Youtube Shorts Tutorial: Complete Guide for 2026

YouTube Shorts Tutorial: Step-by-Step Creation Guide

This tutorial walks you through creating YouTube Shorts from start to finish. Whether you are using your phone or professional equipment, you will learn exactly how to produce, edit, and publish Shorts that perform.

Creating Shorts Directly in the YouTube App

The fastest way to create Shorts is within the YouTube app itself. Open the app and tap the plus icon at the bottom center, then select "Create a Short."

You will see a recording interface with several controls:

Duration selector: Tap the "15" at the top right to toggle between 15-second and 60-second recording limits.

Speed controls: The speedometer icon lets you record in slow motion (0.3x or 0.5x) or speed up recording (2x or 3x).

Timer: Set a countdown before recording starts, useful for getting into position or beginning with a specific action.

Flip camera: Switch between front and rear cameras.

Hold the red record button to capture video. Release to pause. You can record multiple clips that will be stitched together automatically.

Adding Music and Sounds

Tap "Add sound" at the top of the screen to access YouTube's music library. Search for specific songs or browse trending sounds. Position the audio timeline to start from your preferred moment in the track.

Important: Music from YouTube's library is pre-cleared for use in Shorts. Using music from other sources may result in copyright claims or removal.

Text and Captions

After recording, tap "Text" to add on-screen text. Type your message, then customize:

Font style: Multiple options available, from simple to stylized.

Color: Choose text color and background highlight.

Timing: Drag the text element on the timeline to control when it appears and disappears.

Position text in the upper third of the frame to avoid overlap with the YouTube interface elements at the bottom.

Filters and Effects

Access filters by swiping left on the preview screen while recording, or through the effects panel after recording. YouTube offers face effects, background effects, and color grading filters.

Use effects sparingly. Heavy filtering often looks dated quickly and can distract from your content.

Creating Shorts from Existing Video

If you prefer editing on a computer or have existing footage, create your Short externally and upload it:

Specifications: Vertical format (9:16 aspect ratio), under 60 seconds, resolution of 1080x1920 pixels recommended.

File format: MP4 or MOV work best.

Upload through YouTube Studio or the mobile app. Add #Shorts to your title or description to ensure YouTube recognizes it as a Short.

Editing Software Options

For more control than the YouTube app provides, consider:

CapCut (free): Excellent mobile editor with templates, effects, and easy-to-use interface. Very popular among Shorts creators.

InShot (free with premium): Simple mobile editor good for basic cuts, text, and music.

Adobe Premiere Rush (subscription): Professional mobile and desktop editing with cloud sync.

DaVinci Resolve (free): Professional desktop editor with advanced color grading. Steeper learning curve but powerful results.

Writing Your Title and Description

Keep titles under 40 characters when possible - longer titles get cut off in the Shorts feed. Make titles descriptive and curiosity-inducing.

Descriptions matter less for Shorts than long-form content, but include relevant keywords and hashtags. Add #Shorts if not already detected automatically.

Publishing Your Short

Tap "Next" after editing to reach the upload screen. Add your title, description, and select visibility (public, unlisted, or private).

Unlike long-form YouTube where you can schedule uploads, Shorts work best published immediately during your audience's active hours.

After publishing, your Short enters the Shorts feed where the algorithm tests it with small audiences before potentially expanding distribution.

Monitoring Performance

Check YouTube Studio within 24-48 hours to see initial performance. Key metrics:

Views: Total reach.

Average percentage viewed: How much of your Short viewers watch. Target 70% or higher.

Likes and comments: Engagement signals that influence further distribution.

Shorts that perform well in the first 48 hours typically continue gaining views. Underperforming Shorts rarely recover.

Want help creating Shorts that drive business results?Contact our team to discuss professional short-form video production.