In the ever-evolving world of online content creation, YouTube Shorts have emerged as a game-changer, captivating audiences with their bite-sized format. But amidst the frenzy of short-form videos, a common question arises: How long can a YouTube Short be? Below, we have pieced together a full tutorial exploring how long can YouTube Shorts be and everything you need to know about the trend. Read on!
- YouTube Shorts allows videos to have a maximum duration of 60 seconds.
- The ideal length for optimal engagement is between 15 and 60 seconds.
- The type of music you choose for your Short can affect its duration: selecting stock music or using your own audio allows for a longer duration of 15 to 60 seconds; opting for a track from YouTube's music library restricts your Short to a maximum of 15 seconds.
What are YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts is a dynamic short-form video feature introduced by YouTube in 2020 to rival platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok. With Shorts, content creators can record and share captivating videos of up to 60 seconds directly within the YouTube app, complete with music and sound overlays. Unlike the original video creation feature available on YouTube since 2012, YouTube Shorts offers several unique tools that enrich the creator's output. It includes a multi-segment camera that allows creators to seamlessly combine multiple clips into a single engaging Shorts video. Additionally, creators have control over playback speed and can access an extensive music library to enhance their content. Moreover, the platform provides hands-free recording with countdown and timer tools, making the video creation process even more accessible and versatile
How Long Can a YouTube Short Be
YouTube Shorts allows creators to produce content that falls between 1 and 60 seconds in length. The platform's default setting for Shorts is 15 seconds, which is a popular choice among many users. Creators have the option to upload a single, continuous 60-second video or combine multiple 15-second clips to reach the maximum duration. However, it's important to note that if you choose to incorporate music from YouTube's audio library, your Short will be restricted to a maximum length of 15 seconds.
The Ideal YouTube Shorts Length
How long should your YouTube Shorts be? As YouTube Shorts can be up to 60 seconds long, it's essential to consider the optimal duration for your content. While the platform allows for longer videos, it doesn't mean that you should always use the full-time limit. Shorter videos can often deliver better results. More than 70% of YouTube Shorts exceed the 15-second minimum duration, but many don't reach the 60-second mark.
A moderate length is a smart choice if you want to provide value to your audience without losing their interest before the video ends. The ideal length for your YouTube Shorts will depend on various factors, such as your audience, your content type, video elements, etc. The best strategy is to conduct research, spend time watching YouTube Shorts, and focus on content similar to your own industry or niche. Try different video lengths across multiple projects, pay attention to the typical duration associated with successful video, and replicate the video lengths that have proven effective.
In addition to the duration, it’s also crucial to consider other specs when crafting your YouTube shorts.
- The ideal aspect ratio for YouTube Shorts is 9:16, which perfectly fills the screen when users are holding their devices upright.
- Resolution: 1920 pixels by 1080 pixels. This range ensures that your video is optimized for mobile viewing while maintaining a sharp and visually appealing appearance.
Why Should You Create YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts offers a myriad of benefits that can bolster your online presence and engagement levels, and here is a further breakdown:
- YouTube Shorts provide creators with access to a vast user base, enhancing visibility and potential reach for their content.
- The short-form nature of Shorts enables brands and creators to capture audience attention quickly, fostering higher engagement rates and increased viewership within a shorter span.
- Like other short-form content platforms, YouTube Shorts allows brands to hop onto trending topics, challenges, or viral content, enabling timely and relevant engagement with the audience.
- YouTube's algorithm favors Shorts, providing increased visibility for content, potentially leading to higher organic reach and exposure for brands.
- Short-form video is generally easy to create. You can film and upload them directly from your smartphone without needing special equipment or elaborate video editing software.
- YouTube Shorts provides a driver for your long-form content.
Key YouTube Shorts Statistics 2024
- YouTube Shorts has over 2.3 billion monthly active users.
- The platform receives over 70 billion daily views.
- More than 70% of YouTube Shorts are longer than 15 seconds.
- About 70% of YouTube watch times come through mobile phones.
- 17% of all Shorts views come from the Entertainment niche.
- YouTube Shorts creators can earn between $0.01 – $0.06 per 1,000 views.
- One YouTube subscriber is worth 25 TikTok followers.
- You can gain long-term subscribers by posing Short content.
How to Make YouTube Shorts
1. How to Make YouTube Shorts on Mobile
Step 1. Open the YouTube app on your device, and log in to your account. Tap on the Plus button in the bottom center > Short to create a YouTube short.
If you have already recorded a short video, you can use the Upload feature to upload your shorts on YouTube directly.
Step 2. Now on the YouTube Shorts recording page, you can find various pre-recording features to leverage.
- Click on the number ’15’ in the top right to change the recording duration to 60 seconds if needed.
- Tap 'Add sound' at the top to choose from a selection of free tracks to add to your video.
- At the right sidebar, you can explore different recording tools like flip, effects, greenscreen, filters, speed control, timer, etc.
Step 3. Once ready, tap on the Record button to start recording your YouTube short, tap it again to stop, and then tap it again to record the next segment. The Undo button on the left allows you to delete the last segment, while the Redo icon on the right lets you resume the deleted segment.
Step 4. Once finished, click on the Checkmark to enter the editing page where you can preview your video, and add text overlays, music, and other elements.
Step 5. Then tap Next. Add details to your YouTube Shorts, and it is recommended to include a #Short tag in the Title field to increase exposure, set visibility options, and select the desired audience.
Step 6. Click on the Upload button to upload your YouTube short.
2. How to Make YouTube Shorts on PC
The YouTube web app doesn't support recording YouTube Shorts directly from a PC, but you do have the option to upload Shorts from your computer. However, this method lacks the convenient in-app editing tools available on the mobile app for polishing your content. Thus to enhance your Shorts before uploading from your PC, you can try some of those easy yet robust video editing software like VideoProc Vlogger to beef up your YouTube video content.
VideoProc Vlogger - The Best Free Companion for all YouTube Content Creators
- Resize 16:9/4:3 video to 9:16 with ease to fit in the specs operated by YouTube Shorts.
- Trim and cut your short videos with exclusive transitions, PiP effect, and split screen.
- Apply more precise and flexible edits to further your YouTube creation.
- 100% free, clean and safe to download and use.
YouTube Shorts: Best Practice
To create engaging and successful YouTube Shorts that resonate with your audience and grow your channel, there are some effective practices you can leverage:
- Keep it short and sweet: the recommended length for Shorts is up to 60 seconds, but aim to deliver your message concisely and within the first few seconds. Viewers have short attention spans, so grab their attention quickly.
- Hook your viewers in the first seconds: Make sure your opening is engaging and compelling. Use eye-catching visuals, intriguing questions, or humor to keep them watching.
- Optimize for mobile: Since Shorts are primarily viewed on mobile devices, ensure your content is optimized for smaller screens. Use clear visuals, readable text, and a vertical format (9:16) for the best viewing experience.
- Create an attractive thumbnail: A compelling thumbnail can make a big difference in attracting viewers. Use bright colors, clear visuals, and text overlays to make your thumbnail stand out in search results and recommendations.
- Be consistent: Post Shorts regularly to keep your audience engaged and build a following. Consistency is key to growing your channel and increasing your chances of being recommended to new viewers.
- Engage with your audience: Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and incorporate viewer suggestions into your content. Building a connection with your audience can help increase engagement and loyalty.
How to Monetize YouTube Shorts
Can you monetize YouTube Shorts? Yes.
To monetize YouTube Shorts, you first need to meet the eligibility criteria for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). This includes having at least 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last year or 10 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days. YouTube uses an ad revenue sharing model for Shorts monetization. 45% of the total earnings from ads that appear between Short videos are added to the creator pool. Creators are paid out from the creator pool based on the number of views their Shorts receive. If a creator uses music tracks in their Shorts, the revenue is divided equally between the creator and the music publishers. The more music is used, the less the creator will earn. If no music is used, the creator keeps their entire share of the revenue from the creator pool. Once eligible, creators can apply for monetization in the Earn section of YouTube Studio. After the application is reviewed and approved, creators can turn on monetization features and choose how to monetize their content.
