Stop Guessing! Here's How Long Can YouTube Shorts Be

YouTube Shorts are a fun way to quickly grab the attention of your viewers and go viral in just a few seconds. With their snackable format, you can share quick and engaging content that’s perfect for scrolling. But just how long can YouTube Shorts be? Let’s answer your question in this guide and learn how to make the most of this exciting video style!

Part 1. How Long Can Shorts Be on YouTube? Maximum Length Allowed By YouTube

When it comes to how long can YouTube Shorts be, the rules are simple. YouTube defines Shorts as videos that are 60 seconds or less. This includes everything: your main video content, any intro or outro, and any music or audio you add. If your video goes even a second over that one-minute mark, it will no longer qualify as a Short.

However, there’s a small exception! If you’re adding music from YouTube’s licensed library, the maximum length might be trimmed to 15 seconds. So, if you’re planning to use music, keep that in mind when creating your video.

The short format is used to keep viewers entertained and wanting more. So when you’re telling a quick story, sharing a tip, or showing off a cool trick, staying under that 60-second limit ensures your content gets noticed as a Short.

Part 2. How Long Should You Make Your YouTube Shorts? 10 Best Practices

Just because YouTube Shorts can be 60 seconds doesn’t mean they always should be. Shorter Shorts often perform better. Ideally, your Shorts should be long enough to deliver your message but short enough to keep viewers hooked from start to finish.

For example, if you’re showcasing a life hack or funny moment, aim for 15 to 30 seconds. This is the sweet spot where people are more likely to watch the complete clip without losing interest. The shorter the video, the higher your chances of maintaining good retention rates, which helps the algorithm promote your content.

Of course, if you’re telling a story or demonstrating something, don’t rush! Use the full 60 seconds if needed, but make every second count. In the end, the best length depends on your content and audience. Keep it engaging, impactful, and memorable.

Part 3. How to Make YouTube Shorts Do Well? 10 Best Practices

Want your YouTube Shorts to blow up? Here are 10 best practices to keep in mind:

1. Hook Viewers with an Attention-Grabbing Start

The first 5-10 seconds of your YouTube Short are crucial. Therefore, start with something that grabs attention immediately, like a bold statement, a funny moment, or an eye-catching visual. If you don’t hook viewers right away, they might scroll past your video.

2. Keep It Short and Sweet

Remember, YouTube Shorts are designed to be, well, short! Stick to the key points in the Short and avoid unnecessary fluff. The best length is between 15 to 30 seconds to keep your viewers engaged without losing their interest.

3. Use Trending Sounds and Music

Using popular sounds or music can make your Shorts more relatable and shareable. Browse YouTube or TikTok to see what’s trending and add it to your video. Just make sure the audio matches the theme or vibe of your content.

4. Add Captions or Text

Captions are a great way to make your Shorts accessible and engaging. Many people watch videos without sound, so having captions ensures your message gets across. You can also highlight the text in bold for key points or add some humor.

5. Focus on One Key Idea

Don’t try to cram too much into one Short. Pick one idea, tip, or funny moment and make it the star of your video. Simplicity is your friend when you’re working with such a short format.

6. Use Eye-Catching Thumbnails

Even though YouTube Shorts often play automatically, a strong thumbnail can still grab attention. Use bright colors, clear text, or an interesting image to make viewers want to click on your video.

7. Post Consistently

Consistency is key to building an audience. Try to upload Shorts regularly—whether it’s daily, weekly, or biweekly. This keeps your content fresh and helps viewers know when to expect new videos.

8. Add a Call to Action (CTA)

At the end of your Short, make a quick reminder to encourage your viewers to like, comment, or subscribe. This can go a long way. For example, you can say, “Don’t forget to hit that like button!” or “Subscribe for more fun tips!”

9. Experiment with Different Topics

Don’t be afraid to try new ideas to see what works. Test different themes, styles, or trends to find what your audience loves. The more you experiment, the better you’ll understand what resonates with your viewers.

10. Engage with Your Audience

Reply to comments, ask questions, or even feature viewer suggestions in your next Short. Engaging with your audience builds a sense of community and keeps people coming back for more.

Part 4. Enhance Your Shorts Before Uploading on YouTube

Here’s another tip, and it is the most important one. If you want your shorts to do great and go viral on YouTube, you should enhance them before uploading. A blurry or dim Short won’t do you any good, and that’s where HitPaw Online AI Video Enhancer replaces the role of a hired editor. Not only will your short transform into a visually appealing clip, but also you’ll save on resources and time.

Simply follow these steps:

Step 1. Upload Video

• Open up a browser and head to the HitPaw Online AI Video Enhancer website; either drag & drop your Short or click “Choose Video” to upload it from your device.

Step 2. Select AI Models

After uploading the short clip, you can improve it with AI models that are shown in the left menu.

• Face Model: Use sharp or soft effects to improve facial details on the clip.
• General Denoise: Remove noise to make your YouTube Short crystal clear.
• Color Enhancement Model: Enrich the colors in your YouTube Shorts.
• Colorize Model: Colorize black-and-white Shorts or colorize their expressions.
• Low-Light Enhancement Model: Brighten your clip.
• Video Upscaler: Upscale the Short’s resolution up to 8k.

Next, click “Preview.”

Step 3. Download the Video

In the last step, compare the before and after results and then click “Download.” Select your file type (MP4 works great for TikTok), and click “Confirm” to get the full edited link of your YouTube Short in your email.

Part 5. FAQs of How Long Can YouTube Shorts Be

Conclusion on How Long Can Shorts Be On YouTube

So, how long can YouTube Shorts be? Well, you have 60 seconds to showcase your creativity and connect with your audience. By knowing this limit, you can find the perfect length for your content, and by following best practices, you can unlock the full potential of this feature. So grab your camera, start experimenting, and make those seconds count!

But here is the catch! You can quickly make your videos crisp, brighten or enrich them, improve their resolution, and do other fun stuff with HitPaw Online AI Video Enhancer. We recommend giving this tool a try and then uploading your Short for better engagement and views.