Big news from Google’s Q3 2025 earnings call: YouTube Shorts now generate more revenue per watch hour than long-form videos for the first time ever. With YouTube bringing in $10.26 billion in ad revenue this quarter (up 15% year-over-year), one thing is clear: short-form is officially a major driver of revenue.
But here’s the thing, long-form content isn’t going anywhere. While Shorts are growing fast, long-form videos still deliver the most revenue per video, the biggest brand opportunities, and the strongest audience loyalty. The question for creators isn’t whether to pick one format over the other, it’s how to strategically balance both now.
The Rise of Shorts
YouTube has spent years expanding its short-form ad offerings, and the results are now showing. Shorts are appearing everywhere, and brands are catching on.
Creators who once focused solely on 8–15 minute integrations are now producing multiple Shorts in the same amount of time — capturing new audiences, experimenting with trends, and generating faster revenue streams.
The key is, YouTube Shorts work best as a discovery tool. They bring new viewers in the door, but it’s your long-form content that converts them into loyal subscribers and higher-paying viewers over time.
Why Shorts Are Winning
1. Higher revenue per watch hour
Shorts now outperform long-form hour-for-hour, thanks to expanded ad inventory and improved monetization tools. That means creators can generate meaningful ad revenue from shorter clips, faster than ever before.
2. Faster content production
You can produce multiple Shorts in the time it takes to make one long-form video. That’s more reach, more testing, and more opportunities to refine what resonates with your audience.
3. Trend-driven storytelling
Shorts reward agility and creativity over depth. You’ve only got seconds to hook viewers, so staying on top of trends, editing quickly, and creating scroll-stopping moments are now essential skills.
How Long-Form Still Wins
Despite the rise of Shorts, long-form videos remain the cornerstone of revenue. Here’s why:
- Premium brand deals: Advertisers still pay more for storytelling and high-production integrations.
- Audience loyalty: Longer videos build engagement, repeat viewers, and subscription growth.
- Diverse monetization: Mid-roll ads, Super Chats, memberships, and merch integrations are all more effective on long-form content.
- Long-term value: Long-form content continues to earn months or years after posting, while Shorts often peak pretty quickly.
Think of it this way: Shorts attract, long-form converts. A smart channel uses both! Use Shorts to bring new eyes in and long-form to capture their loyalty and maximize revenue.
How to Make the Most of Both Long & Short From YouTube Formats
- Post more often: Shorts thrive on frequency, aim for several per week.
- Repurpose content: Clip highlights, funny or viral-worthy moments, or tips from your long-form videos into Shorts.
- Mind the length: 30–60 seconds is ideal. It needs to be long enough to tell a story, short enough to loop.
- Track results strategically: Focus on completion rate, engagement, and how Shorts funnel viewers to your long-form content.
The Creator Economy Is Shifting, So Here’s Where Breeze Creator Funding Can Help
As YouTube Shorts grow in revenue importance, creators need systems to keep up. That means faster production, more editors, better tools, and flexible funding. That’s where Breeze comes in. Our creator funding helps you:
- Hire professional producers and editors to handle growing content loads.
- Invest in tools or new equipment that speed up your Shorts workflow while maintaining quality.
- Invest in a full marketing team that can help you strategize your content on all platforms
Remember: Shorts aren’t replacing long-form… they’re expanding what’s possible. Creators who can adapt early and use Shorts to amplify their long-form, will see faster growth and higher total revenue across their channels.
The Bottom Line
YouTube just confirmed what many creators already knew: short-form content is booming. But long-form remains the most powerful driver of income, audience loyalty, and brand opportunities.
Creators who balance Shorts with strategic long-form content, produce consistently, and build smart systems will thrive. With Breeze funding, you can scale your production without slowing down your creative momentum. Ready to grow your channel? Let’s chat!
