How to Turn a Long Video Into YouTube Shorts (Free Method)
Scan your long video for 3 to 5 standout moments, cut each one to under 45 seconds, crop to vertical 9:16, add a hook line and upload each as its own Short with a link to the full video.
Find the moments
Watch your long video at higher speed and note timestamps for strong moments: a funny line, a surprising reveal, a clear tip, a big reaction. Each one can stand alone as a Short.
Cut each moment
Open the Video Cutter and set the start slightly before the moment and the end right after the point lands. Aim for 20 to 45 seconds. Shorter is better if the point is simple.
Crop and add a hook
Choose YouTube Shorts in the tool to export vertical 9:16, and drag the crop frame onto the speaker or action. Add a hook line using the Text option so people know what they are about to see.
Link back
In each Short description, link to the full video. Shorts bring new viewers who may watch the original, so this is a free way to grow both.
Make it now
Cut, crop and export your clip free in your browser. No upload, no watermark.
Open the Video Cutter →