The absence of a comment section on YouTube’s mobile platform refers to a deliberate design choice by content creators or YouTube itself to disable or hide user-generated feedback on videos viewed via mobile devices. This means that viewers accessing content through their smartphones or tablets will not be able to see comments left by other users, nor will they be able to post their own. A practical example is a tutorial video where the creator prefers users to focus solely on the instructions provided, without being distracted by potentially irrelevant or off-topic discussions.
Disabling comments offers several advantages. For content creators, it can mitigate the time and effort required for moderation, reduce the risk of negativity or harmful content, and maintain a specific tone or focus for the audience. Historically, comment sections have presented challenges in managing spam, hate speech, and unproductive discussions. By removing this feature, a cleaner, more controlled viewing experience is provided, which may be particularly beneficial for educational content or videos aimed at younger audiences. The practice can also foster a sense of community defined by the content creator’s direct communication, instead of relying on peer-to-peer interaction within the comments section.