YouTube Shorts Series
Shorts can now be grouped into seasons and episodes that play one after the other. Here is who gets it and how to make the most of it.
Shorts series let creators organise Shorts into seasons and episodes with custom thumbnails and sequential playback, so viewers move straight to the next episode. It started rolling out on 23 September 2026 to creators in the YouTube Partner Program, on web, mobile and TV.
The facts
| Announced | 23 September 2026, rollout starting the same day |
|---|---|
| Who can use it | Creators in the YouTube Partner Program |
| Where it works | Web, mobile and TV |
| Features | Seasons and episodes, custom thumbnails, sequential playback |
Why YouTube is doing this
YouTube says microdramas passed 6.5 billion views in the first half of 2026, with watch time up more than 50 percent year over year and views on TV up more than 90 percent. Series turn single Shorts into something people binge, the way they watch a show.
How to plan a Shorts series
- Pick one format you can repeat: a challenge, a story in parts, a tip per day.
- End each episode on an open question, so the next one starts by itself.
- Give every episode the same look and a numbered title. Check the format in the Shorts size guide.
- Keep it your own footage. Since October YouTube gives less reach to reposted clips, see the original content update.
- Not in the Partner Program yet? See what it takes in the Partner Program explainer.
Source: Google blog: Connect with creators on the biggest screen with YouTube's latest features. Checked 2026-10-13.
FAQ
What are YouTube Shorts series?
A way to group Shorts into seasons and episodes, with custom thumbnails and sequential playback so viewers go straight to the next episode.
Who can use Shorts series?
Creators in the YouTube Partner Program. The rollout started on 23 September 2026.
Do Shorts series work on TV?
Yes. YouTube lists web, mobile and TV.
I don't see Shorts series yet. Why?
The feature is rolling out step by step and only to Partner Program channels, so it can take a while to reach yours.