Digital Marketing

How to enable YouTube Shorts ?

By Steven, on September 16, 2023 - 3 min read

Ever wondered how some creators are popping out those snappy, short videos on YouTube? Noticed the rising wave of “Shorts” and want a piece of that action? And, if you’ve tried to dive right in, did you find yourself slightly lost amidst YouTube’s dashboard? But fret not! You’re not alone.

Indeed, YouTube Shorts has become the go-to feature for many creators looking to share bite-sized, interactive, and engaging content.

So, how exactly do you enable these coveted Shorts? Let’s roll! Debugbar will unveil step-by-step how to activate and make the most out of YouTube Shorts.

How to enable YouTube Shorts feature?

Contrary to expectation, enabling YouTube Shorts doesn’t involve fiddling with a laundry list of settings.

All you need is the updated version of the YouTube app on your device at hand, and voilà!

Short videos are there for your viewing pleasure. However, there might be instances when the Shorts feature seems out of sight. Don’t worry – you have not been singled out by YouTube! Here are some nifty tricks to help you enable this feature.

Update the app

The first step on your journey to YouTube Shorts is ensuring you’re operating on the most recent version of the YouTube app.

Having an outdated version could be the primary reason the feature is playing hide and seek.

Updating is simple:

  1. Open the “App Store” on iOS devices or “Google Play Store” on Android.
  2. Search for “YouTube” in the store’s search bar.
youtube
  1. If an update is available, it will appear next to the app. Tap on “Update”.
update youtube

Enable Shorts if you previously disabled it

Sometimes, for one reason or another, you need to deactivate YouTube Shorts. You’ll need to reactivate it when you want to use it again. Rest assured, it’s quite simple.

  1. Firstly, identify how you initially disabled the Shorts. Did you resort to using an older version of the YouTube app or perhaps tapped into YouTube Vanced?
  2. If the Shorts aren’t appearing, it indicates that they’re currently disabled on your account.
  3. To restore Shorts, simply reverse what you did earlier. For instance, if you downgraded the app for some reason, all you need to do is update it back to the latest version.

How to enable video creation on YouTube Shorts?

Now that you’ve unlocked YouTube Shorts for your viewing pleasure, how about creating your own? Here’s a simple guide on how you can create your short-form videos, whether you’re an iPhone, Android, or PC user. To set the wheels in motion:

On iPhone and iPad:

  1. Open the YouTube application on your device.
  2. Spot the ‘+‘ symbol and tap on it to ‘Create a Short‘.
create short
  1. A Shorts interface will pop up. Record your video and flavor it with music, filters, and any other garnishing of your choice.
  2. Preview your video then add a title. Set permissions and identify your audience.
  3. Once done, click ‘Upload‘.

On Android:

  • Launch the YouTube application on your Android device.
  • Tap ‘Create a Short‘ – no looking for the ‘+’ symbol this time!
  • Your chosen video length should not exceed 15 seconds. Record and customize as you wish.
  • Add the video title, set the permissions, and specify your audience.
  • Finally, hit ‘Upload‘ when satisfied with your content.

On PC:

Are you more comfortable working from your PC? No problem! You too can create YouTube Shorts. Simply:

  • Go to YouTube’s website and sign in to your account.
  • Click ‘CREATE‘, then select ‘Upload Videos’.
  • Select a video file that doesn’t exceed 60 seconds in length for uploading.
  • Insert “Shorts” in the title and description for better discoverability.
  • Make necessary adjustments to permissions and audience settings as required.
  • Click ‘upload.’

And there you have it! Your very own YouTube Shorts ready for the world. But remember, the upper limit for these videos is 60 seconds. Anything longer, and they automatically transform from “shorts” into “longs”!

How to enable YouTube Shorts: the essentials

  • YouTube Shorts are videos that don’t exceed 60 seconds
  • They’re designed for quick and efficient content consumption – perfect for busy, on-the-go audiences.
  • You’ll find them handy for engaging with your viewers, promoting brands, or just reaching out effectively.
  • In principle, you don’t need to activate YouTube Shorts, but you may need to update the app to take advantage of it.

Steven