Introduction
how to turn shorts into videos as YouTube Shorts have quickly become a popular way to consume short, engaging videos. However, many users prefer watching content in a standard video format with full playback controls. Whether you’re a viewer looking for a better experience or a content creator aiming to repurpose Shorts into long-form videos, this guide will show you the best methods to convert YouTube Shorts into normal videos.
Quick Fixes: Watching Shorts in Normal Video Mode
Table of Contents
1. URL Trick: Modify the Link
One of the simplest ways to watch YouTube Shorts as a normal video is by modifying the URL:
- Open the YouTube Short you want to watch.
- In the browser’s address bar, locate the word “shorts” in the URL (e.g.,
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/videoID). - Replace “shorts” with “watch?v=” so it becomes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoID. - Press Enter, and the video will now play in the standard YouTube player with full controls.
2. Using YouTube Playlists
You can also save YouTube Shorts to a playlist and watch them in a normal video format:
- Click on the “Save” button below the Short.
- Add it to “Watch Later” or any custom playlist.
- Open the playlist from your Library and select the video. It will now play like a regular YouTube video.
3. Switching to Desktop Mode on Mobile (A missing method competitors didn’t mention!)
If you’re on a mobile device, switching to desktop mode can help:
- Open YouTube in a mobile browser (Chrome or Safari).
- Tap on the three-dot menu and select “Request Desktop Site”.
- Find the Short you want to watch.
- Open it, and the video will play in the normal YouTube player instead of the Shorts format.
4. Adjusting Browser Settings for Better Playback (New insight!)
Some browsers, such as Brave or Firefox, allow you to force videos to play in full-screen mode with standard controls. Adjust settings to disable Shorts playback mode, so videos always open in the regular player.
Editing and Repurposing Shorts for Full Videos
If you’re a content creator, converting YouTube Shorts into full-length videos can help you reach a wider audience. Here’s how:
1. How Creators Can Convert Shorts to Long-Form Content
- Film Shorts with a wider frame so they can be expanded into landscape mode.
- Use software like Adobe Premiere Pro, CapCut, or iMovie to merge multiple Shorts into one continuous video.
- Resize Shorts into 16:9 aspect ratio for standard YouTube videos.
2. Best Editing Apps for Combining Shorts into One Video
- CapCut: Free and easy to use for merging multiple Shorts.
- Adobe Premiere Pro: Best for professional edits.
- iMovie (Mac/iOS): Great for quick and clean edits.
- DaVinci Resolve: Free and powerful for creators who want advanced features.
3. Resizing Shorts for Standard YouTube Video Format
When editing, ensure that:
- The aspect ratio is changed from 9:16 to 16:9.
- Backgrounds or blurred effects are added to fill the frame.
- Subtitles and captions are repositioned to fit a widescreen format.
Avoiding Common Issues When Converting Shorts
(Competitors don’t cover troubleshooting!) If your Shorts appear distorted or blurry after conversion, here’s how to fix them:
1. Why Your Shorts May Appear Stretched or Blurry
- If you stretch a 9:16 vertical video to fit a 16:9 screen, the quality may degrade.
- Always export in high resolution (1080p or 4K) to avoid loss of quality.
- Use AI-powered upscaling tools to enhance clarity.
2. How to Fix Low-Quality Exports
- Use software like Topaz Video Enhance AI to increase resolution.
- Render your videos at a higher bitrate to maintain sharpness.
3. Ensuring Your Video Retains Engagement in Long-Form Format
- Add transitions and effects to keep the content engaging.
- Use voiceovers or subtitles to provide additional context.
- Ensure pacing is optimized for longer videos (avoid abrupt cuts).
Bonus: How to Make Your Shorts More Convertible for the Future
(Unique value addition!) Planning ahead will save time when repurposing Shorts into long-form videos. Here’s what you can do:
1. Shooting Shorts with Conversion in Mind
- Record in higher resolution (4K) so you can crop later without losing quality.
- Keep important elements centered to fit both vertical and horizontal formats.
2. Why Subtitles and Captions Help When Repurposing Shorts
- Many viewers watch without sound; adding captions improves retention.
- If repurposing Shorts, keep captions within the safe zone so they don’t get cut off in a different aspect ratio.
3. Choosing Topics That Work for Both Shorts and Long-Form Videos
- Tutorials, reviews, and explainer content work equally well in both formats.
- If possible, film a long-form version first, then cut it into Shorts.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Converting YouTube Shorts into normal videos is easy when you know the right methods. Whether you’re simply looking to watch Shorts with full controls or repurpose them into long-form content, the techniques in this guide will help you achieve your goal. Experiment with different methods and find what works best for you!
👉 What’s Next?
- Try modifying a Shorts URL and see the difference!
- Experiment with editing tools and repurpose your own content.
- Let us know in the comments which method worked best for you!