July 1, 2024

How to Make a YouTube Short: Step-By-Step Guide [2024]

Do you want to hook the audience in 60 seconds or less? YouTube Shorts can make it possible. Learn how to make a YouTube Short, from filming to attracting a massive audience. Get ready to showcase your talent with impactful content.

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Create YouTube Shorts instantly with Framedrop

Framedrop automatically finds highlights in your content which you can then edit and export as YouTube Shorts - all in seconds

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Written by
Filipe Pessoa

Marketing & Sociology. Gamer and music producer.
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Table of contents

Create YouTube Shorts instantly with Framedrop

Framedrop automatically finds highlights in your content which you can then edit and export as YouTube Shorts - all in seconds

Get your YouTube Shorts now!

Since its creation, YouTube has empowered creators to showcase their talents to a global audience. In 2021, YouTube introduced Shorts that ignited a new wave of content creation. Millions of creators use Short-form videos to connect with audiences, share knowledge, and accelerate their growth. Recognizing the potential, the platform now pays ad revenue to over 3 million creators for their captivating YouTube Shorts.

If you are a content creator struggling with making viral Shorts, look no further. We will explain how to make a YouTube Short, the best practices for long-term success, and how Framedrop can help you create high-quality YouTube Shorts within minutes.

In Summary: How To Make a YouTube Short 

Making YouTube Shorts is quick and easy on your smartphone with the YouTube app:

  • Open the YouTube app and press the "+" button. Grant camera and microphone access if prompted.
  • Click the red button to start the recording (15 seconds default). Tap "15s" for a 60-second option.
  • Explore the toolbar on the right for the music, text, speed control, greenscreen, and filters.
  • Click the back arrow to undo any edits if needed.
  • Click "Next" and write a Short, engaging caption.
  • You can choose who sees your Short (Public, Private, or Unlisted). If necessary, mark it for mature content. Then, click "Upload" to share!

What are YouTube Shorts?  

YouTube Shorts are YouTube's way of adding Short-form content on the platform in response to TikTok and Instagram reels. This feature allows you to record, edit and upload bite-sized vertical videos on YouTube from your smartphone. These Short but interesting video snippets are famous for instantly grabbing viewers' attention.

The YouTube app has built-in features that enable you to record videos, add music and text, and control the recording speed. You can also experiment with remixing audio and filters and combining different videos to create more engaging content.

In Short, YouTube Shorts are quick and easy-to-watch content that keeps you hooked. Just like a bite-sized snack, they come in a variety of flavors. You may watch a cute dog dancing and end up watching 20 more in one go without feeling guilty!

What is the length of YouTube Shorts? 

A YouTube Short can be anywhere between 1 to 60 seconds long. You can either make a continuous 60-second video or combine multiple 15-second videos together. However, it only lets you post a 15-second clip if you are using any audio from YouTube's catalog or music library.

There is no exact number of YouTube Shorts you can post in a day. The platform doesn't limit you, but experienced content creators suggest that you should post 1-3 Shorts per day.

YouTube Shorts: What Makes Them Stand Out

YouTube Shorts were launched globally in March 2021 and started generating 6.5 billion daily views within a month. That was a huge success for content creators wanting to quickly grow their audience. Shorts are a highly engaging medium to attract viewers who don’t  have the time to watch long-form content. If you are a business owner, influencer or content creator, there are many reasons why you should start making YouTube Shorts.

Reach a Global Audience

YouTube is the biggest online video-sharing platform in the world. With 2.70 billion users, it generates billions of views every day. Unlike other platforms, YouTube has a diverse audience (between 18 and 65). This means your content has a higher chance of reaching a wider global audience within 60 seconds.

Integration with YouTube's Algorithm

The best thing about YouTube Shorts is their integration with YouTube's existing algorithm. Shorts appear in a dedicated section of YouTube, which increases their reach and visibility. Even better, YouTube recommends Shorts to your subscribers and viewers who enjoy similar content. This can contribute to your channel growth by reaching new audiences and reminding the existing ones about your content.

Content Promotion

People engage with both Short and long-form videos according to their preferences. YouTube helps you engage your audience with both on a single platform. You can easily cut snippets from an existing video or transform its best moments into Shorts. Imagine you have a home improvement business. Try creating quick before/after or transformation videos. This will entice your audience to watch more and explore your full-length content.

Create YouTube Shorts instantly with Framedrop

Framedrop automatically finds highlights in your content which you can then edit and export as YouTube Shorts - all in seconds

Get your YouTube Shorts now!

How to make a YouTube Short: Step-by-Step Process

Getting started with creating YouTube Shorts is pretty simple and fun. All you need is a smartphone with a YouTube application on it. You can easily download it from Google Play or Apple Store, depending on your device.

Once you have downloaded the app, log in to your account and follow the step-by-step process below to see how to make YouTube Shorts.

Step 1: Getting Started 

  • Open the YouTube app on your smartphone.
  • Tap the "+" button on the bottom center of the screen.
  • Choose “create a Short” from the pop-up menu. 

Note: If it is your first time creating a Short, YouTube will ask for permission to access your camera and microphone. Grant these permissions to proceed further. 

Step 2: Recording and Editing Your Short 

  • Inside the camera, click on the red button to start recording. A 15-second timer will count down.
  • If you want to record a longer clip, Tap the "15s" button above the recorder and choose "60s" for a full minute of recording.
  • Once you are done with recording, click on the checkmark to save your Short.
  • While recording, a toolbar will appear at the right side of the screen, exploring different options to make your Short more interesting. 
  • Click on "Add Music" to access royalty-free music from YouTube's library. This will help you avoid getting copyrighted on YouTube. 
  • Adjust the playback speed of your video by tapping on options like 0.3x, 0.5x, 1x, 2x, and 3x. 
  • By using greenscreen, you can superimpose an image as your background for a creative touch.
  • Choose from different sets of filters to set the tone and mode of your video.
  • You can add different captions with the help of text and control its appearance on screen by time line option. 
  • Click on the reverse arrow if you need to go back and edit something. 

Step 3: Final Settings and Uploading 

  • Once you are happy with your recording, click "Next" to proceed to the advanced settings.
  • Write a Short but engaging description to grab viewers' attention.
  • Select who can see your Short by choosing from "Public", "Private", or "Unlisted."
  • If your Short contains mature content, mark it "Not suitable for kids."
  • Click on "Upload" to publish your creation on YouTube. 

YouTube Shorts: Best Practices to Grow Your Audience 

With 70 billion views daily, YouTube Shorts are a massive opportunity to grow your audience. To ensure your content doesn't get lost and stands out among competitors, follow the best practices for creating YouTube Shorts. 

Make The Best Use of 60 Seconds

YouTube Shorts allow you up to 60 seconds; utilize this time in the best possible way. Keep your message Short, precise and to the point to get your viewer's attention. Prefer quality over quantity and show the most impactful parts of your content. 

Create Engaging Captions 

Don't underestimate the power of captions. A well-written caption is what makes the reader scroll past or hit the play button. Keep it Short and relevant to your content. For example, if your Short is about travel hacks, mention the destination and specific tips (e.g., pack light for Paris). Include relevant keywords in the caption to increase the visibility of your content. 

Deliver Valuable Content 

Don't create anything for the sake of likes and views. For long-term and sustainable YouTube growth, add maximum value to your content. Avoid misleading your viewers with clickbait titles and share valuable stuff that really helps them. Whether it is a hack or a practical tip (top 5 brain-boosting habits), deliver on your promise with relevant content.  

Encourage Viewers To Replay Your Shorts

Unlike regular videos, YouTube Shorts keep replaying until the user scrolls to the next. Take advantage of this. For example, if you create funny content, try to add punchlines that get funnier with each replay. Similarly, if you create transitional videos, do it in a way that keeps viewers engaged and watching multiple times. The more replays your Shorts get, the more YouTube promotes them to a wider audience.   

Short and Sweet

Shorts are a powerful tool for creators, influencers, and business owners to grow their audience so it is important to know how to make a YouTube Short. They offer an easy-to-use medium that lets you create valuable content and benefit from YouTube's massive reach. However, learning how to make a YouTube Short alone will not get you the desired results. Before getting your hands on it, do proper research and planning. Understanding your audience and creating engaging content that connects with them is the key to long-term success. 

Framedrop can speed up your journey to YouTube success. Turn your best YouTube moments into viral Short-form videos and let your content stay at the top of your viewers' minds.

Create YouTube Shorts instantly with Framedrop

Framedrop automatically finds highlights in your content which you can then edit and export as YouTube Shorts - all in seconds

Get your YouTube Shorts now!

FAQ

How can I monetize my YouTube Shorts?
+

You can join the YouTube partner program to get a share of the ad revenue from videos shown before, during, or after your Shorts. To fulfill the requirements, you must have 1000 subscribers or 10 million YouTube Shorts views in 90 days or 4000 watch hours in the last year.

How to make YouTube Shorts Viral?
+

Initially, grab your viewers' attention with a question, surprise, or popular trend. Keep them engaged through dynamic text edits and hold their attention with music. You can also include relevant hashtags for your targeted niche or audience.

Can YouTube Shorts get copyrighted?
+

YouTube Shorts can be copyrighted. Try to use the audio and music from YouTube's library, and don't use someone else's content without their permission. Even your Shorts can be copyrighted, so be careful about using chunks from other creators.

Why can’t I make a YouTube Short?
+

You might be unable to create a YouTube Short for several reasons. Ensure you have the latest version of the YouTube app, as Shorts creation is only supported on up-to-date apps. Additionally, check if your account is in good standing and has no restrictions. If you still can't access Shorts, it may be due to regional restrictions, as the feature is not available everywhere.

How to make a Short clip from YouTube?
+

To create a Short clip from an existing YouTube video, follow these steps:

  1. Open the YouTube app and find the video you want to clip.
  2. Tap the "Share" button beneath the video.
  3. Select "Create a Clip" from the sharing options.
  4. Adjust the start and end points to capture the desired segment.
  5. Add a title and tap "Share Clip" to upload it.
Can you make YouTube Shorts on PC?
+

Yes, you can make YouTube Shorts on a PC, but the process involves some workarounds. YouTube's built-in Shorts creation tool is primarily designed for mobile devices. However, you can create a vertical video using video editing software on your PC and upload it to YouTube. Ensure the video is less than 60 seconds long and has a vertical aspect ratio (9:16) to meet the Shorts format requirements. Then, upload it through YouTube Studio and add #Shorts in the title or description to classify it as a Short (this is not obligatory).

Published at
July 1, 2024
Category
Filipe Pessoa

Having a bachelor's degree in Sociology and currently getting his Masters' in Marketing, Filipe has always followed a customer-centric ethos. In 2021, Filipe was part of one of the 3 European Innovation Academy winning projects - CultureKit - as its CMO. Since joining Framedrop in August 2022, Filipe has worked on a wide array of tasks such as Copywriting, Lead Generation, Influencer Marketing and even dipped his toes in SEO.

When not working, Filipe channels his creativity into music production in his home studio.

Favorite sport: Football ⚽️

Favorite hobby: Gaming 🎮

Favorite musical artist: King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard 🎸

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