How to Clip on YouTube: Built-In Options and Better AI Clips

How YouTube’s Built-In Clip Feature Works

YouTube’s built-in Clip button lets you select and share short highlights from eligible videos. To use it, look for the scissors-shaped Clip icon below the video player (next to Share and Save). Click it, select a segment, add a title, and share the link.

• Clip length: 5 to 60 seconds
• Availability: Only on eligible videos (not on all channels or videos, and not on live streams during the broadcast)
• Output: Creates a shareable link - not a downloadable file

Limits of YouTube’s Clip Tool

• Short duration: Maximum of 60 seconds per clip
• No file downloads: You can only share a link, not save the clip as a video file
• Horizontal format only: Clips are not resized for Shorts, TikTok, or Reels
• No auto-captions or editing: You can’t add captions or style the clip

How to Make Better Clips: Vertical, Captioned & Downloadable

If you want vertical, captioned, and downloadable clips for Shorts, TikTok, or Reels, use a tool like Vidulk (iOS & Android). Here’s how:

• Paste your YouTube video link (or upload the video file) into Vidulk
• AI finds the best moments in long videos - podcasts, vlogs, tutorials, interviews, and more
• Exports vertical, captioned clips sized for TikTok, Shorts, and Reels
• Download the clips as video files for posting anywhere

Important: Only clip your own videos or those you have rights to. Respect YouTube’s copyright policies.

What if the Clip Button Isn’t Available?

If the Clip button doesn’t appear, you can:

• Screen record the video using your device or software (like OBS Studio)
• Download your own video from YouTube Studio if you uploaded it
• Then use Vidulk to find, edit, and export the best moments