YouTube Shorts will soon let you post 3-minute long videos
YouTube has announced significant updates to its short video platform, YouTube Shorts. Starting October 15, creators will be able to upload videos up to three minutes long, a feature that was highly requested by users. This move is seen as an attempt to compete with TikTok, which currently allows videos as long as 10 minutes and has steadily increased the limit over the years.
YouTube Shorts introduces template feature for creators
In addition to the extended video length, YouTube is introducing a template feature for Shorts. This new tool allows creators to replicate the format of other Shorts, and align their clips with trending sounds extracted from different videos. The template feature aims to simplify the process of catching up with trends or mimicking another user's editing choices.
YouTube's template feature: A response to TikTok and Instagram Reels
The introduction of the template feature by YouTube is seen as a response to similar features on TikTok and Instagram Reels. On these platforms, users can choose from pre-set video styles and modify their clips based on personal preferences. Instagram Reels also offers a template feature that enables creators to copy editing choices with just a few clicks.
YouTube's efforts to promote Shorts as a TikTok alternative
YouTube has been actively promoting Shorts as an alternative to TikTok by introducing similar features and financially supporting creators. The company also recognizes that some users prefer less short-form content and more traditional long-form videos. To address this, YouTube is adding a "show fewer Shorts" option that will temporarily reduce the number of Shorts videos in a user's home feed.
