YouTube Shorts is a short-form video platform that was launched in 2020 as a way for YouTube to compete with TikTok. Since its launch, Shorts has grown rapidly, and it now has over 1.5 billion monthly active users.
In an effort to keep up with TikTok, YouTube has been adding new features to Shorts on a regular basis. These features include the ability to create live videos, remix other videos, and use audio from other videos. YouTube has also lowered the eligibility requirements for the YouTube Partner Program, which allows creators to earn money from their Shorts videos.
So, is YouTube Shorts the TikTok killer? It’s still too early to say for sure. However, YouTube is clearly making a concerted effort to make Shorts a success.The platform has the potential to be a major player in the shortform video market, and it will be interesting to see how it evolves in the coming months.
The new features that YouTube has added to Shorts
- Live videos: YouTube is experimenting with adding previews of live videos to users’ feeds of Shorts. This is similar to the way TikTok live videos appear, and it could help creators find a new audience with Shorts.
- New tools for making Shorts videos: YouTube is testing new tools that make it easier to create shortform videos from horizontal YouTube clips. These tools include the ability to zoom and crop the original video.
- A new suggestions feature: Shorts creators will also get a new suggestions feature that pulls the audio clip and effect used in a video they want to recreate. This is similar to features on TikTok and Meta’s Reels, and it could help creators find new ideas for their videos.
- The ability to record a video side by side with another clip: YouTube is adding the ability to record a video side by side with another clip, similar to the TikTok feature Duet. This feature, called Collab, will include multiple layouts, and creators will be able to use it on Shorts and normal YouTube videos.
In addition to these new features, YouTube is also making some changes to the way Shorts are discovered and recommended. For example, Shorts will now appear in the YouTube homepage and in the search results.
YouTube is also testing a new way to recommend Shorts based on the videos that users have already watched.These changes are designed to make it easier for users to find and watch Shorts. YouTube is hoping that this will help to attract more users to the platform and boost engagement with Shorts.
What does the future hold for YouTube Shorts?
It’s still too early to say for sure. However, there are a number of factors that could help Shorts succeed. First, YouTube has a massive user base, which could give Shorts a significant advantage over other short-form video platforms. Second, YouTube has a strong brand reputation, which could make it more appealing to creators and users. Third, YouTube is constantly adding new features to Shorts, which could help to keep the platform fresh and engaging.
Of course, there are also some challenges that Shorts will need to overcome. For example, TikTok is still the dominant player in the short-form video market, and it will be difficult for Shorts to catch up. Additionally, Shorts will need to find a way to differentiate itself from TikTok in order to attract users.
Overall, the future of YouTube Shorts is uncertain. However, there are a number of factors that could help the platform succeed. It will be interesting to see how Shorts evolves in the coming months and years.