YouTube increases shorts length to 3 minutes & adds creator tools

YouTube Shorts go long

Starting October 15th, you can wave goodbye to the 60-second limit. YouTube is tripling the maximum length of Shorts, allowing creators to upload videos up to 3 minutes long. This applies to both square and vertical videos, giving you more flexibility in how you present your content.

This is a game-changer for creators who want to tell more complex stories, create more in-depth tutorials, or simply provide more value to their audience. But how will this impact YouTube’s algorithm and recommendations? Well, YouTube has assured us that they’re working on improving how they recommend these longer Shorts, so you can still reach the right audience.

New tools for creators

But wait, there’s more! YouTube isn’t just increasing the video length; they’re also introducing a bunch of shiny new tools to help you create even more engaging Shorts:

• Templates: Ever seen a Short and thought, “I wish I could do that?” Now you can! With the new template feature, you can easily remix popular Shorts and add your own unique spin.

• Enhanced remixing: YouTube is making it even easier to remix content by giving creators access to clips from across the platform, all within the Shorts camera. Imagine the possibilities!

• AI integration: This is where things get really interesting. YouTube is incorporating AI tools (powered by Google DeepMind’s Veo model) to help you create stunning video backgrounds and clips. No need to be a video editing whizz – the AI can do the heavy lifting for you.

These new features are designed to empower creators of all skill levels, making it easier than ever to produce high-quality, engaging Shorts that stand out from the crowd.

User experience gets an upgrade

YouTube is also focusing on improving the overall user experience with these updates:

• Trends page: Discover what’s hot! A new mobile page will showcase trending Shorts by country, helping you stay ahead and find inspiration for your content.

• Comment previews: Get a sneak peek at the conversation. You’ll now see comment previews in the Shorts feed, making it easier to engage with your audience and join the discussion.

• Feed customisation: Feeling overwhelmed by Shorts? YouTube is adding an option to “Show fewer Shorts” in your Home feed, giving you more control over your viewing experience.

These changes are aimed at improving content discovery, boosting engagement, and making YouTube Shorts a more enjoyable platform for everyone.

What this means for creators & businesses

The extended length and new features of YouTube Shorts open up a world of possibilities for both creators and businesses:

• Content strategy: You now have more space to tell compelling stories, create in-depth tutorials, and showcase your products or services more engagingly.

• Audience engagement: Longer Shorts can lead to deeper engagement with your audience, allowing you to build stronger connections and foster a loyal community.

• Marketing opportunities: Businesses can leverage these updates to create more effective marketing campaigns, run targeted ads, and reach a wider audience with their message.

It’s important to adapt your YouTube Shorts strategy to take advantage of these changes. Think about how you can use the longer format and new features to create even more compelling content that resonates with your target audience.

Summing up

At Envigo, we’re passionate about helping businesses succeed. We’re experts in YouTube marketing and can help you develop a winning strategy for YouTube Shorts.

Here’s a quick tip: Even with the extended length, keep your Shorts concise and engaging.  Grab attention in the first few seconds and deliver your message in a clear and captivating way.

Contact Envigo for a free consultation on your YouTube Shorts strategy. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest digital marketing insights.