YouTube Shorts Releases New Features to Compete with TikTok
By Movieguide® Contributor
As competition in short-form content heats up, YouTube Shorts has released new features that create an experience similar to TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Released only two years ago, YouTube Shorts has quickly become a major competitor in short-form content. Last month, Google revealed that 2 billion logged-in users watch Shorts every month, and the company is only getting started.
To further enable creators on their platform, YouTube is adding new tools for remixing, adding effects and stickers and improving the vertical live stream experience.
One of TikTok’s most popular features is the “duet” ability which allows creators to film a video next to another TikTok. YouTube now features this tool on its site as a “collab.”
The collab feature will allow creators to record a Short alongside other YouTube or Shorts videos. This feature will include editing tools like Green Screen, which uses another video or Short as the background, and Cut, which lets a creator snip a one to five-second clip from another video or Short and place it in their own.
YouTube is also taking inspiration from Instagram Reels with a new Q&A sticker that lets creators ask their audience questions and get responses in the comments. The feature allows users to create a video response to comments and continue the conversation.
Creators who wish to vertical live stream will also get a major boost as YouTube will now insert their live streams on the Shorts tab. If a user taps onto a vertical live stream, they will be placed into a feed of live videos.
To support more creators, YouTube is also reducing the eligibility requirements to join the YouTube Partner Program, allowing more live video creators to earn money from the platform.
YouTube also revealed a new feature they plan to implement soon called “recomposition,” allowing creators to turn horizontal videos into Shorts. This tool will allow creators to adjust the layout of videos, zoom and crop a segment and use the new split screen elements.
Movieguide® previously reported:
The Wall Street Journal reported that YouTube is debuting a new feature, “YouTube Playables,” that will offer users simple games like the ones featured on Facebook.
For example, in “Stack Bounce,” players break bricks. The game can be played on the mobile app, as well as in a browser.
The WSJ’s report came after the outlet obtained an email detailing this new project, but YouTube has declined to comment on Playables.
“Gaming has long been a focus at YouTube,” a spokesperson for the company said. “We’re always experimenting with new features, but have nothing to announce right now.”
