How long can YouTube Shorts be? (2026)
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Short answer: up to 3 minutes. Videos up to 3 minutes long with a square or vertical aspect ratio can be classified as Shorts. You can upload 3-minute Shorts from the YouTube mobile app or YouTube Studio. One big catch: a Short longer than 1 minute with an active copyright claim of any type is blocked worldwide.
YouTube Shorts length and format rules
| Rule | What YouTube says |
|---|---|
| Maximum length | Up to 3 minutes |
| Aspect ratio | Square or vertical |
| Where to upload 3-minute Shorts | YouTube mobile app or YouTube Studio |
| Music | Most songs can be used for up to 90 seconds of a 3-minute Short; some are capped at 60 or 30 seconds |
| Copyright claims | Shorts over 1 minute with any active claim are blocked |
The 1-minute copyright rule
If your Short is longer than 1 minute and has an active copyright claim of any type, including a manual claim, YouTube blocks it globally. It can't be played or recommended, and it can't earn money. YouTube says there's no penalty to your channel, and the Short becomes viewable again once the claim is resolved, for example by removing the claimed audio or disputing a mistaken claim.
Shorts under 1 minute aren't affected by this rule. If you use a popular song, keeping the Short under a minute is the safer choice. Music from the YouTube Audio Library is a safer pick for longer Shorts. More in Can you use copyrighted music in Shorts?
What about videos uploaded before October 15, 2024?
Square or vertical videos between 1 and 3 minutes uploaded before October 15, 2024 stay long-form videos. They can still earn through long-form revenue sharing.
Questions
How long can a YouTube Short be?
Up to 3 minutes, with a square or vertical aspect ratio.
Can I upload a 3-minute Short from my computer?
Yes. YouTube says you can upload 3-minute Shorts through the mobile app and YouTube Studio.
Why was my Short over 1 minute blocked?
Shorts longer than 1 minute with an active copyright claim of any type are blocked worldwide. Remove the claimed content or dispute the claim if it's a mistake, and the Short becomes viewable again.
How long can music be in a YouTube Short?
Most songs can be used for up to 90 seconds in a 3-minute Short. Some tracks are limited to 60 or 30 seconds.
Sources: YouTube Help: Understand three-minute YouTube Shorts. Checked on 18 October 2026.