YouTube Stories Shutting Down: Focus Shifts to Shorts and Community Posts
On June 26, 2023, YouTube will be saying goodbye to its "Stories" feature, which was introduced in 2018. The decision comes as the company aims to focus on other key areas, such as Shorts, Community posts, and live videos, in addition to its traditional long-form content.
A Shift Away from Ephemeral Content
YouTube Stories were an attempt to copy the popular "Stories" format seen on Instagram, Snapchat, and other social media platforms. However, it seems that this format has lost traction in recent years, especially with the rise of TikTok’s short-form vertical video format. Instead of embracing the ephemeral nature of Stories, services are now adopting the more permanent and engaging format popularized by TikTok.
A Growing Trend: Abandoning Stories
YouTube isn’t alone in abandoning its Stories feature. Other companies, such as Netflix, LinkedIn, and Spotify, have also moved away from this format. For example:
- Netflix’s "Extras": In 2021, Netflix tested a Stories-like feature called "Extras" in its mobile app. However, the company later shifted focus to more permanent content formats, including vertical video features.
- LinkedIn’s "Stories": LinkedIn also experimented with a similar format but eventually abandoned it in favor of other engagement tools.
- Spotify’s "Artist Story": Spotify introduced a feature that allows artists to share behind-the-scenes content on their profiles. However, the focus is on discovery feeds, which prioritize TikTok-like vertical video formats.
Why YouTube is Focusing on Other Areas
YouTube’s decision to shut down its Stories feature comes as no surprise, given the limited adoption and success of this format compared to other engagement tools like Community posts. In fact:
- Limited Adoption: Despite introducing Stories in 2018, YouTube never made it available to all users, limiting its reach.
- Success of Community Posts: Among creators who used both Stories and Community posts, the latter drove significantly more comments and likes.
- Shift to Short-Form Video: Creators have increasingly turned to short-form video formats like YouTube Shorts, which has seen greater success in terms of subscriber growth.
What This Means for Creators
As YouTube shifts its focus away from Stories, creators will need to adapt to the new landscape. To prepare:
- Familiarize yourself with Community posts: If you’re currently using Stories, it’s essential to understand how Community posts can help drive engagement and grow your audience.
- Explore Short-Form Video Options: Consider creating content for YouTube Shorts or other short-form video platforms to reach a broader audience.
- Stay Informed about Changes: Keep an eye on YouTube’s announcements and updates regarding new features and changes.
Conclusion
The shutdown of YouTube Stories marks the end of an era for ephemeral content on the platform. As companies continue to shift focus towards more engaging and permanent formats, it’s clear that short-form vertical video has become the preferred choice. By understanding this trend and adapting your content strategy accordingly, you can ensure continued success in the ever-evolving world of social media.
Additional Reading
- The Rise of TikTok: Learn about the factors contributing to TikTok’s success and how it’s changing the way we consume content.
- Short-Form Video Platforms: Explore alternative short-form video platforms that you can use to reach a broader audience.
- Community Engagement Tools: Discover more engagement tools like Community posts that can help drive interaction with your content.
