Youtube Shorts, a Better layout

menu_book Directions

Understand the Problem

• Obscured content: Overlays from the YouTube Shorts app (especially on mobile) cover up important elements in your video.

Create a Template

1. Take screenshots: Capture screenshots of your phone screen showing YouTube Shorts with the overlays visible.
2. Video editor: Import these screenshots into your video editor (like Shotcut).
3. Outline blocked areas: Draw translucent shapes over the overlays to create a map of where you can't place content.

Design the New Layout

1. Image Editor: Open your favorite image editor.
2. Template size: Create an image slightly larger than a vertical video (e.g., 1085x1925 pixels) to avoid rendering borders.
3. Use your overlay map: Refer to your screenshots to guide your layout.
4. Reposition video: Move your main video up so the overlays don't cover anything important.
5. Smaller text area: Make room for your title and description within the limited space that the YouTube Shorts overlays allow.
6. Optional gradients: Add subtle gradients to the sides and bottom to help your text pop.

Export and Test

1. Export from image editor: Save your template as an image file (.png works well).
2. Import to video editor: Add the image as a layer above your video.
3. Render a test: Create a short video with the new layout and check how it looks on YouTube Shorts (both mobile and desktop).

Additional Tips:

• Keep it simple: Large, bold text is easier to read on small screens.
• YouTube's font: Try using the same font that YouTube uses for a seamless look.
• Iterate with feedback: Ask viewers for comments on the new layout and continue tweaking!