How to Make YouTube Shorts: Beginner's Guide (2026)
What Are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are vertical videos up to 3 minutes long (originally 60 seconds). They appear in the Shorts shelf on YouTube mobile and compete with TikTok and Instagram Reels for short-form video attention.
Since their launch, Shorts have become YouTube's fastest-growing format, with over 70 billion daily views globally.
YouTube Shorts Technical Specs
- Aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
- Resolution: 1080x1920 (1080p) recommended
- Max length: 3 minutes
- File formats: MP4, MOV, WebM
- Max file size: 256 MB
- Thumbnails: Auto-generated (you can't set custom thumbnails for Shorts)
Method 1: Create Shorts with AI (Fastest)
The fastest way to create YouTube Shorts is with an AI video generator:
- Go to GoFaceless and enter any topic
- Choose your visual style (stock footage, AI visuals, or avatar)
- The AI generates a complete Short: script, voiceover, visuals, captions, and music
- Download in 9:16 format and upload to YouTube
This method takes under 2 minutes per video and requires zero editing skills. It's how most faceless channel creators produce content at scale.
Method 2: Record on Your Phone
For personal or vlog-style Shorts:
- Open the YouTube app and tap the "+" button
- Select "Create a Short"
- Record up to 3 minutes of footage
- Add music, text, filters, and effects
- Write a title and publish
Method 3: Edit in Desktop Software
For maximum control:
- Record or source your footage
- Edit in Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or CapCut
- Export at 1080x1920 (9:16)
- Upload through YouTube Studio
YouTube Shorts Best Practices
Hook Immediately
The first frame matters. Start with a bold statement, question, or visual that stops the scroll. Browse our Hook Library for inspiration.
Keep It Concise
While Shorts can be up to 3 minutes, the sweet spot is 30-60 seconds. Shorter videos have higher completion rates, which the algorithm rewards.
Add Captions
Most viewers watch without sound. Always add captions — they can double your watch time. GoFaceless adds animated captions automatically.
Use Hashtags
Include #Shorts in your description (though YouTube auto-detects vertical videos now). Add 3-5 niche-relevant hashtags.
Post Consistently
Daily posting is the minimum for growth. The algorithm rewards consistent creators. Use AI tools to batch-create content and maintain a daily schedule without burning out.
Optimize Titles
Keep titles under 40 characters. Use your target keyword naturally. Make it curiosity-inducing.
Growing Your Shorts Channel
The path to growth is simple: volume + quality + consistency.
- Create 30 Shorts to find your voice
- Analyze what works (views, retention, engagement)
- Double down on winning formats
- Scale to 2-3 Shorts per day
Start today — create your first YouTube Short with GoFaceless in under a minute. Free, no credit card required.