How to Make YouTube Shorts: A Step-by-Step Guide

by urdutechtutorial | Nov 21, 2022 | Tutorials

YouTube Shorts are a simple way to create short-form videos and reach viewers on YouTube. Whether you want to share a quick tutorial, answer a question, demonstrate a product, or create entertaining content, Shorts let you deliver your message in a format designed for quick viewing.

If you are new to short-form video, you may be wondering how to make YouTube Shorts, what video format to use, how to record and edit them, and how to upload them correctly.

In this guide, you will learn how to create YouTube Shorts step by step. We’ll cover planning, recording, editing, uploading, and optimizing your Shorts, along with practical best practices and common mistakes to avoid.

By the end, you’ll have a clear process you can follow to create and publish your own YouTube Shorts.

Table of Contents

What Are YouTube Shorts?

YouTube Shorts are short-form videos designed for quick and easy viewing on YouTube. They are commonly created in a vertical format, making them well suited for people watching videos on smartphones.

Creators can use Shorts for many types of content, including quick tutorials, tips, product demonstrations, educational videos, entertainment, behind-the-scenes clips, and answers to common questions.

Shorts also appear in several places across YouTube, including the Shorts feed, search results, the YouTube homepage, subscriptions, and channel pages. This gives creators another way to introduce their content to viewers who may not have discovered their longer videos.

You can create a Short directly with the YouTube mobile app or prepare a video separately and upload it to YouTube. This flexibility means you don’t have to record every Short inside the YouTube app.

The main difference between a YouTube Short and a traditional YouTube video is the viewing experience. Shorts are designed for fast, swipe-based viewing, so successful Shorts usually communicate one clear idea without a long introduction.

If you’re just getting started, the most important things to understand are the video’s length and format. Let’s look at those requirements next.

How Long Can YouTube Shorts Be?

YouTube Shorts can be up to three minutes long. YouTube expanded the maximum length of Shorts, giving creators more flexibility to produce tutorials, demonstrations, stories, and other short-form content.

However, your Short does not need to be three minutes long. The ideal length depends on what you are trying to communicate. A simple tip may only need 15 or 30 seconds, while a tutorial or explanation may benefit from more time.

Rather than making a Short longer just because you can, focus on delivering your message clearly and keeping viewers interested. Remove unnecessary introductions, pauses, and repeated information.

For the best mobile viewing experience, vertical video is generally the most natural format for Shorts. Square videos can also qualify as Shorts when they meet YouTube’s current requirements.

Keep in mind that music and copyrighted content can affect longer Shorts. For example, Shorts longer than one minute may face restrictions when they contain content with an active Content ID claim. If you use music, check the usage options available through YouTube’s Shorts creation tools and Audio Library.

Now that you understand the basic format and length, let’s go through the process of making a YouTube Short step by step.

Why you need to make YouTube Shorts

YouTube shorts offer plenty of advantages.

YouTube shorts are easy to make and take a few minutes to record, edit, and publish.
YouTube shorts help you to grow your main YouTube channel.
YouTube shorts provides quick information about your brand within 60 seconds.
YouTube shorts helps you to get more views and subscribers.

How to Make YouTube Shorts Step by Step

Creating a YouTube Short is relatively simple, but a little planning can make your video clearer and more engaging. Instead of recording without a clear direction, decide what you want viewers to learn, see, or do after watching your Short.

1. Plan Your YouTube Short

Start by choosing one main idea for your Short. Because Shorts are designed for quick viewing, trying to cover several unrelated ideas in one video can make the content difficult to follow.

For example, instead of creating a Short about “How to Grow on YouTube,” choose a more specific topic such as “3 Ways to Improve Your YouTube Titles.”

Before recording, decide on three basic elements:

Hook: What will capture attention in the opening seconds?
Main content: What information, demonstration, or story will you provide?
Ending: How will you finish the video or encourage the viewer to take the next step?

You don’t necessarily need a detailed script. For a simple Short, a few talking points may be enough. However, writing a short script can help you avoid unnecessary pauses and keep your message focused.

Also think about what viewers will see on the screen. If you’re creating a tutorial, prepare the app, website, product, or other material you plan to demonstrate before you start recording.

Once you have a clear topic and a simple structure, you’re ready to record your YouTube Short.

2. Record Your YouTube Short

Once you have planned your content, the next step is to record your YouTube Short. You can record directly inside the YouTube app or record the video with your phone’s camera and upload it later.

To create a Short using the YouTube app:

Open the YouTube app on your smartphone.
Sign in to your YouTube account.
Tap the Create (+) button.
Select the option to Create a Short.
Allow YouTube to access your camera and microphone if prompted.
Use the Shorts camera to record your video.
Record additional clips if your Short requires multiple scenes.
When you’re finished recording, continue to the editing screen.

For most Shorts, recording vertically provides the most natural full-screen viewing experience on smartphones. A 9:16 aspect ratio is commonly used for vertical Shorts.

Pay Attention to Video and Audio Quality

You don’t need expensive equipment to make a good YouTube Short. A smartphone can be enough, but viewers should still be able to clearly see and hear your content.

Try to record in a well-lit location and avoid strong light directly behind you or your subject. If you’re speaking, choose a quiet environment and keep the phone or microphone close enough to capture clear audio.

You should also keep the camera steady. A tripod can help, but placing your phone on a stable surface can work just as well.

Before moving on, watch the recording once and check for distracting background noise, poor lighting, unnecessary pauses, or other problems that would be easier to fix by recording the clip again.

Once you’re satisfied with your footage, you’re ready to edit your YouTube Short.

3. Edit Your YouTube Short

After recording your clips, the next step is to edit your YouTube Short. Good editing helps remove unnecessary parts, keeps the video moving, and makes your message easier to understand.

YouTube provides built-in editing tools that you can use while creating a Short. Depending on the features available in your app, you can trim clips, rearrange footage, add text, adjust timing, and use other creative tools.

Start by removing pauses, mistakes, repeated information, and anything that doesn’t contribute to the main purpose of the video. Shorts are designed for quick viewing, so getting to the point early can help keep viewers interested.

Keep Your Editing Simple

You don’t need to fill every second with transitions and visual effects. Instead, use editing to make the content clearer.

For example, you can:

Trim unnecessary footage.
Combine multiple video clips.
Add text to emphasize important information.
Adjust when text appears on the screen.
Add music or other audio when appropriate.
Use effects or filters when they support the content.

If you’re creating a tutorial, consider using on-screen text to highlight important steps. This can also make the video easier to follow when someone is watching without focusing entirely on the audio.

You can edit your video with YouTube’s built-in tools or prepare it with a separate video-editing app before uploading it. Choose whichever method gives you the control you need without making the editing process unnecessarily complicated.

Once the basic editing is complete, you can add music, text, and other creative elements to finish your Short.

4. Add Music, Text, and Effects

After editing your clips, you can use music, text, and effects to make your YouTube Short easier to follow and more engaging. These elements should support your content rather than distract viewers from the main message.

Add Music or Audio

YouTube’s Shorts creation tools allow you to add music and other audio to your video. Choose audio that fits the topic and mood of your Short, and make sure your voice can still be heard clearly if you’re speaking.

Be careful when using copyrighted music from outside YouTube’s available creation tools. Music rights can affect how a Short is viewed, monetized, or restricted.

Add Text to the Screen

On-screen text is particularly useful for tutorials, tips, lists, and educational Shorts. You can use it to:

Introduce the topic.
Highlight an important point.
Show individual steps.
Display names, numbers, or instructions.
Reinforce your main message.

Keep the text short and easy to read. Avoid filling the screen with long paragraphs, and make sure important text isn’t placed where YouTube’s interface may cover it.

Use Effects When They Add Value

You can also experiment with filters, effects, backgrounds, and other creative features available in the Shorts editor.

However, you don’t need to use every available effect. Too many animations, transitions, or visual elements can make a simple video difficult to follow.

For a tutorial or educational Short, clarity should come first. Use creative elements when they help explain the content, emphasize something important, or make the video more enjoyable to watch.

Once your video looks and sounds the way you want, the next step is to prepare its title and other video details.

5. Add a Title and Video Details

Once your YouTube Short is recorded and edited, the next step is to add the information viewers will see when they discover your video. A clear title and accurate video details help people understand what your Short is about.

Write a Clear Title

Your title should describe the main topic of the Short accurately. Keep it specific and avoid adding unnecessary words just to make the title longer.

For example, instead of a vague title such as:

You Need to See This!

a more descriptive title would be:

3 Easy Ways to Improve Your YouTube Titles

A clear title sets the right expectation and helps YouTube and viewers understand the subject of your video.

Add a Description

You can also add a description that provides additional information about your Short. Depending on the video, you might use the description to:

Briefly explain what the Short covers.
Add useful context that isn’t included in the video.
Link viewers to a related video or resource.
Mention another relevant video on your channel.
Include a simple call to action.

Keep the description useful and relevant rather than repeating the title several times.

Use Relevant Hashtags

If you use hashtags, choose ones that are directly related to your video’s topic. Avoid adding a long list of unrelated or trending hashtags simply in an attempt to get more views.

For example, a Short about YouTube titles might use a relevant hashtag such as #YouTubeTips.

Your video’s topic, quality, and viewer response are more important than filling the description with hashtags.

Select the Audience

Before publishing, YouTube will ask you to specify whether your video is made for kids. Choose the option that accurately reflects your content.

You may also need to review other available settings, such as visibility, depending on how you’re uploading the Short.

Check your title and settings one final time before moving to the publishing step.

6. Upload Your YouTube Short

After recording, editing, and adding the necessary video details, you’re ready to upload your YouTube Short.

Before publishing, preview the entire video one more time. Check that the audio is clear, text is readable, clips appear in the correct order, and there are no editing mistakes.

Then review your video’s title, audience setting, visibility, and any other options YouTube presents during the upload process.

When everything is ready, tap Upload Short to publish your video.

Choose the Right Visibility Setting

YouTube may give you different visibility options, including:

Public: Anyone can watch the video.
Unlisted: People with the link can watch it, but it won’t normally appear publicly on your channel or in search.
Private: Only you and people you specifically choose can view it.

If you aren’t ready to publish immediately, you may also have the option to schedule the video for a later date and time.

Check Your Short After Publishing

Once your Short is live, open it and make sure everything appears as expected. Check the title, description, video quality, text placement, and audio.

You can also use YouTube Studio after publishing to review your video’s performance. Metrics such as views, watch behavior, engagement, and traffic information can help you understand how viewers are responding to your content.

Don’t worry if every Short doesn’t perform the same way. Use what you learn from your published videos to improve future Shorts.

You have now completed the basic process of creating and publishing a YouTube Short.

How to Upload YouTube Shorts from a Computer

You don’t have to create every YouTube Short directly in the mobile app. If you record or edit your videos on a computer, you can upload them through YouTube Studio.

This method can be particularly convenient if you use desktop video-editing software or already have finished short-form videos saved on your computer.

How to Upload a YouTube Short from Your Computer

Follow these basic steps:

Sign in to YouTube Studio.
Click Create and select Upload videos.
Choose the video file you want to upload.
Add a clear and descriptive title.
Add a description if needed.
Select the appropriate audience setting.
Review any additional video settings.
Choose your visibility setting.
Publish the video immediately or schedule it for later.

Before uploading, make sure your video meets YouTube’s current requirements for Shorts. Vertical video works especially well for the full-screen Shorts viewing experience.

Review Your Video Before Publishing

If you edit your Short on a computer, watch the exported video before uploading it. Check the video orientation, audio quality, text placement, and overall appearance.

Remember that many people will watch your Short on a smartphone. Text that looks easy to read on a large computer monitor may appear much smaller on a phone.

After publishing, you can manage the Short and review its performance through YouTube Studio just like your other YouTube content.

Whether you create Shorts on your phone or computer, the basic goal remains the same: make the video clear, focused, and easy for viewers to watch.

YouTube Shorts Best Practices

Knowing how to make YouTube Shorts is only the first step. A few simple practices can help you create videos that are clearer, easier to watch, and more useful to your audience.

1. Get to the Point Quickly

People can move from one Short to another with a simple swipe, so avoid spending too much time on introductions.

Start with the main idea, an interesting question, a useful result, or something that gives viewers a reason to continue watching.

For example, instead of beginning with a long introduction, you could start with:

“Here are three ways to improve your YouTube titles.”

Then move directly into the first tip.

2. Focus on One Main Idea

A Short usually works better when it has a clear purpose. Trying to explain several unrelated topics in one video can make your message difficult to follow.

If you have several useful ideas, consider turning them into separate Shorts rather than squeezing everything into one video.

3. Make Your Short Easy to Watch on a Phone

Because Shorts are commonly viewed on mobile devices, make sure important visual elements are easy to see on a small screen.

Use readable text, clear images, and appropriately sized graphics. Avoid placing essential text or other elements too close to areas where YouTube’s interface could cover them.

4. Use Clear Audio and Good Lighting

Viewers should be able to understand what you’re saying and clearly see what you’re showing.

Record in a quiet environment when possible, reduce distracting background noise, and make sure your subject is properly lit. You don’t necessarily need expensive equipment—a well-positioned smartphone and good natural lighting can often be enough.

5. Add Captions or On-Screen Text When Helpful

Captions and on-screen text can make your Short easier to understand, particularly when you’re explaining steps, sharing facts, or creating educational content.

Keep the text concise and give viewers enough time to read it before it disappears.

6. Keep the Video Moving

Remove unnecessary pauses, repeated explanations, and footage that doesn’t contribute to the video’s purpose.

This doesn’t mean every Short needs extremely fast editing. The goal is simply to avoid wasting the viewer’s time.

7. Create Content Relevant to Your Audience

Think about why people watch your channel and what they expect from you.

If your channel teaches technology, for example, your Shorts might include quick tutorials, app tips, useful settings, common fixes, or short explanations of technology-related questions.

Staying reasonably close to your channel’s main subject can help you build a more consistent content library.

8. Use Trends Only When They Fit Your Content

You don’t need to participate in every popular challenge, sound, or trend.

If a trend naturally fits your topic and audience, you can experiment with it. If it doesn’t, creating useful content that matches your channel’s purpose may be a better choice.

9. Experiment and Learn from Your Results

There isn’t one perfect formula for every YouTube channel. Try different topics, openings, video lengths, presentation styles, and formats.

After publishing several Shorts, review their performance in YouTube Studio. Look for patterns in the videos that hold viewers’ attention or generate meaningful engagement, and use those observations when planning future content.

10. Create Shorts Consistently

Consistency can help you develop your skills and learn what your audience responds to. However, don’t publish Shorts simply to meet an arbitrary posting schedule.

Choose a publishing frequency that you can realistically maintain while still producing useful content.

Quality and consistency should work together.

Can You Make Money from YouTube Shorts?

Yes, eligible creators can make money from YouTube Shorts through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Shorts monetization can include revenue from ads shown between videos in the Shorts Feed as well as revenue associated with YouTube Premium viewers.

YouTube has different eligibility levels within the Partner Program.

For access to features such as channel memberships, Super Thanks, Super Chat, Super Stickers, and eligible Shopping features, creators in supported countries can qualify with:

500 subscribers
3 public uploads within the last 90 days
And either 3,000 qualified public watch hours on long-form videos within the last 12 months or 3 million qualified public Shorts views within the last 90 days

For revenue sharing from Shorts Feed ads and YouTube Premium, the current threshold is:

1,000 subscribers
And either 4,000 qualified public watch hours on long-form videos within the last 12 months or 10 million qualified public Shorts views within the last 90 days

Watch time generated from Shorts in the Shorts Feed does not count toward the long-form watch-hour requirement.

Meeting a threshold does not automatically guarantee monetization. Your channel must also meet YouTube’s Partner Program requirements and monetization policies, and YouTube reviews channels as part of the application process.

YouTube occasionally changes its monetization requirements, so check the Earn section of YouTube Studio for the eligibility requirements that currently apply to your channel.

If earning money is one of your main goals, remember that creating Shorts is only one part of building a monetized YouTube channel. You can combine Shorts with longer videos and other eligible monetization features as your audience grows.

Conclusion

Learning how to make YouTube Shorts is easier once you understand the basic process. Start with one clear idea, record your video, remove unnecessary footage, add useful text or audio, review your video details, and publish your Short.

You don’t need expensive equipment or complicated editing software to get started. A smartphone, clear audio, good lighting, and a useful idea can be enough to create your first Short. As you publish more videos, use YouTube Studio to understand how viewers respond and improve your content over time.

Most importantly, keep each Short focused on what your audience came to see. Experiment with different topics and formats while maintaining a consistent connection to your channel’s main subject.

If you want to take the next step, explore our other YouTube guides to learn how to improve engagement, increase your organic reach, optimize your channel, and build a stronger YouTube presence.

FAQs About YouTube Shorts

How do I make a YouTube Short?

You can create a YouTube Short directly in the YouTube mobile app. Tap the Create (+) button, select Create a Short, record or add your video, edit it, add the necessary details, and upload it. You can also create and edit a video separately and upload it to YouTube.

How long can a YouTube Short be?

YouTube Shorts can be up to three minutes long when they meet YouTube’s current Shorts requirements. Your video does not need to use the full three minutes; choose a length that allows you to communicate your idea clearly.

Do YouTube Shorts have to be vertical?

Vertical video is the most common format for Shorts and provides a natural full-screen experience on smartphones. However, square videos can also qualify as Shorts when they meet YouTube’s current requirements.

Can I make YouTube Shorts on a computer?

Yes. You can create or edit a short-form video on your computer and upload it through YouTube Studio. You don’t have to record every Short with the Shorts camera in the mobile app.

Do I need the #Shorts hashtag?

You don’t need to depend on the #Shorts hashtag for a video to be treated as a Short. Instead of filling your title or description with hashtags, concentrate on accurately describing the video’s topic and creating useful content.

Can I use music in YouTube Shorts?

Yes. YouTube provides music and audio options through its Shorts creation tools. The amount of music you can use can depend on the track and the length of the Short. Be careful when using copyrighted music obtained from other sources because copyright restrictions may apply.

Can YouTube Shorts be monetized?

Yes. Eligible creators who meet the requirements of the YouTube Partner Program can earn revenue from Shorts. Eligibility and monetization requirements can change, so check the Earn section in YouTube Studio for the requirements that currently apply to your channel.

Can I upload an existing video as a YouTube Short?

Yes. You can prepare a video outside the YouTube app and upload it as a Short as long as it meets YouTube’s current Shorts requirements. This is useful if you prefer recording with your phone’s regular camera or editing videos with separate software.

How often should I post YouTube Shorts?

There is no single posting frequency that works for every channel. Choose a schedule you can maintain without sacrificing the usefulness or quality of your videos. You can then use YouTube Studio to see how your audience responds and adjust your publishing schedule accordingly.