What are YouTube Clips?
Clips is a relatively new feature introduced by YouTube that mimics a similar and very popular feature from livestream platforms such as Twitch. Clips can be up to 60 seconds in length and created from most YouTube videos – although not all. Users making Clips will get access to a draggable timeline editor that will allow them to choose the part they want to share via a new URL. YouTube started to test this feature on select accounts early last year and seems like it has extended Clips’ availability. YouTube Clips should not be confused with Shorts, which is another more recent addition to the streaming service. Shorts lets YouTube users get creative by allowing them to shoot short-form videos (once again up to 60 seconds in length), similar to TikToks, using nothing but their mobile device. Even while Clips are also mini videos, they are created from existing YouTube videos while Shorts are original content.
How to Create a YouTube Clip
You can create YouTube Clips both on YouTube on PC as well as your mobile device (Android/iOS). This tutorial will walk you through the steps for both platforms.
Desktop
Mobile
The steps to create a Clip from a YouTube video on mobile are pretty similar. Here’s how to get started.
How to View and Manage All Your YouTube Clips
Once you’ve created a Clip, YouTube will automatically save it to your library. Here’s how you can see and easily manage all your YouTube Clips.
Desktop
Mobile
Alternative to YouTube Clips: Use a URL Trick
Before YouTube Clips were a thing, people who wanted to share a particular part of a YouTube video used a URL trick. This is a built-in feature of YouTube that doesn’t require anything else for you to get started. This trick is only available while using YouTube on your PC.
1. Can I make Clips of Livestreams?
Right now, it’s not possible to make Clips out of Livestreams that are currently unfolding. However, if the live stream has been uploaded in the form of a video, you can create mini clips. Also note that Livestreams without DVR and longer than eligible hours aren’t eligible for Clips.
2. Why have my Clips disappeared from my library?
If some of my Clips have disappeared from the library, it might be because the original video violated the YouTube Community Guidelines. Alternatively, the channel in question might have deleted the video or set it to private. To know for sure, go back to the original channel and see if the video is still available.
3. Can I disable the Clips option on my videos?
Yes, it’s possible, although only certain accounts have access to this option. To disable the option for your videos, you need to access YouTube Studio on your PC. Next, click “Settings” in the lower-left corner of the display and select Channel from the pop-up window. Go to the “Advanced Settings” tab and scroll down to see if you can find the option to “Allow viewers to clip my content.” This is usually ticked by default, but if you don’t want others clipping your content, you can untick it. Image credit: Unsplash
