With YouTube’s recent update, content creators can now upload Shorts up to three minutes in length, starting October 15, 2024. This provides a great opportunity for creators to expand their storytelling and creativity beyond the previous one-minute restriction. In this article, we’ll explain the new rules, monetization changes, and provide insights on how you can maximize your Shorts to grow your audience.
1. What Are 3-Minute Shorts?
YouTube Shorts were initially limited to one minute, but the new update allows creators to upload videos up to three minutes. These videos must have a square or vertical aspect ratio to be categorized as Shorts. This extension gives creators more time to share detailed stories, tutorials, or engaging content without needing to switch to long-form video formats.
2. Eligibility for 3-Minute Shorts
- Videos uploaded after October 15, 2024: All videos uploaded on or after this date that fit the square or vertical aspect ratio and are up to three minutes in length will automatically be classified as YouTube Shorts. These videos will appear in the Shorts Feed and will be eligible for monetization through YouTube’s Shorts revenue-sharing model.
- Videos uploaded before October 15, 2024: Any videos uploaded before this cutoff will remain in their current long-form classification. They will continue to be monetized under the long-form revenue-sharing model on YouTube’s Watch Page.
3. How to Upload 3-Minute Shorts
While you can’t currently create three-minute Shorts using the YouTube mobile app’s Shorts Camera, you can easily upload them through YouTube Studio on both desktop and mobile devices. This allows you to create longer, more engaging content without being restricted by mobile tools. Make sure to upload in vertical or square aspect ratio to ensure it qualifies as a Short.
4. Content ID Claims on Longer Shorts
One important thing to note for creators using content from third parties is that Shorts longer than one minute with an active Content ID claim will face restrictions:
- These videos will be blocked globally if a Content ID claim is made, making them ineligible for monetization and unviewable on YouTube.
- However, there are no penalties to your channel for this type of restriction.
- If you believe the claim was made in error, you have the option to file a dispute. Once resolved, your video can be restored and become eligible for monetization again.
For Shorts under one minute, there are no changes, but make sure to familiarize yourself with music eligibility rules for monetization.
Why 3-Minute Shorts Are Game-Changing for Creators
Extending Shorts to three minutes gives creators more flexibility to create content that was previously confined to one-minute limits. Whether you’re an educator, entertainer, or marketer, the additional two minutes opens up new possibilities:
- More engaging storytelling: Dive deeper into topics, expand your narratives, and offer viewers more value.
- Increased audience retention: Longer Shorts can capture attention longer, boosting watch time and increasing the likelihood of them being featured in the Shorts Feed.
- New monetization avenues: With more time to create high-quality content, you’ll have better opportunities to monetize your videos through the Shorts revenue-sharing model.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Can I Start Posting Three-Minute Shorts?
You can start uploading three-minute Shorts from October 15, 2024. Make sure your video is either square or vertical and fits YouTube’s Shorts format to ensure proper categorization.
What Happens If My Short Gets Blocked?
If your Short is over one minute and receives a Content ID claim, it will be globally blocked and ineligible for monetization. You can either remove the claimed content or file a dispute if you believe the claim was made in error. Once resolved, your video can be restored.
Is My Three-Minute Short Eligible for Monetization?
Yes! As long as your video fits within YouTube’s Shorts format (square/vertical aspect ratio, and under three minutes), it will be eligible for monetization through the Shorts revenue-sharing model.
How Can I Check My Shorts Analytics?
You can monitor the performance of your three-minute Shorts through YouTube Studio. Here, you’ll find detailed insights on watch time, views, audience retention, and monetization metrics, allowing you to optimize your content strategy.
Final Thoughts
The introduction of three-minute Shorts is an exciting development for creators, offering more room to get creative, tell longer stories, and reach larger audiences. Make sure to stay updated on YouTube’s evolving monetization policies and leverage the new upload time to maximize your impact on the platform.
By utilizing the extra two minutes, creators can improve engagement, increase visibility, and explore new monetization opportunities within the Shorts feed.