YouTube expands Shorts to 3 minutes, adds AI soundtracks and new Creator Tools

YouTube, the world's largest video-sharing platform, has announced significant updates to its Shorts feature, including longer video lengths and new creative tools. These changes, revealed on October 15, 2024, aim to enhance the user experience and provide creators with more flexibility in content production.

According to YouTube's Creator Insider channel, the platform is extending the maximum length of Shorts from 60 seconds to 3 minutes. This update applies to vertical videos uploaded from October 15, 2024, onwards. However, the rollout process will take several weeks to complete.

During this transition period, newly uploaded Shorts exceeding 60 seconds will initially appear as regular long-form videos on channel pages. These videos will remain eligible for recommendation alongside traditional long-form content. Over the coming weeks, they will gradually transition to the Shorts format, appearing in the Shorts tab on channel pages and within the Shorts feed.

It's important to note that videos uploaded before October 15, 2024, will not be automatically converted to Shorts. Additionally, YouTube has implemented measures to address copyright concerns. Shorts exceeding 60 seconds that contain copyrighted material will be blocked, although creators can use YouTube's tools to remove claimed content and make the video playable again.

AI-Generated Soundtracks: Dream Track Experiment Expands

YouTube is broadening its Dream Track experiment, which utilizes artificial intelligence to generate unique soundtracks for Shorts. Initially launched with select artists creating AI-generated vocal tracks, the platform is now offering U.S.-based creators the ability to generate instrumental-only soundtracks for their Shorts using AI technology.

This expansion of the Dream Track experiment demonstrates YouTube's commitment to providing creators with innovative tools to enhance their content. The feature is available through the YouTube Create app and the main YouTube platform for eligible creators in the United States.

Streamlined Membership Features

In an effort to improve the creator onboarding process, YouTube is testing a new feature that allows creators to upload custom Channel Membership badges and emojis during the initial setup on both mobile and desktop platforms. Previously, this option was only available after completing the onboarding process and limited to mobile devices.

This experiment aims to streamline the process for creators looking to monetize their channels through memberships, potentially increasing adoption rates for this feature.

Enhanced Sponsored Content Disclosure

YouTube has expanded its paid product placement feature, enabling creators to mark sponsored content across all platforms. Previously, creators could only tag Shorts as sponsored content on mobile devices, while long-form videos required using the web interface. With this update, creators can now indicate sponsored content for all video types on both desktop and mobile platforms, promoting transparency and compliance with advertising regulations.

Improved Shorts Drafts Management

Building on the Shorts drafts feature introduced last year, YouTube has rolled out improvements for both Android and iOS users. Creators can now view all their saved drafts, choose which ones to resume editing, and delete drafts as needed. This enhancement allows for simultaneous work on multiple drafts, eliminating the need to finish one draft before starting another.

Key Facts

• Shorts length extended from 60 seconds to 3 minutes
• Rollout of longer Shorts begins October 15, 2024, with a gradual implementation over several weeks
• AI-generated instrumental soundtracks now available for U.S. creators
• Custom Membership badges and emojis can be uploaded during onboarding (experimental feature)
• Sponsored content can be marked on all video types across desktop and mobile platforms
• Improved Shorts drafts management for Android and iOS users