YouTube Extends Shorts to 3 Minutes, Adds New Features
YouTube has announced changes to its Shorts feature, including increasing the maximum video length and introducing new tools for creators.
Starting October 15, YouTube will allow Short Videos up to 3 minutes long, tripling the current limit. This change applies to both square and vertical videos.
The company says it will improve recommendations for these longer short clips over time.
These updates come as YouTube competes with platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels in the short-form video market. Extended video length could blur the lines between short-form and traditional content on the platform.
The 3-minute extension was “one of the most requested features by creators,” said Todd Sherman, director of product management for YouTube Shorts.
While these changes may offer more creative options, they also raise questions about how they will impact viewer engagement and content discovery.
The success of longer, short videos may depend on how effectively YouTube's algorithm adapts to recommending this content.