[FAQ]

Hi all,

I’m starting to create some YouTube Shorts and just want to make sure I’ve got the basics right. What’s the maximum allowed video length for a video to be considered a “Short” on YouTube as of June 2025?

Also, while I know the max length, is there a generally recommended or “ideal” length within that maximum for the best performance or engagement? Or does it just need to be under that specific time?

Thanks for the info!

[Jeff Bullas]

A YouTube Short has a specific maximum length for it to be classified and distributed as a Short on the platform. As of recent updates, including changes around October 2024 that have been widely implemented by mid-2025, a YouTube Short can be up to 3 minutes (180 seconds) long. This is an increase from the previous 60-second limit.

There is no official minimum length, though the YouTube app’s Shorts camera often defaults to 15-second segments, which can be combined or extended.

When you upload a video in a vertical aspect ratio (like 9:16) that is 3 minutes or less, YouTube will generally categorise it as a Short.

While the maximum is now 3 minutes, the “ideal” length for best engagement is not a fixed rule and often depends on your content and audience. First, for very short, punchy content, videos around 15 to 35 seconds often perform very well because they have a high completion rate, which the Shorts algorithm tends to favour.

Second, for content that requires a bit more time to deliver value, such as quick tips, mini-tutorials, or short stories, you can certainly use more of that 3-minute allowance. Some analyses have even shown that Shorts in the 50 to 60-second range can achieve high average view counts, though this data was largely from before the 3-minute limit was widely adopted. The key is to keep the content engaging throughout its entire duration to maintain good audience retention.

Ultimately, the most effective length is one that delivers your message concisely and keeps viewers watching. It is advisable to experiment with different lengths for your specific content style and pay close attention to your YouTube Analytics to see what works best for your audience in terms of watch time and engagement.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Author]

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