YouTube Tests Still Image Carousels in Shorts Feed

YouTube is expanding its Shorts offering by introducing still image carousels directly within the feed. The platform is currently testing this feature with a limited group of creators, allowing them to upload up to 10 images per post and display them as side-scrolling galleries alongside traditional video content. This move represents YouTube’s latest effort to compete with Instagram and TikTok in the short-form content space.

Bridging the Content Gap

The new feature aims to give creators additional flexibility in how they present their stories. Instagram’s carousel posts have consistently ranked among the platform’s top performers, prompting YouTube to develop its own version. The image carousel functionality will be accessible through the standard “Create” button, making it seamless for creators to produce and share multi-image posts within the Shorts ecosystem.

Future Audio Integration Plans

YouTube has signaled that audio capabilities are coming soon to enhance the carousel experience. The platform stated it would keep creators informed as it explores testing music alongside image posts, recognizing that audio is essential for storytelling and audience engagement. This addition could significantly boost the appeal of image carousels for content creators seeking richer creative expression.

While still image posts might seem unconventional for YouTube’s historically video-focused platform, they align with the broader shift toward unified content experiences across social platforms. As YouTube continues integrating social media features like community spaces and creator interactions, image carousels represent another step toward becoming a comprehensive content hub for digital creators.