YouTube Shorts are a new video experience that lasts no more than 60 seconds, and they can be even shorter. They can be created directly using your phone, allowing you to shoot, edit, and enhance videos right on YouTube. You can add music, record audio, insert text, and control when the text appears or disappears, as well as the video’s speed. Alternatively, you can upload this type of video by following the standard upload process on YouTube.
What is the point of YouTube Shorts?
In an audacious move that set the digital world abuzz, YouTube Shorts made its debut in India on September 14th, 2020, followed by a grand entrance into the U.S. market on March 18th, 2021. With an electrifying surge, this short-form video sensation rapidly soared beyond all expectations, amassing a staggering 6.5 billion daily views across the globe. Not content to remain confined, Shorts spread its wings even further, embarking on a global journey as it entered beta mode in 100 countries on July 12th, 2021.
The Vice President of Product Management at YouTube has heralded this video format as a fresh frontier for creators and artists seeking to craft snappy, attention-grabbing videos using the simple tool of their mobile phones. He goes on to emphasize that Shorts is a groundbreaking avenue, a novel means of self-expression encapsulated within a mere 15-second window. This description underscores the platform’s mission to empower individuals with a streamlined and efficient mode of communication, enabling them to convey their messages and creativity swiftly and succinctly.
How do you make YouTube Shorts and upload them?
Creating and uploading YouTube Shorts is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to make and upload YouTube Shorts:
Making YouTube Shorts:
- Open the YouTube App: Make sure you have the YouTube app installed on your mobile device.
- Shoot Your Video: Tap on the ‘+’ or ‘Create’ icon at the bottom of the screen to begin recording your video. YouTube Shorts are typically short, so aim for a duration of 15 seconds or less.
- Edit Your Video: After recording, you can use the in-app editing tools to enhance your video. Add music, text, filters, and adjust the video speed if needed.
- Review Your Video: Preview your video to ensure it looks and sounds the way you want it to.
- Add Video Details: Before uploading, you’ll need to add details such as a title, description, and relevant hashtags.
- Set Audience and Visibility: Choose whether you want your video to be public, private, or unlisted. You can also select your target audience.
- Upload Your Video: Tap the “Upload” button to make your YouTube Shorts video live.
Uploading YouTube Shorts:
- Use the YouTube App: To upload YouTube Shorts, use the YouTube app on your mobile device.
- Tap the “+” Icon: On the app’s home screen, tap the ‘+’ icon or the ‘Create’ button.
- Select Short Video: Choose the “Short Video” option.
- Select Your Video: Pick the video you want to upload as a YouTube Short from your device’s gallery.
- Edit and Add Details: Like when making Shorts, you can edit your video, add a title, description, and hashtags. Make sure it’s optimized for short-form content.
- Set Audience and Visibility: Choose your video’s privacy settings and target audience.
- Upload Your YouTube Short: Tap the “Upload” button to publish your YouTube Short.
YouTube Shorts should be engaging, concise, and visually appealing to capture the audience’s attention. Once you’ve uploaded your Shorts, they can be discovered on the dedicated YouTube Shorts shelf and through the Shorts tab on the YouTube app.
Remember to follow YouTube’s community guidelines and copyright policies when creating and uploading content, and ensure that your Shorts comply with their content policies to avoid any issues.
YouTube Shorts monetization policies
Indeed, to enable monetization for short videos on YouTube (such as YouTube Shorts), you need to meet a set of conditions and standards related to content quality and technical execution. Here are some key points to consider:
- Original Content: Short videos must feature original and distinctive content that does not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others.
- Video Quality: Videos should be of high quality and free from visual disturbances or shaking.
- Appropriate Content: The content must align with YouTube’s safety and ethical standards.
- Dimensions and Duration: As mentioned, short videos should have a vertical (16:9) or square (1:1) aspect ratio and not exceed one minute, with a 15-second limit if using content from YouTube Music. Additionally, it’s preferable for these videos to have high resolution.
- Description and Tags: Provide a precise and engaging description for your video and use relevant tags (keywords) to enhance discoverability.
- Engagement and Sharing: Encourage viewers to interact with and share your video.
- Patience: Building an audience, gaining views, and interaction takes time. Be patient as your account works toward income eligibility.
Remember that these conditions may change periodically, so it’s essential to regularly review YouTube’s policies and stay informed about the latest updates. Over time and with the achievement of certain milestones, you may become eligible to participate in monetization programs like the “YouTube Partner Program.”
Your channel must adhere to YouTube’s platform standards, in addition to copyright rules and income policies. These can be summarized as follows: refrain from providing content that contradicts the platform’s guidelines, such as violent or explicit material, and ensure you don’t violate copyright by using protected clips or songs. Additionally, you should be of legal age, and your residence should be in a supported country (fortunately, Egypt is on the list).
Compliance with these standards and policies is crucial to maintaining a healthy and monetizable YouTube channel while also fostering a safe and enjoyable environment for your audience.