YouTube Creators Can Now Upload Three-Minute Shorts Directly From the Main App

YouTube

YouTube has entered the fourth and final phase  of its longer Shorts feature rollout, allowing creators to upload Shorts up to three minutes  long directly from the main YouTube app.

Here’s how creators can take advantage of the update:

• Launch the Shorts camera from the main YouTube app.

• Tap the timer in the top-right corner to switch to the 3-minute option.

• Create, edit, and publish their content with ease.

Why It Matters: The addition of three-minute Shorts is one of YouTube's most significant updates for creators. While the initial announcement caused some confusion, YouTube Creator Liaison Rene Ritchie’s updates and phased rollout have made the implementation much smoother.

With the feature now fully available and the potential TikTok ban looming, YouTube is well-positioned to attract more TikTok-native creators. As mid-form videos (1 to 3 minutes) gain popularity, this feature enables creators to expand their reach, drive engagement, and repurpose content across multiple short-form experiences.

For YouTube, the longer Shorts feature means increased watch time and improved creator retention. For viewers, it fills a gap, offering a middle ground between bite-sized content and longer traditional YouTube videos.