Shorts or long-form: what should beginners start with?

Pros and cons of Shorts and long videos, how they earn differently, and a mix that works for new channels.

The first big question for new creators is whether to make Shorts or long videos. The answer depends on your goal.

Shorts: strengths and limits

• Quick to make, and they often get recommended even with zero subscribers.
• Views come easily, but revenue per 1,000 views is far lower than long-form.
• Many viewers swipe on, so fewer of them become subscribers.

Long-form: strengths and limits

• Can carry several ads, so income is steadier.
• Builds a deeper relationship and more loyal subscribers.
• Takes much longer to plan, film and edit, and early reach is slower.

A mix that works

Make one long video, then cut its best moments into 2–3 Shorts. Shorts bring people in; long videos build income and fans. Shorts can be up to 3 minutes, but at first aim to make your point within 30–60 seconds.

On RisingTube, the "Mostly Shorts" and "Mostly long videos" tags show which format the fast-growing channels in your category use.

A 4-week plan to try

• Week 1: post 5 Shorts on one theme and see which angle gets a reaction
• Week 2: make one 5–8 minute video on the best-performing angle
• Week 3: cut 3 Shorts from it and link the long video from each Short
• Week 4: check in YouTube Studio whether Shorts viewers moved on to the long video

Use the "Related video" option on a Short to send viewers straight to your long video in one tap.

Next guide: Your first 1,000 subscribers: setting realistic goals