YouTube Shorts Length and Other Important Technicalities

YouTube Shorts, man…. They can boost brand visibility and engagement. The platform has become a go-to for creators and businesses alike, offering a unique way to capture audiences with quick, engaging videos. But what is the ideal YouTube Shorts length? How long should these videos be to maximize impact? Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are different in length, but let’s find out about YouTube Shorts length and how to make the most of this dynamic format.

What Are YouTube Shorts’ Length Maximum and Minimum?

YouTube Shorts are the attention span of your audience personified. They’re vertical videos that can be anywhere from a blink-and-you-miss-it 1 second to a whopping 60 seconds long. YouTube Shorts length are 60 whole seconds—an entire minute to showcase anything! Your brilliance or, you know, your cat doing something mildly entertaining.

YouTube isn’t just throwing out these numbers for fun. The 60-second cap is there for a reason. YouTube Shorts are all about keeping it short and sweet. Think of it as the espresso shot of the video world: concentrated, energizing, and consumed quickly. If you can’t say it in 60 seconds, maybe it’s not meant for a Short—or you need to talk faster! Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have expanded their vertical videos to 90 seconds. Like, great, a whole half minute.

Other YouTube ShortsTechnicalities to Be Aware Of

Now, before you go rushing off to create the next viral sensation, let’s get a little nerdy with some other technical details. First up, the aspect ratio. YouTube Shorts need to be vertical, with an aspect ratio of 9:16. In non-tech speak, this means your video should look like it was made for a phone held upright, not sideways like your dad trying to FaceTime. If your video doesn’t fit this format, it could miss out on the Shorts shelf—kind of like showing up to a formal event in a Hawaiian shirt. Not cool.

Another thing to remember is resolution. While you might be tempted to film your Short with a potato, I’d recommend something a bit more high-def. Aim for at least 1080p—because nothing says “I don’t care about my content” like being pixelated. YouTube (and other platforms) are likely to promote higher quality content to viewers more often. And, of course, don’t forget to upload your masterpiece directly through the YouTube desktop site or mobile app.

Optimizing YouTube Content Length

We know YouTube Shorts can be up to 60 seconds long, but how do we optimize that time? Spoiler alert: not all seconds are created equal.

First off, consider your audience. They’re busy, they’re distracted, and they’ve got about the same attention span as a goldfish. Often, audiences don’t care to hear phrases like “Hello, my name is,” “It’s a great Wednesday afternoon,” or “I’m out here at [location].” Instead, get straight to the point with the most engaging content. Focus on crafting strong hooks! So what does this mean for your YouTube Shorts length? It means shorter is often better. Think 15 to 30 seconds. Quick, snappy, and to the point—just like your favorite stand-up comedian’s best punchline.

However, if you’ve got a story that really needs those 60 seconds, go for it. Just make sure every second counts. The first few seconds are crucial—grab your audience by the eyeballs and don’t let go. Use quick cuts, flashy visuals, or a hook so irresistible it should come with a warning label. Check out this example, notice how quick the cuts are. Not even one second was spent on “hello my name is…”

When you use the full 60 seconds, I always suggest enticing the audience to keep watching. In the example above, I said, “I doubt half of you have tried the last one,” suggesting that viewers should keep watching to find out what the final tip is.

Another interesting thing to try is A/B testing to find your sweet spot. Create two versions of your video—one short, one longer—and see which performs better. A/B testing for shorst can be as simple as trying different hooks. Let the data tell you what your audience wants. It’s like being Sherlock Holmes, but instead of solving crimes, you’re cracking the case of the perfect video length.

Content Marketing to Help You Optimize Your YouTube Shorts Length

Now, if all this sounds like a lot to juggle—because let’s be honest, it is—this is where working with a content marketing agency can save the day. And by “save the day,” I mean make your life infinitely easier while making you look like a genius.

Marketing With Morgan know the rules of the game and help you win it. We specialize in crafting content that not only meets the ideal YouTube Shorts length but also hits the mark with your audience. Whether you need help fine-tuning your message or optimizing your videos for the best performance, we’ve got your back.

Here’s the thing: anyone can make a YouTube Short, but making a good YouTube Short? That’s where expertise comes in. I can analyze your content, optimize it for the platform, and even sprinkle a little creative magic to make sure it stands out. Think of me as your secret weapon in the battle for online attention.

Next time you’re pondering the ideal YouTube Shorts length, remember this: keep it short, keep it smart, and most importantly, keep it fun. Now, go out there and make something awesome!