[Key Takeaways]
- YouTube adds an AI-powered music tool to help creators make custom instrumentals.
- A new “Subscribe+” button is being tested to make memberships clearer.
- Creators can now sync their Shorts content with music automatically.
- YouTube is making it easier to verify accounts without physical mail.
- These tools aim to help creators grow their channels and make better content.
YouTube is rolling out some exciting new features to help creators make better videos and grow their channels. These updates are part of YouTube’s effort to stay ahead in the creator economy, especially as more young people use the platform for music and videos. Let’s dive into the details!
1. AI Music Generator: Create Custom Instrumentals!
Imagine creating the perfect background music for your videos without worrying about copyright issues. YouTube is making this possible with its new AI-powered music generator. Creators can now use the “Music Assistant” tab in the Creator Music platform to describe the type of music they want. For example, you can type something like, “Upbeat summer vibe with a guitar and drums.” The AI will then create a royalty-free instrumental track for you to download and use in your videos.
This feature is part of YouTube’s “Dream Track” suite of experimental AI tools. It’s being rolled out gradually to U.S. creators who are part of the YouTube Partner Program and have access to Creator Music. Creators have been testing AI-generated music in YouTube Shorts and YouTube Create since last year, and now it’s becoming a more official tool.
Why is this helpful? It saves creators time and money because they don’t have to search for copyright-free music or pay for licenses. Plus, it gives them more creative control over the sound of their videos.
2. “Subscribe+” Button to Simplify Channel Memberships
Have you ever been confused about the difference between the “Subscribe” and “Join” buttons on YouTube? You’re not alone! To make things clearer, YouTube is testing a new “Subscribe+” button for creators who offer Channel Memberships. This button will help viewers understand how they can support their favorite creators by becoming members.
The test is running on mobile, desktop, and TV devices for a small group of viewers. YouTube is asking for feedback to see if the new button makes things less confusing. The goal is to help more people discover and join Channel Memberships, which can be a big way for creators to earn money and build a loyal community.
3. More Creator Tools in Testing
YouTube is also rolling out a few other features to make life easier for creators.
A. Streamlined PIN Verification for AdSense
For creators earning money through AdSense, YouTube is testing a faster PIN verification process. In the past, creators had to wait for a physical letter in the mail to verify their account. Now, in 24 markets, they can just enter a PIN online. This should save time and reduce the hassle of waiting for mail.
B. Sync Shorts with Music Automatically
Another cool feature in testing allows creators to import photos and video clips into YouTube Shorts and automatically sync them with selected audio tracks. The AI will arrange the clips to match the beats of the music, making editing easier. Creators can preview the final result and make adjustments if needed.
This feature is perfect for creators who want to make visually engaging Shorts without spending hours editing. It’s especially useful for newer creators who are still learning how to produce high-quality content.
Why These Updates Matter for the Creator Economy
YouTube is rolling out these features as it continues to lead as the go-to platform for music and video content, especially among Gen Z. A recent study found that 79% of American teenagers listen to music on video-sharing sites, with YouTube being the most popular.
These tools are particularly helpful for newer creators, as many are starting to upload music directly to platforms like YouTube without traditional distributors or labels. In fact, 25% of music creators now use user-generated platforms to share their work, especially those who have been creating for less than five years.
By offering AI-powered music, simpler membership options, and easier editing tools, YouTube is making it easier for creators to focus on what matters most—making great content and connecting with their audience.
What’s Next for Creators?
As YouTube continues to experiment with new features, we can expect even more tools to help creators succeed. Whether you’re just starting out or have been creating videos for years, these updates are designed to help you grow your channel and make better videos.
Keep an eye on your YouTube dashboard for these features, and don’t forget to share your feedback with YouTube if you get to try them out. Who knows, your input could shape the future of creator tools on the platform!
Let us know what you think about these new features in the comments! Are you excited to try them out?
