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How to Make YouTube Shorts on PC: The Definitive Guide

So, you want to conquer the vertical video realm and unleash your creativity on YouTube Shorts from the comfort of your PC? Excellent choice! While YouTube Shorts are designed with mobile in mind, crafting them on a PC unlocks a world of editing power and precision. The truth is, there is no direct, official way to create and upload Shorts directly from your PC through the YouTube Studio interface as you would with a regular video. This article will reveal the most effective workarounds and techniques to do exactly that.

In short, you create and edit your vertical video on your PC using video editing software, then upload it to YouTube through the desktop website making sure your video is 60 seconds or less and has the hashtag #shorts in the title or description. Let’s unpack this process and look at the best ways to make it happen.

Crafting YouTube Shorts on Your PC: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

While the process isn’t as seamless as the mobile app, creating Shorts on PC offers significant advantages, especially for those comfortable with dedicated editing software.

1. Planning and Pre-Production: Laying the Foundation

Every great Short starts with a great idea. Before you even touch your editing software, consider:

Your Niche: What’s your channel about? Stay consistent!
Your Target Audience: Who are you trying to reach? Tailor your content to them.
Your Hook: Grab attention within the first few seconds.
Your Story: What message are you conveying? Keep it concise and engaging.
Your Call to Action: What do you want viewers to do? Subscribe, like, comment?

2. Shooting and Assembling Your Footage

You have several options here:

Record Directly: Use your webcam, screen recording software (like OBS Studio), or external camera connected to your PC.
Mobile-First, Then Transfer: Shoot footage on your smartphone (vertical!), then transfer it to your PC for editing. This gives you the portability of mobile shooting with the editing power of a desktop.
Stock Footage & Graphics: Incorporate stock video clips and graphics from websites like Pexels, Pixabay, or Motion Array.

3. Video Editing: The Heart of the Process

This is where your PC’s power truly shines. Choose a video editor that suits your skill level and needs. Popular options include:

Adobe Premiere Pro: Industry-standard, powerful, but comes with a subscription cost.
DaVinci Resolve: Free version offers impressive features. Professional grade for the price of nothing.
Filmora: User-friendly, suitable for beginners, and offers a good balance of features and price.
CapCut: Although designed primarily for mobile, CapCut also has a PC version available that is free and very capable. This is by far the most popular.

No matter your choice, these are crucial steps:

Aspect Ratio: Ensure your project is set to a vertical aspect ratio (9:16), which is 1080×1920 pixels. This is absolutely critical!
Editing for Attention: Shorts demand quick cuts, engaging visuals, and captivating text overlays.
Audio Enhancements: Clean up your audio, add background music, and ensure clear voiceovers. Use royalty-free music sources to avoid copyright issues.
Text & Graphics: Use eye-catching text overlays and graphics to highlight key points and maintain viewer engagement.
Keep it Concise: Aim for a video length of 60 seconds or less. This is the core requirement for YouTube to recognize your video as a Short.

4. Exporting Your Masterpiece

Export your video with these settings:

Resolution: 1080×1920 (vertical).
Frame Rate: 24, 25, 30, or 60 fps (frames per second).
File Format: MP4 (highly recommended).
Codec: H.264 (common and widely supported).
Bitrate: Adjust based on video complexity. Aim for around 10-20 Mbps for good quality.

5. Uploading and Optimizing for YouTube Shorts

Now for the final step: uploading to YouTube.

Upload through YouTube Studio (Desktop): Sign in to your YouTube account and upload your video.
Crucial Tagging: Include #shorts in the title or description. This is essential for YouTube to categorize your video as a Short.
Compelling Title & Description: Use keywords that people might search for.
Thumbnails: YouTube often uses a frame from the video as a thumbnail. Unfortunately, you can’t select a custom thumbnail for YouTube Shorts prior to publishing.
Visibility: Set your video to “Public” to make it discoverable.
Publish and Promote! Share your Short on other social media platforms to maximize its reach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I create YouTube Shorts directly within YouTube Studio on PC?

No, currently, YouTube Studio on PC doesn’t offer a dedicated “Shorts” creation tool. You need to upload a vertically oriented video 60 seconds or less in length with #shorts in the title or description.

2. What are the exact dimensions and aspect ratio for YouTube Shorts?

The dimensions are 1080×1920 pixels, and the aspect ratio is 9:16. This is a vertical format.

3. How long can a YouTube Short be?

The maximum length is 60 seconds.

4. Do I have to use the hashtag #shorts?

Yes! It’s highly recommended and almost mandatory. This is how YouTube identifies your video as a Short and includes it in the Shorts feed. Without it, your video will likely be treated as a regular long-form video.

5. Can I use copyrighted music in my YouTube Shorts?

Yes, but with caution. YouTube’s copyright detection system is very sophisticated. Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to copyright claims and even removal of your video. Use YouTube’s Audio Library or royalty-free music services.

6. How do I add text and effects to my YouTube Shorts on PC?

Using video editing software like Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Filmora, or CapCut. Each offers tools for adding text, transitions, color grading, and special effects.

7. Is it better to shoot footage on my phone and then edit on my PC?

It depends on your workflow. Shooting on your phone offers convenience and portability. But editing on your PC provides more control and advanced editing capabilities. Many creators find a hybrid approach works best.

8. What if my video is slightly longer than 60 seconds?

YouTube might not recognize it as a Short. Try to trim your video to be 59 seconds or less.

9. Why isn’t my video showing up in the YouTube Shorts feed?

Check your aspect ratio: Is it 9:16 (vertical)?
Verify the #shorts tag: Is it present in the title or description?
Confirm the length: Is it 60 seconds or less?
YouTube Algorithm: Sometimes, it takes time for YouTube to process and categorize your video. Be patient!

10. Can I monetize YouTube Shorts?

Yes! YouTube Shorts are now eligible for monetization. To do so, you must be part of the YouTube Partner Program.

11. Are there any specific editing tips for YouTube Shorts?

Keep it Fast-Paced: Short attention spans demand quick cuts and dynamic visuals.
Use Captions: Many people watch Shorts with the sound off. Captions ensure your message is still conveyed.
Focus on a Strong Hook: The first few seconds are critical for grabbing attention.
Tell a Story: Even short videos should have a beginning, middle, and end.
Utilize Trending Sounds: Incorporate trending audio from YouTube’s library to increase discoverability.

12. How can I analyze the performance of my YouTube Shorts?

Use YouTube Analytics. You can track views, likes, comments, shares, audience retention, and traffic sources. This data helps you understand what’s working and what’s not, allowing you to optimize your future content.

By following these steps and tips, you can master the art of creating engaging YouTube Shorts on your PC and unlock the potential to reach a wider audience and grow your channel! Good luck and happy creating!