YouTube Shorts Complete Guide: Create Viral Short Videos in 2026

YouTube Shorts are vertical videos up to 60 seconds long that appear in the dedicated Shorts feed. To create a Short, record or upload a vertical video (9:16 aspect ratio, 1080×1920 pixels) under 60 seconds, add music or text using YouTube's built-in tools, and include #Shorts in the title or description. Shorts can gain millions of views quickly due to the algorithm's emphasis on discovery over subscriber count.

Key Takeaways

• Shorts are vertical videos up to 60 seconds (9:16 aspect ratio, 1080×1920 pixels)
• Hook viewers in the first 1-2 seconds—this determines if they swipe away
• Use trending sounds and music from YouTube's library for better discovery
• Post 1-3 Shorts per day for optimal growth
• Shorts can be monetized through ad revenue sharing after joining YPP
• Shorts are excellent for channel growth but generate lower revenue than long-form

What Are YouTube Shorts?

YouTube Shorts are short-form vertical videos designed for quick consumption on mobile devices.

Shorts vs. Regular YouTube Videos

Where Shorts Appear

How to Create YouTube Shorts

Method 1: In-App Creation (YouTube App)

• Add music from library
• Adjust speed (0.3x to 3x)
• Set timer for hands-free recording
• Add filters and effects

Method 2: Upload Pre-Made Videos

Requirements:

• Video under 60 seconds
• 9:16 aspect ratio (or will be cropped)
• At least 1080×1920 pixels recommended

Steps:

1. 1.Open YouTube Studio (desktop or mobile)
2. 2.Click "Create" → "Upload videos"
3. 3.Select your vertical video file
4. 4.YouTube automatically treats it as a Short
5. 5.Add title, description, and visibility
6. 6.Publish

Method 3: Create from Existing Long-Form Content

Steps:

1. 1.Open one of your published videos
2. 2.Click "Edit" → "Create Short" (on mobile)
3. 3.Select a 60-second clip
4. 4.Edit as needed
5. 5.Publish as a new Short

This is great for repurposing popular moments from longer videos.

Shorts Dimensions and Specifications

Technical Requirements

Creating the Right Dimensions

In iPhone:

• Open Camera app
• Record in portrait mode
• Video automatically 9:16

In Android:

• Use Camera in portrait
• Check settings for video resolution

In Editing Software:

• Set project to 1080×1920
• Export as MP4

Creating Viral Shorts

The First Second Rule

Hook Techniques:

Content Formats That Work

Optimal Short Length

Using Music and Sounds

Benefits of Trending Sounds:

• Better discovery through sound pages
• Association with viral trends
• Higher engagement

How to Find Trending Sounds:

1. 1.Browse the Shorts feed
2. 2.Note sounds that appear frequently
3. 3.Use YouTube's music library for licensed tracks
4. 4.Create original audio for uniqueness

Music Tips:

• Match audio to visual cuts
• Start with the drop/hook
• Consider using viral sounds even if they're slightly older

Shorts Editing Tips

In-App Editing Tools

External Editing Apps

Editing Best Practices

Do:

• Cut on beat with music
• Use jump cuts to maintain pace
• Add text for context
• Create smooth transitions
• Color correct for visual appeal

Don't:

• Leave dead air or pauses
• Use too many effects
• Make text too small to read
• Forget mobile viewing (full screen)

Shorts Algorithm and Discovery

How the Shorts Algorithm Works

Getting Into the Shorts Feed

Key Factors:

1. 1.Completion rate - What % watch to the end
2. 2.Engagement - Likes, comments, shares
3. 3.Not swiped away - Viewers don't skip
4. 4.Fresh content - New uploads favored
5. 5.Trending elements - Sounds, topics, hashtags

Why Shorts Can Go Viral (Unlike Long-Form)

Shorts Monetization

Ad Revenue Sharing

How It Works:

1. 1.Ads run between Shorts in the feed
2. 2.Revenue is pooled
3. 3.Creators get share based on views
4. 4.Music licensing is deducted first
5. 5.You keep 45% of your share

Expected Earnings:

Requirements for Shorts Monetization

Beyond Ad Revenue

Shorts primarily drive:

• Subscriber growth (convert to long-form viewers)
• Brand awareness
• Sponsorship opportunities
• Merchandise promotion
• Course/product sales

Shorts Strategy for Growth

Posting Frequency

Best Times to Post

Content Calendar

Weekly Plan Example:

• Monday: Trending topic Short
• Tuesday: Educational tip Short
• Wednesday: Behind-the-scenes Short
• Thursday: Repurposed long-form clip
• Friday: Trending sound/challenge
• Saturday: Story time/POV
• Sunday: Recap or best-of

Converting Shorts Viewers to Subscribers

Strategies:

1. 1.End with "Follow for more [topic]"
2. 2.Create series that reward subscription
3. 3.Reference your long-form content
4. 4.Use consistent branding/face
5. 5.Pin comment with long-form link

Shorts Analytics

Where to Find Analytics

1. 1.YouTube Studio → Analytics
2. 2.Filter by "Shorts" content type
3. 3.View Shorts-specific metrics

Key Metrics to Track

Analyzing Performance

If Shorts aren't performing:

1. 1.Check first-second hook quality
2. 2.Review completion rate (video too long?)
3. 3.Test different formats
4. 4.Try trending sounds
5. 5.Improve thumbnail (first frame)

Your Shorts Action Plan:

1. 1.Start creating: Make your first Short today using the YouTube app
2. 2.Hook viewers: Focus on the first 1-2 seconds of every Short
3. 3.Stay consistent: Post 1 Short per day minimum
4. 4.Use trends: Incorporate trending sounds and formats
5. 5.Track metrics: Monitor completion rate and swipe-away rate
6. 6.Convert to subscribers: Build funnels to your long-form content

Remember: Shorts are best for growth, not direct revenue. Use them to build your audience, then monetize through long-form content, memberships, and products.

Related Resources:

• YouTube Shorts Monetization Guide
• YouTube Shorts vs TikTok Comparison
• YouTube Shorts Dimensions & Specifications