5 New Tools Coming to YouTube Shorts That Rivals Tiktok

With TikTok possibly getting banned in the U.S., YouTube isn’t wasting time. Just days before the April 5 TikTok deadline, YouTube announced five powerful tools that could make Shorts a strong alternative to TikTok. YouTube has always lagged behindInstagram Reelsand TikTok when it comes to editing features—but that’s about to change. Here’s what’s coming this spring.

1. An Upgraded Video Editor

YouTube is giving creators a much-needed editor upgrade inside the Shorts app. You’ll now get a timeline view that lets you:

All of this happens inside the Shorts editor—you don’t need a separate app. This new setup brings Shorts editing closer to what TikTok and Reels already offer. And YouTube says more upgrades are coming soon.

2. Auto-Sync Clips to the Beat

Syncing your clips to music is about to get way faster. Just pick a song, and YouTube will automatically match your clips to the beat. No manual work is needed. It’s similar to CapCut’s “Beats” tool and makes rhythm-based Shorts super easy to create.

3. Enhanced Templates with Photos and Effects

Templates are getting smarter and more flexible. you may:

This makes it easier to jump on trends fast. Plus, when you use a template made by another creator, YouTube will automatically credit the original.

4. Image Stickers from Your Gallery

Coming later this spring, you’ll be able to turn your images from your phone images into stickers. Want to showcase multiple outfit ideas? Share a meme? Add a quick reaction? Just upload the image and place it in your Short just like a sticker. A basic feature that was not possible before.

5. AI Stickers from a Text Prompt

Now, you can also generate your own stickers from scratch using just prompts. Type a short description—like “a strong plant with muscles”—and YouTube will generate a sticker using AI. It’s simple, fun, and helps you add something totally unique to your video.

Availability

These new features are not currently available, but YouTube says what’s coming this spring. However, a specific date was not mentioned. YouTube is clearly positioning Shorts as the go-to platform if TikTok disappears. And with Meta working on arival editing app called “Edits,”this is YouTube’s way of staying ahead.

Ravi Teja KNTS

Tech writer with over 4 years of experience at TechWiser, where he has authored more than 700 articles on AI, Google apps, Chrome OS, Discord, and Android. His journey started with a passion for discussing technology and helping others in online forums, which naturally grew into a career in tech journalism. Ravi’s writing focuses on simplifying technology, making it accessible and jargon-free for readers. When he’s not breaking down the latest tech, he’s often immersed in a classic film – a true cinephile at heart.

5 New Tools Coming to YouTube Shorts That Rivals Tiktok