How to export a compilation for YouTube Shorts

YouTube treats a video as a Short largely based on its vertical aspect ratio (9:16 or close to square) combined with duration, and YouTube has adjusted the exact duration threshold that qualifies as a Short more than once since launching the format. Because of that, don't rely on a specific number you read anywhere, including here — check YouTube's current Shorts help documentation for the length that currently qualifies before you build an edit meant specifically to land in the Shorts shelf.

Framing and resolution

Shorts are viewed full-screen vertical, so exporting your ReelWorkshop compilation at 1080x1920 gives YouTube a frame that already matches the Shorts player without cropping. 720x1280 is a valid fallback for smaller files, though on larger phone and tablet screens the difference in sharpness is more noticeable on YouTube than on some other apps, since Shorts can also be watched on TVs and larger displays through YouTube's other surfaces.

Re-encoding and format

YouTube re-encodes every upload into multiple resolutions and formats to serve different devices and connection speeds, so the MP4 you download from ReelWorkshop is a source file, not the final delivered version. ReelWorkshop exports H.264 video with AAC audio in an MP4 container, which YouTube accepts without any conversion needed on your end.

Building the export

1. Pick a length that fits your goal

   Use a 60-second ReelWorkshop edit if you specifically want to qualify as a Short under YouTube's current rules; a 75 or 90-second edit still works as a vertical upload but check the current threshold if being classified as a Short matters to you.

2. Export at 1080x1920

   This matches the vertical Shorts player and holds up better if the video is also viewed on a larger screen.

3. Keep or mute audio deliberately

   YouTube doesn't inject its own soundtrack the way some other platforms' in-app tools do, so if you want music, decide whether to keep the audio from your source clips or add it separately before uploading.

4. Download and upload through YouTube Studio or the app

   The rendered MP4 from your ReelWorkshop Exports page uploads the same way any YouTube video does.

Safe areas for Shorts

The Shorts player overlays the title, channel name, like/dislike, comment and share icons, generally along the bottom and right edge of the screen, similar in spirit to other vertical feeds. Keep burned-in titles and important visual detail out of the far bottom strip and right-hand column so they aren't obscured by the like/comment/subscribe icons.

Mistakes to avoid

• Assuming a fixed duration cutoff for what counts as a Short without checking YouTube's current documentation.
• Exporting at 720x1280 for content you expect people to watch on a TV or tablet through YouTube's other surfaces.
• Leaving important on-screen text at the very bottom edge where Shorts' engagement icons and title sit.
• Forgetting that YouTube's re-encode changes final delivered quality, so extremely aggressive pre-export settings aren't necessary.

When to reach for a different tool

ReelWorkshop doesn't add YouTube-style end screens, cards, chapters or auto-captions — those are added in YouTube Studio after upload. If you need a full narrative edit with voiceover, on-screen graphics or color grading beyond assembling and trimming your own clips, a general editor like DaVinci Resolve or Premiere is a better fit for that stage; use ReelWorkshop to get from raw clips to a paced vertical MP4 first.