Youtube

1. Autoplay Manipulation

Videos automatically start playing next content when one ends
Making autoplay opt-out rather than opt-in
Countdown timer to next video creates urgency to stay engaged
Autoplaying videos in search results and homepage when hovering

2. Infinite Scroll and Content Loop

Endless feed of recommended videos that continuously loads
"Short-form" vertical video feed designed for endless swiping
Home page that dynamically updates with new content to keep users scrolling
Related videos that lead users down increasingly engaging content paths

3. Notification Pressure

Aggressive prompts to enable notifications
Multiple reminders to subscribe to channels
"Bell icon" manipulation with various notification levels
Pop-ups about missing out on new content from subscribed channels

4. Premium Features Gatekeeping

Increasing frequency of ads to push Premium subscriptions
Restricting background play to Premium users
Bundling ad-free viewing with features like downloads
Making Premium trials prominent while hiding cancellation terms

5. Algorithm Exploitation

Recommending progressively more extreme content to increase engagement
Prioritizing watch time over user-stated preferences
Using clickbait thumbnails and titles in recommendations
Emphasizing content that keeps users watching longer regardless of quality

6. Time Sink Mechanisms

Hiding video duration until hover/click on mobile
Making it harder to track total time spent watching
Removing features that helped users limit viewing time
"Watch Later" lists that encourage longer future sessions

7. Data Collection Patterns

Making privacy settings complex and hard to find
Defaulting to data collection for personalization
Linking YouTube activity with broader Google ecosystem
Using watch history to create engagement loops

8. Social Pressure Tactics

Showing real-time viewer counts
Emphasizing likes and engagement metrics
Creating FOMO through "Trending" and "Popular right now" sections
Using community features to increase platform stickiness

9. Mobile App Manipulation

Making browser experience inferior to force app installation
Pushing mobile notifications even when web notifications are denied
Requiring app for certain features like downloads
Making picture-in-picture harder to use in browser

10. Content Creator Pressure

Algorithmic pressure to post frequently
Metrics visibility creating anxiety
Monetization rules that encourage longer videos
Engagement-based recommendations that favor sensational content