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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
