YouTube to Introduce New 'Reels' Feature for Sharing Short Videos

[MacRumors]

YouTube is testing a new Community feature called Reels, which was announced today in a blog post covering a expansion of the Community tab. As explained by YouTube, Reels is YouTube's answer to the popular "stories" format that's available on Instagram and Snapchat.

We want to do even more to give you easy ways to express yourself and engage with fans, so today we're also unveiling a new feature. Reels are YouTube's spin on the popular "stories" format, but designed specifically for YouTube creators. We learned that you want the flexibility to create multiple Reels and have them not expire, so we'll give you those options. We're also bringing creator-focused features like linking to YouTube videos and YouTube-y stickers.

YouTube gave TechCrunch more information on Reels, and explained that it's meant to be a way for creators to express themselves and engage fans without the need to upload an entire video.

Reels will consist of a few quick mobile videos that are up to 30 seconds in length, which can be edited with filters, music, text, stickers, and more.

Unlike the stories features on other social media networks, Reels will not expire, and instead of being featured at the top of the YouTube app, they'll be available in a dedicated tab on the creator's channel.

YouTube plans to roll out Reels as a beta feature to "learn and improve the product" before rolling it out to all YouTube creators.

Article Link: YouTube to Introduce New 'Reels' Feature for Sharing Short Videos

 

[IAmGLaDOS]

Just stop

 

[Cameroncafe10a]

Why must every single major app be turned into a snapchat clone (see: Skype)

 

[Cosmosent]

30 seconds x 30 photos per second = 900 photos total

@ 45 photos / photoset: 20 photosets

That's where Stories / Reels will soon head !

Those with Insight Skills will be able to figure it out much sooner than others.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Sounds like a new way for YouTube to push ads.

 

[FelixDerKater]

One app is all we need.

 

[pika2000]

instead of being featured at the top of the YouTube app, they'll be available in a dedicated tab on the creator's channel.

Well, good luck with that. I wonder how many people enjoy videos on youtube actually pay any attention to the tabs on the creator's channel?

 

[Smartass]

"Oh so you want to listen to YouTube while the app is in background? Well that's too effin bad, here's a new useless social app!"

- YouTube

 

[erinsarah]

Despite the naysaying comments above I'm actually curious as to where this is going. As the parent of two active teens I often find myself searching for the right way to get a short video to someone...too big to email or text, not really the right kind of content for publishing on Youtube, don't want to stick in on Facebook. Two examples I can think of is sending Granddad the latest video of Thing#2's gymnastics routine, or Thing#1 trying to get some sort of homework video to her teacher. This new Youtube feature MIGHT have potential. However the 30sec limit seems too small. 1.5min seems more reasonable.