If you want to capitalize on the latest YouTube trend, you need to be creating YouTube Shorts. You might even want to create a new Shorts-only channel.
Given the surge in popularity of TikTok and IG Reels, it’s no surprise YouTube has rolled out its own super short video format that is currently receiving 15 billion views each day. What’s more, Google has created a $100 Million YouTube Shorts Creators’ Fund to incentivize content creation in this new form.
While it may be difficult to pinpoint what will cause virality and when in this new medium, there are some established YouTube Shorts best practices that can boost your growth. Here are 6:
How Short Can You Go?
The maximum length for a video on YouTube Shorts is just 60 seconds. But if you can convey your message in less time, that’s even better.
Focus on just one idea or visual concept per video, and try to make your point in just 30 seconds or less. Strip everything to essentials. You don’t waste your audience’s time for even a few seconds – it’s too easy for them to quickly scroll away. Instead, make every second count.
Stick to a Niche Audience
If you want to grow an audience with YouTube Shorts, it’s best to pick a specific topic or audience and keep creating content on that theme.
Once you identify a target audience, you’ll know what they value and want to see. This should give you a wealth of ideas and inspiration.
For example, you might want to focus on tips for a specific video game and deliver quick bits of education. Or you might create travel content for a specific location and show snippets of all the notable attractions in the area.
Create a Custom Thumbnail
If you’re familiar with the Shorts format, you know that thumbnails don’t show up as part of the vertical viewing experience.
However, Shorts can also be found by viewers on the regular YouTube page. If you don’t create a custom thumbnail, the platform will just select a random frame from your video, which may not be the most flattering or enticing.
You’ll be more likely to stand out in a positive way and attract more new viewers by creating your own custom graphics. It’s even a way to build memorable, consistent branding for your content.
Add Music & Captions
After uploading your video, be sure to add both sound and visual text.
YouTube has a library of trending music you can add to your videos for free. Your video might even get found by someone searching for content created around a certain popular track.
Of course, many viewers are scrolling through Shorts on silent mode – so, be sure you add appropriate captions or text so that they can follow along without sound.
Leverage YouTube Stories to Increase Shorts Views
Want a quick hack to increase views on your new Shorts channel?
Create YouTube Stories that promote and highlight your Shorts. Give your audience some insight into why they should click and watch. This can be an especially helpful strategy if you have a series of Shorts that go together, videos your audience will ideally watch one after the other.
And don’t forget to ask people to hit “Subscribe” within the Story and to “Comment.” There’s a reason that YouTube creators are always reminding their audiences to do so – because it’s a tried-and-true method that works to grow your channel.
Be Frequent & Consistent in Posting
Sometimes it’s the video that you least expect that will suddenly go viral.
The most successful creators across YouTube commit to posting regularly and not giving up. Choose a schedule and stick with it. If nothing else, you will grow steadily but surely. And if you’re lucky enough to have one of your Shorts go viral, you’ll have more content ready and waiting for your newly expanded audience.
Which of these tips will be most helpful for you in creating YouTube Shorts? Let us know what other questions you might have!