SAN FRANCISCO: YouTube is rolling out new features that allow users to create photo-based posts in Shorts, expanding the platform's short-form content options as it continues to compete with Instagram and TikTok.
Under the update, users will be able to create slideshow-style shorts using up to 10 photos, add text overlays and include up to 15 seconds of background music without producing a full video.
The company said the new tools are designed to help creators share photo stories directly in the Shorts feed, making it easier to engage audiences through image-based content.
The additions bring YouTube Shorts closer to Instagram and TikTok, where photo-based posts and slideshows have become popular formats.
The update follows YouTube's recent announcement of several interface changes for Shorts aimed at improving the viewing experience.
Among the new features is a Clear Screen mode, which hides on-screen icons and text to reduce distractions while watching videos.
Users will also be able to watch Shorts at double-speed playback, allowing them to consume short-form videos more quickly.
In addition, YouTube is replacing the traditional thumbs-up icon with a heart icon as the platform's primary like button.
More read, YouTube announces to revamp its video interface
The company is also retiring the dislike button for Shorts. Instead, users will be able to choose "Not Interested" or "Don't Recommend This Channel" to better personalize their content recommendations.
