YouTube shorts size: Do you want your YouTube Shorts to stand out? If yes, then keep in mind that the right format is equally important as the content itself. Although the basic rules like keeping videos under 60 seconds long and using a vertical format are well known, there’s more to it than meets the eye.
Have you ever wondered how vertical your video should be? Which YouTube shorts size works? Or which aspect ratio works best for higher reach and visibility? Knowing these technical details can make all the difference in how your YouTube Shorts perform.
Here we’ll uncover the ideal YouTube short video size ratio, video dimensions, and best practices to ensure your content looks perfect on Shorts.
What Are YouTube Shorts and Why Are They Important?
Before we dive into other details, let’s understand what YouTube short form means. YouTube Shorts brings the power of short-form vertical videos to the platform. This will make it easier for creators to engage audiences in a quick and entertaining way.
Created to compete with TikTok and Instagram Reels, Shorts provides a new way to engage viewers and grow your subscriber count. It doesn’t matter if you’re reusing a longer video or creating something entirely new, Shorts provide a dynamic format to increase visibility and engagement in 60 seconds or less.
While creating YouTube Shorts, you’ll need to consider the right size for your shorts. Here, the right size means YouTube shorts ratio and resolution. Notably, YouTube itself suggests a 9:16 ratio for short videos. This format is optimized for the shorts themselves and algorithms that market short-form content.
Now let’s discuss why YouTube Shorts are important:
Short-form videos are an important part that should be included in your marketing strategy. If you’re a creator but aren’t making short-form videos yet, now’s the time to start.
YT Shorts is one of the simplest ways to facilitate the creation of this content with editing options that enable creators to use content from existing videos and convert them into Shorts.
Diversifying your content not only helps you reach a broader audience but also maximizes the chances of converting casual viewers into loyal subscribers. Overall, short-format videos are a gateway that helps attract new viewers who can later be entertained by your longer content.
Through this section, we have tried to help you know about YouTube Shorts along with answering the question “What is the ratio of YouTube Shorts?”.
YouTube Shorts Size & Technical Requirements
Before diving in, it’s crucial to understand the guidelines and restrictions that come with making YouTube Shorts.
- YouTube shorts video length – 60 seconds
- Youtube shorts video size ratio – 9:16 (in vertical orientation)
- YouTube shorts resolution size – 1920 pixels by 1080 pixels (the recommended aspect ratio for vertical videos)
Let me help you understand the above requirements in easy words:
- YouTube short-form content has a maximum period of 60 seconds, be it a single clip or many shorter segments combined.
- YouTube Shorts should be in a vertical format with a 9:16 aspect ratio and a resolution of 1080×1920 pixels.
- Creators may use audio from YouTube’s library or other videos for up to 60 seconds.
The recommended format aligns with the default portrait mode on most smartphones, making it the best option for creators.
Note: While YouTube short-form videos are built for vertical content, they don’t necessarily have to be. As long as your video is at least square (with an aspect ratio and 1080×1080 resolutions), it will still qualify as a short. Though not strictly vertical, square videos fit within YT’s shorts format and can be searched similarly to usual vertical ones.
How to Create a YouTube Short (Step-by-Step Guide)
Keep scrolling to read how to prepare a short-form video on the platform!
Step 1 Open the YouTube mobile app on your device. Tap the “+” icon in the bottom navigation bar, then choose the option “Create a Short”.
Step 2 If you haven’t done so already, let YouTube access your camera app and microphone.
Step 3 You may either record a new Short directly within the platform or upload a pre-recorded vertical short video. Tap the option, given in the below-left corner, to upload your short video. Remember, YouTube Shorts Maximum duration should be 60 seconds or less. But from 15 October 2024, a new maximum duration has been introduced, which is 3 minutes.
How to Repurpose Long-Form Videos into Shorts
Willing to know how to repurpose long-form videos into shorts? If yes, then look no further we’ve got you covered in the few simple steps below. By following the steps provided, you will be repurposing your pre-existing content in no time.
Step 1 Select a Video
Sign in to your YouTube account on the mobile app and pick an existing video you’d like to turn into Short-form content. This could be a clip you want to highlight, repurpose, or use to share important information with your subscribers.
Step 2 Start Editing YouTube Shorts
Once you’ve picked the video, tap the button “Remix”, which is located beneath the title. From the available options, select “Edit into a Short” to start customizing your clip.
Step 3 Trim Your Short
Once on the Shorts editing screen, use the sliders to pick the portion of your video you wish to feature. YouTube Shorts can be up to 60 seconds long, and the red progress bar at above will indicate how much time you’ve used. Also, make sure whether the YouTube shorts video size ratio is 9:16 or not.
Step 4 Add More Footage
If your chosen clip is less than 60 seconds in length, you have the option to keep more footage. Simply click on the back arrow in the above-left corner to access the Shorts camera, where you can record additional content to increase your Short.
Step 5 Publish Additional Footage
Instead of recording new content, you can also import existing clips. Hit the media library icon on the below-left side of the Shorts camera and choose the video you wish to add. Once you’ve completed your selection, hit the checkmark icon at the bottom right to proceed.
Step 6 Customize Your Short-Form Video
Now, you’ll be redirected to a preview screen where you can increase your Short video using multiple features. At the below of the screen, you’ll see options to put text, apply filters, and adjust the timeline. These tools will allow you to add crucial information, optimize your video, and or alter its appearance. Using the timelines option, you will be able to control when your text pops up, thus ensuring your message is well-timed.
Step 7 Give your Short Video a Title
Once you’ve done with edits and adding effects, click “Next” to move forward. A text box will come in front of you, where you can enter a title for your Short. Create an appealing caption, and below the title field, you’ll see options to set the video’s visibility and showcase whether or not the content is suitable for kids.
Step 8 Posting Your Short
To upload your Short, click on the button “Upload Short” given at the bottom of the screen. Your Short will be published, and if it was made from an existing video, YouTube will automatically add a URL to the original content. This makes it easier for people to explore and engage with your lengthy video.
Best Content Ideas for YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts provide a number of possibilities for content creation. Other than news updates, repurposing existing videos (as we’ve discussed above), or instructional clips like recipe tutorials, creators can experiment with interesting formats such as quick product reviews, BTS (behind-the-scenes clips), interactive tasks, storytelling snipes, and existing Q&A sessions. Overall, the short format is for spontaneity and creativity, perfect for providing bite-size entertainment, trending viral videos, or educational tips.
1. Provide a Game-Changing Tip
People love exploring smart shortcuts, and YouTube shorts are a suitable place to share them! From time-saving cleaning recipes, tricks for cleaning up the kitchen quickly, or clever ways to stay organized, there are plenty of topics to choose from. All you need to do is provide small hacks, and you are ready to grab the attention of your audience by making their everyday life easier.
2. Transformation Content
YouTube Shorts is ideal for presenting dramatic before and after videos or transformation content. Be it a personal journey, a home makeover, or a product demonstration, short-form video enables creators to highlight the impact of change in a visually entertaining way.
3. Make a FAQ YT Short
As an influencer or brand, you’ve likely received several questions from your subscribers. Rather than dedicating an entire lengthy video to responding to them, make a quick and entertaining FAQ-style short to address the most common ones engagingly and concisely.
4. Mini Vlogs in Shorts
Vlogging isn’t only for long-form content. Capture the essence of your day in a fast-paced, engaging short. Aim for the most surprising moments, best scenes, or key details to create a compelling snapshot of your experience in the recommended duration.
5. Tease Your Lengthy Content
Turn your long-form content into quick previews! Extract the most amazing or interesting moments from your existing content and repurpose them as YouTube Shorts. Make sure to add a strong call to action at the end, so viewers can watch the full video on your channel.
6. Share Quick Tips & Insights
If you possess expertise in a specific area, YouTube Shorts is a fantastic way to share useful advice in a concise format. Interact with your audience, ask them what they need help with, and give them quick, effective tips that can be implemented immediately.
7. News Updates
Keep your subscriber informed with short and quick news updates on a certain topic/industry. Sum up the most important takeaways in a fast, engaging format. This will enable viewers to keep in touch without sifting through long reports.
8. Repurpose Your Existing Content
If you’re already making short-form videos for Instagram Reels or TikTok, you could consider maximizing their reach. Publish them as YouTube Shorts to target new people and get more value from your content without putting in extra effort.
How to Monetize YouTube Shorts & Earn Revenue
If you wish to monetize your YouTube Shorts, you’ll need to join YouTube’s Partnership Program/YPP. To do so, you should first meet certain eligibility criteria, including the following:
- Have at least 1,000 subscribers.
- Hold 10M public short views in the past 90 days.
- Follow all the YT monetization guidelines.
- Reside in a place where the program is available.
- Have no active community policy strikes on your channel.
- Have 2-step verification turned on and premium features turned on.
- Have an AdSense account.
Collaborate with Brands for Paid Partnerships
As with social media sites, YouTube Shorts provides options for monetization through brand collaborations. Companies usually align with creators to market their products or services in return for compensation. This way, influencers can make money while sharing content that matches their audience’s interests.
Other Methods to Monetize YouTube Shorts:
Method 1 Affiliate Marketing – Receive a commission when a viewer taps on a URL and makes a purchase.
Method 2 Shopping – Let fans browse and purchase items from your store or products you recommend from other brands.
Methods 3 Advertising Revenue – Enjoy revenue from Watch Page Ads and Shorts Feed Ads.
YouTube Shorts Success Tips & Algorithm Hacks
YouTube Shorts grow on engagement, watch time, and relevance. The algorithm favors videos that draw attention, generate interactions, and align with a viewer’s interests. To expand your reach, make sure to focus on creating engaging content. Your content should also engage with your audience and increase comments, likes, and shares.
Read the effective tips below to boost your Shorts performance:-
1. Draw Attention Instantly
Keep viewers from scrolling past your Short by starting strong. Add appealing visuals, an engaging YouTube short description, or an intriguing question to attract them in right away.
Hint at something exciting coming up to push viewers to watch until the end. This could be a surprising twist, a big reveal, or useful insights they won’t want to miss. Also, you can keep a compelling teaser in your caption to ignite curiosity before they even hit play.
2. Learn from Competitors
Study trending Shorts in your field to find popular topics and formats. Use these insights to craft fresh, interesting content that connects with viewer interests.
3. Follow the Latest Trends
Keep an eye on popular memes, challenges, and soundtracks. Add them to your Shorts to reach more and more people while keeping the content relatable to your field.
4. Keep CTAs Subtle
People watch shorts for quick entertainment, not sales pitches. Rather than overburdening them with requests, keep your Call to Action short and natural. Simply put, let your content do the talking!
5. Do an Experiment to Grow
Being successful on YouTube Shorts also involves testing different formats, styles, and video lengths. Try a mix of humor, information, and multiple periods and see what works. When something works, optimize and repeat!
6. Focus on Quality Content
No shortcut beats fresh, unique content. Entertaining, premium shorts keep viewers hooked, automatically expanding your reach. When people stay and interact, the algorithm takes notice. Therefore, you’re advised to prioritize entertainment and value first.
Conclusion
Using the right format is key to making an impact with Shorts on YouTube. Keep your shorts under 60 seconds, ensure a vertical element ratio (9:16), and focus on premium quality visuals. Adequate formatting increases viewers’ experience, drives engagement, and ensures long-lasting success. Pay attention to these key points, and you’ll be on your way to creating great YouTube Shorts!
