YouTube Tests Image Carousels in Shorts -Your Feed Could Start Looking Like Instagram!

YouTube has started testing image carousel posts within its Shorts feed, adding a new content format alongside short-form videos. The feature allows creators to upload up to 10 images in a single post, displayed in a side-scrolling format similar to other short-form platforms. According to YouTube, the experiment is aimed at helping creators reach their audience in a new space and offering more ways to tell stories without relying only on video.

How Image Carousels Will Appear

During this test, users scrolling through the Shorts feed may see still image posts mixed in with regular video clips. These image posts can be swiped horizontally, allowing viewers to move through multiple photos within one post.

All image posts created through YouTube’s “Create” button are eligible to appear in the Shorts feed as part of this experiment.

Audio Features Under Consideration

At present, the image carousel format does not include audio. However, YouTube has confirmed that it is exploring audio options, including music, for image-based posts in the future. The platform said audio remains an important tool for creators to express themselves and that updates will be shared as testing progresses.

Also read: YouTube Tests New “Custom Feed” Feature to Let Users Shape Their Recommendations

Why This Matters for Creators

Carousel posts are known to perform well on platforms like Instagram, and YouTube’s move reflects a wider trend where short-form platforms are borrowing features from one another. This could make it easier for creators to repurpose content across platforms while leaning into familiar user behaviour.

At the same time, the move marks a shift for YouTube, which has traditionally focused on video-first content. In recent years, the platform has also introduced social-style features like Channel Communities, where creators can post text updates for followers.

Limited Testing for Now

The image carousel feature is currently being tested with a small group of creators. YouTube has not confirmed when or if it will roll out the feature more broadly.

Other Recent YouTube Updates

In a separate update, YouTube has renamed its tool for sharing sponsored content access with advertisers. The feature, earlier referred to as creator- or brand-initiated video linking, has now been rebranded as Brand Partner Access. This tool allows creators to share access to sponsored videos, including long-form content and Shorts, with selected brands. Once access is granted, brands can view performance metrics directly through Google Ads and run partnership ads using the creator’s content.

YouTube says both updates are part of its ongoing efforts to give creators more ways to connect with audiences and collaborate with brands, while continuing to test how these features fit into the broader platform experience.