Video Editing

The ultimate guide to YouTube Shorts

Updated August 3, 2023

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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 posting Shorts.

Learn about YouTube Shorts video specifications, how to upload and watch Shorts, easy Shorts video ideas and how to create amazing YouTube Shorts with Clipchamp

What are YouTube Shorts?

YouTube Shorts are a video format that lets creators share vertical videos up to 60 seconds 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 or clip button.

Who should use YouTube Shorts?

No matter if you’re a new or seasoned YouTuber, YouTube Shorts can be made by anyone. Here's a look at popular YouTube channel genres that create Shorts.  

  • Gaming  

  • Review and unboxing  

  • Lifestyle and beauty  

  • Pranks and challenges 

  • Product demos and explainers 

  • Vlogging 

  • 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. 

An image of a user creating Shorts on the app.

On YouTube desktop, click on the Shorts tab on the left sidebar.  

An image of a user creating a Short via desktop.

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 YouTube channel visibility on the app as your videos are easier to discover  

  • Create videos faster with vertical video templates 

  • Repurpose existing YouTube content resizing the aspect ratio 

  • Save on video editing time and create more frequent uploads  

  • Experiment with your creativity and try new video editing styles and storytelling techniques  

  • Reach new audiences and grow your subscriber count as some viewers prefer short-form content  

  • Boost user engagement with quick likes, comments, and more shareable videos 

  • Collaborate with other YouTubers by remixing their Shorts  

  • Become eligible to monetize videos faster with 10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days  

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. To avoid repurposing content with the YouTube Shorts watermark, create your Shorts video in Clipchamp, then save and share to other social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and more.  

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.  

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 video’s description 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 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 new or existing 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.

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 using pro looking YouTube video templates and the easy video editing tools in Clipchamp.  

How to make YouTube Shorts in the YouTube app

  1. Sign in to the YouTube app. 

  2. Tap on the + button

  3. Tap on the create a Short button.  

  4. Tap the continue button to allow access to your camera and microphone.  

  5. Record your Shorts video. 

  6. Tap the done button to preview and enhance your video. 

  7. Tap the next button to add video details like a title and privacy settings. 

  8. Tap select audience button > yes, it’s made for kids or no, it’s not made for kids.  

  9. Tap the upload Short button to publish your Shorts video.  

An image of a user creating a Shorts video inside the YouTube app.

You can also tap on the camera button inside the Shorts tab in the YouTube app to start creating a YouTube Short.  

An image of a user clicking on the Shorts button.

If you would like to remix an existing YouTube video, click on the remix button under the YouTube video to create a remixable Short.  

An image of a user remixing a Short.

How to create YouTube Shorts with Clipchamp

Using Clipchamp for desktop, easily create videos ready for YouTube Shorts in just a few clicks. Start off with a ready-to-use video template designed for YouTube Shorts in 9:16 aspect ratio or create a new video to start from scratch. Customize your video template with animated text, colors, transitions, and royalty-free sound effects. You can even add captions for free with Clipchamp.  

An image of inside Clipchamp editing a Shorts video.

From trailers for new YouTube content to resurfacing existing videos, create engaging and eye-catching YouTube Shorts in our easy online video editor. Get started with Clipchamp

Looking to learn about how to create better videos for YouTube? Explore this blog on how to see YouTube analytics for other channels

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