---
platform: youtube
format: shorts
constraints:
  max_chars: null
  image_ratio: "9:16"
  max_hashtags: null
  max_duration_seconds: 60
---

# Best Practices: YouTube — Shorts

## Format Rules

- Duration: up to 60 seconds; 15–45 seconds performs best for completion rate
- Aspect ratio: 9:16 vertical (1080x1920px)
- Safe zone: keep text and faces within center 80% of the frame
- Title: appears below the Short; up to 100 characters
- Hashtag `#Shorts` in title or description signals to YouTube's algorithm
- No external cards or end screens in Shorts (different player)
- Shorts are distributed via the Shorts feed — different discovery mechanism than long-form

## Structure

```
[0–3s: HOOK — visual or verbal punch]
- Ask a direct question on screen
- Show the end result immediately, then explain how
- Bold text overlay stating the core value proposition

[3–30s: CORE CONTENT]
- One idea, delivered linearly
- Fast-paced cuts every 2–3 seconds to maintain attention
- Subtitles always — most Shorts are watched muted

[30–60s: PAYOFF + PATTERN BREAK]
- Deliver the punchline, answer, or transformation
- Surprise or subvert an expectation

[Final 3–5s: VERBAL CTA]
- "Follow for more like this"
- "Comment [word] if you want the full video"
- Avoid showing end screen links — they don't work in Shorts player
```

## Guidelines

- **Complete rate is king.** YouTube rewards Shorts where viewers watch to the end or replay. Keep the payoff visible to the very last second.
- Start mid-action. Never start with an intro or logo animation.
- Subtitles are not optional — auto-captions from YouTube Studio work well for Shorts.
- Create a Shorts-specific thumbnail (vertical 9:16) separate from your long-form cover.
- Do not recycle TikTok videos — YouTube's algorithm detects TikTok watermarks and suppresses the Short.
- One topic per Short. Do not try to cover multiple angles.
- Loop potential: design the ending to flow back into the beginning — YouTube rewards loops.
- Use trending audio from YouTube's audio library to gain additional discovery.

## Examples

**Hook formats:**
- "The one thing holding your [topic] back..." [text on screen, dramatic pause]
- [Show result first] "Here's how I did this in under 5 minutes"
- "Stop doing this if you want [desired outcome]" [direct to camera]

**Script template (45 seconds):**
```
[0–3s] "Most people never fix this — and it costs them [consequence]."

[3–15s] "Here's the problem: [clear explanation of the common mistake]"

[15–35s] "The fix is actually simple:
Step 1 — [action]
Step 2 — [action]
Step 3 — [action]"

[35–45s] "Do this once and you'll never go back. Follow for one tip like this every day."
```
