YouTube Expands Shorts Duration to 3 Minutes: What Creators Need to Know!
Creators, get ready! YouTube Shorts just got an upgrade. In response to your feedback, YouTube is rolling out exciting new changes—Shorts can now be up to 3 minutes long. This update allows creators to express themselves and engage their audience with longer-form content while still keeping that signature bite-sized feel. Let’s dive into the key changes and what you need to know as a creator to make the most of these new updates.
Key Highlights:
1. No Changes to Existing Shorts Under 60 Seconds
If you're already creating Shorts under 60 seconds, don’t worry—nothing changes for you. All your content remains unaffected.
2. Videos Uploaded Before October 15th Remain Unchanged
Any square or taller aspect ratio videos uploaded before October 15th, 2024, will not be affected by the new rules.
3. All Square or Taller Videos (Up to 3 Minutes) Are Now Shorts
Starting October 15th, 2024, YouTube will treat all videos up to 3 minutes long and shot in a square or taller aspect ratio as Shorts. Expect a smooth rollout over a few weeks, during which these videos may initially appear as regular long-form content.
4. Copyrighted Content Will Block Longer Shorts
Shorts longer than 60 seconds that contain copyrighted content will be blocked. While there are no penalties for this, the video won’t be recommended or playable on YouTube unless you use tools like YouTube Studio to edit out the copyrighted portion.
5. Monetization Remains the Same
You can still monetize 3-minute Shorts, but any video containing blocked content won’t be eligible for earnings until edited. Make sure to use the YouTube Studio app to manage copyright claims.
6. Music Usage Restrictions
For Shorts longer than 60 seconds, you can only use royalty-free music or tracks from YouTube’s Audio Library. Using external music may result in a Content ID claim, and your video might be blocked.
7. YouTube Partner Program Eligibility
Videos under 3 minutes that are published in the Shorts feed will still count toward eligibility for the YouTube Partner Program.
Before and After Table:
| Feature | Before (Up to 60 Seconds) | After (Up to 3 Minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Video Duration | Maximum of 60 seconds | Maximum of 3 minutes |
| Aspect Ratio | Square or taller (unchanged) | Square or taller (unchanged) |
| Monetization | All Shorts eligible for monetization | Eligible for monetization (except blocked content) |
| Music Usage | Any music from YouTube's Audio Library | Only royalty-free music or YouTube's Audio Library for 60+ sec Shorts |
| Copyright | No automatic blocks | Shorts over 60 sec with copyrighted content will be blocked |
| YouTube Partner Program | Shorts under 60 seconds count towards eligibility | Shorts under 3 minutes count towards eligibility |
Conclusion:
YouTube’s decision to extend Shorts to 3 minutes is a game-changer, allowing creators to engage their audiences with more in-depth content without sacrificing the Shorts experience. As you adjust to the new possibilities, be mindful of copyright limitations, and remember that monetization and YouTube’s discovery algorithm remain largely unchanged. With the right approach, these new tools can help you grow your channel and connect with your audience in fresh and exciting ways. Happy creating!