Exciting news for YouTube creators! Starting October 15th, you'll be able to upload YouTube Shorts up to three minutes long. Previously, Shorts were capped at 60 seconds, which felt limiting compared to other platforms. Now, creators have more flexibility to tell their stories, engage audiences, and explore new formats.

Compared to TikTok, which allows videos up to 60 minutes, and Instagram Reels, which allow up to 90 seconds, YouTube's new three-minute limit gives creators more flexibility while retaining the short-form appeal. By expanding to three minutes, this is a strategic move that allows creators to experiment and try new things they were previously not capable of on YouTube, and we're eager to see how it impacts YouTube Shorts.

Why YouTube Shorts Matter

Shorts have become an essential tool for creators looking to grow on YouTube. Since their introduction, Shorts have helped channels gain new subscribers and reach wider audiences, thanks to YouTube's algorithm that prioritizes short-form content for visibility. With three minutes, you can deliver more value, create stronger storytelling moments, and give your audience more of what they love—without being confined to just one minute.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

Copyright Restrictions: Be cautious when using copyrighted content in your Shorts, especially if they are over one minute long. YouTube will automatically block any Shorts over 60 seconds with third-party claims, so it's crucial to stick to original or licensed material.

Rollout Gradual Update: This feature may take some time to roll out globally. After October 15th, some longer vertical videos may still appear outside the Shorts feed until YouTube fully implements this change.

Aspect Ratio Considerations: Keep in mind that any video with a square or vertical aspect ratio longer than 60 seconds will now be classified as a YouTube Short. This means it will no longer appear in your main 'Videos' feed and will instead show in your 'Shorts' feed, as well as be monetized as a Short.
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The extension of Shorts to three minutes is a fantastic opportunity for creators to dive deeper into their content, connect better with their audience, and stand out from the crowd. With Shorts being one of the best ways to get noticed and grow quickly, this update means you have even more space to make an impact.

We’re excited to see how you use this information! If you have any questions about this or anything related to YouTube, feel free to reach out to us.