Popular YouTubers criticize platform for new ‘stories’ feature

Internet video platform YouTube has finally unrolled its own take on ‘stories,’ a feature begotten from social media app SnapChat, which was quickly copied by sites like Instagram and Facebook due to its popularity.

The feature, announced on November 29, had actually launched in late 2017 under a different name as “Reels.” Now, it seems the tool has undergone a serious makeover – and big-name YouTubers are already giving their two cents on the update.

News YouTuber Philip DeFranco expressed some doubt as to the tool’s longevity in a video on November 29, pointing out that users cannot reply to comments with another text-based comment, but must, instead, create a video reply.

Additionally, DeFranco noted that the feature’s staying-power ultimately depends on the community, at large – who appear to have largely mixed reactions to YouTube’s latest initiative.

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YouTuber CrankGamePlays criticised the platform for rolling out the new feature rather than working on the site’s existing issues, such as “broken” sub boxes and its hotly-debated recommendation algorithm.

However, other YouTubers have noted that Stories will allow creators to largely increase their revenue, as they can be viewed by both subscribers and non-subscribers alike as a means to engage with their audience between uploads.

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“Yooo, we can also get paid for stories,” popular YouTuber MrBeast wrote. “Lol youtubers about to acquire that bread if you know what I’m saying.”

Not all creators will get to take part in YouTube’s new feature, though; stories may currently only be used by YouTubers with over 10,000 subscribers, at present. 

Furthermore, YouTube’s stories will be available for a full seven days, as opposed to SnapChat and Instagram’s shorter time limit of 24 hours.