YouTube Taking Advantage Of TikTok's Troubles? Introduces New Features For Shorts Creators On iOS

As ByteDance-owned TikTok‘s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, Alphabet Inc.‘s GOOG GOOGL YouTube is taking the opportunity to empower Shorts creators on iOS. 

What Happened: YouTube now allows iOS Shorts creators to select a frame from their video clip as a thumbnail. 

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“Creators on iOS: We’re starting to roll out Shorts thumbnail selection to your devices. The ability to choose a frame from your Short to be used as the video’s thumbnail will be available to everyone in the coming weeks,” the platform said. 

To avail of this new feature, users need to follow a few simple steps: 

Step I: Record or import a video with the Shorts camera, then navigate to the final upload screen.

Step II: Tap the pencil icon overlaid over the video’s thumbnail. 

Step III: Scrub along your video’s timeline to pick a thumbnail, then hit Done.

Step IV: Upload your Short. 

According to YouTube, it isn’t possible to change the thumbnail after Short has been uploaded, but the platform is working on the ability to add it. 

Why It’s Important: YouTube Shorts and TikTok have long been at loggerheads with each other. Last year, Loup Funds managing partner Gene Munster called TikTok the most addictive platform.

With a possible TikTok ban in the U.S. looming, YouTube seems to be capitalizing on the chance to attract short-form content creators, positioning itself as the top alternative for those seeking refuge from TikTok.

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