3 YouTube's Latest Features... But Shorts Is A Flop?

YouTube is constantly evolving, and this week, the platform has introduced some exciting features that could change the way creators engage with their audiences.

From interactive polls in Shorts to new Super Chat goals for live streams, these updates aim to enhance viewer participation and make content creation more dynamic.

However, amidst these enhancements, there’s a lingering question: Are YouTube Shorts truly a viable option for creators, or are they just a fad that doesn't hold up in the long run?

As YouTube continues to push for more engagement, it's essential to explore how these features can benefit creators and their communities while also considering the implications for traditional long-form content.

Let’s dive into what’s new and how you can make the most of these tools!

Polls on Shorts

You can now add a poll to your shorts. This addition aims to boost engagement within Shorts, making them even more interactive.

It’s a noticeable push from YouTube to promote Shorts, even though it sometimes feels like they’re neglecting traditional long-form content.

This feature can be a fun way to engage with your audience, allowing them to participate directly in your Shorts. You can pose questions, gather opinions, and make your content more participatory.

New Super Chat Goals

YouTube has rolled out some cool updates this week, especially for live streaming. A new feature lets you set Super Chat goals during your streams.

This means you can challenge your viewers to donate a specific amount, and once the goal is hit, you'll see a fun animation.

When that goal is reached, you're required to complete a challenge or bonus task that you specified earlier. It's a great way to keep your audience engaged and make live streams more interactive.

If you’re ever thinking about giving live streaming a shot, this could spice things up and create a fun atmosphere for your viewers.

Real-Time Views by Content Format

If you're using the YouTube app to track your real-time views, you can now filter those views based on the aspect ratio of your videos.

This new feature is a fun way to see how your content is performing, especially for creators with larger audiences.

While not everyone has the volume of views to analyze minute-by-minute, this is particularly useful for those who want to dive deeper into their viewership stats.

Make sure to check it out if you're curious about how different formats of your videos are doing. It can provide insights that help you refine your content strategy.

Ad Control Features

YouTube rolled out some new features that can enhance your experience in the Creator Studio.?

One of the standout updates is the ability to manage the types of ads that ap

pear on your channel. Here’s what you can do:

• URL Exclusion: You can specify certain URLs where you don’t want ads to show up.
• Topic Filters: There’s a list of topics you can choose to exclude from your channel.
• Product Type Block: You can select various products or services you wish to filter out.

It's important to keep in mind that adjusting these settings might have an impact on your AdSense earnings.

While many creators might prefer to keep things wide open, these controls can be particularly useful for targeting specific audiences or for brands looking to block competitor ads.

Just remember, if you filter out certain ads, they might pop up on another creator’s content. So, weigh your options before making changes!

The Reality of Shorts for Creators

Despite these updates, I’m still skeptical about the effectiveness of YouTube Shorts.

While the platform is pushing Shorts as a key feature, this format does not translate well into meaningful engagement or revenue.

The pay associated with Shorts is minimal, and the relationship-building aspect with viewers is sorely lacking.

As a creator, my concern is not just about the current monetization rates, but also about the long-term sustainability of building an audience through Shorts.

If advertisers are not willing to pay more for ads on Shorts, it raises questions about the viability of this format for serious content creators.

Why This Matters

Understanding these new features is essential for anyone looking to navigate the YouTube landscape, whether you are a creator or a business owner.

The ability to engage audiences through polls or to track real-time performance can provide valuable insights.

However, it’s equally important to critically assess whether these features actually enhance the creator's ability to connect with their audience and generate revenue.