YouTube Shorts promo video: size, length and the loop tactic
MaestroCut Editorial Team 3 min readPublished:
YouTube Shorts should be 1080×1920 (9:16); they can run up to 180 seconds, but 15–35 seconds is recommended for promos. Keep text 240 px from the top, 420 px from the bottom and 160 px from the right. YouTube turns loud uploads down to roughly -14 LUFS, so deliver your audio at that level from the start.
Shorts specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Aspect | 9:16 or 1:1 |
| Resolution | 1080×1920 (9:16) · 1080×1080 (1:1) |
| Maximum length | 180 s |
| Recommended length | 15–35 s |
| Safe zone (9:16) | top 240 · bottom 420 · left 60 · right 160 px |
| Bitrate (1080p) | ≈ 8 Mbps (30 fps) · ≈ 12 Mbps (60 fps) |
| Loudness | ≈ -14 LUFS integrated, peaks ≤ -1.5 dBTP |
Source: MaestroCut platform data set (2026-10).
The loop tactic: tie the last frame to the first
Shorts restart when they end. If the last scene connects to the first — visually or in words — viewers watch a second time without noticing, which lifts watch time. If your hook asks a question, for example, the closing line can come back to it.
Title, description and cover
In the Shorts feed the title is a small line under the video; the real work is done by the on-screen text. Still, write the title for search: the name of the product or service and the phrase people search for (for example "café promo video"). The first line of the description should repeat the hook, the second should hold the link or call to action.
- Title: short, searchable, in line with the hook.
- Description: value in the first line, then a link and 3–5 hashtags.
- Cover: the Shorts feed often doesn't show a cover, so design the first frame like one.
- Pinned comment: repeat the call to action (link, code, date) in a pinned comment.
A promo skeleton for Shorts
- 1Hook (0–2 s): a result or a question.
- 2Demo (2–10 s): show the product or service in use.
- 3Value (10–25 s): 2–3 short points or steps.
- 4Call to action (last 3 s): one action like "Subscribe" or "Tap the link".
On Shorts the subscribe button and title sit at the bottom and the action buttons on the right, so the bottom and right margins are close to TikTok's; you can use the same master on both platforms.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a YouTube Short be?
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Up to 180 seconds. 15–35 seconds is recommended for promos.
Can I upload a square (1:1) video as a Short?
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Yes, 1:1 videos can be published as Shorts, but vertical 9:16 is recommended for the full-screen experience.
Why does my Short sound quiet?
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YouTube turns loud videos down to about -14 LUFS. Deliver your audio at that level with peaks under -1.5 dBTP and nothing gets turned down.
Sources and notes
- MaestroCut platform data set (2026-10): YouTube Shorts
- Loudness target: −14 LUFS integrated, −1.5 dBTP peak
This page was last reviewed on . Numbers come from the MaestroCut platform and industry data set and are updated as platforms change their limits.
A Shorts-ready video
A loop-friendly ending, the right loudness and safe zones — all automatic.