YouTube has recently announced an exciting update for its Shorts platform. Starting from October 15, 2024, creators will be able to upload Shorts up to three minutes long. This gives content creators more room for creativity and storytelling.
Before this, Shorts were limited to just 60 seconds, which forced creators to be super brief. Now, with the extended three-minute limit, there’s more flexibility to engage viewers. However, there are a few new rules to be aware of.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the changes, including how it affects content creation, earning money, and any restrictions for longer Shorts. Let’s get into it!
- What Are YouTube Shorts?
- Understanding the 3-Minute YouTube Shorts Rule
- How Does Monetization Work?
- How to Upload Three-Minute YouTube Shorts
- What If My Short Over One Minute Has Copyrighted Content?
- No Changes for Shorts Under One Minute
- Why Does This Matter for Creators?
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs on YouTube’s New 3-Minute Shorts Rule
What Are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are vertical, short-form videos made to be watched on mobile phones. They became really popular because creators could quickly share engaging content and reach a huge audience on YouTube. Now, with three-minute Shorts, creators can explore more in-depth stories, tutorials, and other longer formats.
Understanding the 3-Minute YouTube Shorts Rule
From October 15, 2024, YouTube will allow Shorts to be up to three minutes long, as long as the video is vertical or square. Videos that meet these criteria will automatically be classified as Shorts, even if they’re longer than one minute. Key points to remember:
- Eligibility: Only videos uploaded on or after October 15, 2024, can be classified as Shorts under this new rule.
- Monetization: You can still earn money from these longer Shorts using YouTube’s Shorts Feed revenue model.
How Does Monetization Work?
After October 15, 2024
- Any video uploaded after this date that’s under three minutes long and has the correct vertical format will be treated as a Short. These videos will be monetized through YouTube’s revenue-sharing model specifically for Shorts.
Before October 15, 2024
- Videos uploaded before this date won’t automatically become Shorts, even if they meet the new requirements. They’ll continue to be treated as regular, long-form videos and monetized accordingly.
How to Upload Three-Minute YouTube Shorts
While the new three-minute limit is great, there are still a few limitations on how you can upload these longer Shorts.
- Shorts Camera in the Mobile App: Right now, you can only create Shorts up to 60 seconds using the Shorts Camera in the YouTube app.
- YouTube Studio: To upload a Short that’s up to three minutes long, you’ll need to use YouTube Studio, either on desktop or mobile.
What If My Short Over One Minute Has Copyrighted Content?
If your Short is longer than one minute and includes copyrighted content, like music or clips, YouTube might block it. Here’s what you need to know:
- Global Blocking: If your Short triggers a copyright claim, it could be blocked worldwide, meaning it won’t be viewable, recommended, or monetized.
- No Channel Penalties: The good news is that your channel won’t be penalized. You can either remove the claimed content or dispute the claim.
No Changes for Shorts Under One Minute
If you prefer to keep your Shorts under one minute, nothing changes. You can still upload them through the Shorts Camera in the app, and the monetization rules stay the same.
Why Does This Matter for Creators?
The ability to make longer Shorts opens up a lot of new possibilities for creators. Here’s why it’s a big deal:
- More Time, More Engagement: Creators can tell longer stories, give more detailed tutorials, and explore topics that need more than just 60 seconds.
- Earnings Potential: Since these longer Shorts can still be monetized, creators have a chance to earn more by making more engaging content.
- Be Careful with Copyright: If you’re making Shorts longer than one minute, it’s important to check for any copyrighted content to avoid global blocking.
Final Thoughts
YouTube’s new three-minute limit for Shorts gives creators more freedom to create longer, more engaging content while still being able to monetize their videos. Just keep in mind the rules around copyright, and you’ll be all set to make the most of this new update!
FAQs on YouTube’s New 3-Minute Shorts Rule
Q1: When can I start uploading three-minute Shorts?
You can begin uploading three-minute Shorts on or after October 15, 2024.
Q2: Can I create three-minute Shorts using the YouTube mobile app?
Not yet. The Shorts Camera in the YouTube mobile app only supports Shorts up to 60 seconds. To upload three-minute Shorts, you must use YouTube Studio on desktop or mobile.
Q3: Will my old videos be converted into Shorts?
No, videos uploaded before October 15, 2024, will not be converted into Shorts, even if they meet the new criteria. These videos will remain as long-form content.
Q4: Can I monetize my three-minute Shorts?
Yes! Shorts uploaded after October 15, 2024, can be monetized through the Shorts Feed revenue-sharing model, provided they meet YouTube’s content and monetization policies.
Q5: What happens if my Short over one minute has copyrighted content?
Any Short over one minute that triggers a Content ID claim will be blocked globally. The video won’t be playable, recommended, or eligible for monetization, but your channel will not face any penalties.
Q6: Are there any changes to Shorts under one minute?
No, Shorts under one minute will continue to follow the same rules as before. You can still use the Shorts Camera in the mobile app for these videos.