YouTube Unveils New TikTok-Like Features for Shorts, Including Collaborations and Q&A Stickers
With a surge in Shorts viewership on YouTube, is taking on TikTok head-to-head by introducing a host of TikTok-like features for its Shorts, bringing the two platforms closer in functionality and appeal.
Firstly, YouTube is rolling out the 'Collab' feature, allowing users to record Shorts in a side-by-side format with other YouTube or Shorts videos. This format closely resembles TikTok's 'Duet' feature, which has gained popularity among creators as a way to respond to other users' posts. While YouTube previously offered audio remix options for Shorts, this move signifies a more profound commitment to the short-form video trend, integrating more TikTok-inspired tools to challenge the app's dominance.
According to YouTube, creators will have the flexibility to choose from multiple layout options for seamless split-screen collaboration. To remix an eligible Short or YouTube video, creators can simply hit 'Remix' and then 'Collab'.
In addition to the 'Collab' feature, YouTube is also introducing the Q&A sticker, enabling creators to prompt direct responses from viewers within the Shorts stream. This feature mirrors what is already available on both TikTok and Instagram, enhancing engagement and interaction between creators and their audiences.
Furthermore, YouTube is adopting a vertical live-streaming display format, much like TikTok's live content. Viewers in the test phase will encounter previews of vertical live videos integrated into the Shorts feed. Upon tapping into the experience, they'll be directed to a scrollable feed of other live videos.
To simplify Shorts creation, YouTube is adding new shortcuts that link viewers directly to the camera composer with the audio and/or effects from the Short they were watching, enabling them to use it as a template. This functionality is reminiscent of similar features on Instagram and TikTok, providing users with a convenient way to tap into trends and respond to clips in-stream.
YouTube now allows users to save Shorts to playlists directly on the platform, making it easier to keep track of desired Shorts content for later viewing. The platform is also testing 'recomposition tools,' empowering creators to transform their horizontal videos into Shorts clips effortlessly.
While some may see these moves as YouTube's emulation of TikTok, the popularity of short-form videos makes this integration a welcome development. For creators, building a presence on Shorts can lead to a larger following with longer-form content on the platform, which can be more effectively monetised, potentially providing a better pathway to revenue success.
Monetising short-form content can be challenging, as seen on TikTok, where in-stream shopping has been introduced to supplement creator incomes. With YouTube now offering similar features, creators may find even more value in the platform. Considering that Shorts is now being watched by over 2 billion YouTube users every month, interest in the format rivals YouTube and Instagram, presenting an excellent opportunity to reach a vast and engaged audience.