As noted in a press release, longer YouTube Shorts was a highly requested feature among users. Theoretically, it will make it easier for creators to cross-post content across platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, which already offer longer video limits.
TikTok, for instance, introduced 3-minute videos in 2021 and later extended the limit to 10 minutes, while Instagram Reels has a current limit of 90 seconds.
YouTube is also introducing new features like “templates,” which allow users to replicate trending videos with a simple shortcut. Similar to Instagram’s template feature, YouTube’s version can be accessed via the “Remix” button on Shorts.
Additionally, the platform has introduced a “Show fewer Shorts” option, enabling users to customize their experience by seeing fewer short-form videos.
These updates highlight the growing trend of social media platforms offering overlapping features, blurring the lines between them in a race for user engagement. YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram continue to adopt each other’s successful strategies, making the short-form video space even more competitive.
