What is Spotted on Shorts?

An 8-week, free upskilling program to enable creators in India to create content on local events, restaurants, and travel.

With a self-paced library and live masterclasses from top creators, experts, and Googlers, get ready to learn from the best. Take on weekly challenges and publish Shorts with real growth potential — all with support from YouTube India.

Who can join?

Must have an active YouTube channel or start a new one before applying for the program.

Must be over 18 years of age at the time of applying.

Actively creating across any/every one of the 3 categories - local events, restaurant reviews, and travel verticals.

Must be actively posting content in the last 30-60 days.

Must commit to an 8-week long program focused on Shorts.

Must not have an active strike on their YouTube channel.

We want diversity in profiles of social events, opinions, and shorts.

*Note: Application doesn’t guarantee you a seat in the program. Your application status will be communicated by email within 48 hours of applying.

Summary Schedule

Applications will open
December 08, 2025

December 08 - January 18, 2026

Onboarding and Applications

January 20, 2026

First lessons

January 20 to March 15, 2026

24 Videos on demand
8 sessions (AMAs/Masterclasses)
8 Shorts challenges
8 badges (1 badge per challenge)

Mid March

Final awarding and certification
(Complete all 8 challenges)

What can you expect?

Our 8-week intensive learning program is designed to level up your Shorts journey.

Learn to create, engage and grow with our comprehensive curriculum.

Training

Online, self-paced

Virtual Weekly Live
Masterclasses & AMAs

Experts as coaches

Challenges & Rewards

Complete milestone-based challenges

Completion Certificate

On successful completion of the program

WhatsApp Creator Community

Join our community

Journey to Become a
Shorts Expert

8-week Program Curriculum

WEEK 01

Get Started
on YouTube

Define your niche, understand your audience, and create a distinct identity.

WEEK 02

Master the Art
of Storytelling

Turn ideas into compelling narratives with the art of storytelling and get tips on content strategy.

WEEK 03

Create with
Your Mobile

Learn practical tips from experts to transform your phone into a studio and get editing & post production tips.

WEEK 04

Get Discovered &
Grow Your Audience

Master best practices, Youtube SEO and learn best practices for videos on Search.

WEEK 05

Evolve & Sustain for
Long Term Success

Use tools like Gemini to ideate, optimise and stay relevant on YouTube.

WEEK 06

Monetize
Your Creativity

Understand Shorts monetization and develop your channel as a thriving creator business.

WEEK 07

Build Your Brand &
Collaborate Confidently

Build standout pitches to brands, explore cross- platform strategies & negotiate partnerships effectively.

WEEK 08

Decode Analytics
& Grow Smarter

Learn about analytics like a pro. Refine your strategy and improve your performance.

Complete this 8-week journey and earn your official YouTube Spotted on Shorts Certification by March end.

Creator
Rewards

Exclusive Vouchers

Participate in our weekly challenges for a chance to get featured on our website or win exclusive swags/vouchers based on your category.

Virtual Masterclasses & AMAs

Exclusive access to learning videos and live sessions with platform experts, creators & Googlers to level up your Shorts journey.

YouTube Creator Kit

Get a chance to win essential gear, Google/YouTube branded swags, and surprises aplenty.

Brand Collaboration

Get a chance to collaborate with reputed brands.

Certificate of Completion

On successful completion of the program
(attending weekly AMAs or masterclasses, completing all 8 weekly challenges and creating 8 Shorts), unlock a set of unique badges and a completion certificate provided by the Google team.

Your Shorts Era starts now

What is Spotted on Shorts?

Who can join?