What Are Youtube Shorts: Complete Guide for 2026
YouTube Shorts are short-form vertical videos that last 60 seconds or less. They live in a dedicated section of YouTube where viewers scroll through an endless feed of quick content, similar to how TikTok works. Since launching globally in 2021, Shorts have become one of the fastest-growing content formats on YouTube, with over 70 billion daily views as of 2024.
Understanding the Format
Shorts are designed for mobile viewing. They use a 9:16 vertical aspect ratio that fills your phone screen, and they play automatically as you scroll through the Shorts feed. Unlike traditional YouTube videos where viewers search for specific content, Shorts get served algorithmically based on viewing patterns and interests.
The 60-second time limit forces creators to distill their message into its most essential form. There is no room for lengthy introductions or meandering content. Shorts need to hook viewers immediately and deliver value fast.
How YouTube Shorts Compare to TikTok and Reels
All three platforms share the same basic format: short vertical videos in a scrolling feed. However, each has distinct characteristics:
YouTube Shorts benefit from integration with the broader YouTube ecosystem. Your Shorts can drive viewers to your long-form content, and your channel's existing audience may discover your Shorts more easily. YouTube's search and recommendation system also helps Shorts get discovered long after publication.
TikTok remains the original and largest short-form platform, with the most sophisticated recommendation algorithm and the most engaged user base for this content type.
Instagram Reels integrate with Instagram's social features and work well for creators with established Instagram followings.
Many creators repurpose the same vertical videos across all three platforms to maximize reach with minimal extra effort.
What Makes a Good YouTube Short
Successful Shorts typically share these characteristics:
Immediate hook: You have about one second before viewers scroll past. The opening frame needs to grab attention through movement, text, or visual interest.
Clear value proposition: Viewers should understand what they will get from watching within the first few seconds. Will they learn something? Be entertained? See something satisfying?
Tight editing: Dead space kills Shorts. Every second should serve a purpose. Jump cuts, quick transitions, and dynamic pacing keep viewers engaged.
Text overlays: Many viewers watch with sound off. On-screen text ensures your message comes through regardless of audio.
Satisfying ending: Shorts that end well get rewatched and shared. A punchline, transformation reveal, or clean conclusion encourages repeat views.
Types of Shorts That Perform Well
Certain content formats consistently work in the Shorts format:
- Quick tutorials and how-to demonstrations
- Before and after transformations
- Facts and trivia that surprise viewers
- Behind-the-scenes glimpses
- Clips and highlights from longer content
- Trending sounds and challenges (with your own spin)
- Satisfying processes like cooking, crafting, or cleaning
Getting Started with Shorts
You can create Shorts directly in the YouTube mobile app or upload pre-edited vertical videos. The app includes basic editing tools, music from YouTube's library, and filters. For more control, edit in apps like CapCut, then upload the finished video.
Start by creating a few Shorts and observing what resonates with your audience. Pay attention to which topics, styles, and hooks generate the most views and engagement, then iterate based on that feedback.
Need help building a Shorts strategy for your channel?Contact us to discuss how we can help you grow with short-form content.
