As creators, we’re always on the lookout for new ways to reach more people. One of the best ways to do that is by making sure our content can be enjoyed in multiple languages. Recently, YouTube launched a feature called Multi-Language Audio (MLA) to help us do exactly that. But just like any new tool, it has both good points and drawbacks. Let’s break them down so you can decide if MLA is right for your channel.

Pros of YouTube’s MLA

• Easy Comment Management: All comments come together under one video, no matter which language viewers choose. That means you only have one spot to check when you want to reply to your fans, making interaction a whole lot simpler.
• One Unified Community: Instead of spreading your audience across separate channels, MLA lets you build a single, diverse audience in one place. This often leads to more engaging discussions and a stronger sense of community among your viewers.
• Simplified Analytics: When all your views are on one video, it’s easier to measure performance and see how viewers engage with your content. You won’t have to juggle data from multiple videos or channels.

Cons of YouTube’s MLA

• Limited Customization: Right now, you can’t tailor thumbnails, channel metadata, or in-video elements for different languages. This might make your content feel less welcoming to people who speak languages other than English.
• Limited Availability: MLA isn’t available to everyone yet. YouTube is rolling it out gradually, so you might have to wait before you can try it out.
• Less Detailed Analytics: At the moment, MLA’s analytics aren’t as in-depth as what you’d get if you created a separate channel for each language.

Note on Multi-Language Channels

If you decide to set up separate channels for different languages, make sure you reach out to YouTube to let them know your channels aren’t duplicates. This can help avoid any potential confusion or penalties.

Ditto’s Take

Considering these pros and cons, we usually suggest creating separate channels for different languages—unless your content won’t be held back by MLA’s limitations. At Ditto, our mission is to make managing multi-language channels hassle-free, with features like channel editing, metadata translation, and lots more on the way. And if YouTube eventually upgrades MLA to be more flexible, we’ll help you switch to a single channel without a hitch.

Conclusion

YouTube’s MLA feature is definitely a move in the right direction, but it’s not perfect for everyone just yet. In the meantime, Ditto provides an easy workaround for anyone looking to share content in multiple languages. Stay informed and pick the strategy that makes the most sense for you. After all, there’s a whole world out there waiting to hear what you have to say—don’t let language stand in the way.