YouTube Reports 1.5 Billion Monthly Active Users of YouTube Shorts

TikTok may have started the short-form video trend, but it's clear that YouTube isn't about to let its crown slip. The company has just announced that 1.5 billion users are now engaging with YouTube Shorts content each month - a figure which is only going to continue growing as more and more people cotton onto the appeal of quick, snack-able videos.

It's not just YouTube that is benefiting from the short-form video boom, of course - platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are also seeing increased engagement thanks to their versions of the format. But YouTube remains the king when it comes to online video, and these latest stats show that it is only going to cement its position at the top in the months and years to come.

According to YouTube: "Every month, over 1.5 billion logged-in users view YouTube Shorts." That's a huge number, especially when you consider that YouTube has 2 billion total monthly users. So it's clear that a large proportion of the YouTube userbase is now engaging with Shorts content regularly - and that number is only going to grow as more creators start producing short-form videos for the platform.

Why Tiktok has been successful but not Vine?

The growing interest in Shorts has been bolstered by new research that found that over 70% of online users now view short-form videos regularly. TikTok's influence continues to astound, with the site recognizing and amplifying a trend started by Vine and then extending it to the new generation.

Sure, the platform has a role to play. TikTok's clever algorithms are getting increasingly skilled at providing you with more of the material that you enjoy, based on your viewing habits. TikTok's system is particularly adaptable, which may quickly lead to hours of surfing through your "For You" feed.

The new era of video content has already come

User habits have also changed, making it increasingly difficult for creators to reach an audience. In turn, while Vine had a small following, far more people have adapted their media engagement patterns. The average person now has a shorter attention span, making it difficult to watch long-form content.

It's not just that people are watching more short-form videos, it's also that they're less likely to sit through an advert or click on a link to watch something. Instead, they'll happily watch a fifteen-second video. Such is the nature of video delivery. It's a new world, and there are no rules here.

So, what does the future hold?

It's hard to say for sure, but one thing is certain - short-form video is here to stay. Platforms like YouTube have recognized the trend and are investing heavily in their short-form offerings. As a result, we can expect to see more and more platforms emerge that are dedicated to providing quick, snack-able videos. Whether TikTok remains the king of short-form video is yet to be seen, but one thing is for sure - the short-form video boom is only just getting started.

The results don't lie, and it's critical for all content producers and marketers to keep an eye on these trends, which reflect the significant and sustained shift to short-form video content.

What are your thoughts on this trend? Do you think that short-form videos are here to stay? Let us know