What size are YouTube Shorts?

Vertical 9:16. Set that aspect ratio in SDMini before generating so the clip fits the full-screen Shorts player.

How do I make people keep watching my Short?

Open with your strongest visual in the first second, keep the pacing tight, and vary your shots. Front-loaded action beats a slow build for retention.

Can I export Shorts without a watermark?

Yes. Paid plans export with no watermark, and registered users can render at 1080p HD for a clean, professional Short.

Does SDMini add background music?

No. Seedance Mini generates visuals only. Add music and captions in your editor or YouTube after exporting the clip.

How-to · 6 min

How to Make YouTube Shorts With AI

To make YouTube Shorts with AI, you want vertical clips, a fast hook, and clean pacing, all of which SDMini delivers with Seedance Mini in seconds. Shorts reward retention, so the goal is a clip that grabs attention immediately and never lets the energy sag.

This guide covers the Shorts format, how to open strong, how to pace a sequence, and how to export a polished 1080p clip with no watermark. The workflow is built for producing many Shorts quickly without a camera.

Set up the Shorts format

YouTube Shorts are vertical, so generate at 9:16. Set the ratio before you create the clip so the model frames a tall shot rather than you cropping a wide one. Keep the subject centered and prominent, since Shorts play full-screen on phones.

Choose a length that matches the beat. A single 10 second clip can stand alone, or you can combine several 5 second clips into a longer Short in an editor. Either way, every second should earn its place.

Open with a hook that earns the watch

Retention on Shorts starts at frame one. The opening shot has to promise something worth staying for. Generate a clip where the most interesting visual is right at the start, then keep delivering rather than building slowly to a payoff.

Phrase your prompt so the action is in motion from the first frame. A dramatic camera push, a bold subject, or an unexpected scene up front holds the viewer. Save the calm establishing shots for longer formats where you have time to spend.

Pace the sequence

Pacing is rhythm. If you string clips together, vary the shots so the eye does not get bored: alternate a wide moment with a tight one, a slow push with a quick reveal. Quick cuts keep energy high, but give each clip just enough time to register.

Because each Seedance Mini clip is 5 to 10 seconds, plan your Short as a handful of strong beats rather than one long take. Generate each beat with its own focused prompt, then assemble them with crisp transitions.

Polish and export

Add music and any captions after export, since the model produces visuals only. A driving track and a clear caption hook lift a Short far beyond the raw clip. Keep text large and legible for small screens.

Export at 1080p as a registered user, and use a paid plan for watermark-free output. A sharp, clean vertical clip with good sound and pacing is exactly what the Shorts feed promotes.

SDMini

Frequently asked questions

What size are YouTube Shorts?: Vertical 9:16. Set that aspect ratio in SDMini before generating so the clip fits the full-screen Shorts player.
How do I make people keep watching my Short?: Open with your strongest visual in the first second, keep the pacing tight, and vary your shots. Front-loaded action beats a slow build for retention.
Can I export Shorts without a watermark?: Yes. Paid plans export with no watermark, and registered users can render at 1080p HD for a clean, professional Short.
Does SDMini add background music?: No. Seedance Mini generates visuals only. Add music and captions in your editor or YouTube after exporting the clip.