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By Malik Shahzad Aslam :
YouTube is expanding the format of its Shorts platform by allowing creators to share photo-based posts with music, introducing new tools designed to compete with popular features on Instagram and TikTok.
The new update enables users to upload image carousel posts containing up to 10 photos within Shorts. Viewers can swipe through the images, while creators can add text to individual photos and include background music to make their posts more engaging.
The move marks a shift for YouTube Shorts, which has primarily focused on short-form video content since its launch.
New Creative Tools for Shorts Users
With the latest update, creators can select music from YouTube’s licensed music catalogue, the YouTube Audio Library, and Dream Track in regions where the AI-powered music feature is available.
The company said the new tools are designed to help creators tell visual stories in different ways and provide more opportunities for artists and musicians to have their work discovered.
Photo-based content could be particularly useful for creators sharing travel updates, product showcases, tutorials, event highlights and promotional material.
YouTube Targets Instagram and TikTok Users
The introduction of image carousels brings YouTube Shorts closer to competing platforms that have already embraced photo-based content.
Instagram has offered carousel posts for years, including the ability to add music, while TikTok has expanded beyond video by introducing photo posts as an alternative storytelling format.
By adding similar features, YouTube aims to attract creators who already produce content across multiple social media platforms and want more flexibility in how they share their work.
More Competition in Short-Form Content
Short-form content has become one of the most competitive areas in social media, with platforms continuously adding new creative tools to keep users engaged.
YouTube Shorts has grown rapidly as the company competes with TikTok and Instagram Reels for creators, audiences and advertising revenue.
The latest update reflects YouTube’s broader strategy of making Shorts a more versatile platform where creators can publish different types of content rather than relying only on videos.
The company said the new photo features will gradually become available to users as part of its continued expansion of Shorts capabilities.
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