How long can YouTube shorts be?

How Long Can YouTube Shorts Be? Here’s the Scoop.

Alright, let’s get one thing straight: YouTube Shorts are here to grab attention, not to host your three-part docuseries. But YouTube just decided to spice things up and extended the max length for Shorts to 3 minutes (yep, you read that right). So what does that mean for you, the creator? Let’s break it down.

As of October 15, 2023, YouTube has increased the maximum length for Shorts to 3 minutes.

More details here.

The Big Shift: YouTube Shorts Can Now Go Up to 3 Minutes

The whole point of Shorts is short, snappy, and scrollable content. Originally capped at 60 seconds, Shorts were basically YouTube’s way of competing with TikTok. But, in a move to stay relevant, YouTube bumped the limit to 3 minutes. Now, that doesn’t mean every Short should be 3 minutes—it just means you’ve got more room to play around if you need it.

So, here’s how it goes:

1. Minimum Length: There isn’t really one. Your Short could technically be a few seconds long.
2. Maximum Length: 3 minutes. Anything longer, and it gets treated like a regular YouTube video.

Why YouTube Upped the Limit

In one word: competition. TikTok and Instagram Reels have upped their video lengths, and YouTube’s not about to get left in the dust. But here’s the trick—you can keep it short, or stretch to the full 3 minutes if it suits the content. Got a quick joke? Keep it under 15 seconds. Got a mini-tutorial or a story to tell? You’ve got up to 3 minutes to work with.

Best Length for YouTube Shorts (Hint: It’s Usually NOT 3 Minutes)

Just because YouTube lets you upload 3-minute Shorts doesn’t mean you should. In fact, shorter is often better. Here’s how it breaks down:

1. 15-30 seconds: This is the sweet spot for a lot of creators. Quick tips, a fast joke, or a punchy fact all fit here. This length is a favorite because viewers are more likely to stick around till the end.
2. 30-60 seconds: Great for short stories, mini tutorials, or anything that needs a bit more context.
3. 1-3 minutes: Reserved for when you really need to dive into a topic. Think of it like a mini-lesson or detailed tutorial. Just make sure every second counts.

The takeaway? Use the time you need, but remember: shorter videos generally keep people watching all the way through, which is exactly what YouTube’s algorithm loves.

How to Make the Most Out of Your YouTube Shorts

So, whether you’re going for a quick hit or a mini-story, here’s the formula for killer Shorts that don’t waste time.

1. Grab Attention Immediately

1. You have a split second to hook people. Start with something eye-catching or intriguing—whether it’s a bold visual or a surprising statement. The first 3 seconds are everything.

2. Get to the Point

1. No fluff allowed. If you’re going to use the full 3 minutes, make every second worth it. Don’t stretch out a 10-second idea just because you can.

3. Think for Sound-Off Viewers

1. A lot of people watch with the sound off, so adding captions can keep them engaged even if they’re watching on mute. Throw in some visual cues or emojis if they help tell the story.

4. Experiment with Different Lengths

1. Test out 15 seconds, 30 seconds, and 3 minutes to see what resonates with your audience. Who knows? You might find your followers love those quick bursts, or they’re down for a longer story now and then.

5. Prompt Engagement

1. Ask a question, toss in a call-to-action, or invite comments. The more people interact with your video, the better it performs.

Tips for Making the Most of 3-Minute YouTube Shorts

If you’re planning to leverage the new 3-minute length, here are some tips to make your Shorts as engaging as possible:

1. Hook Viewers Quickly

The first 3 seconds are crucial. Make the opening visually compelling or introduce a captivating element right away to hold viewers’ attention.

2. Get to the Point

While 3 minutes gives more time, avoid filler content. Keep each second purposeful and make sure every moment adds value.

3. Add Captions and Visuals

Many viewers watch Shorts without sound, so adding captions helps keep engagement high. Visual effects, text overlays, and emojis can also enhance your message.

4. Test Different Lengths

Experiment with various video lengths to determine what works best for your niche. Some content may perform best at 30 seconds, while other topics might benefit from the full 3 minutes.

5. Encourage Engagement

Include calls to action (CTAs) like “comment below” or “hit the like button” to encourage interaction. Engagement tells YouTube that viewers are enjoying your content, potentially boosting reach.

How YouTube Shorts Compare to TikTok and Reels

With this 3-minute extension, YouTube’s making a play for the same space as TikTok and Instagram Reels. Here’s how they stack up:

1. YouTube Shorts: Up to 3 minutes, with a big focus on quick engagement.
2. TikTok: Up to 10 minutes now, but most people stick to shorter videos.
3. Instagram Reels: Maxes out at 90 seconds, with an emphasis on snappy, scrollable content.

YouTube’s giving you more room than Instagram, but they’re not pushing 10-minute Shorts like TikTok. It’s a middle ground, which works well if you want flexibility without going overboard.

FAQs: How Long Should YouTube Shorts Really Be?

1. Can YouTube Shorts Be Over 3 Minutes?

1. Nope. Anything past 3 minutes becomes a regular video, so keep it tight if you’re in the Shorts game.

2. What’s the Ideal Length for YouTube Shorts?

1. Most creators see the best engagement with Shorts under 60 seconds. Aim for that, but test out longer ones to see what clicks with your audience.

3. How Do I Make a YouTube Short?

1. Open the YouTube app, record vertically, and keep it under 3 minutes. You can add music, text, and filters if you want to make it pop.

Final Takeaway

The 3-minute cap on YouTube Shorts is a blessing for creators who want that little bit of extra time, but don’t get carried away. The name of the game is still quick, engaging content. Whether you’re doing 10-second clips or stretching it to 3 minutes, the focus should always be on keeping viewers hooked from start to finish.

So go ahead—experiment, hook your audience early, and let the algorithm work in your favor.