YouTube has announced several updates to YouTube Shorts, aimed at enhancing both creation and engagement for Shorts creators and viewers.
A summary of the key updates, which are set to roll out starting October 15, 2024:
1. Longer Shorts: Up to 3 Minutes
Creators can now upload Shorts up to 3 minutes long, allowing for more in-depth storytelling. This was a highly requested feature, and it applies to square or vertical videos. Shorts uploaded before October 15 will remain unaffected.
2. Improved Shorts Player
The Shorts player has been streamlined, placing more focus on creators’ content. It improves viewer engagement by making the content the main focal point.
3. New Templates for Remixing
Creators can easily recreate popular Shorts with templates. By tapping “Remix” on a Short, users can select “Use this template” to customize their own version, using matching sounds and trends.
4. Remixing from All of YouTube
In the coming months, creators will be able to remix content from across YouTube directly in their Shorts. This will include clips from regular videos, music videos, and more, even allowing users to combine multiple clips.
5. Integration with Google DeepMind’s Veo
Later this year, Shorts creators will have access to Google DeepMind’s Veo, enabling them to add advanced video backgrounds and unique, AI-generated clips to their Shorts.
6. Shorts Trends Page
A new Shorts trends page is being introduced on mobile. It will allow users to discover and engage with trending Shorts in their region and stay up-to-date with what’s popular.
7. Comments Preview in the Shorts Feed
Users will soon be able to preview comments directly from the Shorts feed before diving into the comments section, giving viewers a quick glance at what people are saying.
8. Feed Customization: “Show Fewer Shorts”
Viewers will have the option to show fewer Shorts in their Home feed. By selecting this option from the three-dot menu on any Shorts grid, users can temporarily reduce the number of Shorts shown in their feed.
These updates aim to give creators more creative flexibility and help fans discover and engage more effectively with Shorts content.
