Tech

3-Minute YouTube Shorts: What Creators Need To Know!

3-Minute YouTube Shorts

Published on January 18th, 2025

YouTube has just announced a significant update for its Shorts feature: the platform is now allowing all users to upload Shorts of up to three minutes in length.

This move marks the completion of a change that YouTube first introduced in October 2024, extending the length of Shorts videos.

In this blog post, we will dive deep into what this update means for content creators, how it will impact monetization, and why it’s a game-changer for YouTube’s short-form content strategy.

What Are YouTube Shorts?

Before we explore the recent update, let’s quickly recap what YouTube Shorts are. Shorts are YouTube’s version of short-form content, similar to TikTok and Instagram Reels.

These videos are designed to be viewed on mobile devices and are typically displayed in a vertical format.

YouTube initially limited Shorts to just 60 seconds, but the platform has now increased that limit to three minutes, offering creators more flexibility to tell their stories.

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The Shift to 3-Minute YouTube Shorts

YouTube first hinted at this update in October 2024, stating that it would soon allow videos up to three minutes long to qualify as Shorts. However, this change didn’t happen overnight.

It was rolled out gradually, which caused some confusion among creators about which videos would be affected and when. Now, YouTube has officially completed the rollout, and all videos up to three minutes will be classified as Shorts.

Key Features of the Update

1. Upload Length and Visibility

  • Videos under 3 minutes: Any video you upload that is 3 minutes or less, in either square or vertical aspect ratio, will automatically qualify as a Short. These videos will appear in the Shorts shelf in your Subscription feed, on your Channel page, and in YouTube Studio. Importantly, they will also be recommended in the Shorts feed, which could significantly boost your viewership.
  • Videos over 3 minutes: YouTube will still support long-form content, so if your video exceeds 3 minutes, it will not be classified as a Short. These videos will remain in the traditional video format on YouTube.

2. Monetization Opportunities

With this update, YouTube aims to drive more engagement in the Shorts feed, which currently attracts billions of views daily.

If you upload a video under 3 minutes after October 15, 2024, it will qualify for the Shorts revenue-sharing model.

This means you can start monetizing these videos through ad revenue, providing a great incentive for creators to produce more short-form content.

For videos uploaded before this date, the monetization model will remain based on YouTube’s long-form video revenue-sharing approach, with ads placed on the Watch Page.

3. Handling Third-Party Claims

If your video contains third-party content and exceeds one minute in duration, it will be blocked globally on YouTube.

This includes content with active Content ID claims, whether manual or automatic.

The video will not be playable, recommended, or eligible for monetization. However, creators are not penalized, and they can resolve any disputes if they believe a claim is made in error.

Once the dispute is settled, the video will be eligible for monetization once again.

Read More: How to Add YouTube Shorts to Your Playlist

Why YouTube Is Making This Move

The decision to extend Shorts to three minutes comes at a time when short-form content is seeing explosive growth.

According to YouTube, Shorts now drive over 70 billion daily views, and that number continues to rise.

This popularity is largely driven by the increasing demand for bite-sized, easily consumable content.

By allowing creators to upload videos up to three minutes, YouTube is not only keeping pace with competitors like TikTok but also providing creators with more room to get creative, tell stories, and engage their audiences.

How This Update Benefits Content Creators

1. More Room for Creativity

Shorts have always been constrained by their 60-second limit. With the new three-minute cap, creators now have more time to develop ideas, tell engaging stories, and connect with their audiences on a deeper level.

This could be a game-changer for those looking to create more detailed tutorials, behind-the-scenes content, or comedic skits.

2. Better Engagement and Reach

With YouTube prioritizing Shorts in the feed and recommending them to a broader audience, creators can expect greater visibility for their videos.

The added length will allow for more complex ideas while still fitting the short-form nature that viewers love.

Creators who previously shied away from Shorts due to time limitations might now feel more encouraged to create and share.

3. Increased Monetization Potential

As more creators upload 3-minute Shorts, YouTube’s Shorts revenue-sharing model will open up new monetization avenues.

This provides an excellent opportunity for creators to diversify their income streams, especially for those who have already built a significant presence on the platform.

Read More: Improve Your YouTube Channel

How to Upload a 3-Minute YouTube Short

Uploading a three-minute Short is just as simple as uploading any other YouTube video. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Use YouTube Studio or the YouTube App: You can upload your video through either the mobile app or YouTube Studio on the web.
  2. Aspect Ratio: Ensure your video is in a square or vertical format.
  3. Video Length: Ensure your video is three minutes or less. Videos longer than this will not be classified as Shorts.
  4. Tagging and Description: Add the #Shorts tag in the title or description to help categorize the video correctly.

Read More: How To Download Music Off YouTube

Conclusion

YouTube’s decision to extend the length of Shorts to three minutes is a clear indication of the platform’s commitment to supporting short-form video content.

With more time to tell stories, better engagement opportunities, and new monetization options, creators are now better equipped than ever to thrive in the Shorts format.

Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting out, this update opens up new possibilities for your content strategy. So, start exploring the 3-minute Shorts feature today, and make the most of the growing demand for engaging, quick-to-consume video content.