Since the launch of YouTube Shorts in 2021, this latest short-form content platform has been on the rise!
In July 2023, YouTube Shorts logged 2 billion logged-in users, and that number is only set to keep growing as more creators search for fresh ways to share content and reach a larger, more engaged online audience.
If you’ve never created YouTube Shorts before, the process might feel a little daunting. How do you make YouTube Shorts, and what pitfalls should you watch out for? Don’t worry, we’ve got all the answers.
Editing YouTube Shorts is quick and easy using the YouTube platform’s built-in editing tools! Even as a total novice, you can make clever, engaging Youtube Shorts you’re proud to share.
Searching for the secret to successful video editing as you start to make YouTube Shorts on the YouTube app? Here’s your Plann guide to all the fundamentals.
What Are YouTube Shorts?
First up, what are YouTube Shorts? Essentially, the Shorts video feature is YouTube’s answer to TikTok videos or Instagram Reels. Shorts are bite-sized vertical videos designed to engage viewers fast (in 60 seconds or less, to be precise). With a vertical screen display, they’re perfect for immersive mobile viewing.
Hosted on a separate tab within the YouTube platform, YouTube Shorts offers a special advantage over social media competitors (like Instagram Reels and TikTok) in that they link directly to the rest of your channel. This means that you can encourage existing subscribers to enjoy your short-form video content in addition to watching your longer videos.
Why You Should Start Sharing Shorts
There are so many reasons why you should start to make YouTube Shorts!
Like other short-form videos, YouTube Shorts video content is built for reach. Every Shorts video that you share on the YouTube app has the potential to go viral and boost your brand’s organic visibility on the platform. This can give you better opportunities for greater discoverability, helping you direct more traffic back to your main YouTube channel.
Shorts are also a good avenue for content repurposing. You can create Shorts easily by repurposing video content from other social media platforms, like Instagram and TikTok. Alternatively, you can repurpose existing videos already hosted on your YouTube channel (such as turning a long-form video into a series of shorter teaser videos).
Finally, YouTube Shorts remain relatively new. This means you have the rare opportunity to become an early adopter and make your mark on the YouTube app as a prolific Shorts creator. You can fill a growing demand in the early stages of Shorts’ success and define yourself as one of the leaders.
How to Edit YouTube Shorts With Ease
Wondering how to get started with creating Shorts? While the Shorts feature might seem intimidating, crafting compelling short-form video content is easy (if you have the right editing techniques up your sleeve). You’ve come to the right place! Here are the basics you’ll need to know if you want to create YouTube Shorts with real impact.
YouTube Shorts editing tools and features to harness
Did you know you have a stack of handy editing tools you can leverage within the YouTube app? That’s right, you can level up your video content with just a few clicks by using these video editing tools. Plus, there are a range of handing content creation features to harness if you’re filming videos directly within the YouTube app, too.
• Flip: Toggle between your front and back camera.
• Timer: Self-record with ease by using the timer feature.
• Speed: Increase or decrease your recording speed by 0.3x, 0.5x, 1x, 2x or even 3x.
• Effects: Add an engaging visual effect to your video, from freckles to sparkles.
• Green screen: Upload a photo to display behind you as the background to your video.
• Filters: Overlay a color-specific filter to your recording.
• Retouch: Smooth lines and automatically retouch your footage.
• Lighting: Adjust the lighting of your recording to boost brightness or even darken your footage.
• Flash: Easily toggle between flash and no flash during your video.
Now that you’ve got a handle of how to make YouTube shorts, it’s time to dive into your step-by-step guide to uploading and sharing your first (or next) YouTube Shorts video.
Option 1. Upload video
Already have a video ready to go? You can make YouTube Shorts simply by uploading videos from an external gallery or your camera roll! This is possible on a desktop or via the YouTube app by following these steps.
Step 1: Navigate to the YouTube Studio, and select ‘Upload Videos’.
Step 2: ‘Select files,’ and upload a video from your device. Your clips can be up to 60 seconds in length.
Step 3: Add your video details, including a title, description, thumbnail, and target audience. Add the #Shorts hashtag to help the algorithm identify your content type.
Step 4: Caption your video and share it as a YouTube Short.
Option 2. Edit longer YouTube videos into a Short
You can also create YouTube Shorts from your existing YouTube videos, using the same content to reach a whole new audience. Here’s how!
Step 1: Navigate to the watch page on your channel and select your chosen video.
Step 2: Tap the ‘Remix’ button, and select ‘Edit into a Short’ from the options that appear.
Step 3: Within the Shorts creation video editor, select up to 60 seconds from your video.
Step 4: Finalise with text or filters before publishing your video as a Short.
Bonus tip: Add Music
Need to add some background music during the video editing phase? This can make YouTube Shorts all the more powerful and engaging. Follow these simple steps to get started!
Step 1: Enter the YouTube Studio to edit your video, upload your video, or remix a longer video into a Short.
Step 2: Tap the ‘Add Sound’ button to browse popular sounds.
Step 3: If you are making a video under 15 seconds long, you’ll be able to select a track from the YouTube catalogue.
Step 4: If applicable, apply your chosen music and progress to upload your YouTube Short video.
YouTube Shorts Requirements to Keep in Mind
Just knowing how to create a Short isn’t enough. Before you create videos on Shorts, you also need to understand the guidelines and requirements your content will need to align with.
Currently, YouTube Shorts must be between 15 and 60 seconds in length, even if this includes a compilation of multiple video clips. It’s important to note that only 15-second clips are eligible for YouTube music tracks because of copyright concerns.
When you make YouTube Shorts, you should always use a vertical frame and a 9:16 aspect ratio, just like other short-form videos. When repurposing from another platform, it’s usually best to remove any logos or watermarks where possible. This can help improve your content’s performance in the YouTube algorithm.
Last but certainly not least, quality is key whenever you create YouTube Shorts videos. Make sure to open with a compelling hook, harness multi-media features (like text overlays and background music) and shoot in a well-lit location to grab audience’s attention with high-quality content.
Bonus tip: don’t forget to add a thumbnail to your YouTube Shorts content. This should inspire users to click and watch your content, so make sure it’s compelling and engaging!
Plann For YouTube Shorts Success
Are you ready to make the leap and reach new viewers by sharing YouTube Shorts video content? Amazing!
The good news is that you don’t have to add another stressor to your social media calendar. Thanks to Plann’s intuitive scheduling and content management tools, you can prepare your content ahead of time and create content across a range of platforms simultaneously. Easy!
We’re thrilled to now be integrating with YouTube Shorts, empowering creators and business owners (like you) to make YouTube Shorts and get seen on the platform.
Get started with a 7-day FREE trial of the Plann Pro today! We promise you won’t regret it. You’ll be on the path to YouTube stardom in no time!
