Instagram Reels, meanwhile, can be either 15- or 30-seconds long. This is a similar strategy to that adopted by TikTok, which originally limited videos to 15-seconds before eventually extending to 3 minutes. Shorts were 15 seconds or less during the original beta, but will now be extended to up to 60 seconds. Users can edit pre-existing videos or shoot new videos using a multi-segment camera, which allows multiple video clips to be strung together. YouTube Shorts is integrated into the YouTube platform, accessible on the main homepage and soon, via a separate tab on mobile.

Long-form video creators can opt out of having their video remixed. The platform offers creators the ability to sample audio from all videos across YouTube. YouTube believes its extensive library of videos and its creator network, built over its 16-year history, gives it a competitive advantage in the short video space. The company claims it has surpassed 6.5 billion daily views.

While the global launch will offer all users the ability to create short video, the YouTube Shorts player has been available for viewing worldwide since September. It will now be available in the more than 100 countries.

The short-form video product was beta launched in India in September last year, and subsequently rolled out to 26 markets, including the US, from early 2021. YouTube Shorts, the video platform's answer to TikTok and Instagram Reels, is rolling out globally following a series of betas over the past nine months.

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