Updated for 2026 · Last checked February 2026 · Reviewed by LikeProvider Social Media Team
Quick Answer
What is the YouTube Shorts length limit? The maximum YouTube Shorts length is 60 seconds. Videos must be vertical (9:16) and 60 seconds or shorter to qualify as Shorts. The best YouTube Shorts length for views and engagement is often 15–45 seconds—short enough for high completion rates, long enough to deliver value. Hook viewers in the first 1–3 seconds. Updated for 2026.
At a glance:
Related: YouTube Shorts Dimensions · TikTok Video Length · Instagram Reel Length · Shorts vs TikTok
YouTube Shorts have a maximum length of 60 seconds. Use vertical 9:16 and 1080×1920 resolution. There is no minimum length; the best length for views is usually 15–45 seconds. This guide covers the rules and tips for 2026. For full size and format details, see YouTube Shorts Dimensions, Shorts vs TikTok, and TikTok Video Length.
What is the maximum YouTube Shorts length? The YouTube Shorts length limit is 60 seconds. Your video must be 60 seconds or shorter and in vertical format (9:16 aspect ratio) to be treated as a Short. This YouTube Shorts max length has been the same since Shorts launched and remains in effect in 2026. There is no minimum length, but very short clips (under a few seconds) may not get as much reach. For the correct size and resolution, see our YouTube Shorts Dimensions. For how Shorts compare to TikTok, see Shorts vs TikTok and TikTok Video Length.
YouTube Shorts length affects both what you can post and how your Shorts perform. Staying within 60 seconds and choosing the right duration for your content helps with reach and retention.
Beyond the 60-second cap, creators often ask: what is the best YouTube Shorts length for views? YouTube’s Shorts feed favors retention and completion, so the “best” length depends on your content.
Use these tips to get the most from your YouTube Shorts length and format.
For monetization and pay rates, see our How Much Does YouTube Pay Per 1000 Views and YouTube Money Calculator.
Use this table for YouTube Shorts length and rules at a glance:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Max YouTube Shorts length | 60 seconds |
| Minimum length | No strict minimum; a few seconds accepted |
| Best length for views | 15–45 seconds; hook in first 1–3 sec |
| Format | Vertical 9:16; see Shorts dimensions |
For more tools, see YouTube Shorts Downloader, YouTube Video Downloader, and Instagram Reel Length.
The maximum YouTube Shorts length is 60 seconds. Videos must be 60 seconds or shorter and vertical (9:16) to qualify as Shorts. This limit is in effect in 2026.
A YouTube Short can be up to 60 seconds in 2026. There is no minimum length, but very short clips may not perform as well. The 60-second cap is the same globally.
Many creators see strong results with 15–45 second Shorts. Short enough for high completion and repeat views, long enough to deliver value. Hook viewers in the first 1–3 seconds. For format, see our YouTube Shorts Dimensions.
No. YouTube Shorts are limited to 60 seconds. Longer videos are not treated as Shorts and may be uploaded as regular vertical videos. For longer content, use standard YouTube uploads.
YouTube considers watch time and retention, not length alone. A 20-second Short that viewers watch to the end can outperform a 60-second Short with low retention. Choose a length that fits your content. For more, see YouTube Shorts Algorithm.
There is no strict minimum; YouTube accepts Shorts of a few seconds. For best results, use at least 5–10 seconds so the Short can deliver value and be recommended. Very short clips may get less reach.