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Best Practice
YouTube Shorts Dimensions, Length & More: Create the Perfect YT Short
April 3, 2023
11 minutes
Rebecca Xu
Head of Product Marketing at OpusClip
YouTube Shorts Dimensions, Length & More: Create the Perfect YT Short
It’s no surprise that TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms in recent years, as its algorithm and user-generated content have made it a hit with younger generations. Now, video powerhouse YouTube is on a mission to earn a slice of the pie by introducing its Shorts feature.
In this article, you will discover everything you need to know to create the perfect Short, including the optimal YouTube Shorts dimensions and other specs, common mistakes to avoid, and the best tools that can take your video to the next level.
With TikTok’s success, it should be no surprise that YouTube is starting to prioritize Shorts more and more to their 1.8 billion active users.
Specifications and other details you need to know when creating YouTube Shorts
Just a heads up, you’re going to want to bookmark this page to refer to later, because it has everything you need to know on your journey to producing the best YouTube Shorts. Here are some of the specs you need to keep in mind.
YouTube Shorts Dimensions and Resolution
YouTube Shorts dimensions should follow a 9:16 aspect ratio and a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This format ensures that your video looks good on mobile devices, which is where, unsurprisingly, the most Shorts are viewed.
YouTube Shorts, like other short form video platforms, follow a smartphone-friendly vertical aspect ratio of 9:16.
Duration
How long are YouTube Shorts? This is a common question, as YouTube Shorts has different length requirements than TikTok.
YouTube Shorts can be up to 60 seconds in length, either as a single continuous video or as several 15-second clips combined. This allows creators to experiment with different storytelling techniques and create engaging content that captures viewers' attention quickly.
Audio
When creating a YouTube Short, you can use audio from the YouTube library or other videos. This feature provides a wide range of options for creators to choose from, allowing them to add music or sound effects that complement their content.
Thumbnails
For a perfect YouTube video thumbnail, use the dimensions of 1280 pixels by 720 pixels, with an aspect ratio of 16:9. Ensure that the thumbnail is at least 640 pixels wide, and ensure the image size is under 2MB.
Upload a custom thumbnail to help your Short stand out in the YouTube search results.
Title
YouTube Shorts titles can have up to 100 characters, however, it’s important to note that only 40 characters will be visible on the screen when viewed on the app. For this reason, it's important to keep your title brief and make sure that the most important keywords are included at the beginning of the title.
Description
In order for your YouTube Short to stand out, it's important to provide a detailed description that includes information about the theme, nature, and genre of the clip. This helps viewers determine if the video is relevant and useful to them. A well-written description can also improve the video's discoverability in search results and related videos.
Hashtags
To maximize the reach of your YouTube Shorts, it's crucial to include relevant hashtags. For example, using the hashtag #shorts in the title or description indicates to YouTube that it's a Short video. Additionally, including hashtags related to the genre or theme of the Short can help YouTube push your content out to viewers who are interested in similar videos.
Luckily for creators, youtube shorts dimensions and similar specs are the same as those on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and other short-form video platforms. But it’s important to keep an eye on, because as time goes on, we may see YouTube Shorts and other platforms begin deviating from these common standards. See our creator’s guide on YouTube Shorts vs TikTok to see how the platform is different today!
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Other things to consider when making the perfect YouTube Short
When it comes to creating the perfect short, there are a number other factors to consider that go far beyond just using the right youtube shorts dimensions and filming a visually appealing video. After all, you could produce the most incredible video, but what good is it if nobody ever sees it? Here are our golden rules for achieving success on YouTube.
Understand the algorithm
One of the most important considerations is getting your head around what the YouTube Shorts algorithm favors. YouTube's algorithm boosts videos that are engaging and able to hold viewer attention. To achieve this, creators need to get creative and think outside the box when it comes to content for your YouTube Shorts.
Standing out to the YouTube Shorts algorithm requires you to think outside the box.
Add text, music, and sound effects
Adding text, music, and sound effects is a good way to make your Short more engaging. Music and sound effects can be used to create a mood or set the tone for the video. This alone can make the difference between a short gaining traction or falling flat. Furthermore, text can be used to highlight key points or add captions to the video. Unfortunately though, adding text in a clean and engaging way for viewers can be frustrating and time consuming. Look into a product like Opus Clip to delegate your editing process to an AI and automatically get engaging text added to your videos.
Transform your longer videos into short clips
Another way to increase your odds of going viral is by turning your long videos into shorter clips. By doing so, you can publish more content and reach a wider audience. Shorter videos are more likely to be shared on social media platforms, and can help to increase engagement and visibility. If this sounds like the right strategy for you, check out our ultimate guide to turning long videos into viral shorts!
If you want to increase your odds of posting a viral YouTube Short, check out our ultimate guide.
Promote, promote, promote
Promotion is also crucial for success on YouTube. Creators should be promoting their Shorts across social media platforms, and encouraging their followers to engage with and share their content. If you ever have the opportunity to cross-promote with other creators, grab it with both hands. This can also help to boost your video's visibility to new levels.
Remember, timing is everything
Another important consideration is posting your content at optimum times throughout the day. The best time to post your YouTube Shorts ultimately depends on your niche. But as a rule of thumb, you should be posting Shorts at times when their target audience is most likely to be online and engaged.
This may require some experimentation and analysis of your audience's viewing habits, but it can make a significant impact on your channel in terms of engagement and views.
Posting your Shorts at the right time for your niche can have a major impact on your reach. Experimentation is the name of the game!
Make analytics your trusty sidekick
The last tip we’d like to highlight is the importance of analyzing your video's performance and making adjustments as necessary. Creators should be regularly checking in with their analytics to see what is and isn't working, and making changes to improve their video's performance.
If you don’t get it right the first time, that’s okay. Trial and error is the game here. This may include experimenting with adjusting the length, editing style, or promotional tactics used for the video.
Common mistakes to avoid when editing YouTube Shorts
Using the right YouTube Shorts dimensions and length are only half of the battle. Creating a YouTube Short is a popular way to share your thoughts, experiences, or expertise with the world. But not all videos are created equal. Some go viral and receive millions of views, while others struggle to get any traction.
You may be wondering what sets the successful YouTube shorts apart from the rest of the pack. Here are three common mistakes that people make when creating YouTube shorts and how to avoid them to ensure your strategy is effective.
Don’t focus too hard on the production value
Many people focus too much on the production value and overlook the content. Yes, it's important to have good video and audio quality, but if your content is not engaging, viewers won't stick around. Instead, prioritize creating content that is personal, relatable, and unique. You can tell stories, use trends, or include facts to make your content more interesting.
An over-obsession with production value can do more harm than good. Remember, there’s no such thing as perfect.
Don’t overwhelm the audience with too much information in one short video
It’s best not to try and cram too much information into a short video. Viewers have short attention spans, and they are unlikely to stick around if they feel overwhelmed. Instead, keep your videos concise and to the point. If you have a complex idea, consider breaking it down into several bite-sized videos.
Don’t ever lose sight of your target audience
Look at who is already purchasing your products or services, analyze your competitors, and review market research to determine who your target audience is. It's essential to target the right audience and to never lose sight of who they are. Everything you post should be targeted directly at them. Think about who they are, what questions they want answers to, and provide a solution.
The best tools for editing YouTube Shorts the right way
AI tools for video editing are becoming increasingly popular and it’s not hard to see why when you consider their ability to automate many of the tedious and time-consuming tasks involved in video editing.
Here are some of the key reasons why AI tools for video editing are better than doing it yourself or hiring a third party.
Speed: AI tools can process and analyze footage much faster than a human editor, which means you can get your video edited in less time. This is crucial for staying on top of the latest trends while they are at their peak
Consistency: AI tools can ensure consistency in your videos, from color grading to transitions, ensuring that your brand has a uniform look and feel across all of your content
Cost: Using AI tools for video editing can be significantly cheaper than hiring a professional editor or team. Independent creators or teams with humble budgets don’t need to be on the backfoot anymore
Innovation: AI tools for video editing are constantly improving and innovating, offering new features and capabilities that traditional video editing software may not have
Try Opus Clip firsthand
Opus Clip is a revolutionary cloud-based AI video editing software that combines cutting-edge technology with a user-friendly interface to empower creators to bring their vision to life. It boasts a plethora of impressive features, including AI curation, face detection, highlighting of keywords, automatic transitions, automatic captioning with emojis, and a viral score prediction feature, as well as the ability to automatically crop to the right youtube shorts dimensions and clip duration.
Best of all, Opus Clip is currently free to use, which means that creators everywhere can access all of its features and functionalities and get the full experience. This makes it an excellent option for creators who are just starting or for those who want to experiment with different video editing tools and techniques without breaking the bank.
In addition to providing the best contenders for your new favorite AI video editor, we dive into the increasing importance of digital video in online platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and the specific features to look for when selecting an AI video editor - such as auto transcription and captions, face detection and automatic focusing, automatic visuals, audio adjustment, and relevant clip detection.
Next stop, YouTube Shorts success!
When you’re on a mission to craft the best YouTube Shorts, one of the most invaluable tools in your arsenal is a reliable video editing platform. AI tools are far and away the best option for speed, cost, and many other factors.
You may feel spoiled for choice with many offerings on the market, but don’t forget that Opus Clip is currently free to use, and can scale your YouTube channel to exciting levels of engagement.
Rebecca Xu is the Head of Product Marketing at Opus, and a professional simultaneous interpreter. She is a story teller, food lover, globe trotter, and sarcasm connoisseur. She loves learning new things through reading, traveling, and exploring. Most of the time, you can find her either in an ice-cream shop, or on her way to an ice-cream shop.
YouTube Shorts Dimensions, Length & More: Create the Perfect YT Short
April 3, 2023
11 minutes
Rebecca Xu
Head of Product Marketing at OpusClip
YouTube Shorts Dimensions, Length & More: Create the Perfect YT Short
It’s no surprise that TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms in recent years, as its algorithm and user-generated content have made it a hit with younger generations. Now, video powerhouse YouTube is on a mission to earn a slice of the pie by introducing its Shorts feature.
In this article, you will discover everything you need to know to create the perfect Short, including the optimal YouTube Shorts dimensions and other specs, common mistakes to avoid, and the best tools that can take your video to the next level.
With TikTok’s success, it should be no surprise that YouTube is starting to prioritize Shorts more and more to their 1.8 billion active users.
Specifications and other details you need to know when creating YouTube Shorts
Just a heads up, you’re going to want to bookmark this page to refer to later, because it has everything you need to know on your journey to producing the best YouTube Shorts. Here are some of the specs you need to keep in mind.
YouTube Shorts Dimensions and Resolution
YouTube Shorts dimensions should follow a 9:16 aspect ratio and a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This format ensures that your video looks good on mobile devices, which is where, unsurprisingly, the most Shorts are viewed.
YouTube Shorts, like other short form video platforms, follow a smartphone-friendly vertical aspect ratio of 9:16.
Duration
How long are YouTube Shorts? This is a common question, as YouTube Shorts has different length requirements than TikTok.
YouTube Shorts can be up to 60 seconds in length, either as a single continuous video or as several 15-second clips combined. This allows creators to experiment with different storytelling techniques and create engaging content that captures viewers' attention quickly.
Audio
When creating a YouTube Short, you can use audio from the YouTube library or other videos. This feature provides a wide range of options for creators to choose from, allowing them to add music or sound effects that complement their content.
Thumbnails
For a perfect YouTube video thumbnail, use the dimensions of 1280 pixels by 720 pixels, with an aspect ratio of 16:9. Ensure that the thumbnail is at least 640 pixels wide, and ensure the image size is under 2MB.
Upload a custom thumbnail to help your Short stand out in the YouTube search results.
Title
YouTube Shorts titles can have up to 100 characters, however, it’s important to note that only 40 characters will be visible on the screen when viewed on the app. For this reason, it's important to keep your title brief and make sure that the most important keywords are included at the beginning of the title.
Description
In order for your YouTube Short to stand out, it's important to provide a detailed description that includes information about the theme, nature, and genre of the clip. This helps viewers determine if the video is relevant and useful to them. A well-written description can also improve the video's discoverability in search results and related videos.
Hashtags
To maximize the reach of your YouTube Shorts, it's crucial to include relevant hashtags. For example, using the hashtag #shorts in the title or description indicates to YouTube that it's a Short video. Additionally, including hashtags related to the genre or theme of the Short can help YouTube push your content out to viewers who are interested in similar videos.
Luckily for creators, youtube shorts dimensions and similar specs are the same as those on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and other short-form video platforms. But it’s important to keep an eye on, because as time goes on, we may see YouTube Shorts and other platforms begin deviating from these common standards. See our creator’s guide on YouTube Shorts vs TikTok to see how the platform is different today!
Ready to start streaming differently?
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Other things to consider when making the perfect YouTube Short
When it comes to creating the perfect short, there are a number other factors to consider that go far beyond just using the right youtube shorts dimensions and filming a visually appealing video. After all, you could produce the most incredible video, but what good is it if nobody ever sees it? Here are our golden rules for achieving success on YouTube.
Understand the algorithm
One of the most important considerations is getting your head around what the YouTube Shorts algorithm favors. YouTube's algorithm boosts videos that are engaging and able to hold viewer attention. To achieve this, creators need to get creative and think outside the box when it comes to content for your YouTube Shorts.
Standing out to the YouTube Shorts algorithm requires you to think outside the box.
Add text, music, and sound effects
Adding text, music, and sound effects is a good way to make your Short more engaging. Music and sound effects can be used to create a mood or set the tone for the video. This alone can make the difference between a short gaining traction or falling flat. Furthermore, text can be used to highlight key points or add captions to the video. Unfortunately though, adding text in a clean and engaging way for viewers can be frustrating and time consuming. Look into a product like Opus Clip to delegate your editing process to an AI and automatically get engaging text added to your videos.
Transform your longer videos into short clips
Another way to increase your odds of going viral is by turning your long videos into shorter clips. By doing so, you can publish more content and reach a wider audience. Shorter videos are more likely to be shared on social media platforms, and can help to increase engagement and visibility. If this sounds like the right strategy for you, check out our ultimate guide to turning long videos into viral shorts!
If you want to increase your odds of posting a viral YouTube Short, check out our ultimate guide.
Promote, promote, promote
Promotion is also crucial for success on YouTube. Creators should be promoting their Shorts across social media platforms, and encouraging their followers to engage with and share their content. If you ever have the opportunity to cross-promote with other creators, grab it with both hands. This can also help to boost your video's visibility to new levels.
Remember, timing is everything
Another important consideration is posting your content at optimum times throughout the day. The best time to post your YouTube Shorts ultimately depends on your niche. But as a rule of thumb, you should be posting Shorts at times when their target audience is most likely to be online and engaged.
This may require some experimentation and analysis of your audience's viewing habits, but it can make a significant impact on your channel in terms of engagement and views.
Posting your Shorts at the right time for your niche can have a major impact on your reach. Experimentation is the name of the game!
Make analytics your trusty sidekick
The last tip we’d like to highlight is the importance of analyzing your video's performance and making adjustments as necessary. Creators should be regularly checking in with their analytics to see what is and isn't working, and making changes to improve their video's performance.
If you don’t get it right the first time, that’s okay. Trial and error is the game here. This may include experimenting with adjusting the length, editing style, or promotional tactics used for the video.
Common mistakes to avoid when editing YouTube Shorts
Using the right YouTube Shorts dimensions and length are only half of the battle. Creating a YouTube Short is a popular way to share your thoughts, experiences, or expertise with the world. But not all videos are created equal. Some go viral and receive millions of views, while others struggle to get any traction.
You may be wondering what sets the successful YouTube shorts apart from the rest of the pack. Here are three common mistakes that people make when creating YouTube shorts and how to avoid them to ensure your strategy is effective.
Don’t focus too hard on the production value
Many people focus too much on the production value and overlook the content. Yes, it's important to have good video and audio quality, but if your content is not engaging, viewers won't stick around. Instead, prioritize creating content that is personal, relatable, and unique. You can tell stories, use trends, or include facts to make your content more interesting.
An over-obsession with production value can do more harm than good. Remember, there’s no such thing as perfect.
Don’t overwhelm the audience with too much information in one short video
It’s best not to try and cram too much information into a short video. Viewers have short attention spans, and they are unlikely to stick around if they feel overwhelmed. Instead, keep your videos concise and to the point. If you have a complex idea, consider breaking it down into several bite-sized videos.
Don’t ever lose sight of your target audience
Look at who is already purchasing your products or services, analyze your competitors, and review market research to determine who your target audience is. It's essential to target the right audience and to never lose sight of who they are. Everything you post should be targeted directly at them. Think about who they are, what questions they want answers to, and provide a solution.
The best tools for editing YouTube Shorts the right way
AI tools for video editing are becoming increasingly popular and it’s not hard to see why when you consider their ability to automate many of the tedious and time-consuming tasks involved in video editing.
Here are some of the key reasons why AI tools for video editing are better than doing it yourself or hiring a third party.
Speed: AI tools can process and analyze footage much faster than a human editor, which means you can get your video edited in less time. This is crucial for staying on top of the latest trends while they are at their peak
Consistency: AI tools can ensure consistency in your videos, from color grading to transitions, ensuring that your brand has a uniform look and feel across all of your content
Cost: Using AI tools for video editing can be significantly cheaper than hiring a professional editor or team. Independent creators or teams with humble budgets don’t need to be on the backfoot anymore
Innovation: AI tools for video editing are constantly improving and innovating, offering new features and capabilities that traditional video editing software may not have
Try Opus Clip firsthand
Opus Clip is a revolutionary cloud-based AI video editing software that combines cutting-edge technology with a user-friendly interface to empower creators to bring their vision to life. It boasts a plethora of impressive features, including AI curation, face detection, highlighting of keywords, automatic transitions, automatic captioning with emojis, and a viral score prediction feature, as well as the ability to automatically crop to the right youtube shorts dimensions and clip duration.
Best of all, Opus Clip is currently free to use, which means that creators everywhere can access all of its features and functionalities and get the full experience. This makes it an excellent option for creators who are just starting or for those who want to experiment with different video editing tools and techniques without breaking the bank.
In addition to providing the best contenders for your new favorite AI video editor, we dive into the increasing importance of digital video in online platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and the specific features to look for when selecting an AI video editor - such as auto transcription and captions, face detection and automatic focusing, automatic visuals, audio adjustment, and relevant clip detection.
Next stop, YouTube Shorts success!
When you’re on a mission to craft the best YouTube Shorts, one of the most invaluable tools in your arsenal is a reliable video editing platform. AI tools are far and away the best option for speed, cost, and many other factors.
You may feel spoiled for choice with many offerings on the market, but don’t forget that Opus Clip is currently free to use, and can scale your YouTube channel to exciting levels of engagement.
Rebecca Xu is the Head of Product Marketing at Opus, and a professional simultaneous interpreter. She is a story teller, food lover, globe trotter, and sarcasm connoisseur. She loves learning new things through reading, traveling, and exploring. Most of the time, you can find her either in an ice-cream shop, or on her way to an ice-cream shop.
