YouTube has announced a major update for Shorts, extending the maximum video length to three minutes. This new feature, launching on October 15, responds to a highly requested change from creators seeking more time for storytelling and engaging with their audience. Previously capped at just 60 seconds, the increase to three minutes gives creators more flexibility to share detailed content while keeping the signature vertical or square aspect ratio. This increase in length is also a clear sign of the lengthier viewing habits of users on the platform.
What Will Happen To Existing Shorts?
Existing Shorts will remain unaffected, and YouTube is working to fine-tune its recommendation algorithms to better accommodate the longer videos.
This update is part of a broader effort by YouTube to make Shorts a more versatile platform for creators and viewers alike.
New Tools For YouTube Shorts Creators
Along with longer video lengths, YouTube is introducing several new tools designed to make content creation easier and more fun.
One of these is a template feature, that allows users to quickly remix popular Shorts they find inspiring. By tapping "Remix" on a Short and selecting "Use this template," creators can easily jump on trends, incorporate popular sounds, and add their own unique flair to the content.
In the coming months, YouTube plans to roll out more creative tools for Shorts. Creators will soon be able to tap into the vast library of YouTube content directly from the Shorts camera, making it easier than ever to remix clips from favourite videos, music content, and more. Additionally, Google DeepMind’s latest video model, Veo, will be integrated into Shorts, enabling creators to add stunning video backgrounds and standalone clips for more visually striking content.
New Trends Section
YouTube is also helping creators and fans stay connected with a new trends page that will show what’s popular in their region. This page will allow users to discover and participate in viral trends, ensuring they stay up-to-date with the latest content. Furthermore, a new feature will allow users to preview comments directly from the Shorts feed, providing a glimpse into ongoing discussions without the need to enter the comments section.
In another effort to personalise the viewing experience, YouTube will be adding a “Show fewer Shorts” option, allowing users to customise their Home feed by choosing to see fewer Shorts if they prefer. This feature will be available by clicking the three-dot menu in the upper right corner of any Shorts grid on the Home feed.
With these updates, YouTube is aiming to make Shorts a more engaging and flexible platform for creators and fans. The extended video length and new creative tools will give users the ability to tell richer stories, remix more content, and personalise their experience.