YouTube is testing a new “Add Yours” sticker for Shorts, a feature designed to enhance user engagement and trend creation. The feature, currently available to a limited number of channels, allows creators to start trends and viewers to respond, promoting a collaborative and interactive environment on the platform.
The move is part of YouTube’s broader strategy to compete more effectively in the short-form video market, which has been largely dominated by platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Setting the stage for YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts, launched in 2020, was introduced as a direct competitor to TikTok and Instagram Reels, focusing on short-form video content. Since its inception, Shorts has seen significant growth, becoming a popular format for creators and viewers alike. The platform’s emphasis on quick, engaging content has resonated with audiences, leading YouTube to continuously explore new ways to enhance the Shorts experience.
Velvetshadow on X showcases the new feature with the following post:
YouTube a enclenché la turbo-pompe avec le sticker "Add yours" (dispo en test auprès d'un petit nombre de créateurs dans Shorts) pic.twitter.com/jLCWeES9hu
— Velvetshadow (@Velvetshadow) July 9, 2024
The introduction of the “Add Yours” sticker represents a natural progression in YouTube’s efforts to foster a more interactive and community-driven environment. By enabling creators to initiate trends and challenges, YouTube aims to leverage the participatory culture that has made short-form video content so successful. The “Add Yours” feature is currently being tested with a select group of channels, providing a glimpse into YouTube’s vision for the future of Shorts.
How does Add Yours Sticker work on YouTube Shorts
The “Add Yours” sticker is designed to be simple and intuitive, making it easy for creators to prompt audience participation. Creators in the test group can access the “Add Yours” option in the sticker picker when creating a Short. After recording a video, they can tap “Next,” select the sticker icon, and choose “Add Yours”.
This allows them to type a prompt that other users can respond to, such as “Show your best dance move” or “Share your favorite travel destination”.
Once published, the sticker appears as an overlay on the Short, inviting viewers to join the trend. Viewers watching these Shorts can click on the sticker to create their own response videos, contributing to the trend and potentially sparking viral challenges. This interactive feature not only encourages more user-generated content but also creates a sense of community and shared experience among participants.
Viewer interaction is a gold mine nowadays
When viewers come across a Short with the sticker, they can click on it to participate by creating their own response video. This not only adds a layer of interactivity to the viewing experience but also allows viewers to feel more connected to the content and the creator.
Creators can track engagement by tapping on the sticker, which displays all the response videos generated from their prompt. This feature provides valuable feedback and insights, allowing creators to understand what resonates with their audience and tailor their content accordingly.
Rollout is limited so far
Currently, the “Add Yours” sticker is available only to a small number of Shorts creators on mobile devices. This limited release is intended to gather feedback and refine the feature before a potential wider launch. By testing the feature with a select group of channels, YouTube can identify any issues or areas for improvement, ensuring a smooth rollout to a broader audience in the future.
This phased approach allows YouTube to fine-tune the feature based on real-world usage and feedback from both creators and viewers. It also helps to manage expectations and build anticipation for the wider release, as more users become aware of the new interactive capabilities that the “Add Yours” sticker brings to Shorts.
The introduction of the “Add Yours” sticker aligns with YouTube’s ongoing efforts to compete in the short-form video market. By facilitating easier trend creation and participation, YouTube aims to amplify the creation of short videos and enhance user engagement. This new feature not only empowers creators to drive trends and challenges but also encourages viewers to actively participate, creating a more dynamic and interactive platform.
Featured image credit: Szabo Viktor/Unsplash
