YouTube Stories is about to die

According to TechCrunch , YouTube Stories has lost its appeal due to the rise of TikTok. Many services are adopting short-form video formats like TikTok instead of using YouTube Stories.

Netflix previously tested a Stories-like feature called “Extras,” which allowed videos and photos from popular shows to be shared within its mobile app. Netflix soon pivoted to vertical video and launched its short-form comedy video feature “Fast Laughs.” LinkedIn also discontinued its Stories feature in 2021.

However, in March, Spotify launched a Stories-like feature called "Spotify Clips," which allows artists to add 30-second videos to their profiles.

Channel owners can use Stories to engage with their audience by posting behind-the-scenes snippets, vlogs, and teases of upcoming videos. Note that Stories are only available to creators with over 10,000 followers.

Unlike Instagram and Snapchat Stories - which only appear within 24 hours, YouTube Stories will disappear after 7 days, but users cannot save it in their profile like when using the other two social networks.

YouTube also has a Community Tab, where users can share information, promote content, or chat with fans. The company admits that posts on the tab get more likes and comments than Stories. More importantly, creators only need to have more than 500 followers to post on the Community tab.

The company says Shorts bring YouTube channels more views than Stories, which has led to a lack of engagement with YouTube Stories for the majority of users.

A YouTube spokesperson said users benefit more from Shorts, so Stories will be shut down so the company can prioritize investing in helping creators grow and connect with their audiences.

YouTube will notify creators of the shutdown through forums, in-app messages, and prompts in YouTube Studio. There will also be a direct notification in Stories if creators accessed the feature before June 26.