Starting October 15, YouTube is making a big change to its popular Shorts feature by tripling the maximum length of videos. Until now, creators could only upload Shorts that were 60 seconds long, but with this update, they will be able to make videos up to three minutes in length. This change has been eagerly anticipated by many creators, as YouTube mentioned in a blog post that longer Shorts were one of the most requested features.
However, this change won’t apply to videos uploaded before October 15th. Existing three-minute videos won’t be automatically converted into Shorts. Only new videos uploaded after the update can take advantage of the extended time limit.
Image Credit: Youtube
This move by YouTube is seen as a way to better compete with other platforms that also allow short-form content, such as Instagram Reels and TikTok. Instagram Reels currently allows videos up to 90 seconds long, and TikTok has increased its video length to 10 minutes. By expanding the length of Shorts, YouTube makes it easier for creators who are already active on these other platforms to cross-post their content. This helps creators make the most out of their content by sharing it across multiple platforms without having to worry about different time limits.
New Features for YouTube Shorts
In addition to the longer video length, YouTube has announced several other exciting updates for Shorts. One of the key new features is the ability to "Remix" existing Shorts. Creators can now easily participate in trends by tapping a button on any Short they want to recreate. Once they tap "Use this template," they can add their own spin on the content while using the same format as the original video. This new Remix feature makes it easier than ever for creators to engage with viral trends and put their unique twist on popular content.
YouTube is also introducing a new Shorts trends page for mobile users. While the exact design of this page isn’t clear yet, YouTube has stated that it will highlight trending Shorts and will be localized by country. This new feature will help creators stay informed about the latest viral trends in their region, allowing them to jump on trending topics and reach a wider audience.
Customizing Your YouTube Feed
For users who are not fans of Shorts, YouTube is adding an option to reduce the number of Shorts that appear in your feed. If you find that you’re seeing too many Shorts videos and would prefer to see more regular YouTube content, you can manage your feed by clicking the three-dot menu icon at the top left corner of the Shorts grid on your home feed. From there, you can temporarily reduce the number of Shorts you see. However, it is not yet clear how long this setting will last or if users will need to retrigger the feature to keep Shorts at a minimum in their feed.
Future Updates
YouTube also mentioned that it is continuing to work on enhancing the Shorts experience with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). This AI integration, powered by Google’s DeepMind, is expected to bring exciting new capabilities to the platform. However, there is no official release date for this feature yet. YouTube has promised that it will arrive sometime later this year.
In summary, the expansion of YouTube Shorts to three minutes is a game-changer for content creators. Combined with new tools like the Remix feature and the upcoming AI enhancements, YouTube is positioning Shorts as a competitive platform for short-form content. Whether you're a fan of TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts, these updates will give creators more opportunities to share and engage with their audience. For users who prefer traditional YouTube content, the option to reduce the number of Shorts in your feed provides more control over your viewing experience.