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YouTube Extends Shorts to 3 Minutes: A Game Changer for Creators and Viewers

YouTube is making big changes to Shorts, its platform for short videos. The biggest news: creators can now make Shorts up to 3 minutes long, which is three times longer than the old limit of 60 seconds, was recently announced by YouTube. This change will start on October 15, 2024 and will work for videos with a square or taller shape—the usual format for Shorts. Existing vertical videos up to 3 minutes long will stay the same and still be recommended in the Shorts feed. This shows YouTube wants to give creators more options and help them tell more interesting stories with Shorts.

A Closer Look at the Updates

The longer video length is the biggest change, but YouTube is also adding some other cool features to make Shorts better for both creators and viewers. Here’s what you need to know:

For Creators:

  • Templates: Creators can now use pre-made templates to quickly join trends and make fun Shorts. Just tap “Remix” on a Short you like and select “Use this template” to put your own twist on it.
  • Better Remixing: YouTube is improving the remixing feature for Shorts. Soon, creators will be able to easily add clips from any YouTube video to their Shorts, which will give them lots of content to get creative with.
  • AI Features: YouTube is adding Google DeepMind’s Veo model to Shorts. This will let creators make awesome video backgrounds and new clips, adding cool effects to their Shorts.
  • Copyright Issues: YouTube knows that longer Shorts might lead to copyright problems, especially with music. If a Short that is longer than 60 seconds uses copyrighted music that isn’t in YouTube’s audio library, it might get blocked. But creators can use YouTube Studio’s tools to dispute, mute, trim, replace, or remove the claimed content to make money from it again.

For Viewers:

  • Trends Page: Finding trending Shorts is now easier with the new trends page on the YouTube mobile app. This page shows the most popular Shorts by country, helping viewers stay updated and join in trending challenges and topics.
  • Comment Previews: Viewers can now see a quick preview of comments on a Short without opening the full comments section. This helps them see what people are saying and encourages them to join in.
  • “Show Fewer Shorts” Option: If viewers want more control over their feed, YouTube is adding a “Show fewer Shorts” option. You can find this by clicking the three-dot menu on any Shorts grid in the Home feed, which will temporarily show fewer Shorts.

Monetization and Partner Program Eligibility:

YouTube says that the way creators make money from 3-minute Shorts will stay the same. All Shorts can still be monetized, except those blocked for using copyrighted content. Shorts that play in the Shorts feed, even those up to 3 minutes, will count towards the requirements for joining the YouTube Partner Program.

Why YouTube Made This Change

YouTube decided to make Shorts longer because creators and viewers wanted it. Todd Sherman, who leads YouTube Shorts, said that extending the time to 3 minutes was one of the “top requests from creators.” Longer videos mean creators can have:

  • More Storytelling Time: The extra time lets creators make more detailed stories, tutorials, or fun sketches.
  • More Creative Freedom: Creators can try out new styles and types of videos with the longer format.
  • Better Viewer Engagement: Longer videos can help creators connect more with viewers by sharing more complete and interesting content.

Competing with Other Platforms

The updates to Shorts show that YouTube is responding to competition from other short video platforms. Apps like TikTok and Instagram Reels have become super popular, and YouTube wants to keep up. By making Shorts better and adding features like those on other apps, YouTube hopes to keep creators and give viewers a strong alternative.

The Future of Shorts

The longer video length and the new features will change how creators use Shorts. While these changes bring exciting new possibilities, their success will depend on how well YouTube’s algorithm recommends longer content.

YouTube says it is working on improving its recommendation algorithms so that both short and long Shorts reach the right viewers. Being clear about these changes will be important for keeping users happy.

The success of longer Shorts will also depend on how well creators use the extra time to make interesting and engaging content that viewers like. The growth of Shorts and how it fits into YouTube overall is something that will keep changing over the next few months.

Using YouTube Shorts for Business Marketing

YouTube Shorts can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to reach more customers and grow their brand. Videos are one of the most engaging forms of content online, and using Shorts is a great way to connect with potential customers in a fun, creative, and quick way. Here are some of the key benefits of using video and YouTube Shorts for marketing your business:

  • Boost Engagement: Videos catch attention quickly, especially short ones like YouTube Shorts. They are perfect for grabbing viewers’ interest in just a few seconds and keeping them engaged.
  • Show Your Products or Services: With up to 3 minutes now available, businesses can show more detailed demonstrations of their products or services. This is great for tutorials, behind-the-scenes looks, or showcasing customer testimonials.
  • Reach a Wider Audience: YouTube Shorts are easy to share, and because YouTube’s algorithm promotes engaging content, your videos can reach a wide audience. This can help bring new customers to your business.
  • Humanize Your Brand: Using videos helps make your brand more personal. You can tell stories, introduce your team, or share customer experiences. This helps to build trust and make your brand more relatable to potential customers.

Businesses can easily create their own YouTube Shorts with a smartphone and some creativity. But for those who want professional-quality videos or need help creating a video strategy, working with a video marketing and video production company like Blue Square Management is a great option. Blue Square Management can help you create engaging video content that gets results, making sure your business stands out and reaches the right audience.

About the author

Blue Square Management are a web design and SEO Digital Marketing Agency based in Orpington and Bromley on the borders of South East London and Kent. We help businesses get more leads, increase sales and grow their businesses. Basically, Blue Square Management helps you get more phone calls and sell more products!We do by improving your search engine rankings and getting your found when people are looking for your products or services. We do this through online marketing, which includes SEO (Search Engine Optimisations), Local SEO, Web Design, PPC Management services, Online Reputation Management, Video Production Services, online Video Marketing and Social Media Marketing.Need help with your online marketing? Want more customers? Sell more products? Contact London & Kent's lead online digital marketing company, Blue Square Management to find out how we can help your business.