YouTube Shorts vs Long Videos – What Pays More in 2025?
As YouTube evolves, creators are asking:
Should I focus on Shorts or Long Videos — and which one pays more?
In this post, we’ll break down the earnings potential, monetization rules, pros, and cons of both formats so you can make the smartest decision for your channel.
🎬 What Are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are vertical videos under 60 seconds, designed for mobile viewers — similar to TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Since launching globally, Shorts have helped millions of new creators grow fast and go viral, even with zero subscribers.
📹 What Are Long-Form YouTube Videos?
Long-form videos are over 1 minute (typically 4–15 minutes) and are YouTube’s traditional content style. These videos support full ad monetization, detailed storytelling, and higher engagement.
💰 Monetization Comparison: Shorts vs Long Videos
| Feature | YouTube Shorts | Long Videos |
|---|---|---|
| Monetization Type | Revenue Sharing (from ad pool) | Ads directly placed (CPM-based) |
| Revenue Model | Shared from a central fund | Paid per ad shown (CPC & CPM) |
| Ad Types | Shorts Feed Ads | Skippable, Non-skippable, Display Ads |
| CPM (Avg) | $0.01 – $0.05 per 1,000 views | $1 – $10+ per 1,000 views |
| Views Needed to Earn $100 | 1–5 million+ | 10,000 – 50,000+ |
| Watch Time Eligibility | No (for Shorts-based monetization) | Yes (for 4,000 hours requirement) |
✅ Winner: Long Videos Pay More per View
But don’t skip Shorts yet — they’re still powerful for fast growth.
🚀 YouTube Monetization Requirements (2025)
To qualify for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP):
Option 1 (Long Videos):
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1,000 subscribers
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4,000 public watch hours in the last 12 months
Option 2 (Shorts):
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1,000 subscribers
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10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days
📈 Growth Potential: Shorts vs Long Videos
| Metric | YouTube Shorts | Long Videos |
|---|---|---|
| Virality | High | Medium |
| Subscriber Growth | Fast | Steady |
| Retention Time | Short | Long |
| Algorithm Boost | Strong for mobile | Strong for niche content |
| Ease of Creation | Easy (with phone or apps) | Requires editing/script/structure |
🧠 Best Strategy in 2025: Use Both Together
The smartest creators are using both Shorts & Long Videos to:
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Grow faster with Shorts
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Earn more with long-form videos
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Build trust with valuable, longer content
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Boost channel metrics (views, watch time, engagement)
🎯 Example: Use Shorts to bring in new subscribers, and guide them to watch your long videos for deeper content and better revenue.
🛠 Tools to Create Shorts & Long Videos Easily
For Shorts:
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CapCut (Mobile Editor)
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Canva Video (Quotes & Text-Based)
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YouTube Shorts Editor (Built-in)
For Long Videos:
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Pictory.ai (AI Video Generator)
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Filmora / VN Editor / Adobe Premiere Pro
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ElevenLabs / Murf.ai (Voiceovers)
💡 Pro Tips for 2025 YouTube Success
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Mix both Shorts and long videos for balance
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Use Shorts to test video ideas before creating full videos
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Add CTAs in Shorts like: “Watch full video on our channel”
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Focus on watch time and retention rate for long-form growth
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Always use custom thumbnails, even for Shorts on your channel page
✅ Final Verdict: Which One Pays More?
Short Answer:
💸 Long-form videos pay more per view due to better ad placement and higher CPMs.
But Shorts are better for rapid subscriber growth, viral reach, and getting discovered faster.
So don’t choose one over the other — use both strategically in 2025 to build a successful, monetized YouTube channel.
📌 FAQs – YouTube Shorts vs Long Videos
Q: Can I get monetized with Shorts only?
Yes, through the Shorts monetization path (10M Shorts views + 1K subs in 90 days).
Q: Are Shorts better for new channels?
Yes! Shorts can bring fast traffic and new subscribers — great for beginners.
Q: What’s better for AdSense income?
Long-form videos earn more consistently and have higher CPM rates.