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How to Make a YouTube Short, Step by Step with Photos

How to Go Frame by Frame on YouTube

How to Make a YouTube Short, Step by Step with Photos

TikTok is a global phenomenon that’s doing pretty well right now. Several companies, including YouTube, are trying to recreate its success. While the jury on its popularity is still out there, our guide will show you how to make a YouTube short in two different ways. Our methods are suitable for a smartphone or PC, and easy to follow whether you’re new or have an old account.

How to Make a YouTube Short on the App

If you have a smartphone or tablet, there’s a strong chance you have the YouTube app. Using the app is the quickest way to make a YouTube short, and it only requires a handful of steps. 

1. Open the YouTube App

Using a smartphone or tablet, open the YouTube app and sign in with the account you want to make a YouTube short with.

YouTube app is accessible from your homescreen.

©BigTunaOnline/Shutterstock.com

2. Create a Short

With the app open, look at the row of icons across the bottom of the screen. Tap on the Plus symbol to bring up a submenu and select Create a Short from the options that appear.

You can upload an existing video or record live.

3. Choose a Length

From the top of the screen, there’s an option to add sound and a circle that will say 15. That’s the length of time the short is set to record. To change the length to 60 seconds, tap that icon.

Select the length of your video short.

4. Record a Video

When you’re ready to record a video, tap the record button at the bottom of the screen. Once the video is complete, you can choose an option to add sound, text, or filters.

You can add effects and text to your short video.

5. Set Options

Now you can add a title for your YouTube short, set the visibility, or select an audience. You can also adjust how people comment on the short. Select Upload to post your new YouTube short on the platform. 

Choose an audience and indicate whether the content is appropriate for kids.

To see exactly how these steps work in the YouTube app check out the video below.

How to Make a YouTube Short on a PC

Whether you prefer the web to mobile devices or have clips on your PC you want to make into a YouTube short, the process is just as simple as using a smartphone.

1. Sign in at YouTube

Using a web browser, head to YouTube and sign into your account if you’re not already logged in to the service.

Log into YouTube using your Google Account.

2.  Choose Create

Look for a camera icon on the top right-hand side of this page. Click it to open a submenu and choose Upload Video from the options, which should open YouTube Studio Creator.

Under the submenu, you will see the option to upload a short or go live.

3. Upload Video

Click on the Upload Video and choose a video from your PC. When successfully loaded, you’ll see a screenshot similar to the one below.

You can upload videos from your PC or device.

4. Set Details

Use the details box to set a title for your YouTube short, and you can set a description in the field below. Other options on this page include thumbnails, playlists, audience, and age restrictions.

You can write a description for your short.

5. Video Elements

Now you’ll have a chance to extend the reach of your audience. You can add subtitles to your video or cards to promote related content. You can also set up an end screen here to play content when your video ends.

You can ad cards to your short YouTube video.

6. Checks

Copyright issues can plague content creators, but this step prevents that. YouTube will check your video for copyrights on this screen and give you an all-clear if it’s ready to go. If there are no issues, click Next.

YouTube will give you the go-ahead if there are no copyright issues.

7. Visibility

The last step is to set a visibility option for the short or schedule it. Choose an option from Private, Unlisted, or Public for the video. Unless you want to schedule it to run later, select Save to send the new YouTube short to the web.

You can publish the short immediately or schedule it.

The Wrap-Up

YouTube shorts are an interesting alternative to TikTok’s bite-sized videos and a fun way to bring new content to your audience. If you find clips and other types of content on the service a little too racy, check out our guide to parental controls on YouTube.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easy for viewers to find your YouTube shorts?

Yes, you can promote them in several ways including adding #shorts to the description of the video.

Do you need a YouTube channel to upload a YouTube short?

Yes, any video uploaded to YouTube goes into a user’s channel on YouTube.

How long can you make the title of a YouTube short?

Titles for YouTube shorts can be up to 100 characters in length on the platform.

Are YouTube Shorts the same as TikTok?

While YouTube shorts have similarities with TikTok, the platforms, sharing, and other aspects set the two types of videos apart.

Can you make money from YouTube shorts?

Yes, through the YouTube Partner Program depending on how many subscriptions and views you’ve received.

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