How to Create a YouTube Shorts Video

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Tap the + icon at the bottom of the app

    Open the YouTube app and tap the + icon at the bottom center of the screen.

  2. Choose "Create a Short"

    Selecting this option from the menu opens vertical recording mode.

  3. Record directly or import an existing clip

    Use the red button to record on the spot, or tap the gallery icon to import a clip between 15 and 60 seconds long.

  4. Add music or text, then upload

    Add music, text, filters, or other effects, then enter a title and upload your Short.

No time to edit a full-length video?

Even without the time to plan and edit a long video, you can put together a short, high-impact vertical clip with just a phone and share it quickly.

Keep an eye on how your Shorts perform

Once a Short is live, checking view counts and audience retention in your channel's analytics dashboard tells you which topics, hooks, or lengths are actually resonating, so you can adjust your next one accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a Short different from a regular video?

A video with a vertical (9:16) aspect ratio and a run time of three minutes or less is automatically classified as a Short and surfaced in the dedicated Shorts feed.

Can I upload a video I already edited on a computer?

Yes -- as long as it is vertical and meets the length requirement, uploading it through the regular upload flow will still have it recognized as a Short.