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Whether you’re a new or pro video creator, YouTube Shorts is a fun video platform to create fast paced, mobile-friendly videos that can make your channel money fast.
From lifestyle and beauty to entertainment and gaming videos, increase your visibility on YouTube, express your creativity and connect with new viewers by making YouTube Shorts.
Learn about YouTube Shorts best practices, video specifications, how to upload and watch Shorts, easy Shorts video ideas, and other YouTube Shorts tips.
What are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are a video format that lets creators share vertical videos up to 3 minutes long. Like TikTok and Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts are designed to be short-form videos that are entertaining and easy to consume. YouTube Shorts can be created on the go — record, edit, add music and text, and upload directly to your YouTube channel with the YouTube app. You can also create Shorts directly from other creators' videos using the remix button.
YouTube Shorts have a maximum length of 3 minutes and can be uploaded as either MP4 or .MOV but they must have a video aspect ratio of 9:16. There is no minimum subscriber requirement for making YouTube Shorts, but you must be at least 13 years of age.
Since YouTube Shorts is a sub-platform, it has different metrics to standard YouTube channels and videos. Creators who want to track their Shorts success check the ‘viewed vs swipe away’ metric to measure their engagement.
What are the trending niches in YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts operates similarly to TikTok in how it delivers content to the user where the recommended content is specific and customized to each individual viewer. Users swipe through the YouTube Shorts section of the app and discover new content with each new swipe.
While it is a different format, the same popular genres in longform YouTube content also trend in Shorts. YouTube creators will often use Shorts to create highlights or shortform versions of their longform videos to increase their channel’s reach. Here's a look at popular YouTube channel genres that create Shorts.
Review and unboxing
Lifestyle and beauty
Pranks and challenges
Product demos and explainers
Tech support
ASMR
Health and fitness
Where do Shorts live on the YouTube app?
To find YouTube Shorts on the YouTube app, click on the Shorts tab on the bottom toolbar.
On YouTube desktop, click on the Shorts tab on the left sidebar.
Viewers can also find YouTube Shorts in search results across YouTube on smart TVs, game consoles, and other streaming devices, as well as by checking subscriptions and notifications.
Why should creators use YouTube shorts?
There are many benefits of posting short-form videos:
Increase visibility of your YouTube channel: YouTube Shorts is a sub-platform that uses a different algorithm so you can capture more viewers and subscribers.
Create videos quickly: Shorts are easier to create with vertical video templates. Be efficient and bulk-create by adapting existing mobile friendly templates for any genre.
Repurpose existing YouTube content: Just resizing the aspect ratio can make existing content ready for Shorts. Comment on viral YouTube Shorts and related topics while visually referencing your subject matter to suit any dimension.
Upload videos more frequently: Save on video editing time by making shorter videos and multiplying your publishing volume to grow your channel.
Experiment with your creativity: Try new video editing styles and storytelling techniques in Shorts. Use the Shorts section to road-test new content types to see if it attracts engagement to keep your content fresh.
Reach new audiences: Grow your subscriber count as some viewers prefer short-form content. Attract people who like to scroll YouTube during their commute but don’t have the time to watch a full-length video.
Boost YouTube user engagement: With quick likes, comments, and more shareable videos, hook new viewers in by sharing video highlights in abstract to build interest and intrigue.
Collaborate with other YouTubers by remixing Shorts: Cross-promotion helps you and the original poster and can build community knowledge and appreciation of both your channels.
Monetize videos faster than on TikTok: YouTube Shorts has lower view and subscriber requirements for you to earn revenue from your Shorts content.
Where to repost YouTube Shorts?
With vertical 9:16 aspect ratio videos being a popular size on many different social media platforms, creators can repurpose Shorts and share videos to a wider mobile audience. For more editing features, create your Shorts video in Clipchamp, then save and share to other 9:16 aspect ratio social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and more. You can also embed vertical videos on blogs, websites, and landing pages.
YouTube Shorts features to increase your reach
YouTube Shorts have many unique features that can help your channel and videos gain more views, new followers, and reach a wider audience.
Remix trending audio feature
Take the sound from a video and use it in your Short with the ‘Remix’ button. You can lip-sync trending funny videos or use a trending song as your video soundtrack. Using trending audio will add your Short to the search page for that sound which can boost views of your Shorts and increase visibility of your channel.
YouTube Short descriptions and tagging features
Just like regular YouTube videos, Shorts lets you include a video description and any relevant hashtags you would like to add. Explain to your viewers what your video is about, give your video a title. Make sure to optimize your YouTube video SEO with targeted descriptions to help increase your video’s views and boost your chances of being noticed in YouTube’s algorithm. Remember, don’t over tag your videos as you can risk video content being hidden.
YouTube Short analytics features
Regular review of YouTube analytics is a key strategy for growing your YouTube channel. YouTube Shorts provides four key metrics for you to measure their success. You can track your views, how often your videos are shown in feed, the number of likes you’ve gotten, and users who subscribed to your channel from your Shorts content. Interpret this data to plan your content like the average view duration so you know the ideal video length for your audience.
YouTube Short monetization requirements
If you’re a new creator on YouTube, using Shorts for monetization can make your money a little faster than regular video content. YouTube Shorts watch time doesn’t count to your overall channel watch time, but it does let you make money predictably. Creators must have 1000 subscribers, 4000 watch hours in the last 12 months, or 10 million views on Shorts in the last 90 days.
Super Thanks tips on YouTube Shorts
Super Thanks allows your YouTube audience and subscribers to tip you if they enjoyed your video. You can also set goals to raise funds for specific projects and your fans can support you. You’ll also be able to connect through colorful interactions that highlight their comments. Just remember your YouTube channel must be eligible for this Shorts feature.
Easy YouTube Shorts video ideas
Want to start experimenting with short-form videos on YouTube but not sure where to start? Look at easy and engaging ways you can create YouTube Shorts for any genre.
Create a video trailer for your newest longform video or repurpose existing successful YouTube videos.
Create a teaser for your travel vlog by combining scenic clips with dynamic transitions.
Record a time-lapse of your daily routine to give a closer look into your day.
Showcase quick DIY projects and tips for organization, arts and crafts, or festive activities.
Share a quick tutorial using your favorite beauty and makeup products.
Record a behind the scenes clip of your YouTube filming set up to give a peak into your creative process.
Participate in challenges with trending music to feature under YouTube music videos.
Share some interesting facts about yourself if you’re new to YouTube or have gained some new subscribers.
Give your opinion on newly released products or menu items as short reviews.
Record an immediate reaction to seeing a new movie or an artist live and add stickers and emojis for humorous and emotional emphasis.
How to make YouTube Shorts
There are a few different ways you can create YouTube Shorts:
YouTube app: Use the + button inside the YouTube app, or use the camera button in the Shorts tab. You can record a video, edit, and upload directly in the smartphone app.
YouTube Remix or Clip button: Use the Remix or Clip button to remix an existing YouTube video or record your video directly in the app using the Shorts button.
Clipchamp: Make your own video from scratch with the Clipchamp web-browser or iPhone YouTube video editor. Start with YouTube video templates designed for YouTube Shorts in 9:16 aspect ratio. Then customize your video with a range of professional features like animated text, transitions, and autocaptions. Or enhance your video using intuitive AI video editing tools like noise suppression.
For a step-by-step guide on how to make YouTube Shorts on desktop, iPhone, or in the YouTube app, check out our ultimate guide.
Frequently asked questions
How to convert a YouTube video into Shorts?
You can adapt an existing YouTube Short or turn regular YouTube videos into Shorts using the handy Remix button. You’ll find it under the video in the normal YouTube feed, or at the bottom right of your smartphone screen inside the Shorts section. If you’d like to further edit what you repurpose, try the Clipchamp video resizer to convert any video format into the 16:9 aspect ratio for Shorts.
Which topic is trending on YouTube Shorts?
There’s no trending homepage for Shorts yet but there is one coming soon. In the meantime, you can create content in popular niches like comedy, skits, gaming, and YouTube trailers.
Are YouTube Shorts basically TikTok?
While YouTube Shorts provides short-form content similar to TikTok, there are some key differences. Since it’s a sub-platform of YouTube, Shorts has a greater global audience and isn’t as tied to trends like TikTok. Monetization with YouTube Shorts also has a lower barrier of entry as opposed to TikTok. For more information on creating content for TikTok, check out this TikTok guide.
With YouTube Shorts you can attract more shortform viewers and subscribers while still growing your larger YouTube channel. If you still need some help getting started, check out our in-depth tutorial on how to make YouTube Shorts.
Looking for more ways to enhance your YouTube content? Check how to make intros and outros to add that extra professional touch to your videos.
Start creating Shorts with Clipchamp or download the Clipchamp Windows app.
