In a blog post today, YouTube announced they will be launching a feature for Snapchat-inspired YouTube stories. The ephemeral social video format was originated by Snapchat, but versions of the feature are now available on other platforms including Instagram, Skype, Facebook and Messenger among other apps. The video-sharing company will be putting their spin on the format, which they are calling 'Reels.'
The new format offers creators a way to further engage with their audience and grows a community. In the same way that you can save your Snapchat stories if you don't want them to disappear after 24 hours, Reels also have the option not to expire. The YouTube stories provide "creator-focused features like linking to YouTube videos and YouTube-y stickers." Reels is currently in beta.
Creator-Focused Story Formats
YouTube Stories Will Soon Be A Thing With Their New Reels Feature
Trend Themes
1. Creator-focused Story Formats - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing new tools and features that empower creators to engage with their audience and build a community.
2. Ephemeral Social Video - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating platforms or features that enable the creation and sharing of temporary video content, similar to YouTube Reels, to cater to user preferences for short-lived content experiences.
3. Social Media Story Features - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introducing innovative story formats, like YouTube Reels, that provide additional interactivity and engagement options for creators and their followers within social media platforms.
Industry Implications
1. Video Sharing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Leveraging YouTube Reels' creator-focused features and unique positioning to enhance the video-sharing experience and drive user engagement within the video sharing industry.
2. Social Media - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating ephemeral story features, similar to YouTube Reels, into existing social media platforms to offer users new and engaging ways to share content and interact with their connections.
3. Content Creation Tools - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing and enhancing content creation tools that support the creation and management of interactive stories, like YouTube Reels, enabling creators to tell compelling narratives and connect with their audience.