YouTube makes Shorts longer; creators can make money from contents

YouTube has announced an upgrade to its Shorts feature, allowing creators to post videos that are up to three minutes long. This change enables content producers to better engage a growing audience for short-form videos, giving them more time to craft compelling stories and showcase their creativity.

Videos that are up to three minutes long and uploaded in a vertical or square format will automatically be classified as Shorts. This new feature is part of YouTube’s Shorts revenue-sharing model, meaning creators can earn money from their content. However, any videos posted before October 15 will still be considered long-form content and will be monetized through YouTube's traditional revenue system.

Despite this update, the YouTube mobile app's Shorts Camera does not currently allow users to record three-minute Shorts. Creators can instead use YouTube Studio, available on both desktop and mobile, to upload these longer videos.

Copyright claims

YouTube has also clarified its stance on content that includes third-party claims and exceeds one minute in length. Videos flagged by YouTube’s Content ID system for containing copyrighted material will be blocked globally, meaning users won't be able to view or recommend them. These videos will also not be eligible for monetization. If a creator believes a claim is incorrect, they have the option to challenge it or remove the disputed content. Shorts under one minute are exempt from these restrictions.

This latest development marks YouTube’s efforts to enhance its short-form content while ensuring proper handling of intellectual property. While creators now have more flexibility with video length, they must also pay close attention to these new revenue-generating rules.