The new feature can be found via the Create menu, and selecting it will bring up the editing interface where creators can select up to 60 seconds from one of their uploaded videos. Unlike the existing Cut tool, Edit into a Short provides additional editing options such as the ability to add text, filters and photos, as well as add extra shots via the Shorts camera. In addition, it can also automatically crop existing videos to fit into a format that is compatible with YouTube Shorts, regardless of the original’s aspect ratio. The platform notes that only the original uploader can import their long-form videos into Shorts, and the new tool cannot be used to take clips from other creators. YouTube adds that clips edited via the tool will also include links to the video that it was taken from, which lets viewers to immediately load up the full length version from Shorts. This is pretty beneficial to creators as these clips can also be used as a promotional tool or as a teaser for their longer content. “This update will allow you to bring fresh life to your classic content and give you a new way to engage your audience,” the platform said in a recent entry to its official support page. The Google-owned video streaming and broadcasting service has recently put a lot of focus on Shorts, which is basically its own take on similar short-form video offerings by competitors such as Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram. Last month, YouTube told TechCrunch that it has seen an average of 1.5 billion users tuning into Shorts content each month. (Source: YouTube [Support page])
