As YouTube Shorts intensifies its competition with TikTok, the platform has announced several forthcoming features aimed at assisting creators in producing engaging short-form videos.
Creators will soon have access to an upgraded video editor, the ability to create AI-generated stickers, a feature that synchronizes content with the beat of a song, enhanced templates, and additional tools.
These tools are being introduced shortly before the April 5 deadline for a potential TikTok ban. In light of this timing, YouTube is likely attempting to attract creators to its platform, anticipating the void TikTok’s absence might leave if banned in the United States.
YouTube indicates that the updated video editor will enable users to easily adjust the timing of clips, move or remove them to create a preliminary version, add music or timed text, and preview their Short to ensure it aligns with their intended narrative. Additional editing updates are planned for release in the future.
The company has highlighted that an enhanced video editor has been a primary request from Shorts creators. Given TikTok’s well-regarded editing tools, it is logical for YouTube to provide its users with similar capabilities. Moreover, this release is significant as Meta is reportedly close to launching an app called “Edits,” designed to compete with ByteDance’s CapCut.
Regarding the new AI Stickers, creators will have the ability to generate custom stickers based on simple text prompts. In an example provided by YouTube, a user might create an AI sticker depicting “a strong plant with muscles.”
YouTube Shorts also plans to introduce functionality for creators to add image stickers to their videos. For instance, creators will be able to share outfit inspiration options by uploading photos from their camera roll and converting them into image stickers.
Additionally, creators will soon be able to select a song and have their clips automatically aligned with the music’s rhythm, eliminating the need for manual synchronization. This feature is akin to CapCut’s “Beats” tool, which synchronizes music with clips automatically.
Furthermore, YouTube intends to enhance templates, allowing users to integrate photos from their gallery and apply them within templates. The company also plans to incorporate effects into templates. Considering the popularity of effects on TikTok, it is logical for YouTube Shorts to explore similar options, as they can sometimes spark trends.
These new features are expected to become available in the coming months.
