YouTube Announces Extension of Shorts Video Duration

YouTube has unveiled new changes to its Shorts feature, which includes extending the maximum length of these short videos and introducing new tools for content creators. These updates are expected to roll out in the coming weeks.

Starting from mid-October, YouTube will allow Shorts videos up to 3 minutes in length, tripling the current one-minute limit. This update applies to both square and vertical videos. The company has also stated that it will gradually enhance its recommendation algorithms for these videos over time.

In addition to the extended video duration, YouTube will introduce new tools for content creators. One notable addition is the integration of Google's DeepMind Veo model, which enables the creation of AI-generated backgrounds and videos.

Furthermore, YouTube is enhancing user interaction features, including adding a Trending Shorts section to the Shorts tab, allowing users to easily view popular videos by country. It will also introduce an option to display fewer Shorts in the homepage feed for users who prefer not to see them.

These updates are part of YouTube’s effort to stay competitive with other platforms like TikTok and Instagram, which dominate the short video market. By extending the length of Shorts videos, YouTube aims to narrow the gap between short-form content and traditional content on the platform.

Todd Sherman, YouTube’s Product Management Director, stated that increasing the Shorts duration to 3 minutes has been one of the most requested features from content creators.

These changes raise questions about their impact on viewer engagement, with the success potentially hinging on YouTube’s ability to effectively recommend this type of content through its algorithm.