YouTube Shorts Not Working: How to Fix It

Some users are having trouble playing Shorts on their smartphones and PCs, which is very frustrating. Are you one of them? Why is YouTube Shorts not working for you then? The answer is quite lengthy.

This guide provides easy solutions to fix these playback issues. Keep reading to find out more.

Why Is YouTube Shorts Not Working?

There could be various reasons, but the most common ones are:

• Device compatibility issues — Different devices have varying capabilities to handle the format or requirements needed for playing YouTube Shorts.
• Browser compatibility problems — Some web browsers don’t fully support the playback features or requirements of Shorts.
• Cached data and cookies in your browser — The stored data in your browser, such as cache and cookies, can interfere with the proper loading and playback of Shorts.
• Video format optimization for mobile viewing — YouTube Shorts are specifically designed for vertical viewing on mobile devices, which doesn’t always translate well to other device orientations or platforms.
• Outdated app or software versions — Older versions of the YouTube app or related software may lack the necessary updates or optimizations required for Shorts playback.

It’s all good to know, but that’s not very actionable, is it? Let’s move on to specific instructions.

Read also: How to Promote Music with YouTube Shorts in 2024: A Guide

What to Do If You Can’t Find the Shorts Option

If you’re having trouble finding the YouTube Shorts option in your app, start by making your YouTube app up to date and clearing its cache and data. This helps refresh the app and resolve most glitches preventing Shorts from appearing.

To update your apps on the Google Play Store:

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Tap on your profile picture.
3. Select Manage Apps & Device.
4. Tap on Updates Available to view all apps that have updates.
5. To update all apps, tap Update All. If you prefer to update individual apps, find the app you want to update and tap Update.

For iOS devices:

1. Open the App Store.
2. Tap on your profile picture.
3. Scroll down to find pending updates.
4. If the YouTube app needs updating, you’ll see it listed in the Upcoming Automatic Updates section.
5. Next to the YouTube logo, tap on Update to install the latest version.

To clear the cache, go to Settings, tap on Apps, find YouTube, select Storage, and then tap Clear cache.

Also, check your internet connection and restart your device, as connectivity issues can sometimes affect app functionality.

Sometimes, the problem might be with YouTube’s servers — for example, if they’re down or busy due to maintenance. In such cases, waiting a bit and trying again later can resolve the issue without further action needed. If the Shorts option continues to elude you, consider using a VPN. You can access the Shorts feature despite geographical restrictions by using a VPN set to a region like the US or India, where Shorts are widely accessible.

What to Do If Certain Videos Aren’t Visible

Sometimes, you won’t be able to access specific Shorts because of restrictions set by the creator and their privacy settings. Or because YouTube isn’t displaying the video correctly. As a viewer, you can't do anything about these issues, but as a creator, you have some control.

When it comes to your Shorts videos being visible, using the hashtag #shorts in your video titles or descriptions is key. This tag helps YouTube's algorithm recognize your content as Shorts, so it’s more likely to appear in Shorts feeds.

If you’re uploading existing videos, make sure they’re less than 60 seconds long. This sounds strange, but videos with exactly 60 seconds don’t always show up because of technical reasons.

For creators concerned about views on their Shorts videos, it’s important to be patient. YouTube takes time to index and recommend Shorts to viewers. Plus, the visibility of your content varies widely based on factors like engagement and timing.

Give your Shorts videos a few days to gain traction, but if issues persist, check your channel settings. Customize your channel to feature a dedicated Shorts section so that your Shorts content is prominently displayed alongside your other videos:

1. Sign in to YouTube Studio.
2. Go to Customization and then Layout in the left menu.
3. Click Add Section at the bottom.
4. Choose what you want to highlight; Shorts, in this instance.
5. Once selected, click Publish to apply the changes to your channel’s Home tab.

This will make it easier for viewers to find and engage with.

Why Aren’t My YouTube Shorts Getting Views?

Your Shorts may not be getting views for such reasons as changes in viewer interests, timing of upload, competition from other content, or fluctuations in YouTube’s algorithm. It’s also possible that your Shorts haven’t yet been indexed or recommended by YouTube to a wider audience.

How to Fix YouTube Shorts Not Playing on PC

If YouTube Shorts aren’t playing on your PC, it could be because of browser extensions. These extensions sometimes interfere with video playback, use up your computer’s resources, affect your internet connection, or may not support all video formats. Some extensions can also pose security risks.

To fix this, follow these steps to turn off browser extensions (this example will be for Google Chrome):

1. Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of your Google Chrome browser.
2. Choose More Tools from the dropdown menu, then click Extensions.
3. Look through the list of installed extensions.
4. Toggle the switch next to an extension to turn it off (change it from blue to gray).
5. Close the Extensions tab and refresh the YouTube Shorts page to see if the videos play correctly.

Repeat these steps until you find the one causing the issue.

Another reason for YouTube Shorts not loading on your computer is cache and cookies in your browser. To clear both, follow these steps:

1. Open your browser and click the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner.
2. Select Clear Browsing Data from the dropdown menu.
3. Choose Cookies and Other Site Data and Cached Images and Files.
4. Select the time range you want to clear (like All Time).
5. Click Clear Data to confirm.

Clicking the reload button in your browser or press the F5 key on your keyboard to reload the page.

What If YouTube Shorts Sound Is Not Working?

One common reason why sound doesn’t work is that your device’s volume is muted or turned down. This can happen accidentally, especially if you use external speakers or headphones with their volume controls. To fix this issue:

1. Open your device’s settings and go to Sound settings.
2. Check the Output section to make sure you’ve chosen the correct device (like speakers or headphones). Adjust the volume if it’s muted or too low.
3. If your device isn’t detected, go to the Advanced section and troubleshoot under Output Devices.

If the problem continues, check your device’s Volume Mixer to adjust sound settings for different applications, including your browser where YouTube is playing.

This should solve most instances of YouTube Shorts not working. It’s difficult to get a response from large platforms, so it’s best to try all possible solutions on your own first. If nothing you do is working, consider reaching out to the YouTube support team or social media channels for assistance.