Are your videos earning what they should—or are you leaving hundreds of pounds on the table just because of how you film them?
As we move through 2025, video creators on YouTube face one of the most impactful shifts in recent memory. It’s no longer just about views or virality—it’s about format. If you’re publishing short-form content without a clear understanding of how YouTube classifies and monetises it, you might be cutting your own revenue stream short. Literally.
At i Q&A, we work with creators across industries, helping them turn audience growth into a sustainable business. And time and again, we’ve seen the same problem: content that performs just well enough to get noticed, but not well enough to pay the bills.
If your creative income relies even partially on YouTube AdSense, keep reading—because your video length, layout, and timing decisions now carry direct financial consequences.
The Big Question: Do Longer Videos Earn More?
In short, yes. Longer videos generally yield higher CPMs (cost per thousand impressions), which means more earnings from ad placements. Advertisers are willing to pay a premium for content that keeps viewers engaged, and that usually means longer watch times.
If you’re publishing content over eight minutes long, YouTube allows multiple mid-roll ads—raising your earnings per view. In comparison, short-form content—especially Shorts—faces much lower revenue ceilings.
A 10-minute video with healthy watch time and good retention can generate upwards of £400 per 100,000 views. A Short with the same number of views? Around £8–£10.
Shorts vs Long-Form: What's Changing in 2025?
Since launching Shorts, YouTube has leaned into vertical video to compete with TikTok and Instagram Reels. Originally capped at 60 seconds, Shorts now support up to 3 minutes. But that flexibility comes with new risks—especially if your income depends on traditional long-form monetisation.
As of October 2024, any vertical video between 61 and 180 seconds is automatically classified as a Short. That’s not just a cosmetic label—it directly changes how much you earn.
Let’s compare:
Format | RPM Range | Example Revenue (100K Views) |
Shorts | $0.01–$0.10 | $10 (£8–£10) |
Long-Form | $2–$20+ | $500+ (£400+) |
So, that perfectly produced two-minute explainer or bite-sized documentary? If uploaded vertically, you’ve just turned a potential £400 payday into pocket change.
Why the Format Classification Matters
YouTube’s algorithm and monetisation model care deeply about two things:
- Aspect Ratio
- Video Length
To maintain long-form classification (and protect your income), creators can use a slightly wider aspect ratio—something like 1001×1000 pixels—to signal that a video is not a Short, even if it’s under 3 minutes long.
This small tweak helps your content stay in the long-form category, preserving the potential for mid-roll ads, higher RPMs, and stronger audience retention metrics.
What Shorts Are Good For (Even If They Don’t Pay Well)
Let’s be clear: Shorts aren’t useless—far from it. In fact, they can be a powerful tool when used with intent.
Here’s where Shorts shine:
- Fast Subscriber Growth: They’re quick to consume and easy to share.
- Trend Participation: Great for joining trending challenges or topical memes.
- Cross-Promotion: Shorts can funnel viewers into your long-form content.
- Low Overhead: Shorter filming, quicker editing, faster uploads.
Used wisely, Shorts help build awareness and audience loyalty. Just don’t expect them to replace the income of a 10-minute, ad-rich explainer or interview.
Audience Behaviour: Mobile vs TV
Understanding where your content is watched also affects your revenue strategy.
On Mobile:
- Most Shorts are consumed here.
- Users often scroll during breaks, commutes, or downtime.
- Vertical videos perform well.
- Watch sessions tend to be short and shallow.
On TV Screens:
- Long-form content performs better.
- Viewers watch for longer periods.
- Ideal for storytelling, interviews, and visual detail.
The smartest creators build with both in mind—using Shorts to attract, long-form to convert.
The Money Is Still in Long-Form
While Shorts can help build reach and brand recognition, the real revenue still comes from content that goes deeper.
Long-form videos allow for:
- SEO Benefits: Better performance in search and suggested video algorithms.
- Longer Watch Time: YouTube’s favourite metric for recommending content.
- Multiple Revenue Streams: More ad slots, more sponsorship potential, more room for affiliate links, merch, or memberships.
- Stronger Audience Bonds: The more time a viewer spends with your content, the more trust and loyalty you build.
Educational channels, product reviews, deep-dives, and personality-driven content all benefit from long-form structure.
Monetisation Pitfalls in 2025: Don’t Let 3-Minute Videos Cost You
Creators producing vertical videos between 1–3 minutes are now in the most vulnerable category. These used to qualify as short long-form videos. Now, they’re automatically slotted into the Shorts ecosystem—cutting revenue dramatically.
To protect your income:
- Film in non-vertical aspect ratios if your video is over 60 seconds.
- Stick to under 60 seconds or over 3 minutes if using vertical format.
- Use YouTube Analytics to monitor RPMs and watch time drop-offs.
Test variations between October 2024 and January 2025 to adjust early.
Tools Like ShortsNinja Can Help—but Won’t Fix Monetisation Gaps
For creators committed to short-form, tools like ShortsNinja make production more efficient:
Feature | Benefit |
AI Voiceovers | Create multi-language narration |
Smart Editing | Add transitions and effects quickly |
Batch Creation | Record and upload in series |
Direct Publishing | Push to YouTube and TikTok instantly |
Multilingual | Reach broader international viewers |
ShortsNinja helps with volume—but remember: more Shorts doesn’t always mean more income.
Diversify Your Income: Don’t Rely on Ad Revenue Alone
Even long-form content can be volatile. That’s why the most sustainable creators build outside YouTube’s walls.
Alternative revenue streams:
- Affiliate Marketing: Insert product links in your video description or overlay.
- Sponsorships: Brand deals pay far more for long-form placements.
- Premium Content: Launch exclusive videos or communities on Patreon.
- Courses & Webinars: Sell your expertise directly.
- Repurposed Blogs: Turn video scripts into monetised blog content.
If you’re already earning through AdSense, consider platforms like Breeze—which allow you to receive upfront funding against your AdSense income. This can support new gear, studio upgrades, or production expansion—without waiting 30–60 days for payouts.
Practical Strategy for 2025 and Beyond
To grow your YouTube income without falling into format traps:
✅ Shoot vertical content under 60 seconds or go wider aspect if it’s over a minute
✅ Maintain a mix of Shorts and long-form content in your upload schedule
✅ Use Shorts for reach—not revenue
✅ Track performance in YouTube Studio obsessively
✅ Invest in tools like ShortsNinja for smart output—not shortcuts
✅ Build parallel income streams across affiliate, blog, or course models
Your Format Choices Now Define Your Future
Shorts can generate views, followers, and momentum—but they aren’t the financial engine for most creators. Long-form content remains the foundation of sustainable YouTube earnings.
If you’re spending hours crafting 90-second videos without watching the RPMs, you may be working for pennies when you could be earning pounds.
At i Q&A, we help creators decode digital strategy with clear, data-backed advice. Whether you’re pivoting to long-form or need to make your Shorts more purposeful, understanding how format impacts revenue is one of the smartest decisions you can make in 2025.
