YouTube maintains a record of viewed videos and search queries for each account. This record, referred to as viewing history and search history, influences recommendations and allows users to retrace previously accessed content. For example, if a user frequently watches videos about cooking, YouTube’s algorithms will suggest similar content based on this viewing history.
The ability to manage and understand the visibility of this data is crucial for maintaining privacy and controlling the content displayed on the platform. Historically, privacy settings on YouTube have evolved, reflecting changing user expectations and regulatory landscapes concerning data collection and user autonomy. A clear understanding of current settings provides users with greater control over their online experience.