How to Make a YouTube Short (Step by Step)

Published June 29, 2026 5 min read By the ExpoCut team

YouTube Shorts reward clarity and a strong hook in a vertical, sub-60-second frame. They’re also a discovery engine for your channel. Here’s how to cut one that earns the watch and the subscribe.

Shorts are YouTube’s discovery funnel — a vertical, sub-60-second clip that, done right, sends new viewers to everything else you make. The edit is fast and familiar; the intent is what makes a Short pull its weight.

Step 1 — Vertical and short

Start a 9:16 project (basics) and commit to ≤ 60 seconds. Trim hard — a Short is one idea, delivered cleanly, not a highlight reel.

Step 2 — Hook that survives the swipe

Open on the result or the question, not the setup. State the value immediately — “Here’s how to fix X in 20 seconds” — with a text hook on screen. Every second between the swipe and the payoff is a chance to lose them.

A bold FIX THIS IN 30s text hook placed in the upper-center of a 9:16 vertical clip — Put the payoff up front — a bold text hook like **“FIX THIS IN 30s”** in the upper-center safe zone, so it reads instantly and stays clear of the bottom UI.

Step 3 — One clear idea, well-paced

Deliver a single takeaway. Use quick cuts to keep momentum, a filter for a consistent look, and a zoom or speed beat to emphasize the key moment. Don’t pad it to hit a length — end when the idea’s done.

Step 4 — Captions and a channel nudge

Caption the whole thing for muted viewers and retention. In the last beat, give a reason to explore your channel — a tease of the full video, a “part 2,” or a clear CTA.

Keep text centered and high. Shorts show the title and channel info along the bottom — keep captions and key visuals in the upper-center safe zone.

Step 5 — Export

Export 1080×1920, H.264, 30fps, upload, and write a clear title with “#Shorts” so YouTube routes it correctly.

ExpoCut export panel set to 1080p, 9:16 vertical, MP4, 30 fps — Export **1080×1920 (9:16)** as **MP4 / H.264** at **30 fps** — the native Shorts spec. The panel also confirms your layer count and duration before you render.

Where to go next

The fundamentals: make your first video.
Caption for retention: add captions & subtitles.
Emphasize the key beat: keyframes & motion paths.

Vertical, tight, hook-first, captioned — a Short that delivers one idea cleanly is the best ad your channel can run.

Frequently asked questions

What size and length is a YouTube Short?

9:16 vertical and 60 seconds or less. Build a 9:16 project, keep it tight, and make sure the payoff arrives well before the time limit.

How are Shorts different from Reels and TikToks?

The edit is nearly identical — vertical, fast, captioned. The difference is intent: Shorts are a discovery funnel to your longer YouTube content, so a clear value-per-second and a reason to check your channel matter even more.

Do I need captions on a Short?

Yes. Many viewers watch muted, and on-screen text also boosts retention. Auto-caption it and keep lines short and centered, clear of the bottom UI.

Cut a Short that converts

Vertical, under 60s, hook-first, captioned — the Short that earns the watch and points to your channel. Edit it on your phone.

Get ExpoCut Browse all guides