As YouTube Shorts continues to compete with TikTok, the platform is announcing new upcoming features to help creators publish engaging short-form videos.
Creators will get access to an improved video editor, the ability to generate AI stickers, a feature that syncs content to the beat of a song, enhanced templates, and more.
The launch of the new tools comes just days before the April 5 TikTok ban deadline. Given the timing of the announcement, YouTube is likely looking to court creators to its platform and capitalize on the potential void left by TikTok if it faces a ban in the United States.
YouTube says the new and improved video editor will allow users to easily adjust the timing of each clip, move or remove clips to create a rough version, add music or timed text, and preview their Short to make sure it tells the story the way they want it to. YouTube plans to roll out additional editing updates in the future.
The company notes that an improved video editor has been a top request from Shorts creators.
TikTok is known for having robust editing tools, so it makes sense for YouTube to give its creators access to more of the same tools. Plus, the launch of the improved video editor is significant, as Meta is said to be weeks away from releasing an “Edits” app that purportedly rivals ByteDance’s CapCut.
As for the new AI Stickers, creators will be able to generate custom stickers using a simple text prompt. In an example shared by YouTube, a user can generate an AI sticker of “a strong plant with muscles.”
YouTube Shorts will also roll out the ability for creators to add image stickers to their videos. For example, creators will be able to share different options for outfit inspiration by uploading photos from their camera roll and turning them into image stickers.
In addition, creators will soon be able to pick a song and have their clips automatically aligned with the music’s rhythm. Before this, creators would have had to manually sync clips to songs.
The feature appears to be similar to CapCut’s “Beats” tool, which automatically syncs music to clips.
YouTube is also going to improve templates, as users will be able to pull photos from their gallery and use them in templates. The company also plans to add effects within templates. Given the popularity of effects on TikTok, it makes sense for YouTube Shorts to explore them as well, especially since they can sometimes create trends.
The new features are expected to roll out in the coming months.
