This week, YouTube announced the introduction of a new mobile feature that allows users to record 15-second long multi-segment videos.

This puts YouTube in direct competition with TikTok. The 15-second video length is the default on TikTok and Instagram’s Reels, another TikTok competitor. Currently, we don’t know much about YouTube’s testing, but a lot of what we do know sounds similar to TikTok

YouTube is taking on TikTok

According to YouTube, those in the experiment will see an option to “create a video” in the mobile upload flow. From there, they tap and hold the record button to record a clip. They then tap again to keep recording or release the button to stop the recording. This process repeats itself until the video reached 15 seconds. After that, YouTube combines the clips and uploads them as a single video. Essentially, the process for making these videos is just like TikTok.

Changes coming to the YouTube app

Once this feature hits the YouTube app, you will no longer be able to film longer videos in the app itself. So, if you want to record a clip that’s longer than 15 seconds, you will have to shoot it outside of the app and later upload the file from your phone’s gallery.

There was no other word on what else might change in the app. There is a possibility YouTube might add more controls and features related to short-form video creations. That would include things like filters, music, AR, effects, and an option to change the speed of the video. TikTok offers these tools, so it isn’t out of the question that YouTube is planning to release these features in the future.

YouTube confirms these shots videos aren’t a variation of Stories

The videos in the experiment are different than Stories. YouTube launched Stories back in 2017 as a way to create more casual videos. Essentially, Stories are short-form vlogs. The kinds of videos uploaded to TikTok are different. They’re more rehearsed, planned, and edited than Stories. They require different tools and processes.

The feature is being tested right now

Right now, the new feature is being tested amongst a small group of creators. Also, the test is being conducted on both iOS and Andriod. A YouTube spokesperson said it was one of the serval tests the company has in the word for short-form video. “We’re always experimenting with ways to help people more easily find, watch, share and interact with the videos that matter most to them. We are testing a few different tools for users to discover and create short videos,” said the spokesperson.