a specific topic or concept to the audience in a clear and concise manner. These videos can cover a wide range of subjects, from educational tutorials and product demonstrations to explanations of complex ideas and processes. The primary goal of an explainer video is to simplify complicated information and present it in a way that is easy for viewers to comprehend and retain. Explainer videos often utilize a combination of visuals, animations, voiceover narration, and sometimes background music to convey the message effectively. The visuals help to reinforce the content, making it visually appealing and engaging. By breaking down complex ideas into bite-sized pieces, explainer videos have become a popular tool for teaching, marketing, and communication across various industries. Read more: How to Protect Your YouTube Channel from Getting Hacked What Skills are Necessary to Make an Explainer Video? Creating an effective explainer video requires a combination of technical expertise, creativity, and communication skills. Let's take a closer look at the essential skills necessary to produce compelling explainer videos: Scriptwriting A well-crafted script forms the foundation of any explainer video. The script should be concise, engaging, and tailored to the target audience. It should communicate the key points clearly and effectively while maintaining a consistent tone throughout the video. Storyboarding Before jumping into animation or recording, it's crucial to create a storyboard that outlines the visual elements of the video. A storyboard serves as a roadmap, guiding the creator through each scene and ensuring a smooth flow of information. Video Editing Proficiency in video editing software is essential for assembling the visual and audio components of the explainer video. Editors can enhance the video's quality, add animations, incorporate graphics, and synchronize the narration to create a polished final product. Readmore: Top 10 Free Video Editing Apps for iOS, Android Animation and Design Depending on the style of the explainer video, animation skills might be necessary. Animators can bring static elements to life, making the content more engaging and captivating. Design skills also come into play when creating visually appealing graphics and illustrations. Voiceover Narration A clear and pleasant voiceover is essential to convey the message effectively. Content creators can either narrate the video themselves or hire a professional voice actor with suitable vocal qualities for the target audience. Knowledge of Target Audience Understanding the target audience is crucial for tailoring the content to their needs and preferences. A successful explainer video must resonate with the intended viewers, addressing their pain points and providing valuable insights. SEO and YouTube Algorithm To maximize reach and potential earnings, creators should be familiar with search engine optimization (SEO) techniques. Optimizing video titles, descriptions, tags, and thumbnails can significantly impact discoverability on YouTube's platform. Read more: Why is Local SEO Important for Small Businesses in Bangladesh? Engagement and Call-to-Action  Encouraging audience engagement through likes, comments, and shares is vital for YouTube's algorithm. Additionally, including a compelling call-to-action (CTA) can prompt viewers to subscribe, follow, or visit external websites.

A new report by Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism suggests that Facebook is becoming significantly less important as a source of news. The report titled “Digital News Report -2023” found that only 28% of people surveyed accessed news through Facebook in 2023, compared to 42% in 2016.  The figures were based on interviews with some 94,000 people across 46 countries, conducted for the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, part of Britain's University of Oxford. “Facebook remains one of the most-used social networks overall, but its influence on journalism is declining as it shifts its focus away from news,” Lead author Nic Newman said in a press release. Also read: CNN head Chris Licht is out at the global news network after a brief, tumultuous tenure Newman highlighted that Facebook now faces new challenges from established networks such as YouTube and vibrant youth-focused networks such as TikTok. “The Chinese-owned social network reaches 44% of 18–24s across markets and 20% for news. It is growing fastest in parts of Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America,” he said. Meanwhile, the report found that influencers and celebrities are increasingly taking over from journalists as the main source of news for young people across almost all social media platforms except for Twitter and Facebook. A new report by Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism suggests that Facebook is becoming significantly less important as a source of news. Also read: Lack of transparency exposes Bangladeshi news sites to disinformation risks: new report The report titled “Digital News Report -2023” found that only 28% of people surveyed accessed news through Facebook in 2023, compared to 42% in 2016.  The figures were based on interviews with some 94,000 people across 46 countries, conducted for the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, part of Britain's University of Oxford. “Facebook remains one of the most-used social networks overall, but its influence on journalism is declining as it shifts its focus away from news,” Lead author Nic Newman said in a press release. Newman highlighted that Facebook now faces new challenges from established networks such as YouTube and vibrant youth-focused networks such as TikTok. Also read: Trial begins in case against Fox News for false election claims “The Chinese-owned social network reaches 44% of 18–24s across markets and 20% for news. It is growing fastest in parts of Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America,” he said. Meanwhile, the report found that influencers and celebrities are increasingly taking over from journalists as the main source of news for young people across almost all social media platforms except for Twitter and Facebook. According to the report, 55 percent of TikTok and Snapchat users and 52 percent of Instagram users get their news from "personalities" — compared to 33 percent of Tiktok, 36 percent of Snapchat and 42 percent of Instagram users who get it from mainstream media and journalists on those platforms, which are most popular among the young.  “We find that, while mainstream journalists often lead conversations around news in Twitter and Facebook, they struggle to get attention in newer networks like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, where personalities, influencers, and ordinary people are often more prominent, even when it comes to conversations around news,” Newman said. Also read: Tucker Carlson leaves Fox News  Trust and interest in news Among other indicators, the news industry has seen a sharp decline in terms of trust and interest. According to the report, trust in the news has fallen across markets by further 2-percentage points in the last year, reversing in many countries the gains made at the height of the pandemic. “On average, 40% of our sample say they trust most news most of the time,” the lead author of the report said. Meanwhile, around 36% of the interviewees said they actively avoided the news sometimes or often, seven points above the figure in 2017 but two points lower than last year. Read more: Journalism award to recognize outstanding reporting on Bangladesh-China trade, investment ties In interviews, many said that news stories are too repetitive or too “emotionally draining”. According to the report, 55 percent of TikTok and Snapchat users and 52 percent of Instagram users get their news from "personalities" — compared to 33 percent of Tiktok, 36 percent of Snapchat and 42 percent of Instagram users who get it from mainstream media and journalists on those platforms, which are most popular among the young.  “We find that, while mainstream journalists often lead conversations around news in Twitter and Facebook, they struggle to get attention in newer networks like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, where personalities, influencers, and ordinary people are often more prominent, even when it comes to conversations around news,” Newman said. Trust and interest in news Among other indicators, the news industry has seen a sharp decline in terms of trust and interest. Read more: Women’s participation in journalism still very low: Dialogue According to the report, trust in the news has fallen across markets by further 2-percentage points in the last year, reversing in many countries the gains made at the height of the pandemic. “On average, 40% of our sample say they trust most news most of the time,” the lead author of the report said. Meanwhile, around 36% of the interviewees said they actively avoided the news sometimes or often, seven points above the figure in 2017 but two points lower than last year. In interviews, many said that news stories are too repetitive or too “emotionally draining”. Read more: Russian House lauds growing presence of online journalism in Bangladesh

Nowadays, millions of people around the world create YouTube channels and publish videos for diverse purposes like recreation, knowledge-sharing, experience-sharing, brand promotion, and earning. Hackers target successful channels which may waste the time, passion, and hard work of talented YouTubers. However, YouTube channels can be protected from hackers, by following a few simple steps. Let’s find out the ways to ensure a YouTube channel’s security. 14 Effective Tips to Protect YouTube Channel’s Security and Prevent Hacking Create Dedicated Google Accounts Multiple YouTube channels can be created using one Google account. Though it saves time, it is the least secure way to manage multiple YouTube channels. If a hacker gains access to that specific Google account, all YouTube channels connected to that account may get hacked. Therefore, it is recommended to create a separate Google account for each YouTube channel to prevent hacking. Opening a YouTube channel with one’s regular Google account can be risky too. However, if someone’s YouTube channel is created using his or her regular Google ID, then it would be wise to switch the YouTube channel to a separate Google account. Read More: Somoy TV regains control of YouTube channel after it got hacked Keep the email ID Private Many people have a tendency to use the same email address for several related online business accounts. For instance, many Youtube channel owners create business-related accounts with the same Gmail IDs that have been used to create their primary YouTube channels. This practice enhances the risks of hacking. When one uses an email address on any other website, there is a high risk of a breach of privacy and security. As hackers may attempt to access the email address, the Google account may be in danger. Having said that, a YouTube channel owner or manager should never divulge the email address (which is used to manage a YouTube account) to anyone or anywhere. Set a Strong Password There is a great chance of being hacked if one uses the same password across multiple apps, websites, and online platforms. A hacker can access someone’s Google account by obtaining the password from a less secure website where the user has previously applied it. Read More: YouTube Affiliate Marketing: Tips to build a successful channel One should use different passwords for each website one registers with and each account one creates. A unique and strong password needs to be created while opening a new channel under a dedicated Google account. The passwords should be stored somewhere safe; it can be saved in memory or documents. Under no circumstances, the password should be shared with anyone else or reused again. To assure security to a higher level, encryption programs can be used to encrypt the password and save it safely digitally. To decode the password from its encrypted form, all it needs is to remember the decrypt private key. Only the Google account’s real owner can interpret the original password because it is encrypted with a secret key. Use Password Managers Carefully Password managers can store passwords safely in one place. However, relying on password manager apps blindly can be risky. Not every password manager app or tool is secured. Still, today, storing passwords offline is the best way to preserve a YouTube channel's Google account password safely.  Read More: How to Increase YouTube subscribers for free If the YouTube account’s manager wants to sync and store across multiple devices, the Google Password Manager can be used. This default feature of Chrome browser has lots of facilities. Chrome Password Manager notifies the account holder if any password gets compromised. Furthermore, offline passwords can be imported into Google Password Manager. Before using a third-party password manager, don’t forget to check reviews in different forums, and communities about any security breach news. Change Account Password Regularly It is crucial to routinely change the passwords of Google accounts. There is always a danger that one’s credentials can be exposed online or on the dark web. If someone uses the same password for a very long time and it is accidentally disclosed online, he or she may not find time or scope to protect the Google account and YouTube channel from hacking. Read More: Best YouTube Channels to Learn English One can create their own highly safe password using a combination of numbers, symbols, small letters, and capital letters. Different apps and software can be used to generate strong and secure passwords randomly.  Use Two Factor Authentication Two-factor authentication (2FA) is the top-level protection one can give to one’s Google account apart from the password. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google (Alphabet Inc.), has recently revealed his trust in 2FA as the best measure to protect his accounts. If someone’s YouTube channel’s dedicated Google account is not secured with a 2FA, it is high time for the channel owner to enable it. One can easily step up the Google account security with the Authenticator app from Google. It’s recommended to use a dedicated app and not your mobile number for 2FA. Hackers might clone your SIM card and get access to your 2FA codes if they already have access to your password. Read More: Top YouTube Movie Channels to Watch Full Length Movies Online Free When 2FA is enabled on a Google account, for every signing attempt, the system will verify the confirmation code sent on the account owner’s primary phone. Thus, hackers will fail to hack that Google account even if they somehow get the password.