How to Remix a YouTube Video Into a Short

YouTube’s Remix feature is leading to new opportunities for virality for creators, allowing them to repurpose content and direct viewers to older, original work. Using the Remix feature, creators can pull audio and video segments from both YouTube Shorts and traditional YouTube videos, mimicking the benefits and reach one can gain from using TikTok’s Stitch feature or Instagram Reels. 

Here’s what you need to know about the YouTube remix feature and how to use it natively in-app (or via PicPlayPost) to grow your brand. 

How to Use the YouTube Remix Feature From Other Shorts

Remixing content from YouTube Shorts is a popular option among many creators, as the short format can be more digestible and shareable across platforms. Since you can Remix both audio and video content from Shorts, the possibilities truly are endless (especially once you learn how to create Shorts from YouTube video!) 

Here’s a quick guide detailing how to Remix YouTube Shorts content, separated by content type. 

How to Create YouTube Shorts With Remixed Audio

By creating a YouTube Short using Remixed audio, you’re choosing to mix original content with audio previously used in someone else’s content. This content is similar to what you’d see on TikTok for trending content and similar media. 

Creating Shorts with remixed audio from the Shorts player: 

• Sign in. You’ll need to authenticate your account using the YouTube app on mobile. 
• Navigate to your content. Select whatever Short you want to Remix audio from. 
• Tap “Sound.” This will be in the lower-right corner, marked with audio lines on the icon. Here, you’ll be able to reference other Shorts using the same sound. 
• Tap “Use This Sound.” Then, follow the on-screen prompts to create your Short. 

Creating Shorts with remixed audio from the video watch page (long-form videos): 

• Sign in. You’ll need to authenticate your account using the YouTube app on mobile. 
• Navigate to your content. Select whatever video you want to Remix audio from. 
• Select “Remix.” You’ll find this option under the video player. Once you tap “Remix,” tap “Sound.” Then, follow the on-screen prompts to create your Short. 

How to Create YouTube Shorts with Remixed Video

When you create a Short using a Remixed video, you take previously used video content and insert it into your original content — Remixing it using the feature. Again, you’d likely see this type of content going viral on trending TikTok. 

Creating Shorts with remixed video from the Shorts player: 

1. Sign in. You’ll need to authenticate your account using the YouTube app on mobile. 
2. Navigate to your content. Select whatever Short you want to Remix video from. 
3. Tap “More.” Click on the ellipses (...) menu and then select “Cut this video.” Then, follow the on-screen prompts to create your short. 

Creating Shorts with remixed videos from the video watch page (long-form videos): 

1. Sign in. You’ll need to authenticate your account using the YouTube app on mobile. 
2. Navigate to your content. Select whatever video you want to Remix video from. 
3. Select “Remix.” You’ll find this option under the video player. Once you tap “Remix,” tap “Cut.” Then, follow the on-screen prompts to create your short. 

How to Remix YouTube Shorts Using Green Screen

Using this Remix option will allow you to insert yourself or your video content into virtually any background, providing context for your video and enhancing the visual experience for your viewers. 

Remixing YouTube Shorts using green screen from the Shorts player: 

1. Sign in. You’ll need to authenticate your account using the YouTube app on mobile. 
2. Navigate to your content. Select whatever Short you want to Remix with. 
3. Tap “Remix.” Then, navigate to “Green Screen” in the menu bar. Then, follow the on-screen prompts to create your short. 

Remixing YouTube Shorts using green screen from the video watch page (long-form videos):

1. Sign in. You’ll need to authenticate your account using the YouTube app on mobile. 
2. Navigate to your content. Select whatever video you want to Remix with. 
3. Tap “Remix.” Then, navigate to “Green Screen” in the menu bar. Then, follow the on-screen prompts to create your short. 

How to Remix a YouTube Video Into a Short

If you’re going to repurpose your content to grow your channel, you’re in great company. SEMrush has confirmed in the 2023 State of Content Marketing report that 42% of marketers found that repurposing led to successful marketing campaigns. Additionally, creators found that doing this routinely generated “high-quality leads, boosted engagement, and increased conversions [if they were selling something].” In short, creating Shorts from YouTube videos is a great place to start. 

Here’s how you can remix a YouTube video into a Short:

1. Assess your other content. Not all long-form content is good for Shorts. Try to choose content that is concise and grabs attention instantly. Additionally, keep in mind that not all content can be chosen, as some videos/creators may have “turned off” the ability to Remix their content.  
2. Check the timing of your chosen content. You can select up to 60 seconds of video content, so consider choosing videos and clips that naturally conform to this timeframe. 
3. Start the process. Go to the watch page of your video content. 
4. Tap “Remix.” Then, tap “Edit into a Short” to open the Shorts native editing suite. 
5. Clip your video. Remember, you can choose up to 60 seconds of content. 
6. Tap “Next.” Tapping “Next” brings up additional editing tools, allowing you to add text or filters to perfect your Short before publishing.
7. Publish your content. 

‘Remix’ with PicPlayPost to Create Shorts from YouTube Video

If you’re looking for a convenient alternative to the in-platform YouTube Remix feature, you do have another option. You can use a video editor app (such as PicPlayPost) to create your Shorts content. 

Third-party apps like PicPlayPost can give you a higher degree of control over Remixing YouTube content to create your Shorts and can allow you to work with longer clips for more nuanced content. 

PicPlayPost and other video editing apps allow you to create Shorts from YouTube video using automated templates, significantly reducing editing time and engaging your viewers in a new and exciting way. You’ll also be able to enjoy AI video effects from the extensive in-app libraries and AI video editing tools, further enticing your viewers to stay and engage. 

Here’s how to use PicPlayPost to “remix” a YouTube video into a YouTube Short: 

1. Identify the video file you want to use. Save it locally to your device, where it will be easily accessible in the app. You can choose your proprietary content or other people’s content that you wish to remix with. 
2. Open the PicPlayPost app. Select “New Project” at the bottom of the screen. 
3. Select your project type. You’ll be able to choose from several options, including a video creation option, or creation of video content using automated templates. For our purposes, we’ll select “Create a Video or Slideshow.” 
4. Select your ratio. Choose an option that aligns with the ratio for a YouTube Short, which is 9:16. 
5. Add your media. Click the “+” sign in the bottom left area to add the video selection of your choice. 
6. Edit your video. Trim your content to the desired length for your short. You can also choose stickers, effects, filters, music, and more to enhance your video in the native editing suite. 
7. Save and share. You can do this in seconds by selecting “Save and Share” in the upper right hand area of the editing suite. 

How to Turn Off Remix on YouTube

If you have sensitive content or content that you want to remain proprietary, it can be helpful to restrict Remixing in the content settings. Keep in mind that you can restrict your Remix at any time. 

Here’s how you can limit Remixing on your proprietary created content: 

• Sign in. Once you sign in, navigate to the Studio Content Manager option. 
• Select “Settings.” This will be located on the left menu area on-screen. 
• Uncheck the “YouTube Shorts Remix” box. This box is located in the “Overview” tab. By turning this off, you’ll mute any Remixes that have already been made from your content. 
• Save your settings. 

Please note that your content will automatically be eligible for Remixing unless this step is completed. 

Additional YouTube Resources

Now that you know how to Remix YouTube Shorts content (and how to cut down your long-form content into Shorts), it’s time to expand your knowledge and boost your brand awareness using these helpful guides. 

Here is a collection of tried-and-true resources, all of which are designed to boost your engagement and authority. 

• How to Edit YouTube Videos Faster With AI
• How to Add Captions to YouTube Shorts 
• How to Promote YouTube Videos