YouTube Shorts has quickly transformed how we create and interact with content, making a big impact with its short and engaging format.
In a world where attention is a valuable commodity, YouTube Shorts stands out as a game-changer. It offers brands an opportunity to harness the power of short-form videos to promote products and foster meaningful connections.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
What is YouTube Shorts?
What is the ideal YouTube Shorts length?
How to upload YouTube Shorts
Understanding YouTube Shorts monetization policies
YouTube Shorts best practices
The best time to post YouTube Shorts
Discover how a YouTube Shorts video can make a significant impact on your business.
What Is YouTube Shorts?
Launched first in India on September 14, 2020, and then in the United States on March 18, 2021, YouTube Shorts quickly amassed over 6.5 billion daily views worldwide. By July 12, 2021, the platform had expanded to beta-mode availability in 100 countries.
YouTube Shorts is a vertical, short-form video format designed for bite-sized, engaging content. It was introduced in response to the rise of platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Snapchat Spotlight, allowing users to create videos up to 60 seconds long, with options to add music, text, and other creative elements.
YouTube Shorts is a powerful tool for conveying information quickly and growing your YouTube channel. It’s perfect for simplifying complex ideas, sharing quick tutorials, or jumping on trending challenges.
One of the standout features of YouTube Shorts is its extensive music library, allowing creators to enhance their videos with popular tracks and make their content even more engaging.
What Is the Ideal YouTube Shorts Length?
You can create YouTube Shorts as a single 60-second video or as a series of 15-second clips. However, if you use music from YouTube’s catalog, the video length is limited to 15 seconds.
Research shows that the best length for TikTok videos is 7 to 15 seconds (Hootsuite). Similarly, keeping your YouTube Shorts brief can help you capture and maintain your audience’s attention more effectively.
How To Upload YouTube Shorts
Starting with YouTube Shorts is easy—all you need is the YouTube app on your mobile device. Here’s how to create engaging Shorts and build a successful YouTube channel:
Step 1: Download the YouTube App Make sure you have the app installed on your device. YouTube has made it simple by using one app for everything, so there’s no need to download a separate YouTube Shorts app.
Step 2: Create a YouTube Shorts Video
Open the YouTube app and tap the (+) icon at the bottom of the homepage.
Select “Create a Short” to get started.
Record a 15-second clip by holding the red record button or tapping once to start and again to stop. Capture and upload videos in high resolution for a more engaging viewer experience.
To extend your video to 60 seconds, tap the number 15 above the record button.
Enhance your video with creative features:
Add retouching effects with the magic wand.
Adjust speed by tapping the 1x button.
Seamlessly align transitions with the ghost icon.
Apply filters using the three circles icon.
Stick to the recommended resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
Correct mistakes by tapping the reverse arrow next to the record button.
Add sound by tapping the “Add sound” icon, which must be done before recording or during editing.
Set a countdown timer for hands-free recording with the clock icon.
Switch camera views with the rotating arrows.
Change your background using the person icon, incorporating a green screen or photos from your device.
Step 3: Edit and Upload After recording, tap the checkmark to save your Short. Add music, text, and filters to your video. For more detailed edits, use the timeline icon to adjust when text appears. Once satisfied, hit “Next” in the top right corner.
Fill in the details for your Short, choose its visibility (public, unlisted, or private), and specify whether it’s suitable for children or requires age restrictions.
After finalizing your edits, tap “Upload Short” to share your video.
Understanding YouTube Shorts Monetization Policies
To start earning with Shorts, you need to accept the YouTube Shorts Monetization Module, which allows you to generate revenue from ads and YouTube Premium in the Shorts Feed. Ad revenue sharing applies to eligible Shorts views from the date you accept the terms.
Ineligible Shorts Views Only Shorts that adhere to YouTube’s advertiser-friendly content guidelines qualify for revenue sharing. Ineligible views may result from:
Non-original content, such as unedited clips from movies or TV shows, reuploaded content from other platforms, or compilations lacking original content.
Fake views generated by automated bots.
YouTube Shorts Best Practices
To maximize visibility and traction with your YouTube Shorts, consider these tips:
Know Your Audience: Use YouTube Analytics to understand your audience’s demographics, interests, and behaviors. Tailor your content to their preferences and focus on topics, styles, and themes that have performed well in the past.
Hook Users Immediately: The fast-paced nature of Shorts requires a strong hook within the first three seconds to grab viewers’ attention. Experiment with different approaches to see what resonates best with your audience.
Create a Strong Thumbnail: A visually appealing thumbnail and captivating title are key to driving clicks and retaining viewers. Use creative effects, high-quality visuals, and seamless transitions to enhance the viewing experience.
Keep It Snappy: Unlike traditional videos, Shorts benefit from quick cuts and edits. Focus on easily digestible content like viral trends, funny clips, or behind-the-scenes glimpses.
Consider Replays: Shorts play on a continuous loop, so viewers may watch your content multiple times in quick succession. Ensure that your visuals, captions, and transitions remain engaging with each replay.
What Is the Best Time To Post YouTube Shorts?
The best time to post depends on your target audience. To maximize views and engagement:
Test Different Times: Experiment with posting at various times and days to see when your audience is most active. Use YouTube Analytics to track performance across different schedules.
Consider Peak Activity Hours: Peak times depend on your target audience. Users are often most engaged during weekends, lunch breaks, or evenings after work or school. Posting during these times can increase your chances of reaching your audience when they’re most attentive.
Maintain a Consistent Schedule: Once you find the best posting times, stick to a consistent schedule. This encourages your audience to look forward to your content and helps build brand awareness. Consistent uploads also signal to the YouTube Shorts algorithm that you’re an active creator, potentially boosting your content’s visibility.
Building a thriving YouTube channel requires staying on top of trends and focusing on producing high-quality visuals. At KIN, we blend our expertise in YouTube Shorts best practices with a deep passion for creativity and innovation.
Whether it’s crafting an eye-catching YouTube Shorts thumbnail or pinpointing the ideal time to post, our social media management team is here to assist. We also offer expertise in brand management, content strategy, and creation.
To master the YouTube Shorts algorithm, you need a combination of creativity, consistency, and strategic optimization.
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