With the rise of short-form video content and the success of platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and, of course, YouTube Shorts, many content creators are jumping on board to create their own engaging videos.

If you're new to the world of YouTube Shorts, you've definitely made it to the right place. Let us guide you through the process of posting your first YouTube short in just nine easy steps.

While making YouTube Shorts may seem straightforward, there are a few common issues that many creators encounter when uploading their videos. But fear not, we will also address these issues and provide you with solutions you can navigate with ease.

Knowing how to post YouTube Shorts is just the beginning. If you want to maximize the results of your content and grow your audience, there are other ways to leverage the Shorts platform. That’s why we’ll also share tips on how to optimize your content and make it as engaging as possible to help you get the most out of your YouTube Shorts experience.

This guide has everything you need to know about posting your first successful YouTube Short, and you’ll be walking away with plenty of invaluable insights. So, let’s dive in and get started.

How to Post YouTube Shorts in 9 Easy Steps

YouTube Shorts are a quick and easy way to create bite-sized videos that can be shared with your audience. We'll take you through the 9 simple steps to help you post your first video.

Whether you're looking to share your unique talents, promote your business, or simply have fun creating wholesome videos, this quick and easy guide about how to post YouTube Shorts will help you get started on the path to success with YouTube Shorts.

Step 1

Open the YouTube app, and press the + (create) button

Step 2

Click Create a Short

Step 3

Either record your video or press the gallery icon to upload an existing clip. (For the purpose of this example, we are uploading a clip)

Step 4

Select the clip from your camera roll, adjust the length of your Short (if required), and press Done

Step 5

On this screen, you can add a sound from the YouTube Library, play around with filters and effects, or apply a green screen feature. When you’re ready to continue, press the tick button

Step 6

This is the screen where you can add text, adjust the timeline, and be sure you’re happy with the sound and filters, before pressing Next

Step 7

Caption your Short with an engaging title, and be sure to check your visibility, audience and comment settings, before pressing Upload Short

Step 8

Once it has been uploaded, you’ll be notified and prompted to See Video. Click the 3 dots next to your new video and press Edit

Step 9

Add a description (be sure to include relevant hashtags). It’s also a good idea to take advantage of the Add Tags field to enter some keywords about the topic of your video. These will help your content be seen by the right viewers. Press Save.

Common issues when uploading YouTube Shorts, and how to fix them

Knowing how to post YouTube Shorts is unfortunately only half of the battle. While uploading YouTube Shorts may seem like a straightforward process, there are a few common obstacles that creators may run into. These issues can be frustrating, especially if you're new to the platform.

Fortunately, most of them can be easily fixed with a few simple solutions. Here are four common issues when uploading YouTube Shorts and how to resolve them:

Video quality

One of the most important factors in creating engaging YouTube Shorts is video quality. If your clip is blurry or pixelated, it can be difficult for viewers to watch and enjoy.

To remedy this issue, be sure to shoot your video in high definition (HD) or better. This will ensure that your video looks crisp and clear. Additionally, you can use video editing software to adjust the brightness, contrast, and saturation levels to enhance the overall aesthetic of your video.

Aspect ratio

Another common error when uploading YouTube Shorts is using an incorrect aspect ratio. YouTube Shorts should be uploaded in a vertical aspect ratio of 9:16, which means that the video is taller than it is wide.

If you don’t adhere to this, it can be difficult for viewers to watch your content. To fix this issue, use reliable video editing software to adjust the aspect ratio of your video before uploading it to YouTube.

Audio quality

Audio is just as important as video quality when it comes to creating engaging YouTube Shorts. If your audio is muffled or difficult to hear, viewers may quickly lose interest in your content.

To fix this issue, make sure to record your audio in a quiet location with minimal background noise. Additionally, you can use audio editing software to adjust the volume levels and remove any unwanted background noise.

Uploading issues

Finally, one of the easiest oversights when learning how to post YouTube Shorts is learning what to do when the video fails to upload or takes a long time to process. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, such as a poor internet connection or server issues.

To overcome this, make sure to check your internet connection and try uploading your video again. If the issue persists, try uploading the video at a different time of day or contact YouTube support for further assistance.

Other ways to maximize the results of your YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts have quickly become a popular way for creators to reach new audiences and maximize their reach on the platform. With the right approach, Shorts can be a powerful tool for building your audience and driving engagement. Let’s explore five additional ways to maximize the results of your YouTube Shorts.

Follow YouTube’s recommended specifications

One common mistake that many creators make when learning how to post YouTube Shorts is neglecting to follow YouTube’s recommended specifications for dimensions, resolution, and audio. While it may be tempting to simply post a quick video without paying attention to these details, doing so can significantly impact your visibility and engagement.

To maximize your results, be sure to follow YouTube’s recommended specs for Shorts or check out our page on YouTube Shorts Dimensions, Length & More: Create the Perfect YT Short.

In a nutshell, you must use a resolution of at least 1080 pixels, a 9:16 aspect ratio, and ensure that your audio is clear and high-quality. By paying attention to these details, you’ll be able to create Shorts that look and sound great, which can help increase engagement and drive views.

Make it as engaging as possible, with a little help from OpusClip

Creating engaging content is key to success on YouTube Shorts. One great way to do this is by using an AI Video Editor like OpusClip. This powerful tool can help you automatically add captions, animations, and more to your Shorts, making them more engaging and appealing to viewers.

By using OpusClip, you’ll be able to quickly and easily create high-quality Shorts that stand out from the crowd, build your audience and drive more engagement on the platform.

Repurpose your long videos into short clips

If you already have a lot of long-form content on your YouTube channel, you can easily repurpose this content into shorter clips. This can be a great way to boost your viral Shorts creation volume and get more eyes on your content.

To do this, simply look through your existing videos and identify segments that would make good Shorts. Then, use a video editing tool to trim these segments down to the appropriate length and upload them as Shorts. By repurposing your existing content in this way, you’ll be able to quickly create new Shorts without having to start from scratch.

💡 Curious about using this tactic for yourself? Check out our ultimate guide on How to Turn Long Videos into Viral Shorts.

Be creative!

One of the keys to success on YouTube Shorts is being creative and coming up with original ideas that will win the algorithm. The algorithm prioritizes content that is both unique and engaging, so it’s important to put your own spin on your Shorts to stand out from the crowd.

To do this, it’s a good idea to experiment with different formats, topics, and styles. Try to create content that is both informative and entertaining, and don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things.

If you get it right, you’ll be more likely to drive engagement and build an impressive audience on the platform.

Post at the right time for your niche

Finally, it’s important to post your Shorts at the right time for your niche. This will vary depending on your audience and the type of content you create, so it’s important to experiment to find the optimal posting time.

One great way to do this is by using YouTube’s analytics tools to track your engagement and views. This can help you identify trends and patterns in your audience’s behavior, which can inform your posting schedule and help you get the most out of your Shorts.

For more information on this subject, consult our page on The Best Time to Post YouTube Shorts for Your Audience

There you have it, the steps to YouTube Shorts success

As the popularity of short-form video content shows absolutely no signs of slowing down, creating YouTube Shorts can be an effective way to engage with your audience and grow your channel.

By following the nine simple steps we've provided, we trust that you'll be able to post your first YouTube Short with ease. If you encounter any common issues along the way, we've also shared solutions that can help you overcome them.

We hope that with these invaluable insights, you'll be able to create engaging content that resonates with your audience and helps you achieve your goals on the platform.

If you need a helping hand in the editing stage, using a tool like OpusClip can save you a lot of time when posting your YouTube Shorts. Instead of manually posting your content, this software provides helpful features such as automatic description writing and hashtag selection, which will make your content more discoverable and engaging for your audience.

With OpusClip's range of trusty tools and exciting features, you can quickly create professional-quality YouTube Shorts and launch your content to new heights. And the best part? It's currently free to use, so don't hesitate to give it a try and see how it can streamline your YouTube Short creation process.

Join the Discord to start using OpusClip for free!