YouTube Shorts: How to Create, Edit, and Monetize

YouTube Shorts is a YouTube feature for short-form content, designed for creating short, engaging clips that last up to 60 seconds. These bite-sized videos are intended to compete with platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, offering a quick and easy way to connect with audiences through concise content. YouTube Shorts allows creators to showcase their creativity and reach a wider audience, leveraging the massive user base of YouTube.

Creating YouTube Shorts Directly on YouTube

Creating YouTube Shorts directly on the platform is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can get started:

Step-by-Step Guide to Making YouTube Shorts

1. Open the YouTube App: Ensure you have the latest version of the YouTube app installed on your smartphone.
2. Tap the Create Button: Located at the bottom centre of the app, click the '+' button.
3. Select Create a Short: From the options, choose 'Short'.
4. Record Your Video: Press and hold the capture button to record your video. You can record multiple clips by releasing the button and pressing it again for each new clip.
5. Edit Your Short: Use YouTube’s built-in editing tools to add music, text, filters, and other effects to enhance your video.
6. Add Details: Include a title, description, and relevant hashtags to optimise your Short for search.
7. Upload: Once you’re satisfied with your creation, click 'Upload' to share your Short with the world.

Tips for Creating Engaging YouTube Shorts

• Keep it Concise: Since YouTube Shorts are limited to 60 seconds, ensure your content is clear and to the point.
• Hook Your Audience: Capture attention within the first few seconds to keep viewers engaged.
• Use Music and Effects: Enhance your video with YouTube’s music library and visual effects.
• Optimise with Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags to increase the visibility of your Shorts.

Repurposing Long-Form Videos into YouTube Shorts

Repurposing your existing long-form videos into YouTube Shorts is an efficient way to create content without starting from scratch. Here’s how you can do it:

Using ClipGOAT to Repurpose Videos

ClipGOAT is a powerful tool designed to help creators convert long-form videos into engaging YouTube Shorts. Here’s how to use it:

1. Sign Up for ClipGOAT: Create a free account on the ClipGOAT website.
2. Upload Your Long-Form Video: Select the video you want to repurpose and upload it to ClipGOAT.
3. Edit Your Clips: Use ClipGOAT’s AI to edit your clips. Choose how you want the captions to look like, and then length of the clip. Our tool will do the rest.
4. Download and Upload: Once your Short is ready, download it and upload it to YouTube using the steps outlined above.

Benefits of Using ClipGOAT

• Time-Saving: Quickly convert longer videos into Shorts without extensive re-editing.
• Consistency: Maintain your branding and style across all video formats.
• Increased Reach: Tap into the growing audience for short-form content.

Using an AI Clip Editor

AI Clip Editors like ClipGOAT and others are revolutionising the way creators edit videos. These tools leverage artificial intelligence to simplify the editing process and produce high-quality content quickly.

How AI Clip Editors Work

AI Clip Editors analyse your video content to identify the most engaging moments. They can automatically trim, cut, and assemble these moments into a coherent Short. ClipGOAT also captions your clip, and gives a prediction on the probability of your video going viral.

Advantages of AI Clip Editors

• Efficiency: AI Clip Editors drastically reduce editing time by automating repetitive tasks.
• Quality: AI algorithms can enhance video quality and ensure the best clips are selected.
• Creativity: Free up time for creators to focus on storytelling and creative aspects.

Monetizing YouTube Shorts

Monetizing YouTube Shorts is a very doable, yet challenging, opportunity. However, before anything, you need to make sure you fall under some specific criteria created by YouTube.

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For starters, you need to join YouTube's Partner Program, and to do that you have to:

1. Have 1K subscribers + 10M views in your Shorts in the last 90 days;

OR‍

2. Have 1K subscribers + 4K of watch hours on long-form videos in your channel in the last 12 months.

From there you can choose how you want to get paid. This can be through ads, partnerships, shopping, etc. The payment is made through AdSense. 

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It is important to keep active on your channel, to keep getting revenue. YouTube might stop your monetisation if you're inactive for over six months.

Best Practices for YouTube Shorts

To maximise the impact of your YouTube Shorts, follow these best practices:

1. Optimise for Mobile Viewing

Since most viewers will watch Shorts on their mobile devices, ensure your videos are optimised for small screens. Use vertical format and keep visuals clear and engaging.

2. Engage Early

Grab viewers’ attention within the first few seconds. A compelling hook or teaser at the beginning of your Short can significantly boost retention rates.

3. Consistency is Key

Regularly upload Shorts to keep your audience engaged and attract new viewers. Consistency helps build a loyal following and enhances your channel’s visibility.

4. Leverage Trends

Stay updated with current trends and incorporate them into your Shorts. Trending topics and challenges can increase the likelihood of your content being discovered.

5. Use Analytics

Monitor the performance of your Shorts using YouTube Analytics. Pay attention to metrics like view duration, engagement, and audience demographics to refine your content strategy.

Creating YouTube Shorts is a powerful way to connect with audiences and expand your reach on the platform. Whether you're crafting new content directly on YouTube or repurposing existing videos using tools like ClipGOAT's AI Clip Editor, the possibilities are vast. By following best practices and leveraging the latest trends, you can create compelling Shorts that captivate viewers and boost your channel's growth.