YouTube Stories was a feature that allowed creators to post ephemeral content that disappeared after 7 days. However, YouTube discontinued Stories in June 2023, shifting focus to YouTube Shorts and Community Posts instead. If you're looking for ways to engage audiences with quick, casual content on YouTube, Shorts and Community Posts are now the recommended alternatives.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube Stories were discontinued in June 2023
- Stories were only available to channels with 10,000+ subscribers
- YouTube recommends Shorts and Community Posts as replacements
- Shorts provide similar quick content with better discovery and permanence
- Community Posts offer text, image, and poll engagement options
- The shift reflects YouTube's focus on short-form video (Shorts) over ephemeral content
What Were YouTube Stories?
YouTube Stories Overview
YouTube Stories were short, mobile-first video clips that:
- Lasted up to 15 seconds per clip
- Disappeared after 7 days
- Appeared in the Stories shelf on mobile app
- Were only available to channels with 10K+ subscribers
- Could include text, stickers, filters, and music
| Feature | Stories (Discontinued) | Shorts | Community Posts |
|---|
| Content Type | Video clips | Videos | Text, Image, Poll |
| Duration | 15 seconds | 60 seconds | N/A |
| Lifespan | 7 days | Permanent | Permanent |
| Subscriber Req. | 10,000 | None | 500 |
| Discovery | Limited | High (Shorts feed) | Medium |
| Monetization | None | Ad revenue share | None |
Why YouTube Discontinued Stories
Official Reasons
YouTube stated they were "focusing on products that help you grow your channels":
- 1.Low engagement: Stories had limited discovery compared to Shorts
- 2.Duplicate functionality: Shorts serve similar purpose with better features
- 3.Platform focus: YouTube prioritized Shorts to compete with TikTok
- 4.Creator resources: Encouraged creators to focus on higher-impact content
The Shift to Shorts
YouTube Shorts have advantages over Stories:
- Permanence: Content stays on your channel forever
- Discovery: Shorts Feed provides massive reach
- Monetization: Ad revenue sharing for YPP members
- Lower barrier: No subscriber minimum required
- Better tools: More editing features and effects
Alternatives to YouTube Stories
Alternative 1: YouTube Shorts
Why Shorts are the best replacement:
- Quick, casual content format
- Better discovery potential
- Monetization available
- No subscriber requirement
- Permanent content library
How to use Shorts like Stories:
- Post daily behind-the-scenes clips
- Share quick updates
- Tease upcoming content
- Show personality moments
Why Community Posts work:
- Quick updates without video
- Image and poll options
- Direct subscriber engagement
- Lower effort than video content
How to use Community Posts like Stories:
- Share photos throughout the day
- Post quick text updates
- Use polls for engagement
- Share casual moments via images
Alternative 3: Instagram/TikTok Stories
If you want actual ephemeral content:
- Instagram Stories (24-hour lifespan)
- TikTok Stories (24-hour lifespan)
- Cross-platform presence
Platform Comparison for Ephemeral Content
| Platform | Story Duration | Video Length | Best For |
|---|
| Instagram | 24 hours | 60 seconds | Visual brands |
| TikTok | 24 hours | 15-60 seconds | Young audience |
| Snapchat | 24 hours | 60 seconds | Personal |
| Facebook | 24 hours | 20 seconds | Broad reach |
Should You Miss YouTube Stories?
Arguments For (Why Some Creators Missed Them)
- Low-pressure content: No permanent record
- Casual updates: Quick daily check-ins
- Behind-the-scenes: Less polished content
- Direct notification: Appeared prominently for subscribers
Arguments Against (Why Removal Made Sense)
- Limited reach: Only shown to existing subscribers
- High subscriber threshold: 10K minimum excluded most creators
- No monetization: Free content with no revenue potential
- Duplicate effort: Similar content could go to Shorts with better results
- Platform fragmentation: Too many content types to manage
Verdict
For most creators, Shorts and Community Posts combined provide better value than Stories did:
- More reach (Shorts)
- More permanence (both)
- More engagement options (Community Posts)
- Monetization potential (Shorts)
Making the Transition (If You Used Stories)
For Casual Content Creators
Move casual content to Shorts
- Same quick, mobile-first format
- Better discovery and permanence
- Monetization available
For Daily Update Creators
Use Community Posts for text/image updates
- Post photos throughout the day
- Share quick text updates
- Engage with polls
For Behind-the-Scenes Content
- Show preparation/setup
- Share bloopers
- Document your process
- Viewers enjoy permanence
Best Practices for Post-Stories Era
Combining Shorts and Community Posts
Effective schedule:
- Daily: 1-2 Community Posts (images, quick updates)
- Daily: 1-3 Shorts (quick videos, clips)
- Weekly: Long-form videos (main content)
Content distribution:
| Content Type | Best Platform |
|---|
| Quick video updates | Shorts |
| Photo/image sharing | Community Posts |
| Text updates | Community Posts |
| Polls/questions | Community Posts |
| Behind-the-scenes video | Shorts |
| Tutorials/education | Shorts or Long-form |
If you want ephemeral content:
- 1.Create content on YouTube (Shorts)
- 2.Repurpose to Instagram Stories
- 3.Repurpose to TikTok
- 4.Each platform serves different audience
Q1Are YouTube Stories gone?
Yes. YouTube discontinued Stories in June 2023. The feature is no longer available for any creator. YouTube recommends using Shorts and Community Posts instead for similar content needs.
Q2What replaced YouTube Stories?
YouTube Shorts and Community Posts effectively replace Stories. Shorts offer quick video content with better discovery and permanence. Community Posts offer text, image, and poll engagement without video.
Q3Why did YouTube remove Stories?
YouTube shifted focus to Shorts, which provide better discovery, monetization, and creator value than Stories did. Stories had limited reach and no monetization, making them less valuable for both creators and the platform.
Q4Can I still see old YouTube Stories?
No. Stories disappeared 7 days after posting. Since the feature has been discontinued, no new Stories can be created, and old ones expired according to their original 7-day lifespan.
Q5Should I use Instagram Stories for YouTube content?
You can cross-promote YouTube content on Instagram Stories—many creators do. However, know that Instagram and YouTube audiences may differ. Use Stories to tease YouTube content and drive traffic.
Q6Are YouTube Shorts the same as Stories?
No, but they serve similar purposes. Shorts are permanent vertical videos up to 60 seconds that appear in the Shorts Feed. Stories were ephemeral 15-second clips that disappeared after 7 days. Shorts have better discovery and monetization.
YouTube Stories are gone, but creators haven't lost much. Shorts and Community Posts together provide more value than Stories ever did—better discovery, permanence, and monetization.
If you previously used Stories:
- Move video updates to Shorts
- Move photo/text updates to Community Posts
- Consider cross-platform Stories (Instagram, TikTok)
If you're new to YouTube:
- Focus on Shorts for quick video content
- Use Community Posts for engagement
- Don't worry about what Stories were
The YouTube content ecosystem is now simpler: long-form videos, Shorts, and Community Posts. Master these three, and you'll have all the engagement tools you need.
Related Resources:
- YouTube Shorts Complete Guide
- YouTube Community Posts Guide
- How to Grow on YouTube in 2026