YouTube to Shorts: Turn a Long Video into Shorts with AI
In short: download your own long video from YouTube Studio, upload the file to an AI clip maker such as AIClipMaker.org, keep the 3 to 10 moments that stand on their own, and post them as vertical Shorts up to 3 minutes long.
Independent guide. Checked on November 15, 2026.
Why upload the file instead of pasting a link
Some tools accept a YouTube link, but YouTube often blocks downloads from servers, so link imports fail more than uploads do. Downloading your own video from YouTube Studio and uploading the file is the reliable route, and it keeps you clearly within your own rights.
Step by step
- Download your video. YouTube Studio, Content, open the menu next to the video, Download.
- Drop it into AIClipMaker.org. Choose the part and the clip length; AI face tracking reframes every clip to 9:16. Or self-host OpenShorts.
- Review the picks. AI picks are a starting point. Drop any clip that needs context from the rest of the video.
- Check the format. 9:16, captions large enough to read on a phone, something happening in the first second.
- Post as Shorts. From the YouTube app or YouTube Studio.
What makes a clip work as a Short
- It makes sense on its own, without the setup from earlier in the video.
- The first line is a hook: a claim, a question or the payoff.
- It ends on a point, not mid-thought.
FAQ
How long can a YouTube Short be?
Up to 3 minutes, in a vertical or square format. Most clipped moments work best at 15 to 60 seconds.
Can I turn someone else's YouTube video into Shorts?
Only with permission or a license that allows reuse. Clip your own uploads, or videos under Creative Commons with attribution.
Is there a free way to do this?
Yes. You can start free on AIClipMaker.org, or self-host an open-source clip maker such as OpenShorts.