YouTube Shorts is undergoing a significant transformation this October, offering more room for creativity with an extended time limit. Starting 15 October, creators will be able to upload Shorts that are up to three minutes long, a notable increase from the previous 60-second limit.
This update is part of YouTube’s ongoing efforts to provide creators with greater flexibility in how they tell their stories. According to a blog post released on 3 October, the change will apply to all new uploads that are either square or have a taller aspect ratio. However, any existing videos created before the update will remain unaffected.
YouTube acknowledged that this extension was a top-requested feature from creators, and it promises to fine-tune recommendations for longer Shorts in the months to come. The platform’s push for more dynamic short-form content also includes other significant updates aimed at enhancing the creator and user experience alike.
Among the latest developments is the introduction of a dedicated Shorts trends page for mobile devices, designed to help users stay up-to-date with the latest viral trends in the Shorts community. Additionally, the Shorts player itself is getting a visual revamp, complete with new templates that allow creators to seamlessly jump on trending content while pairing clips with popular sounds.
One of the more exciting features to be introduced is the new “Remix” function. This tool will give creators the ability to add their own unique twist to trending content, enhancing the collaborative and creative potential of Shorts.
Another user-friendly update is the “Show Fewer Shorts” option, which gives viewers more control over the content they see in their feed. Users who feel inundated with Shorts will now be able to opt for a more curated experience.
YouTube’s updates are part of a larger effort to keep pace with TikTok, its main competitor, which has recently allowed users to upload videos of up to 10 minutes. As both platforms expand their video limits, YouTube’s latest changes show it is still betting big on short-form content, but now with more time and tools for creators to shine.
The creative possibilities don’t stop there. Later this year, YouTube plans to integrate Google DeepMind’s Veo AI video model into Shorts. This cutting-edge AI tool will allow creators to change video backgrounds and generate standalone clips using artificial intelligence, adding even more creative freedom to the platform.
With these upcoming features and enhancements, YouTube is positioning itself as a leader in the ever-evolving short-form video space, aiming to keep both creators and viewers engaged with a broader array of tools and content options.