YouTube API GuideHow to Schedule YouTube Shorts via API
Publish vertical short-form videos as YouTube Shorts using the PostFast API. Control titles, privacy, playlists, and COPPA compliance programmatically.
YouTube Shorts are vertical videos up to 60 seconds (or up to 3 minutes since October 2024) that appear in the Shorts shelf and tab. Using the PostFast API, you can schedule Shorts by setting youtubeIsShort to true.
Shorts compete directly with TikTok and Instagram Reels, offering massive reach potential through YouTube's algorithm. They appear in the Shorts shelf on YouTube's homepage, the dedicated Shorts tab on mobile, and in search results and recommendations.
Key features when scheduling Shorts via API include automatic formatting (YouTube handles the vertical display), playlist integration, privacy controls (Public, Unlisted, or Private), and COPPA compliance settings for content targeting children.
API Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
youtubeIsShort | boolean | Whether it's a YouTube Short |
youtubeTitle | string | Video title. If not provided, the first 100 characters of content will be used |
youtubePrivacy | string | Video privacy setting PUBLICUNLISTEDPRIVATE |
youtubePlaylistId | string | YouTube playlist ID to add the video to after publishing. Playlist must belong to the authenticated YouTube channel. |
youtubeMadeForKids | boolean | COPPA compliance flag - mark if content is made for kids |
youtubeTags | string[] | Array of tags for the video |
Code Example
const response = await fetch('https://api.postfa.st/social-posts', {
method: 'POST',
headers: {
'pf-api-key': 'YOUR_API_KEY',
'Content-Type': 'application/json'
},
body: JSON.stringify({
"posts": [
{
"content": "Quick tip for developers! #shorts #coding #tech",
"mediaItems": [
{
"key": "video/g2b3c4d5-e6f7-8901-2345-678901bcdefg.mp4",
"type": "VIDEO",
"sortOrder": 0
}
],
"scheduledAt": "2025-01-31T10:00:00.000Z",
"socialMediaId": "880h1722-i5ce-64g7-d049-778988772004"
}
],
"controls": {
"youtubeIsShort": true,
"youtubeTitle": "Quick Developer Tip #47",
"youtubePrivacy": "PUBLIC",
"youtubeTags": [
"shorts",
"coding",
"developer tips"
],
"youtubeMadeForKids": false,
"youtubePlaylistId": "PLrAXtmErZgOeiKm4sgNOknGvNjby9efdf"
}
})
});
const data = await response.json();
Did You Know?
Tips
Always set youtubeIsShort: true for vertical content under 3 minutes to get Shorts algorithm distribution
Use youtubePlaylistId to organize Shorts into themed playlists for better channel structure
Include #shorts in your description for additional discoverability (though not required)
Set youtubeMadeForKids carefully - it affects comments, notifications, and monetization
Cross-post to YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram Reels
Common Pitfalls
Without youtubeIsShort: true, your vertical video uploads as a regular video and misses Shorts distribution entirely.
Setting youtubeMadeForKids incorrectly can result in FTC fines or channel strikes. When in doubt, set to false for general audience content.
If youtubePlaylistId doesn't match a playlist you own, the Short still publishes but won't be added to any playlist.
Setting youtubeIsShort: true on horizontal video creates an awkward viewing experience with black bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the maximum duration for YouTube Shorts in 2025?
As of October 2024, YouTube Shorts can be up to 3 minutes long. However, Shorts using copyrighted music from YouTube's library are still limited to 60 seconds.
Do I need to include #shorts in the title or description?
No, setting youtubeIsShort: true is sufficient. Adding #shorts to your description can help discoverability but isn't required for Shorts classification.
Can I add a Short to multiple playlists?
The API supports adding to one playlist via youtubePlaylistId. To add to multiple playlists, you'd need to use the YouTube Data API separately after publishing.