YouTube wants to make it easier for content creators to tap into Shorts’ two-billion monthly users, so it has introduced six new ways to create videos on the platform.

First, creators can now take advantage of a new ‘Collab’ feature that lets you record a Short side-by-side with other YouTube or Shorts videos, which is a copy of TikTok’s very popular ‘Duet’ feature. To access the feature, select ‘Remix’ then ‘Collab’.

Of course, this is an option that could be good for engagement and reach across the platform, and allow for partnerships in which an influencer uses the format to ‘Collab’ with a brand.

Jazzed up effects

Creators can now experiment with new effects and stickers to help inspire content. Now, users can ask their audience questions and get responses in the comments via the Q&A sticker. Users can also reply to a comment with a Short, which is a popular tactic on TikTok to boost engagement – plus it’s a handy way of crowdsourcing your next video. TikTok and Instagram both have this option, so it would be an easy task to mirror content across all three platforms.

Vertical live-streaming is now a thing, too. Viewers will see live videos mixed into the Shorts feed, and YouTube says this could be a good opportunity for creators to boost discovery.

Sarah Ali, Senior Director of Product Management, YouTube Shorts, Creation & Community

“We hope that this helps creators connect live with a new audience and build their communities in a modern and fun way, from wherever they are in the world. Creators can go live in just a few taps – just make sure it’s vertical orientation! – and features like Super Chat, Super Stickers, and channel memberships will be available, too.”

Streamlined creation process

Shorts creation is about to get easier, too, as now audio and effect shortcuts will link a viewer through to the camera composure with the effects you’ve just seen applied. Features like this are handy for marketers keen on tapping into the latest trends, or responding to comments. It will also streamline the creative process, putting more time back in the hands of marketers.

“From the Shorts player, tap the Remix button and select “use sound.” We’ll automatically surface the same audio time stamp from the Short you just watched, and the same effect as a creation suggestion. You can always mix and match to make it your own, too!”

Marketers can also save Shorts to a playlist to which you can return whenever you need inspiration for the next video, which will be a handy feature to have as you start to look into building up a library of Shorts.

Finally, editing is about to get a whole load easier as YouTube is testing tools that’ll let you take horizontal video and turn them vertical – among other things. Anyone who has tried to turn that old horizontal footage into a sleek, snazzy vertical video will understand the pain this can bring – and should welcome this news with open arms.

“Once you choose a video to remix, you’ll be able to adjust the layout, zoom, and crop of the video segment. Split screen effects will also be available, so you can preserve key parts of your long-form content to create more engaging, original Shorts.”

Changes with the long-term in mind

Having extra tools available on YouTube to make Shorts creation easier than ever could be valuable, especially as over two billion users watch them each month. Building a successful Shorts account could also be a gateway to success with full-length, horizontal videos on the main YouTube site – which is by far and away the best way to monetise video.

For brands, that could lead to more exposure and potential for engagement with customers – and that is never a bad thing.