Transforming a lengthy YouTube video into a captivating Short requires more than just cutting 60 seconds out - it’s about crafting a punchy, vertical experience that hooks viewers instantly. Follow this detailed 2025 workflow - including CapsAI’s Smart Clips to turbocharge your process - so every Short you publish stands out.

1. Pick Your Editing Platform

Choose a tool that supports vertical formats, captions, and quick exports:

• CapsAI’s Smart Clips
  Upload your full-length footage, click Smart Clips, and let AI extract multiple 5–60 second vertical-ready highlights automatically - complete with suggested captions and hooks.

• CapCut (iOS, Android, PC)

• InShot (iOS, Android)

• Adobe Premiere Rush (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS)

• VN Video Editor (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS)

2. Import and Set Vertical Canvas

1. Create a new project and select 9:16 as your aspect ratio (often labeled “Reels/TikTok”).

1. Import your high-resolution source video - preferably 1080p or higher to maintain clarity after cropping.

3. Identify the Perfect Clip

• Automated with CapsAI: If you used CapsAI’s Smart Clips, review the AI-curated highlights and choose the one that best matches your storytelling goal.

• Manual Scouting: In YouTube Studio, check the Audience Retention graph to find peaks - these moments resonate most with viewers.

Aim for a duration of 15–60 seconds.

4. Trim, Crop, and Reframe

1. Trim to isolate your chosen moment.

1. Crop horizontally to focus on the action - use pinch-to-zoom or your editor’s smart reframing to center subjects.

1. Reframe key elements so they remain visible in the narrower vertical frame.

5. Enhance with Text and Captions

• Captions: Use built-in caption generators (CapCut/InShot) or import an .srt - CapsAI can generate these for you automatically when you extract Smart Clips.

• On-Screen Text: Add a compelling hook at the top (“You won’t believe this!”) and a brief call-to-action at the end (“Watch the full video!”).

6. Apply Transitions & Effects

• Quick Cuts: Keep cuts under 0.5 seconds in high-energy clips to maintain pace.

• Speed Ramps: Emphasize key moments by slowing down or speeding up segments.

• Filters & Color: Apply a consistent LUT or filter to match your channel’s branding.

7. Sync Engaging Audio

1. Music: Use royalty-free tracks from CapCut/InShot or YouTube’s Shorts library.

1. Sound Effects: Add subtle whooshes or pops on cuts to direct attention.

1. Volume Balance: Ensure background audio doesn’t overpower dialogue or highlights.

8. Export with Optimal Settings

• Resolution: 1080×1920 (Full HD vertical)

• Codec: H.264 MP4

• Frame Rate: 30 fps

• Bitrate: 8–12 Mbps

Use your editor’s “High Quality” or “YouTube Shorts” preset for a hassle-free export.

9. Upload & Optimize Metadata

• Title: Under 40 characters, lead with your hook and include “#Shorts.”

• Description: Link to the full video and add 2–3 relevant hashtags (e.g., #LifeHack, #Shorts).

• Thumbnail: Select a high-contrast frame in YouTube Studio for your channel page.

10. Monitor Performance & Iterate

After 24–48 hours, review:

• Watch Time % and Retention in YouTube Analytics

• Comments & Shares to gauge audience reaction

Use these insights to tweak hooks, captions, or pacing - and refine your next Short for even better results.

By integrating CapsAI’s Smart Clips with your chosen editor, reframing for vertical display, and optimizing your metadata, you’ll consistently produce Shorts that capture attention and drive viewers back to your long-form content. Happy editing!