Video streaming service YouTube has announced a series of updates to the “Shorts” feature, the platform’s answer to TikTok, for both viewers and video creators. In case you’re unaware, these are the short-form videos in portrait format, as opposed to the longer landscape videos where the platform made its name.
The big change is to the maximum length of shorts. Until now, the limit has been just one minute, but this will be extended to three minutes. It’ll likely be a welcome change for creators, though TikTok lets you create videos up to 10 minutes long.
Elsewhere, YouTube is simplifying the design of the Shorts player, making it easier to concentrate on the content. This is important, given you may end up staying on the page much longer.
YouTube’s mobile app will also have a new Shorts trends tab to help you keep up with the latest happenings.
The video platform is also launching a new features for those who aren’t fans of Shorts. If you prefer regular longer YouTube videos, you can choose to activate the “Show fewer Shorts” setting and receive fewer Shorts recommendations in the app.
As mentioned in the official YouTube blog post, these changes will be added on 15 October, so you don’t have long to wait.
