How to Make YouTube Shorts

Short videos are everywhere on social media these days, so using YouTube Shorts to promote your music or even your personal account is a great idea. Luckily, learning how to create YouTube Shorts isn’t complicated. Creators have simple ways to make Shorts, adapt longer videos into Shorts, and even make money from them.

Read also: YouTube Shorts Not Working: How to Fix It

What You Should Know About YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts are, by definition, short, vertical videos that you can create using the YouTube app on your smartphone or iPad, much like TikTok or Instagram Reels. They come with a range of tools for creators, including a multi-segment camera, options to add music and audio clips, text overlays, and speed controls.

Before you start making Shorts, you should know the specific guidelines.

Video dimensions, length, and size:

• Aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical format)
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
• Shorts should be between 15 seconds and 60 seconds long.
• Longer Shorts can be created by stitching together multiple 15-second clips.
• Shorts should not exceed 10MB in size.

Thumbnail specifications:

• Thumbnails should be tall and narrow, with an aspect ratio of 9:16, and should have a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels to match the video format.

Other notes:

• While square 1:1 videos (1080 x 1080 resolution) are accepted, they aren’t optimized for vertical viewing.
• YouTube Shorts can be made directly within the YouTube mobile app using its integrated camera and editing features.

Now, let’s move forward to creating YouTube Shorts, whether you’re starting fresh or repurposing existing content.

How to Make Shorts on YouTube (From the App)

Follow these steps to get started:

1. Go to your app marketplace (like the iOS App Store or Google Play) and look up YouTube.
2. Install the official YouTube application.
3. Log in with your Google account or set up a new YouTube account if necessary.
4. Tap the plus (+) symbol on the app’s main screen, then choose to Create a Short.

To record your video:

1. Press and hold the red record button to capture a 15-second clip. Tap to start and tap again to stop.
2. To record a complete 60-second video, tap on the number 15 located over the recording button.

To customize your video:

• Tap the rotating arrows to switch camera views.
• Adjust video speed with the 1x button.
• Start a countdown timer with the clock icon for hands-free recording.
• Apply filters using the three circles icon.
• Modify your video by retouching (magic wand icon).
• Change backgrounds or add photos using the person icon.
• Use the ghost icon for smooth transitions between clips.
• Tap the sound icon at the top. You can add audio before starting or during the editing process.
• Adjust when text appears using the timeline icon.

Now, let’s move on to uploading your Short:

1. Press Next at the upper right to proceed after recording and editing.
2. Enter details for your Short, choose Public, Unlisted, or Private visibility.
3. Select appropriate settings for kids or age restrictions.
4. Press Upload Short to share your video.

Congratulations, you’ve done it. Now, keep making and uploading Shorts regularly — it will boost your visibility and help you connect with more people on the platform.

Do Shorts Help You Gain Subscribers?

Yes, Shorts help draw in new subscribers, but they won’t necessarily be loyal viewers. For consistent subscribers who are actively watching your content, focus on creating high-quality, longer-form content alongside your Shorts.

Read also: How to Turn a Long Video Into a Short Viral Clip

How to Repurpose Content for YouTube Shorts

If the video you want to upload on YouTube Shorts is too lengthy, split it into shorter segments. Repurposing longer content into bite-sized Shorts makes it easier for viewers to watch and share. Plus, you do a fraction of the work to get double the reach and engagement.

Here’s how to make YouTube Shorts on PC or smartphone from a longer video:

1. Go to AI Video Cut’s official website. Upload the video clips you want to use for your YouTube Short directly to AI Video Cut’s platform. You can also link your cloud storage (like Google Drive or Dropbox) to access videos stored there.

1. Choose the category or style of video you wish to make, such as trailers.
2. Customize duration (options include 7, 15, or 25 seconds), and aspect ratio (commonly portrait 1:1 size, 16:9 format, or 9:16).
3. Once satisfied with the edits, export the video in your preferred aspect ratio and resolution (1080p is often recommended for YouTube Shorts).
4. Save the edited video to your device or cloud storage.

How Much Does YouTube Pay for One Short?

Earnings from YouTube Shorts vary a lot. On average, you might earn between $0.01 and $0.06 for every 1,000 views. It might not seem like much, but it's a good way to earn some additional income if you post a lot.

How to Upload From Your Camera Roll or Computer

To upload a Short on the YouTube app from your camera roll:

1. Tap Create and then Upload a Video.
2. Adjust the video’s start and end times if necessary.
3. Tap Next to add text, filters, music, or other audio (music clips are limited to 15 seconds).
4. Add a title (up to 100 characters) and set privacy settings.
5. Tap Upload.

To upload a Short from your computer:

Sign in to YouTube Studio.

1. Click Create in the top-right corner and then select Upload Videos.
2. Use a square or vertical aspect ratio.
3. Optional: Consider including #Shorts in the title or description to enhance visibility across YouTube.

You can upload up to 15 short videos at once, but remember to click Edit Draft to finalize your video details before publishing.

How to Monetize YouTube Shorts

You need at least 1,000 subscribers. For full monetization, the platform also requires you to either earn 10 million views on Shorts in the last 90 days or gather 4,000 watch hours on long-form videos over a year. Views from Shorts in the Shorts Feed don’t count toward the watch hour requirement.

To apply for monetization, make sure you meet YouTube’s eligibility criteria, including complying with their Channel Monetization policies, having no active Community Guidelines Strikes, and enabling 2-step verification for your Google account. You also need an active AdSense account linked to your YouTube channel.

Here’s how you apply:

1. Sign in to YouTube Studio.
2. Navigate to the Earn section.
3. If eligible, click Apply. Otherwise, click Get Notified to receive a notification when you meet the requirements.
4. Review and accept the Base terms, then link your AdSense account.
5. YouTube will review your application, typically in about a month.

Once approved, activate the Shorts Monetization Module in YouTube Studio to start earning from your Shorts content.

YouTube introduced an expanded program in June 2023. This program allows creators with 500 subscribers and significant Shorts views or watch hours to monetize through features like YouTube Shopping and fan funding. However, you won’t earn ad revenue or share in YouTube Premium subscription revenue through this program.