Are you considering entering YouTube Shorts but only have long video content?
YouTube is actively promoting the development of Shorts content because data shows that short videos bring higher user interaction rates on the platform.
Therefore, it is a wise move for both the platform and creators to release more Shorts.
To this end, YouTube has also published relevant guidelines in its official blog to teach you how to efficiently convert existing long videos into Shorts.
In this article, I will analyze the YouTube tips in depth and teach you how to effectively convert long videos to Shorts.
Why convert long videos into Shorts?
Shorts has been played over 50 billion times a day
Get more exposure: Shorts has become one of the key points of YouTube's recommendation mechanism, with homepage recommendations + Shorts Feed as a dual traffic pool.
Expand the audience: especially attract young groups and mobile users, and help increase followers.
Secondary use of content: reduce content creation costs and increase content life cycle and ROI.
1. Understand YouTube Shorts Format
Before diving into creating Shorts, it’s crucial to know the technical requirements. YouTube Shorts are vertical videos that are 60 seconds or less in length. So, you’ll need to trim and edit your long-form content to fit this time frame while still maintaining its core message and entertainment value.
Key Specifications:
Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
Length: 60 seconds maximum
File Size: 15MB or less
Video Quality: HD (720p or higher recommended)
2. Pick the Right Long-Form Content
Not all long-form videos will work well as Shorts. Choose content that’s already engaging, informative, or visually captivating. Here are some great candidates:
Tutorials: Break down a longer tutorial into a step-by-step, easy-to-digest sequence.
Vlogs: Extract exciting, funny, or emotional moments that resonate quickly with viewers.
Product Reviews: Showcase the most exciting features of a product or service in a quick, punchy way.
Highlights: If you have a gaming or sports channel, highlight key moments or plays in a fast-paced Short.
3. Repurpose with Purpose: Start with a Hook
One of the most crucial aspects of creating successful Shorts is grabbing your audience’s attention right from the start. In YouTube’s latest guidelines, the platform emphasizes the importance of hooks that capture the viewer’s attention in the first few seconds. Here's how to apply this to your long-form videos:
Identify key moments: Re-watch your long-form video and pinpoint moments that can stand alone—these could be a punchline, an emotional climax, a reveal, or any content that packs a punch.
Craft an irresistible hook: Condense your key message into a 15-second teaser that piques curiosity. The goal is to make viewers want to click for more, even though they’ll be watching a shorter version.
Example: If you’ve created a tutorial or how-to video, the hook could be the most exciting part of the process (e.g., “Here’s how you can design a logo in 10 minutes!”). It should feel like a sneak peek or a summary of the bigger picture.
4. Cut, Clip, and Trim for Impact
One of YouTube’s pro tips is about trimming your long-form video to remove the fluff. While YouTube Shorts only allow a maximum of 60 seconds, that doesn’t mean you should just pick random sections. You need to create a clip that’s concise and delivers maximum value in a short span.
Pick standout segments: Focus on moments with high engagement—those that are visually appealing, offer quick tips, or highlight key moments in your video.
Keep it sharp: Ensure that every second in your Short serves a purpose. No filler allowed! If a clip drags on too long, it risks losing the fast-paced attention of Shorts viewers.
Pro Tip: A catchy title or question overlay can make your Short even more compelling. For example, if you're sharing a beauty hack, a title overlay like “This hack will save you HOURS!” can draw people in.
5. Edit for Vertical Viewing
Since Shorts are optimized for mobile viewing, it's important to ensure your video is designed for vertical formats. Here’s how to adapt your long-form content:
Reframe the shot: When cutting from your long-form video (often filmed in landscape), make sure the most important elements of the shot are centered within a vertical frame.
Add captions or text overlays: Many users watch Shorts without sound, so adding text overlays that summarize key points or add context is essential for engagement.
Example: If your original video is a cooking tutorial, show the step in a quick, easy-to-understand format. You could add text like “Step 1: Chop the veggies” for extra clarity.
6. Optimize for Discovery
As with any video on YouTube, optimization is key. Make sure your Shorts are easily discoverable by following these tips:
Hashtags: Use relevant hashtags like #Shorts to ensure YouTube classifies your video correctly and boosts its visibility.
Engage with your audience: Ask questions, encourage comments, and create calls to action. Engaging with your audience boosts the chances that YouTube’s algorithm will recommend your Short to others.
Consistent posting: Consistency is essential for keeping your channel active and growing your audience. Try to release Shorts regularly, so you stay on viewers' radar.
7. Cross-Promote Your Shorts
One of the best ways to maintain momentum is by cross-promoting your Shorts across other platforms. Share them on Instagram Reels, TikTok, or Twitter to drive traffic back to your YouTube channel.
You can even link to your full long-form video in the description or comments of your Shorts to encourage viewers to explore more content.
Conclusion
Remember, the key to success in the world of short-form content is creativity and consistency. So start experimenting with your long-form content today, and watch your YouTube Shorts shine!
Have you tried converting long videos to shorts? How was the result?
