How to Create a YouTube Short Video

Dec 6, 2023

By Ava Hoch, Marketing Associate at Omega High Impact Print Solutions

YouTube Shorts are short-form videos that have taken the world by storm. Shorts are vertical videos less than 60 seconds in length. Shorts are popular for mindless scrolling and have various features for user interaction. Creating a YouTube Short for the first time can be a bit tricky, but we've got you covered!

Let's get started!

If you're using a smartphone, record or upload a Short directly from the YouTube app using the following steps:

Step 1 YouTube Shorts

Step 2

Tap the "+" at the bottom of the screen. Next, make sure "Short" is highlighted at the bottom.

Step 3

If you want to upload a video you previously recorded, tap the camera roll square in the left bottom corner of the screen.

Step 4

To make your Short longer than 15 seconds, tap 15 s in the upper-right corner to record up to 60 seconds (60).

Step 5

To record a new video clip, hold the red "Capture" button or tap it to start recording and tap again to stop.

Step 6

Tap the "Done" checkmark to preview and enhance your video.

Step 7

Tap on any of the options at the bottom of the screen to edit or enhance the video. Options to enhance your video include sound, text, voiceover, timeline, filters, and Q&A.

Step 8

Tap "Next" to add details to your video. On this screen, include a title (max 100 characters) and select settings such as video privacy.

Note: For creators aged 13–17, the default video privacy setting is private. If you're 18 or older, your default video privacy setting is set to public. You can change this setting to make your video public, private, or unlisted.

Step 9

Create a caption, review your visibility, add a location, and adjust settings to your preferences.

Step 10

Tap "Select audience". Choose either “Yes, it’s made for kids" or "No, it’s not made for kids" to choose your audience.

Step 11

Tap "Upload Short" to publish your Short.

Get creative! Shorts should be entertaining and fun to create and watch. Subscribe to us on YouTube to get some inspo.