It seems that Snapchat was onto something when they debuted its Stories feature, because not only have we seen companies like Facebook copy it and integrate it into apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, but now it looks like YouTube is interested in integrating a similar feature to its mobile platform as well.Announced on its blog, YouTube is testing out a couple of new features to its platform, one of it is called “Reels”. YouTube did not shy from claiming that it is a spin on Stories, and will basically act as a way for creators to keep in touch with their fans/followers in between their video uploads, which in the past would see creators encourage their viewers to follow them on other social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
According to YouTube, “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.”
These reels will be available as a separate tab on a creator’s YouTube channel, but according to TechCrunch, YouTube claims that if engagement is high enough, they could move Reels onto the viewer’s home page as a recommendation.
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