Get started with YouTube Shorts

Shorts is currently in beta. Right now, creators in India can use YouTube’s latest short-form video creation tool, the Shorts camera. All other creators are encouraged to upload short vertical videos (up to 60 seconds in length) and include #Shorts in the title or description (if applicable) to get started with Shorts.

YouTube Shorts are vertical videos up to 60 seconds in length. In addition to showing on your channel, viewers may find your short-form video on the homepage Shorts shelf and tap into a new vertical viewing experience, made for short videos.

Create Shorts

A Short can be any vertical video that is 60 seconds or less in duration. You can create one using YouTube’s video creation tools or upload one created elsewhere. 

YouTube’s latest short-form video creation tool, the Shorts camera, makes it easy to create videos that are up to 15 seconds long with the option to capture multiple clips. You can also use various creative features, including:

  • Music: Pick from a selection of songs that are free to use.
  • Speed control: Choose to speed up or slow down recording.
  • Timer: Set the Countdown to record hands-free and the Stop point to automatically stop recording.
Note: Content created using the Shorts camera is limited to 15 seconds. So, while anything up to 60 seconds can appear on the shelf, we recommend that you focus on 15-second videos that are quickly and easily enjoyed by viewers.

Learn more about Shorts

How do I record a short video?

Shorts are any vertical video up to 60 seconds in duration. To learn how to upload or record a video (mobile only) on YouTube, check out these instructions.

Create a short on YouTube

Creating a short video on YouTube allows you to record one or more clips that add up to 15 seconds. While recording, use the progress bar at the top of your screen to see how many segments you’ve recorded, and the length of each.

To create a short video on YouTube:

  1. Sign in to YouTube on mobile.
  2. Tap Create .
  3. Tap Create a Short.
  4. To record a clip, tap and hold the capture button  or tap it to start recording and tap it again to end the segment.
  5. Tap Undo white x over gray backward-pointing pentagon to remove the previous video clip you recorded or tap Redo to add the removed segment back to your video.
  6. Tap NEXT to preview your video and then tap NEXT again to add details to your video.
  7. Add a title (max 100 characters) to your short video.
  8. Tap Select audience to choose whether or not your short is made for kids. Learn more with this Help Center article.
  9. Tap Upload to finish.
How will viewers find my Shorts?

We’re always testing new ways to deliver content to viewers. This is especially true for Shorts. Right now, viewers may find your Shorts:

For a better chance at being shown on the Shorts shelf, we recommend including #Shorts in your video’s title if you’re using the Shorts camera. If you’re uploading a short video created somewhere else, include #Shorts in the title or description.

For more info on hashtags on YouTube, go to Use hashtags for video search.

How do I add music to my Shorts?

As you record your short video with YouTube’s video creation tools, tap Add music at the top of the screen to view a selection of tracks you can add to your short video. These songs are free to use!

What music can I use in my Shorts?
With YouTube’s video creation tools and the Add music feature, you can browse and choose music for your Shorts. You can select from our always growing catalog of 1000s of tracks in many languages to enhance your short video. Keep in mind, music chosen using this feature is intended for personal, non-commercial use, unless you’ve obtained the appropriate licenses.
If you upload a short video you’ve created somewhere else, make sure that any copyright-protected material you’ve used is approved for your use on YouTube. If you use copyright-protected material without getting appropriate rights, you could end up with a Content ID claim. If a copyright owner sends us a valid and complete copyright takedown notice against your Short, your video may be removed, and you could receive a copyright strike.
Can I monetize my Shorts?
Whether Shorts are found on the Shorts shelf or through the short video player, ads won’t be served on them, and they won’t generate YouTube Premium subscription revenue.
Shorts also don’t contribute to YouTube’s Partner Program eligibility, but subscribers gained from watching your Shorts still count toward the eligibility threshold.
As we continue to experiment and improve the Shorts experience, there may be opportunities to monetize Shorts in the future.
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