From TechCrunch · Lauren Forristal · · 1m 40s
YouTube takes on microdrama with Shorts series
YouTube launches a new tool to organize Shorts into episodic seasons, competing directly with dedicated microdrama apps.
In brief
YouTube launches a new tool to organize Shorts into episodic seasons, competing directly with dedicated microdrama apps. YouTube is betting that episodic short-form storytelling will become a permanent format by giving creators tools to structure Shorts like traditional TV shows. Originally reported by TechCrunch.
YouTube launches Shorts series
YouTube announced Shorts series at its Made On YouTube event, a new tool that lets creators organize Shorts into TV-style seasons and episodes with custom thumbnails and continuous playback.
Episodic viewing changes the experience
Instead of scrolling through stand-alone clips, viewers can now watch a selection of Shorts as a continuous story. The series live on a creator's YouTube channel.
Creators already embracing microdramas
YouTubers like Hannah Stocking and Joshua Ovenshire have moved into vertical drama, treating it as a serious business venture. Celebrities including James Franco and Issa Rae have also gotten involved.
Competing with dedicated apps
YouTube's move puts it in direct competition with growing microdrama platforms like TikTok's PineDrama, ReelShort, and DramaBox. The feature aims to keep viewers on YouTube instead of sending them elsewhere.
Building on Creator Shows
Shorts series expands on Creator Shows, announced last year, which let select creators organize content into seasons and episodes for TV viewing. Creators like Michelle Khare and Rhett & Link already used these tools.
Rolling out to YouTube partners
The feature is launching to creators in the YouTube Partner Program across web, mobile, and connected TVs, making episodic storytelling accessible to a broad creator base.
More creator tools announced
YouTube also unveiled Live Showdowns for interactive team challenges, expanded video A/B testing, Dynamic Thumbnails for audience-specific options, and new shopping features.
What matters most
YouTube is betting that episodic short-form storytelling will become a permanent format by giving creators tools to structure Shorts like traditional TV shows.
