YouTube Shorts have become a go-to tool for content creators looking to engage new audiences, boost visibility, and increase subscriber numbers. These quick, punchy videos are designed to capture attention in just a few seconds, making them perfect for the fast-paced, scroll-happy nature of modern social media. But getting your Shorts uploaded correctly and optimizing them for maximum impact requires knowing the best steps for each device you’re using. Whether you're uploading from a PC, mobile device, or tablet, we’ve got you covered with a detailed step-by-step guide on how to post a YouTube Short.

Plus, we’ll show you how to post your YouTube Short on Instagram to maximize its reach.

What Are YouTube Shorts?

YouTube Shorts are vertical videos designed to be short, engaging, and easy to consume. They function similarly to TikTok videos and Instagram Reels, giving creators a way to capture attention with bite-sized content.

To ensure your video qualifies as a Short, it must:

• Be 60 seconds or shorter.
• Have a vertical 9:16 aspect ratio (ideal for mobile viewing).
• Include #Shorts in the title or description (optional, but helpful for visibility).

Since Shorts have a dedicated section on YouTube and are recommended separately from long-form content, they can reach audiences who may not typically come across your main channel.

How long are YouTube Shorts?

As of October 15, 2024, YouTube Shorts can be up to 3 minutes long. Previously though, the maximum length was 60 seconds, with a minimum of 15 seconds. The new 3-minute limit applies to videos with a square or taller aspect ratio and does not affect videos uploaded before the change. 

Can you monetize YouTube Shorts?

Yes, you can monetize YouTube Shorts. To do so, you need to meet certain requirements and use various monetization strategies:

YouTube Shorts Monetization Requirements

1. To monetize through ads, you typically need 1,000 subscribers and either 10 million Shorts views in 90 days or 4,000 watch hours from long-form videos in the past year.
2. With 500 subscribers and three public posts in the past 90 days, plus 3 million Shorts views or 3,000 watch hours, you can access fan funding features like Super Thanks and Channel Memberships.

YouTube pools ad revenue from Shorts and allocates it based on views. Creators receive 45% of their allocated share. There’s also fan funding that includes Super Thanks, Super Chats, and Channel Memberships. YouTube Shopping and YouTube Premium are additional ways to earn money through your content. 

How to Post a YouTube Short on PC

If you prefer editing your videos on a computer before uploading, you can easily post a YouTube Short from your PC using YouTube Studio.

1. Go to YouTube Studio and sign in to your account.
2. Click the "Create" button located in the top-right corner of the page. 
3. Select "Upload Video" from the dropdown menu.

4. Select the Short you want to upload from your computer. Ensure it meets YouTube’s vertical format and time limit requirements.
5. Add title, description & tags. 

A compelling title is crucial. Consider adding keywords that describe the content while keeping it engaging.

Include a relevant description and hashtags like #Shorts to increase discoverability.

6. Select a thumbnail.

While Shorts autoplay in the feed, a custom thumbnail can make a difference when viewers see your video on your channel.

7. Set video visibility & publish. Choose whether your Short will be Public, Unlisted, or Private before clicking "Publish."

This method works well for those who create Shorts using advanced editing software and want full control over their content before uploading.

How Do I Convert a YouTube Video to Short?

You can convert a regular YouTube video into a Short by trimming it to under 60 seconds and ensuring it’s in a vertical format. The YouTube mobile app offers a "Remix" feature that allows you to clip and repurpose content from your own or other public videos. Alternatively, video editing tools or AI-powered platforms, such as AI Video Cut, can help automate the process and optimize your content for Shorts.

Let’s see how it works with AI Video Cut, an AI-powered tool that turns longer videos into Reels, Shorts, and TikToks in minutes and doesn’t require literally any editing skills. 

1. Upload your YouTube video or paste the video link and click “Submit”. 
2. Select a video type you want your longer video to turn into. Is it an ad? A how-to guide? A teaser? For our example, we’re converting this video into a short how-to tutorial, so we’re selecting the Instructions video type. 

3. Select clip length and number of clips (for the Topic-Clips video type).

4. Choose Aspect Ratio (9:16 is a standard Shorts format). 

5. Choose the original video language. This helps the tool transcribe your video correctly.

6. Select the caption style that fits your video best or turn captions off. 

7. Click “Submit,” wait for your video to process, and enjoy the result! 

Here’s the result we’ve got with AI Video Cut. Prompt used: Instructions. 

This method saves time, effort, and guarantees high-quality, engaging content for Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. If you don’t like the result, you can regenerate the video for free. 

How to Upload a YouTube Short on Mobile (Android & iPhone)

Uploading a YouTube Short on mobile is just as simple but comes with a few differences in how the app functions. Whether you’re using an Android phone or an iPhone, the process is largely the same:

1. Open the YouTube app.
2. At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see a "+" icon. Tap it to open the video creation menu.
3. Select “Create a Short”.

This option will let you record a new video directly or upload a pre-recorded one from your gallery. To make sure your video qualifies as a Short, remember it must be in portrait (vertical) orientation and no longer than 60 seconds.

4. Edit your video.

Once you’ve selected or recorded your video, YouTube will provide editing tools within the app. 

You can trim the video, add text, insert music, and apply filters. You can even adjust the speed and add effects to make your Short more engaging.

5. Enter your title & description. 

Just like on the PC, it’s essential to add a title and description that are catchy and relevant to the video. Use hashtags, including #Shorts, to make your video discoverable.

6. Post your short. 

Once you’re happy with your video, tap “Next,” choose your visibility settings (Public, Unlisted, or Private), and hit “Upload.” Your Short will appear in the Shorts feed and be available for viewers to discover.

This method is the quickest way to upload a Short, making it ideal for spontaneous content or time-sensitive trends.

How to Upload a YouTube Short on iPad/Tablet

If you’re working on a tablet, uploading a YouTube Short from an iPad or Android tablet follows a similar process to mobile devices but with a slightly different interface.

1. Open the YouTube app & tap “+”. Like on mobile, tap the “+” icon and select “Create a Short.”
2. Record or select your video. Use your tablet’s camera to record a Short or upload a video from your files.
3. Trim unnecessary parts, add text, stickers, or background music. Tablets often provide a better view for editing due to their larger screens.
4. Optimize your Short’s visibility by using a clear title and adding #Shorts in the description.
5. Choose between Public, Unlisted, or Private, then hit Upload.

Posting Shorts from a tablet offers a balance between the convenience of mobile and the larger workspace of a computer.

How to Post a YouTube Short on Instagram

Want to reach a broader audience? Repurposing your YouTube Shorts for Instagram Reels is a great way to do that. 

If you want to repurpose your YouTube Shorts for Instagram Reels, follow these steps:

1. If you uploaded the Short from a different device, download it from YouTube Studio first. You can do it with the help of tools like 4K Video Downloader Plus. 
2. Open Instagram and Reels. Tap the “+” button, then select “Reel.”
3. Select the downloaded Short and adjust its positioning if needed.
4. You can add text, stickers, filters, or music to optimize the Short for Instagram’s audience.
5. Write a caption and use hashtags.
6. Once satisfied, hit Share to publish the Reel to your feed.

This method allows you to maximize your content’s reach across platforms without creating new videos from scratch.

Tips to Get More Views on YouTube Shorts

Simply posting Shorts isn’t enough—optimizing them for performance is key. Here are some best practices:

• Grab attention instantly – The first few seconds matter. Hook your audience right away.
• Use engaging titles – A compelling title can make a huge difference in click-through rates.
• Keep it fast-paced – Short-form content thrives on quick, engaging edits. Cut out any fluff.
• Use high-quality visuals – A crisp video stands out more than a blurry or poorly lit one.
• Encourage interaction – Ask questions or use polls in your comments to boost engagement.
• Post regularly – Consistency helps the algorithm recognize your content and recommend it more.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to post a YouTube Short on PC, mobile, and iPad, as well as how to share it on Instagram, you’re ready to take advantage of the Shorts format. With the right approach, your content can reach new audiences and increase engagement.

Want to make the process even easier? AI-powered editing tools like AI Video Cut can help you cut long videos into Shorts effortlessly, saving time while keeping your content engaging. Try it out and start posting Shorts like a pro!

FAQ

Why can't I upload a YouTube short?

If you're unable to upload a YouTube Short, check if your video meets the platform's requirements: it must be under 60 seconds and in a vertical (9:16) format. Also, ensure your YouTube app is updated or try uploading from a different device. If you're facing an error, it could be a temporary bug—restarting the app or clearing the cache might help.

Can everyone upload YouTube Shorts?

Yes, anyone with a YouTube account can upload Shorts, regardless of their subscriber count. The feature is available on both desktop and mobile, making it accessible to all creators. However, if your account has restrictions due to policy violations, you may be unable to post.

Can I post only YouTube Shorts?

Yes, you can run a YouTube channel that exclusively features Shorts. Many creators focus entirely on short-form content to build an audience quickly. However, combining Shorts with longer videos can improve overall channel growth and watch time.