How to Convert YouTube Shorts into Regular Videos: A Comprehensive Guide

YouTube Shorts have become incredibly popular, offering a concise yet engaging way to share content. However, for creators wanting to share more substantial content, converting these Shorts into regular videos is often necessary. This article will guide you through the process of converting YouTube Shorts into regular videos, ensuring compliance with YouTube guidelines and maximizing your content potential.

Why Convert YouTube Shorts into Regular Videos?

There are several reasons why converting Shorts to regular videos might be beneficial:

Extended Content: YouTube Shorts are limited to 60 seconds, which may not be enough to cover all the intricate details or explains topics thoroughly. Better Engagement: Regular videos can often engage viewers longer, allowing for more detailed exploration of a topic. Better SEO: Longer videos generally perform better in searches, improving visibility and traffic. Monetization: Longer videos can generate more views, which can be beneficial for making money on YouTube.

Converting YouTube Shorts to Regular Videos: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here's a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you convert your YouTube Shorts into regular videos:

Step 1: Downloading the YouTube Short

The first step is to download the YouTube Short. This can be done using third-party tools or websites that allow you to download YouTube Shorts.

Method 1: Third-Party Tools or Websites

Find a third-party tool or website that supports downloading YouTube Shorts. Enter the URL of the Short you want to download. Follow the instructions provided by the tool to download the video.

Method 2: Manually Switch by Editing the URL

Open YouTube and find the Short you want to watch as a normal video. Go to the URL of the video and replace the '/short' part of the URL with '/watch?v' Press Enter and the video will now play in the regular YouTube player.

Method 3: Using the Like Button Method

Open YouTube and go to Shorts. Tap or click on the like button below the video to add it to your liked videos playlist. Go to your liked videos playlist in the Library tab and the video will play as a normal video.

Method 4: Using YouTube Timestamps

Go to Shorts on YouTube and find the video you want to watch as a normal video. Find a comment with a timestamp or leave a comment with any timestamp. Click on the timestamp, and it will take you to the normal YouTube player to watch the short video as a normal video.

Method 5: Using YouTube Shorts to Normal Video Extension

Install a browser extension like YouTube to Normal Video Converter. Set the extension to automatically convert Shorts to normal videos.

Step 2: Editing and Enhancing the Video

Once the Short has been downloaded, you can edit and enhance it using professional video editing software. Here are some recommendations:

Kinemaster: A popular, user-friendly video editing app that supports both Android and iOS. InShot: Another well-known video editing app that offers a range of professional features.

Here’s how to edit the video in Kinemaster:

Open the video file in Kinemaster. Resize the video to 16:9 resolution (the standard aspect ratio for regular YouTube videos). Apply filters, transitions, and other effects to improve the video quality and make it more engaging. Ensure that the video runs for at least 3 minutes to meet the minimum length requirement for regular YouTube videos. Save the edited video in a suitable format and resolution (e.g., MP4, HD 1080p).

You can follow a similar process for InShot or any other video editing software that you prefer.

Step 3: Uploading the Video to YouTube

After editing and enhancing the video, the final step is to upload it to your YouTube channel:

Log in to your YouTube Studio. Select the channel and navigate to the Upload section. Click on the upload button and select the edited video file. Add a title, description, and tags that accurately describe your content. Choose any applicable categories and tags to make your video more discoverable. Click on the camera icon to enable automatic audio transcription and add closed captions if needed. Under the advanced tab, you can set the video to private, unlisted, or public. Finally, click on the publish button to upload the video to your channel.

Best Practices for Converting YouTube Shorts to Regular Videos

To ensure your converted content performs well on YouTube, follow these best practices:

Compliance with YouTube Guidelines: Always ensure your video complies with YouTube's terms of service and community guidelines. Engaging Content: Create content that captivates your audience and provides value. Use high-quality graphics, animations, and effects to enhance your video. SEO Optimization: Use relevant keywords, descriptions, and tags to optimize your video for search engines. Make sure your title and description are compelling and include your target keywords. Consistency: Maintain consistent branding and quality across your YouTube channel, which can attract and retain more viewers. Monetization: Consider turning on monetization if your channel meets the requirements. This can help you earn more from your videos.

Conclusion

Converting YouTube Shorts into regular videos can greatly enhance your content and expand your reach on YouTube. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily create longer, more engaging videos that meet YouTube's standards and comply with community guidelines. Remember to focus on creating high-quality, valuable content, and to optimize your videos for search engines to ensure maximum visibility and engagement.