YouTube Shorts has been facing competition from Instagram Reels and TikTok, and users have noticed a gap in engagement, collaboration, and new features.
To address this, Google recently announced new features that aim to level the playing field and enhance the YouTube Shorts experience.
One of the new features is “Collabs,” which allows creators to record Shorts in a side-by-side format with other YouTube or Shorts videos. Similar to TikTok Duets or Reels Remixes, Collabs promote collaboration between different creators, making Shorts more engaging and interactive.
Another addition is “Remix suggestions,” where users can pause a Short, select Remix > Use Sound, and incorporate the sampled sound and visuals into their own videos. This feature provides a creative way to use existing content and foster collaboration among creators.
Google is also testing a TikTok-inspired feature that enables users to respond to comments directly with a video. Additionally, a new Q&A sticker allows creators to ask questions during their videos, encouraging viewers to respond in the comments.
YouTube Shorts is expanding its offerings with vertical live-streamed videos, giving creators more opportunities to profit from Super Chat donations and memberships. While live streams may not be traditionally “short,” this feature adds another layer of engagement for viewers and creators alike.
Furthermore, YouTube Shorts will soon introduce new recomposition tools that make it easier for creators to transform horizontal videos into Shorts. This unique perk allows creators to repurpose old YouTube videos and adapt them to the Shorts format, enhancing the diversity of content available on the platform.
With these exciting updates rolling out in the coming weeks, YouTube Shorts aims to become more competitive, collaborative, and engaging, providing a compelling platform for creators to showcase their talent and reach a broader audience.
