Platform guides · Updated 14 Nov 2026

YouTube Shorts editing guide

Short answer

YouTube Shorts are vertical 9:16 videos, commonly 1080 by 1920 pixels. YouTube raised the Shorts length limit to three minutes in October 2024, but limits can change again, so check YouTube's help page. Open with a clear hook, caption speech and keep key text away from interface overlays.

What is stable?

Item	Guidance
Aspect ratio	9:16 vertical
Common size	1080 × 1920
Length	Up to three minutes as of October 2024; check for changes
Codec	MP4, H.264, AAC

YouTube changes its limits and layouts, so this page states only specs that stay stable. Confirm current limits on YouTube's own help pages. Reviewed 14 Nov 2026.

How should you edit a Short?

Hook in the first line
Tight cuts and captions
One idea per Short
A clean end or loop
A title that states the topic

Which skill fits?

Bold for punchy 10-second Shorts and Layers for graphics-heavy explainers. See Shorts vs Reels vs TikTok.

Frequently asked questions

How long can a YouTube Short be?

As of October 2024 up to three minutes, but check YouTube's help page for the current limit.

What aspect ratio is a Short?

Vertical 9:16, usually at 1080 by 1920 pixels.

Can a widescreen video be a Short?

Widescreen video is treated as a standard video, so make Shorts vertical.

Should I add captions?

Yes, many viewers watch without sound.

Skills mentioned on this page

Bold
A 10-second reel where giant words slam in behind you and captions pop word by word.
Buy · ₹399 See Bold
Layers
A full motion-graphics edit from one plain clip: words behind your head, plates, charts and cards.
Buy · ₹399 See Layers

All 4 skills for ₹999 · one-time, no subscription, no account needed

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