YouTube Shorts brought short vertical videos to the platform, inspired by Snapchat and TikTok. As a creator, you can join the trend by making your own Shorts. But do you know how to upload YouTube Shorts?
If not, don’t worry, you’re in the right place. This article will walk you through the simple steps to share your creative bit-sized video content with a larger audience. Ready?
What are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts is a feature that lets you share short vertical videos, up to three minutes long. You can use clips from your longer videos or record new ones right on your phones.
And viewers can then find your Shorts in a dedicated Shorts section on both the YouTube app and website.
Whenever people access YouTube, go to the homepage, or search for something specific, Shorts will always be featured there.
So, what started as just a feature has now become a big part of YouTube. And this shift has changed how people create and watch videos, which makes YouTube more diverse and richer.
Unlike regular YouTube videos, which are horizontal and long, Shorts are vertical and shorter. You can swipe up or down to find new content, just like you do on TikTok and Instagram Reels.
So, why does YouTube care about Shorts? It’s all about the trend of a mobile-first experience.
The fact is 94% of people hold their phones vertically. And 75% prefer watching vertical videos, as it feels more natural and immersive. So, it makes sense to go that route, right?
It’s easier for anyone to create content quickly. With just a few minutes of footage, they’re ready for YouTube Shorts upload. And when sharing is easy, people can stay on the platform longer.
For creators, this also means they can try new styles that viewers like. So, it’s a win-win. But why would YouTubers bother uploading Shorts?
Why Should You Upload YouTube Shorts?
Here are a few reasons why you should upload YouTube Shorts as a content creator:
1. Massive Built-in Audience
YouTube Shorts has 1 billion users, but the entire YouTube platform reaches 2.7 billion. If you’re thinking about building a massive audience, you can’t go wrong with YouTube Shorts.
And keep in mind that Shorts are featured on YouTube’s homepage and in a dedicated Shorts feed. So your videos get instant exposure to billions of active users. It’s all about the potential.
2. Global Reach and Demographics
YouTube is huge and reaches people of all ages in over 100 countries. In places like India, the U.S., and Brazil, Shorts is just as popular or even more than TikTok or Reels.
And unlike Instagram, which is said to focus on beauty and fashion, YouTube covers everything, from gaming and cosplay to tech reviews. That way, you can freely try new ideas and show off your talents and passions better’.
3. Faster Channel Growth
If you’re new to YouTube, posting YouTube Shorts is a good idea. Think about it, if you have fewer than 1,000 subscribers, it’s tough to stand out. But, Shorts can help you with that.
For example, try to search for “cosplay”. Then, you might see JWR EditZ channel. He has only posted eight videos so far and has 56K subscribers. Still, his videos have 19 million views.
4. Low Entry Barriers
YouTube Shorts are made for quick, easy content. You can record, edit, and upload right from your phone with the YouTube app.
Getting started and posting often is easy, and the Shorts algorithm likes that. Keep in mind that the easy process often helps new creators stand out against the big channels.
5. Seamless Integration
Shorts are integrated into YouTube. So, when people find your Shorts, they can easily click to go to your profile, and then watch your longer videos, playlists, and Community posts.
You heard it right, this connection helps bring viewers to your main content, which can lead to more watch time and interaction.
6. Great Monetization Potential
Once you hit 1,000 subscribers, you can start making money. How? By earning from ads, fan donations via Super Chats and Stickers, memberships, affiliates, and YouTube Premium share.
For YouTube Shorts ads, you get 45% of the revenue. That’s about $0.01 to $0.07 per 1,000 views. If you do it well, you could earn as much as popular YouTubers like Mr. Beast.
Read: How to Make Money on YouTube
7 Virality
YouTube seems to have a different approach when it comes to Shorts. They test new content with a small group before sharing it with the masses. If it’s a hit, it gets a wider audience.
Just like TikTok, it’s all about giving new creators a shot at going viral while keeping the platform entertaining.
And with an average engagement rate of 5.91%, which is better than TikTok’s 5.75% and Facebook Reels’ 2%, this shows that YouTube Shorts has a lot of potential.
8. Creative Freedom
In under 3 minutes, you’re invited to make content that sticks. Think of it as a challenge, but also a great chance to boost your creative skills.
With YouTube Shorts, you can join trends, share quick tips, and more. It’s a simple way to see what works without wasting time. Plus, it keeps you connected to what your audience likes.
9. Brand Safety
YouTube is a reliable platform with clear rules for content and ads. This makes it easier to create content, including Shorts.
Unlike TikTok, which has faced bans and rule changes in places like India and the U.S., YouTube has been around longer. This stability helps creators feel more confident to grow their channels over time.
How to Upload Youtube Shorts
So, how to upload YouTube shorts? Well, it depends on the device you use. Let’s dive in.
Mobile upload Shorts
How to upload a short on YouTube from your mobile phone? These are the steps:
- Open the YouTube app — Sign in to your account if you haven’t already.
- Tap the “+” button — You’ll find this at the bottom center of the screen.
- Choose video to upload — Tap on Video to access your media library. Select a vertical or square video you’d like to upload.
- Trim your video — Adjust the start and end points to get it just right.
- Add effects and music — If you want, spice things up by adding music, text, or filters.
- Fill in video details — Write a caption, choose your privacy setting (public, unlisted, or private), add a location if you’d like, and set your audience. You can also link related videos, enable remixing, or add promotional labels. Decide whether viewers can comment.
- Upload your Short — When everything looks good, tap Upload Short to share your YouTube Short directly from your phone.
Desktop upload Shorts
How to post YouTube Shorts with your recorded videos on your laptop? Follow these steps:
- Open YouTube —Launch your web browser, go to youtube.com, and log in to your account.
- Access YouTube Studio — On the homepage, click your profile icon and select YouTube Studio from the menu.
- Start a new upload — In YouTube Studio, click the Create button (the camera icon with a plus sign) at the top right, then select Upload Video.
- Select your video — Choose a video file from your computer. Make sure it’s in vertical (9:16) or square format and no longer than three minutes.
- Add video details — Enter a title and description, and include relevant hashtags. If you’re creating a YouTube Short, add it to the appropriate playlist for Shorts.
- Set the audience — Specify whether your Short is made for kids or not.
- Add related videos — On the Details page, you can link to related videos, including your long-form content if you want.
- Choose visibility settings — Select Public, Unlisted, or Private to control who can see your Shorts.
- Publish your Short — Once everything is ready, click Publish to upload your video.
- Set a thumbnail — You can’t change the thumbnail for Shorts via the desktop. To do so, use the YouTube mobile app after uploading.
How to Make a Youtube Short from Your Phone
What if you want to make a Short and upload it to YouTube right away? Here’s how to do it:
- Open the YouTube App
- Tap the “+” Button
- Select Video Duration — Choose the length of your Short. The default is 15 seconds, but you can select up to 30 minutes.
- Choose Your Camera — Decide whether to use the front or back camera.
- Set a Countdown — If you want, set a countdown from 3 to 20 seconds to prepare before recording. This is helpful for dance or performance videos.
- Add Effects and Text — Before recording, you can apply filters, effects, or add text to enhance your video.
- Record Your Short — When ready, press the record button to capture your content.
- Add Sound and Extras — After recording, you can include music, sounds, text, emojis, or voiceovers to make your video more engaging.
- Fill in Video Details — Like uploading a regular video, add a caption, set privacy options, and provide a description for your Shorts.
- Upload Your Short — Finally, tap to upload and share your video with others.
Tips When Uploading Youtube Shorts
Once you know how to upload a YouTube Short, it’s helpful to learn some tips for a better upload:
1. Stick to Vertical Format
YouTube Shorts are designed for mobile phones. So, it’s best to record in a vertical 9:16 aspect ratio. This way, you make the most of the screen space and give viewers a better experience.
You can upload square videos, but they may not feel as immersive. They also don’t match how YouTube’s Shorts algorithm prefers.
2. Keep It Short
How long can YouTube Shorts be? They can be up to 3 minutes. But it’s better to keep them shorter, around 15 to 30 seconds. That’s typical of popular Shorts like those from @justinflom.
Why? Because shorts work best when they are quick and simple. This way, you’ll get higher completion rates and better engagement as it matches the average person’s attention span.
3. Start with a Strong Hook
Keeping your content brief is not enough. The key is to capture attention right away. So, you need to start with something surprising or eye-catching.
Hit them with a bold fact or a quick move in 2-3 seconds. Skip the long intros and extra details. That’s how you keep them watching instead of scrolling past.
4. Edit Creatively
Most of your YouTube Shorts come from your regular videos? No problem. Just remember, you need to adapt them for Shorts.
Use creative edits, quick cuts, and eye-catching effects. Also, add trending music and engaging text overlays to grab attention fast. Keep it simple, focused, and free of distractions. That’s how you get viewers to stay.
5. Include a CTA
You don’t need to do this every time, but when you do, just make sure to include a clear call to action.
It could be as simple as asking your viewers to share their thoughts in the comments or reminding them to like and share the video. That’s how the YouTube Shorts algorithm favors your content. More likes and shares mean it gets promoted more.
6. Optimize Hashtags
To boost your Shorts, you need to do more than optimize titles and descriptions. You also need to use hashtags creatively to stand out and get more views.
You can add #Shorts to your description and include keywords related to your niche. It helps YouTube understand what your Shorts are about and makes it easier for people to find them in search and the Shorts feed.
7. Post Batch Content
You should try posting videos around 10 AM or 5 PM on Monday or Tuesday. Those are the best times to upload on YouTube Shorts.
To stay consistent, batch your videos and set a regular schedule. This keeps your channel active, builds trust with your viewers, and helps your channel grow with the help of YouTube’s algorithm.
8. Use Shorts as Trailers
The last thing you want is to forget to connect short videos to longer ones. Not doing this is a missed chance to grow.
So, use YouTube Shorts as previews of your longer videos. They catch people’s attention and make them want to watch the full video. This helps grow your audience and strengthen your YouTube channel.
9. Monetize Early
With 500 subscribers, three public uploads in 90 days, and 3 million Shorts views, you can unlock Super Thanks and memberships.
So, monetize your Shorts when eligible and encourage your fans to support you. And if you have another platform like Gank for exclusive content, you can also promote it via your Shorts.
YouTube Shorts Upload Guide: A Wrap Up
You’ve learned how to make a YouTube Short and upload it. It’s easier than you thought, right? And it doesn’t matter if you upload your Shorts from your desktop or your phone.
Yes, it’s new compared to TikTok and Instagram Reels, but it’s catching up. YouTube Shorts also uses a smart algorithm to help new content creators like you go viral and grow fast.
And as your channel grows, you can start earning through YouTube ads, affiliate links, and Super Thanks. Or, you can also use platforms like Gank to earn more from exclusive content, donations, and merchandise sales. Interested?
FAQ about Uploading YouTube Shorts
Can everyone upload YouTube Shorts?
Sure, anyone with a YouTube account can upload Shorts. You don’t need to be a YouTube Partner or have a certain number of subscribers.
How do I upload Shorts to YouTube?
You can upload Shorts from your mobile device or desktop. On your desktop, just click “Create,” chosoe “Upload Videos,” select a video under 3 minutes, and publish it.
On your phone, tap the “+” icon, choose “Create a Short,” record or upload your video, add some details, then hit upload.
Why can’t I upload a short on YouTube?
If you’re having trouble uploading, check your video’s length and aspect ratio, make sure your app is updated, and your device is supported. If it still doesn’t work, it might be a policy issue. And if you’re still stuck, just reach out to YouTube support for help.
How to create YouTube Shorts?
There are two ways to make YouTube Shorts. You can either use the Shorts camera to record quickly or just edit an existing vertical video that’s under 3 minutes.
How much do YouTube Shorts pay?
YouTube pays creators around $0.01 to $0.07 per 1,000 views. But first, you need to join the Partner Program to start making money from ads, memberships, affiliate links, and more.
How to convert YouTube video to Shorts?
You can’t just turn any YouTube video into a Short. You need to download it, trim it to under 3 minutes, and crop it to vertical or square.
