YouTube Shorts
Also called Shorts, YouTube Short
What is YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are short vertical videos on YouTube, shown in a swipeable full-screen Shorts feed, on channel pages, in search results and on the home page. YouTube currently allows Shorts of up to three minutes in a square or vertical format. They let channels reach new viewers quickly and feed interest into longer videos.
Shorts are typically 1080 by 1920 pixels at a 9:16 aspect ratio. They can use licensed music from YouTube's library, link to a related long video and earn money through the Shorts revenue share for channels in the YouTube Partner Program.
Because the format matches Instagram Reels and TikTok, many creators post the same vertical video to all three, adjusting captions and titles for each platform.
Why YouTube Shorts matters
YouTube is also a search engine, so Shorts can keep being found long after posting. A Short with a clear title and topic can bring steady views and subscribers.
Shorts are also a low-effort way into YouTube for a business without time for long videos. They can test topics cheaply and point viewers to longer tutorials or product demos.
How to make a YouTube Short
- Film or render a vertical 9:16 video of up to three minutes.
- Hook the viewer immediately, since the Shorts feed is easy to swipe.
- Write a clear title with the words people would search for.
- Add captions and keep text inside the safe zone.
- Link a related long video if you have one.
YouTube Shorts FAQ
How long can a YouTube Short be?
Up to three minutes, since YouTube extended the limit from 60 seconds in late 2024. Platforms change these limits, so check YouTube's current guidance.
Can I post the same video to Shorts, Reels and TikTok?
Yes. All three use 9:16 vertical video. Remove watermarks from other apps first, because platforms say they may show watermarked reposts less.
Related terms
Instagram Reels are short vertical videos on Instagram, shown in a full-screen feed that recommends them to people who do not follow you.
Short-form video is video under about three minutes, usually vertical, made for Reels, TikTok and YouTube Shorts; long-form video runs longer.
Vertical video is video taller than it is wide, usually 9:16 at 1080x1920 pixels, made to fill a phone screen on Reels, TikTok, Shorts and Stories.
Watch time is the total time people spent watching your video or channel. Platforms like YouTube use it as a key signal of quality.
A video thumbnail is the still image shown before a video plays. It works like a cover and strongly affects whether people click or tap.
A loop video is a short clip edited so its end flows back into its start, letting it replay continuously without a visible break.