How to Upload a YouTube Short
Mobile:
- Open the YouTube app.
- Tap the (+) icon.
- Choose “Create a Short.”
- Record or import a vertical clip:
- Length: Up to 3 minutes
- Format: Vertical video
- Add a title and thumbnail.
- Tap “Upload.”
Desktop:
- Go to YouTube or YouTube Studio.
- Click “Create” then “Upload video.”
- Select your vertical file.
- Fill in the details (title, description, thumbnail).
- Click “Publish.”
Tip: YouTube automatically detects vertical videos and categorizes them as Shorts.
YouTube Shorts are vertical, short-form videos that appear in their own feed across the YouTube app and website. Uploading one takes only a couple of minutes, and you can do it from your phone or your computer. The process changed over the past year — Shorts now run up to three minutes, and YouTube detects them automatically — so this guide covers the current steps for 2026 on both desktop and mobile.
What Are YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts is YouTube’s short-form video format, built to compete with TikTok and Instagram Reels. A video qualifies as a Short when it is vertical or square and up to 3 minutes long (the limit increased from 60 seconds in late 2024). Shorts appear in the dedicated Shorts feed, on your channel, and in search and suggested results.
You do not need a separate app to make one — Shorts are created and uploaded through the standard YouTube app or YouTube Studio.
How to Upload YouTube Shorts on Desktop (PC)
Uploading from a computer is the easiest way to post a Short you have already edited. Use either the homepage or YouTube Studio.
First Option to Upload Shorts on Desktop
1. Sign in to YouTube and click the Create (camera) icon in the top-right corner.
2. Select Upload video.
3. Choose your vertical video file (1080×1920 works best) and open it.
4. Fill in the title, description, and tags, and pick a thumbnail at the right thumbnail size.
5. Click Next through the checks, then Publish.
Because the video is vertical and under three minutes, YouTube classifies it as a Short automatically. You no longer need to add #Shorts to the title, although it does no harm and can still help discovery.
How to Upload YouTube Shorts on Mobile
The mobile app gives you two paths: record a new Short in the app, or upload one you already have in your gallery.
Record a New Short
To upload YouTube Shorts on mobile app, you can follow these steps:
1. Open the YouTube app and tap the (+) icon in the bottom navigation bar.
2. Tap Create a Short.
3. Record your clip, or hold to capture multiple segments. You can add music, text, and effects from the editing screen.
4. Trim and adjust as needed, then tap the arrow or tick to continue.
5. Add a title, choose a thumbnail, and set your audience.
6. Tap Upload to publish.
Upload an Existing Video from Your Gallery
1. Open the YouTube app and tap the (+) icon, then Create a Short.
2. Tap the gallery icon in the corner to import a saved clip.
3. Select your vertical video, trim it to the part you want, and add music or text.
4. Tap Next, fill in the title and details, and choose a thumbnail.
5. Tap Upload to make your Short live.
YouTube Shorts Upload Limit How Many Can You Post a Day
YouTube does not publish a separate daily limit just for Shorts — the standard upload limit applies. The table below shows what to expect based on your account status.
| Account type | Daily upload limit |
| Unverified account | Around 15 videos per day |
| Verified account | Higher limit after verifying with a phone number |
| Recommended cadence | 1 to 3 quality Shorts per day for steady growth |
The more useful question is how many you should post. Consistency matters far more than volume: posting one strong Short daily beats dumping ten rushed ones and burning out.
YouTube Shorts Requirements
Hitting the right format keeps your video from being cropped or rejected as a Short.
| Requirement | Specification |
| Length | Up to 3 minutes (20–40 seconds often performs best) |
| Aspect ratio | Vertical 9:16 |
| Resolution | 1080×1920 pixels recommended |
| Orientation | Vertical or square — landscape is not treated as a Short |
Tips for a Successful YouTube Short
Once the upload mechanics are second nature, a few habits raise your odds of landing in the Shorts feed:
- Keep it tight. Aim for 20–40 seconds. The most-watched Shorts rarely use the full length.
- Shoot vertical at 1080×1920. A clean, full-screen frame gives the best viewer experience.
- Lead with a hook. The first second decides whether viewers stay or swipe.
- Use trending, cleared music. Sound drives Shorts trends, so match the moment — while making sure the track is licensed for use.
FAQs
How long can a YouTube Short be?
A YouTube Short can be up to 3 minutes long as of late 2024. Anything longer is published as a standard video instead of a Short.
Can I upload YouTube Shorts from a PC?
Yes. Sign in to YouTube or YouTube Studio, click Create then Upload video, and select a vertical file. YouTube automatically detects it as a Short.
How many YouTube Shorts should I post per day?
Posting 1 to 3 Shorts a day is a sustainable pace for most creators. Consistency over time matters more than the raw number you upload.
Do I still need to add #Shorts?
No. YouTube now detects Shorts automatically based on the vertical format and length. Adding #Shorts is optional and does not hurt.
Can you make money from YouTube Shorts?
Yes. Once you join the YouTube Partner Program, you earn a share of the ads shown between Shorts in the feed. The old YouTube Shorts Fund has been retired and replaced by this revenue-sharing model.
What are the requirements to monetize YouTube Shorts?
To qualify for the YouTube Partner Program through Shorts, you generally need 1,000 subscribers and 10 million valid public Shorts views in the past 90 days (or the long-form path of 4,000 watch hours), plus compliance with YouTube’s monetization policies.
