How to Create YouTube Shorts

Jumping into YouTube Shorts is one of the smartest moves you can make for your channel right now. This guide walks you through exactly how to create compelling Shorts, from the basic in-app tools to the pro-level tips that will help you grab attention and grow your audience.

What Exactly Are YouTube Shorts (And Why Should You Bother)?

YouTube Shorts are vertical, short-form videos that can be up to 60 seconds long. Think of them as YouTube's answer to TikTok and Instagram Reels. They're designed for quick, engaging, and mobile-first viewing, and they live on YouTube's "Shorts Shelf," a dedicated section in the app and on the homepage that gets billions of views daily.

But why should you add them to your content strategy? The answer is simple: growth.

• Epic Discoverability: The Shorts algorithm is designed to put your content in front of new viewers who aren't already subscribed to you. This is a massive opportunity to break out of your current audience bubble.
• Channel Growth: Many creators find that consistent Shorts publishing leads to a significant increase in subscribers who then check out their long-form content.
• Lower Barrier to Entry: Not every idea needs a 10-minute, highly-produced video. Shorts let you be more spontaneous, creative, and frequent with your content without the heavy lifting of a full-length piece.

How to Create Your First YouTube Short: The Step-by-Step Breakdown

You have two main paths for creating a Short: filming and editing directly within the YouTube app or uploading a video you've already created. Let's cover both.

Method 1: Using the YouTube App's Built-In Tools

The YouTube app gives you a powerful little studio right in your pocket. It's perfect for creating content on the fly.

1. Open the Create Tool: Tap the "+" icon at the bottom center of the YouTube app. From the menu that pops up, select "Create a Short."
2. Set Your Timing: At the top of the camera screen, you'll see a small red circle with "15" next to it. By default, you can record up to 15 seconds. Tap it to change the limit to 60 seconds if you need more time.
3. Explore the Camera Tools: Before you hit record, check out the tools on the right side of your screen:
   • Flip: Switches between your front and back cameras.
   • Speed: Speed up or slow down your recording for dramatic or comedic effect.
   • Timer: Set a countdown before recording starts. This is perfect for setting up your shot and getting into position without rushing.
   • Effects & Filters: Add some visual flair. From basic color correction to fun AR filters, you can find something to match your vibe.
   • Green Screen: Use a photo or video from your phone's gallery as your background. It's a fantastic tool for adding context, reacting to content, or just being creative.
4. Add Audio: Tap the "Add sound" button at the top of the camera screen. This is a game-changer. You can browse YouTube's massive library of licensed music and audio clips. Using trending sounds can give your Short a major boost in visibility.
5. Record Your Clip(s): Press and hold the red record button to film. You can record one continuous clip or multiple shorter clips. Just release the button to stop, reposition yourself or the camera, and press it again to continue. This multi-segment approach is how creators make dynamic videos with quick cuts.
6. Time to Edit: Once you're done recording, tap the checkmark button. Now you're in the editing screen where you can:
   • Add Text: Place text on your video, change its color, font, and timing.
   • Timeline: Adjust when your text or sound appears and disappears. This is great for an extra layer of storytelling.
   • Filters: If you didn't add one before, you can add a filter to your entire video now.
7. Finalize and Upload: Hit "Next." Here, you'll write your caption. Keep it short and punchy. Most importantly, always include the hashtag #shorts in your caption or title to help YouTube categorize it. You can also select who can see your video (public, unlisted, private) and if it's made for kids. Hit "Upload Short" and you're live!

Method 2: Uploading a Pre-Edited Video

If you prefer editing in another app like CapCut, InShot, or even a professional desktop program, you can easily upload your finished video as a Short.

1. Get the Format Right: Your video file needs to meet two criteria to be considered a Short:
   • Aspect Ratio: It must be vertical or square. The ideal aspect ratio is 9:16 (1080x1920 pixels).
   • Length: It must be 60 seconds or less.
2. Upload It: Tap the same "+" icon in the YouTube app and select "Upload a video." Choose your vertical video file from your phone's gallery. You'll automatically be taken to the Shorts editing screen.
3. Enhance in the Editor: Even though you've already edited it elsewhere, you can still use YouTube's tools to add sounds, text, filters, and use the timeline editor. Layering a trending audio clip over your pre-edited video can give you the best of both worlds - your slick edits combined with the discoverability benefits of YouTube's music library.
5. Finalize and Upload: Just like with the in-app creator, you'll write a caption (don't forget #shorts!), set visibility, and tap "Upload Short."

10 Tips for Creating YouTube Shorts that Actually Get Views

Knowing how to create Shorts is one thing, knowing how to make them stand out is another. Here are some actionable tips to level up your Shorts game.

1. Nail the First 3 Seconds

This is non-negotiable. Short-form video viewers have an incredibly short attention span. Your first 3 seconds must grab them. Start with movement, a bold statement, an interesting visual, or a question to build curiosity instantly.

2. Tell a Complete Story

Even in under a minute, your video should feel complete. Think of a simple structure: a hook (beginning), the main point (middle), and a resolution or punchline (end). This mini-narrative leaves the viewer feeling satisfied.

3. Ride the Wave of Trending Audio

The algorithm loves trending sounds. Spend some time watching Shorts and save audio clips you see used repeatedly. When you find a trending sound that fits your niche, create a video with it. This is one of the easiest ways to inject your content into a larger, ongoing conversation.

4. Keep It Simple and to the Point

Don't try to cram too much information into one Short. Focus on delivering one strong idea, tip, or joke. If a topic is complex, break it down into a multi-part Shorts series instead. This also encourages viewers to visit your channel to find the other parts.

5. Use Text Overlays for Impact

Many people watch videos without sound. On-screen text ensures your message lands whether they're listening or not. Use text to emphasize key points, provide context, or add subtitles.

6. Deliver Value or Entertainment

Every Short you create should answer one question for the viewer: "What do I get out of watching this?" Either teach them something (value) or make them feel something (entertainment). Quick tutorials, life hacks, surprising facts, funny skits, and relatable moments all perform extremely well.

7. Create Seamless Loops

A sneaky-smart trick to increase watch time is to create a seamless loop where the end of your video flows perfectly back into the beginning. This can trick viewers into watching it multiple times without realizing it, which sends a strong signal to the algorithm that people enjoy your content.

8. Master the Call-to-Action (CTA)

What do you want people to do after watching? Tell them! A simple, "subscribe for more tips like this" or "what's your favorite tip? Tell me in the comments!" can dramatically increase engagement and subscriber growth from your Shorts.

9. Be Consistent

The YouTube algorithm, especially for Shorts, rewards consistency. You don't need to post seven days a week, but creating and sticking to a realistic schedule (e.g., 2-3 Shorts per week) will help build momentum and "train" the algorithm on what your channel is about.

10. Analyze What's Working

Treat your Shorts like a science experiment. Look at YouTube Analytics and answer two key questions: Which Shorts got the most views? And why? Was it the topic, the format, the sound? Once you find a formula that's working, double down on it.

Final Thoughts

Creating YouTube Shorts is a dynamic way to connect with your audience and grow your channel. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it.

Consistency is key, so don't slack off. A reliable platform like Postbase can help you schedule all your videos (not only Shorts but also Reels and TikToks) from one place, making social media management a breeze. Remember, the more you engage with your audience, the more your channel will thrive.