You can upload 3 minutes long shorts on Youtube

YouTube Shorts Get Longer

YouTube announced Shorts can now be up to 3 minutes long, around October 2024 - up from the previous 60-second limit. This changes the competitive landscape for short-form video.

What's New

• Maximum length: 180 seconds (3 minutes)
• Template features for editing
• More music licensing options
• Improved analytics for Shorts
• Rollout: Now available to all creators

Why YouTube Did This

YouTube is competing more directly with TikTok (which allows up to 10 minutes) while maintaining the "short-form" category for algorithmic distribution.

What This Means for Creators

Opportunities:

• More depth without losing short-form distribution
• Better storytelling without rushing
• Tutorial content that fits in Shorts format
• More ad break opportunities

Challenges:

• Maintaining viewer attention for longer
• Competing with more polished content
• Higher production expectations

Strategy Recommendations

Don't automatically go longer:

• Use extra time only when content demands it
• Shorter still works if it serves the content
• Test different lengths and measure retention

Good uses for longer Shorts:

• Step-by-step tutorials
• Mini-documentaries
• Detailed product reviews
• Story-driven content

Stick to shorter for:

• Comedy and entertainment
• Quick tips
• Trending audio participation
• Attention-grabbing content

Cross-Platform Implications

• Longer YouTube Shorts won't work on TikTok (10-minute limit) or Instagram Reels (90 seconds)
• May need separate edits for different platforms
• Track which length works best on each platform

This update gives creators more flexibility, but longer doesn't always mean better. Let your content dictate length, and use analytics to guide your decisions.