How Long Are YouTube Shorts? New Format Explained
It's an exciting time to be an influencer on YouTube
YouTube Shorts has introduced a significant update that could reshape how content creators use the platform.
Previously, users could upload videos ranging from 15 seconds to a maximum of 60 seconds. Now, in response to "feedback from creators," YouTube has dramatically increased the maximum upload time, allowing for longer videos.
Alongside new templates and updated copyright rules, here's what you need to know and how it might impact your content strategy.
- What are YouTube shorts?
- How long are YouTube Shorts?
- How will 3-minute YouTube Shorts influence content creators?
- Updated copyright guidance on YouTube Shorts
- How are 3-minute YouTube Shorts monetized?
- YouTube Shorts: Specs, sizes, ratios, and length
What Are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts allows users to create short, vertical videos, similar to TikTok and Instagram Reels. These videos are designed to be quick, engaging, and easy to watch. Vertical (9:16) is the best format to use as it is the only format that fits perfectly without black bars above and below the content – square (1:1) aspect ratio is the alternative.
Launched globally three years ago, YouTube Shorts emerged following TikTok's ban in India. Today, it attracts over 70 billion daily views. Like TikTok's editing capabilities, YouTube Shorts offers built-in tools to add music, text, filters, and sample audio from other videos
How long are YouTube Shorts?
- YouTube Shorts are from 15 seconds to 3 minutes (180 seconds) long.
The change was implemented on October 15th and makes YouTube Shorts triple their original length — marking the biggest change to the format since its launch in 2021. In their official blog, YouTube confirmed:
Starting on October 15, you can upload Shorts up to 3 minutes long. This change applies to videos that are square or taller in aspect ratio and won't affect any videos you uploaded before October 15th.
YouTube's 'Creator Insider' channel also noted that changes may take a few weeks to fully roll out globally.
Research shows that YouTube Shorts between 50 and 60 seconds get the most views, so extending the time limit makes sense — it allows content creators to go beyond the 1-minute constraint. However, for videos closer to 3 minutes, creators face a new challenge in choosing the right format.
How Will 3-minute Shorts Influence Content Creators?
Pay Close Attention to Your Aspect Ratio
Understanding the distinction between YouTube Shorts and regular uploads is crucial, as it can affect whether you record in landscape or portrait mode.
As of October 15th, 2024, any video uploaded to YouTube that is 15 seconds-3 minutes long and in a square (1:1) or vertical (9:16) aspect ratio will automatically be classified as a YouTube Short. This means that if you want your video to be treated as a regular upload, it must either be longer than 3 minutes or use a landscape (16:9) aspect ratio.
Kapwing’s online video resizer can help solve this conundrum by allowing you to place a square or vertical video onto a standard 16:9 (1920 x 1080) YouTube canvas.
You can add any background color, image, or additional video elements before exporting and uploading to YouTube. This helps creators bypass the issue of no longer being able to upload vertical videos under 3 minutes as regular uploads.
Key Rules:
15 seconds to 3 minutes (9:16 vertical aspect ratio) - Treated as a YouTube Short
15 seconds to 3 minutes (16:9 aspect ratio) - Regular YouTube video
3 minutes or longer (any aspect ratio) - Considered a regular YouTube video
Understanding these guidelines is key to deciding how to format your videos for maximum reach and engagement.
Capitalize on a Different Audience and Potential Algorithm Change
Statistics show that YouTube Shorts attract a different viewing behavior compared to regular YouTube videos. Over 70% of YouTube Shorts watch time happens on mobile devices, whereas only 40% of watch time for regular uploads comes from mobile users, with many watching on laptops, connected TVs, and tablets.
While some assume that YouTube Shorts appeals to a younger audience, research suggests the age demographics of Shorts viewers and regular YouTube viewers are actually quite similar.
For content creators and marketers, the introduction of 3-minute YouTube Shorts offers a new opportunity to engage mobile users with longer content. Remember, influencers are key to the success of platforms like TikTok and YouTube, driving over 90% of video views on both platforms. With the extended length of Shorts, YouTube is aiming to retain influencers who might otherwise shift to TikTok's short-form content.
The change suggests YouTube is working to maintain its dominance in content marketing, enticing influencers to stay and thrive on the platform. If you're an influencer or content creator, now could be the ideal time to lean into YouTube Shorts, as the new video length may also come with algorithm adjustments. YouTube will likely highlight the 3-minute Shorts format through homepage promotions and content rewards, making it an exciting time to be part of the shift.
View Extended Clips and Highlights as a Benefit
Instead of resisting YouTube's changes by venting in forums, Reddit threads, or emailing complaints, successful content creators adapt and seize new opportunities.
The 3-minute YouTube Shorts format opens up a range of creative possibilities. For example, podcasters can now share longer clips from a 60-minute episode, making it easier to highlight key segments without the constraints of a 60-second limit.
YouTube Shorts can now serve multiple purposes — short viral clips, brief promotional content for longer videos, extended previews, or even standalone 3-minute videos. This longer format is ideal for tutorials, training materials, how-to videos, and news round-ups, allowing creators to provide more in-depth content.
While the extended length may reduce the need for the 'follow for part two' tactic that shorter videos use to drive subscribers, it offers more flexibility for delivering complete, engaging stories in a single clip. Embracing these changes can help you stay ahead and maximize your reach on the platform.
Updated Copyright Guidance on YouTube Shorts
YouTube also emphasized updates to its copyright guidelines, a crucial point for content marketers to note. The full statement reads:
"Shorts over 60 seconds that contain copyrighted content will be blocked. This means the video will not be playable or recommended on the platform. There are no penalties to your channel if this happens. However, if you wish to remove this content from your video you can follow our instructions."
How Are 3-Minute YouTube Shorts Monetized?
All YouTube Shorts between 15 seconds to 3 minutes will follow the same monetization process as before, with no changes to the current system.
While monetization rates for YouTube Shorts tend to be lower compared to regular uploads, they are an effective tool for promoting your content and growing your channel’s audience.
YouTube Shorts: Specs, Sizes, Ratios, and Length
- Shorts video length: between 15 and 3 minutes
- Shorts aspect ratio: 9:16 for a perfect fit
- Shorts video size limit: 10 MB
For information on the correct sizes and aspect ratios for every social platform, use Kapwing's 2024 Social Media Image and Video Aspect Ratios Guide.
