What are YouTube Shorts?

YouTube Shorts are YouTube’s answer to TikTok and Instagram Reels. They’re vertical videos you can watch or create directly in the YouTube app. At first, Shorts were up to 60 seconds long, but since late 2024, you can make them up to three minutes (180 seconds). Think of them as bite‑sized videos designed for fast scrolling and quick entertainment.

How does YouTube Shorts work?

Shorts run in a dedicated feed that you swipe through—like TikTok. You can record multi-part clips, add licensed music, use text or filters, and include captions or stickers. The platform loops these videos automatically. Creators can even remix others’ clips or respond to comments with new Shorts. It’s all built to keep people watching more—and discovering your content.

Why are YouTube Shorts important?

  • Massive reach: Shorts rack up huge numbers. As of May 2024, they’d earned over 5 trillion views.
  • Brand discovery: They’re great for catching attention fast—perfect when you want to raise awareness, share quick product demos, or test creative ideas.
  • Channel growth: Since Shorts are woven into YouTube’s ecosystem, they can drive people to check out your longer videos, boosting subscribers and watch time.

What’s the difference between Shorts and regular YouTube videos?

  • Length & format: Shorts are vertical and up to 3 minutes; regular videos have no time limit and are usually landscape.
  • Audience behavior: Shorts are swipe-first—viewers scroll quickly, so hooking them fast matters. Regular videos often start with search intent or purposeful watching.
  • Results: Shorts often drive more views and likes per view, but traditional long‑form content still earns longer watch sessions and more money from multiple ad slots.

How do creators make money with Shorts?

You now earn real ad revenue on Shorts—similar to longer videos—thanks to the YouTube Partner Program. That’s a step up from the old bonus system, and it means consistent, quality Shorts can bring in ongoing earnings, as long as you’re eligible and follow YouTube’s guidelines.

What’s new with YouTube Shorts?

  • Longer videos: Since November 2024, Shorts can be up to 3 minutes.
  • AI creativity tools: Google is rolling out generative AI tools like Veo 3 to help you script, edit, and even generate video content inside the app.
  • Interactive features: You can now use Google Lens on Shorts—tap to learn more about what you see. And expect stickers like polls and quizzes soon.

Best practices for creating effective Shorts

  1. Hook fast: Grab attention in the first 1–3 seconds—viewers swipe quickly.
  2. Optimize metadata: Use keywords, hashtags, and clear titles— the algorithm still cares.
  3. Post regularly: Consistency helps the algorithm “trust” you—some suggest up to 200 uploads before seeing steady results.
  4. Link strategically: Use the “related video” tool in YouTube Studio to funnel Shorts viewers to your long‑form content.
  5. Use AI wisely: Play with tools like Veo for inspiration, but keep the content authentic.

With Shorts, you’ve got a powerful way to reach a new audience quickly—and, when done right, turn those quick views into real engagement and earnings. If you haven’t tried it yet, start small: record a quick behind‑the‑scenes clip or tip video, post it, and see how your audience reacts. In no time, Shorts might be your go‑to snackable content format that grows your channel in big ways.

Your next step? Open the YouTube app, tap the “+” to create your first Short, and see what sticks.