YouTube is no rookie when it comes to innovation.
After all, they were the ones who revolutionized how we consumed long-form content
And when they saw the rise of TikTok and Instagram’s Reels, they knew it was time to step into the world of short-form content.
In 2020, they did exactly that by launching YouTube Shorts.
Why Shorts?
Our attention spans are getting shorter.
Byte-sized information is everywhere online.
From the shiny thrum of TikToks to the 280-character tweets and Instagram stories – we can be entertained with new content whenever we want.
One thing’s for sure: Short-form content is here, and it’s not going anywhere.
Let’s see an overview here of what we’re going to discuss, and then dive right into it:
- What are YouTube Shorts
- Editing & Creating YouTube Shorts: A Comprehensive Guide
- Making Your Shorts Stand Out
- Publishing Your Masterpiece
- The Numbers Game: Monetizing YouTube Shorts
- How To Make Money With Youtube Shorts
- How Much Does YouTube Shorts Pay? A Comprehensive Breakdown
- Advanced Strategies: How to Get More Views on YouTube Shorts
- Final Thoughts on YouTube Shorts
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about YouTube Shorts
When did this start?
Well… do you remember Vine?
With only 6 seconds of video, it forced creators to be truly innovative.
Then came Snapchat with its Stories, revolutionizing the way we consume daily content.
Fast forward a little, and TikTok stormed onto the scene, causing a seismic shift in how we understand, produce, and consume video content.
The formula was simple: give users a platform to create bite-sized, engaging videos, sprinkle some AR filters, throw in a trending song, and voila!
A content revolution was underway.
And here’s where the plot thickens.
With TikTok’s meteoric rise, the giants of social media took note.
Instagram introduced ‘Reels’.
Snapchat doubled down on its short video features.
And of course, the behemoth of video content platforms, YouTube, decided it was time for their move.
Enter YouTube Shorts.
Why does this matter to you?
While some people choose to buy YouTube views, others simply learn to create engaging shorts.
And smart people do both.
Because amidst the deafening noise of content, YouTube Shorts offers a fresh canvas.
A way to reach your audience quickly, engage them instantly, and leave them wanting more.
But are they worth the fuss?
And if so, how can you ride this wave?
That is exactly what this guide is going to do – unravel the secrets of YouTube Shorts.
We’ll teach you how to start making Shorts, how much YouTube Shorts pays, how to get more views and much more!
Oh, and of course we will address that burning question of yours:
Is there real money to be made with YouTube Shorts?
Stay with me. You will be astounded by the answer…
What are YouTube Shorts
In a nutshell, YouTube Shorts are vertical videos that last up to 60 seconds.
Yep, just one minute to get your message across.
But as TikTok has proven, a lot can happen in that minute.
Crafted for the mobile experience, Shorts appear on the new YouTube Shorts shelf on the main app.
Think of them as YouTube’s answer to the ‘For You Page‘ on TikTok or the ‘Explore’ section on Instagram.
While Shorts can be discovered anywhere on the YouTube app, they’re mainly designed for those moments when you have a minute (literally) to spare.
Waiting for your coffee? Check out a Short.
On a quick break? Dive into the world of Shorts.
Youtube Short’s Trends that get Millions of Views
Now, while it’s easy to say, “Oh, it’s just YouTube’s version of TikTok!”, that’s not giving Shorts the credit they deserve.
Yes, they’re YouTube’s answer to the short-form video trend, but with the creator tools, audience base, and special features YouTube brings, Shorts are a unique beast of their own.
Editing & Creating YouTube Shorts: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’ve ever wondered how to leverage the power of YouTube Shorts to promote your brand or grow your audience, you’re in the right place.
Sure, we can look at the success stories of big names like Nike, Gordon Ramsay, and Red Bull and see how the big channels use Shorts,
But there are much easier ways to make Shorts as a beginner creator.
And with over 2 billion active monthly users and 50 billion daily Shorts views, there is always demand for new content.
2 Billion Active Shorts Users Per Month in July 2023 (Statista)
Let’s show you how to start creating your own viral YouTube Shorts.
The Process of Making a Short
The process can be broken down into four primary methods:
- Filming and creating Shorts directly from scratch.
- Editing long-form videos already on your YouTube account to use as teasers.
- Repurposing social media videos.
- Leverage Other People’s Content for Automation
Let’s dive into each of these in detail.
Option #1: Film Your Short Yourself
A. Using the YouTube App
The first few seconds of a Short need to be gripping.
Here’s how you can create an engaging short using the YouTube app:
Download and Open the YouTube App.
This is the only platform where you can create Shorts natively.
- Create a Short: Tap the (+) icon at the bottom of the app homepage > Select “Create a Short”.
- Record Your Video: Hold the record button for a 15-second clip or toggle to record up to 60 seconds.
- Enhance Your Video with tools: Switch camera views, speed up/slow down clips, set countdown timers for hands-free recording, apply filters, and more.
- Add Sound: You can only add an audio track before recording or during the editing process.
- Edit and Upload: After filming, finalize with music, text, and filters, and decide on visibility settings. Then, tap “Upload Short”.
B. Using Third-party Apps
If you want a more diverse range of tools, third-party apps might be your best bet. Here are three stellar ones:
Inshot:
- Pros: Swift editing, easy sharing, user-friendly.
- Cons: Limited free transitions, watermark presence.
- Price: Free with paid upgrades, Inshot Pro—Lifetime at $39.99.
CapCut:
- Pros: User-friendly, multiple templates, trending filters.
- Cons: No landscape mode, tricky background removal.
- Price: Free with paid upgrades, One-Year Pro at $74.99.
VN Video Editor:
VN Video Editor
- Pros: No watermarks, user-centric experience, extensive filters/effects.
- Cons: Occasional lag, limited sound FX library.
- Price: Freemium, VN Pro at $69.99 annually
Option #2: Shorten a YouTube Video
Do you have a long video that you feel can be sliced and diced into a compelling Short?
Great!
That makes the whole process of creating a YouTube short a lot easier.
You’ve already done the filming and the bulk of the editing, now you just have to turn it into short clips of less than 60 seconds. Don’t forget to make it attention-grabbing!
Mark Manson cuts his longer videos into Shorts
Here’s how:
- Choose Your Video: Select a video from your library.
- Edit into a Short: Click on the “Create” option under your video description > Select ‘Edit into a Short’.
- Select Video Segment: You can choose up to 60 seconds.
- Edit and Upload: Apply creative touches like filters and then tap upload.
Pro Tip: If you want to use AI to create YouTube Shorts out of your long-form content – Opus Clip is one of the easiest tools to do so. And it’s Free.
Option #3: Repurpose Social Media Videos
Many content creators have a treasure trove of content from their past endeavours on platforms like TikTok or Instagram.
These videos, which might have already garnered attention, can be effortlessly repurposed to fit the YouTube Shorts format, giving them a second life and expanding their reach.
Benefits of Repurposing Old Videos into Shorts:
1. Maximize Previous Efforts
Content that you’ve already created and published can be reused, ensuring that the time and energy invested in them aren’t wasted. Each platform has its audience, and repurposing extends the reach of your original content.
2. Monetization Opportunities
YouTube Shorts offers a different monetization model compared to TikTok or Instagram. By migrating your videos to this platform, you tap into an additional stream of revenue.
3. Increase Brand Consistency
Repurposing content allows you to present a consistent message and branding across various platforms, ensuring that viewers recognize and remember you, irrespective of the platform they are on.
Are you sharing your content on all Social Media Channels?
How to Repurpose Effectively:
Video Optimization
Ensure that your old content fits within the vertical 9:16 aspect ratio that YouTube Shorts uses. Videos might need to be cropped or reformatted to fit this new format.
Consistent Metadata
Make sure to use relevant titles, descriptions, and tags to increase the discoverability of your Shorts. Remember, even if the content is repurposed, its metadata should be optimized for YouTube’s audience.
Add Value
Consider adding new elements or editing old content to make it fresh. This could be new voiceovers, additional graphics, or even updated facts.
Engage with the Audience
Unlike TikTok or Instagram, YouTube offers a different comment and community system. Engage with your viewers by replying to comments, and maybe even create Shorts addressing user queries or feedback.
Repurposing is not just about recycling content.
It’s about recognizing the potential of what you’ve already created and presenting it in a new light to a different audience.
As a creator, by bringing your old TikTok or Instagram videos to YouTube Shorts, you’re not only broadening your reach but also making the most out of every piece of content you produce.
Option #4: Leverage Other People’s Content for Automation
The YouTube ecosystem has always been filled with opportunities for creative content creators.
But with the rise of YouTube Shorts, a new avenue has emerged for those looking to make the most out of existing content – the practice known as YouTube Automation.
But, what exactly does it mean? And how are content creators monetizing it?
Leveraging Others’ Content: A Quick Overview
YouTube Automation is the practice of curating, editing, and republishing existing content, often with minimal changes, to cater to the Shorts audience.
This isn’t about stealing content.
Rather, it’s about leveraging readily available content (like podcasts, interviews, etc.) and making it more digestible and engaging for the Shorts format.
Here’s how you can do it:
1. Remix Existing YouTube Videos
With the “Remix” feature, you can pick a snippet from someone else’s video and add your touch. This feature is primarily available on iOS for now.
You can easily make YouTube Shorts with the Remix Feature
- Choosing a Video to Remix: Click on the “Remix” option below the video description, then select the ‘Cut’ tool to pick the desired segment.
- Add Your Content: Any additional content you create or append will be attached right after your chosen segment.
- Finalize: Edit and upload in the same way as you would when producing content from scratch.
2. Download & Edit Videos
If you’re targeting content not available for direct remixing, like podcasts, you can use tools to download these videos in high quality (for instance, an MP4 to 1080p downloader).
After downloading:
- Edit in Your Preferred Software: Software like Adobe Premiere Pro, CapCut, or InShot can be employed to cut these long-form videos into engaging, bite-sized Shorts.
- Trending Content: Currently, many creators are downloading full-length podcasts – from personalities like Joe Rogan or Jocko Willink – and transforming them into a series of YouTube Shorts.
Clips of Joe Rogan’s podcast get millions of views.
Monetizing the Automated YouTube Shorts Trend
Several creators have already caught onto this trend, running channels exclusively dedicated to these repurposed Shorts.
These channels are witnessing rapid growth, especially those that have effectively tapped into popular niches like:
- Motivation
- Self-improvement
- Celebrity Lifestyles
- Sports Highlights
- The lives of the rich and famous
- Movie scenes
As a result, they are earning their owners significant ad revenue.
However, a word of caution.
Always ensure you respect copyright laws and give credit where credit is due.
Remember, YouTube has stringent copyright policies, and repeated violations can lead to channel demonetization or even suspension.
Now… Go Make Your Own
As you can see, whether you’re a seasoned video content creator or just beginning, there’s an approach suitable for you.
From creating from scratch, leveraging existing content, or repurposing from other platforms, you can find the option that works.
With these strategies and tools, you’re well-equipped to make the most of YouTube Shorts and drive engagement like never before.
So, roll those sleeves up and start filming!
Don’t know what to film? Or any of the fundamentals?
Keep reading…
We are going to teach you the essentials like the optimal aspect ratio, the perfect length, and how to brainstorm your short’s ideas.
How to Decide What Type of YouTube Shorts to Make
Starting with YouTube Shorts may feel a tad overwhelming, especially with the plethora of content already out there.
But remember the golden rule: Content is King, Context is Queen.
Begin with the end in mind.
What story are you aiming to tell in 60 seconds or less?
Are you educating, entertaining, or sharing an experience?
Once you have that clarity, the rest becomes much easier.
Steps to Start Creating Shorts:
- Brainstorm: Jot down ideas. Think about trends, but also consider what’s authentic to you.
- Storyboard: Plan your shots. Even for a 60-second video, a little planning can make a huge difference.
- Shoot: Use the YouTube app’s built-in camera or your preferred device. Remember, good lighting can elevate your content.
- Edit: While YouTube provides basic editing tools, several third-party apps offer advanced features. It’s worth exploring.
- Music & Sound: YouTube offers a library of songs and sounds. Find the one that best fits your video’s mood.
YouTube Shorts Dimensions & Aspect Ratio
Given that Shorts is predominantly a mobile-centric experience, your videos must look stunning on that screen.
Aim for a 9:16 aspect ratio, which is the vertical equivalent of the 16:9 widescreen format we’re familiar with.
YouTube Shorts Aspect Ratio
This ensures your video occupies the entire mobile screen, offering an immersive experience.
And yes, while you can use other aspect ratios, 9:16 is the most optimized for Shorts.
How Long Can a YouTube Short Be?
The maximum duration of a YouTube Short is 60 seconds, but that doesn’t mean every Short you make has to be that length.
Analyze your content.
Sometimes, a 15-second Short can be more impactful than dragging it out.
The key is ensuring every second provides value.
Remember, the beauty of Shorts lies in its ability to engage viewers. It’s not just about creating short content but getting the user to like, comment, discuss, and share the short.
Action Item for You: Think of a topic close to your heart. How would you present it in 30 seconds? 45 seconds? Now, challenge yourself to do it in 15. What changes?
Making Your Shorts Stand Out
In the vast sea of YouTube Shorts, how do you ensure yours don’t just blend into the background?
It’s about those finer details, those tiny tweaks that can set you apart.
How to Change Thumbnail on YouTube Shorts
Ah, the art of first impressions!
Your thumbnail is the first thing users see – so you best make a good impression…
Unfortunately – YouTube doesn’t let you make first impressions on your own…
You don’t get to choose the thumbnail. It is auto-generated from the video.
However, we do have one tip for improving the thumbnail that YouTube sets for you. If you post subtitles on the video, you will get more clicks. Subtitles or text add more context to what the reader is about to watch and has a higher CTR.
YouTube Shorts Size: Quality vs. Quantity
You might be thinking, “Higher quality equals bigger file size, right?”
Not necessarily.
With Shorts, it’s about finding a balance.
While you want your videos to be of good quality, they also need to load quickly.
You must have a file size below 10MB.
This ensures quick loading while maintaining quality. Fortunately, most modern editing software allows you to tweak export settings to get this balance just right.
Stay with me, because up next, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of optimization.
Thumbnails and sizes are just the tip of the iceberg.
There are little hacks and tried and tested strategies that can skyrocket your Shorts’ visibility and engagement.
Publishing Your Masterpiece
You’ve done the hard work: conceptualized, filmed, edited, and optimized your YouTube Short. Now, it’s time for the world to see it.
This next phase is crucial, as it determines how your content gets delivered to your audience. Let’s dive in.
How to Upload Shorts on YouTube: The Step-By-Step Guide
The good news? Uploading Shorts is as straightforward as uploading a regular YouTube video but with some nuances tailored for the Shorts experience.
1. Log in to YouTube
On your mobile device or desktop, navigate to YouTube and make sure you’re logged into your channel.
2. Click on the ‘+’ icon
Located at the bottom of your mobile screen or top right on your desktop.
3. Select ‘Upload a video’
This will take you to the upload screen.
4. Choose your video
Navigate to your device’s gallery or storage and pick your crafted Short.
5. Add Details
Just like any YouTube video, fill in the title (keep it catchy!), description (remember those keywords?), and tags.
6. Set Visibility
You can choose to publish immediately, schedule it for later, or keep it unlisted to share with select people.
7. Publish!
That’s it. Your Short will now be available in the ‘Shorts’ section of your channel and might be featured on the YouTube Shorts shelf.
A Pro-tip: Include ‘#Shorts’ in your video title or description. It helps YouTube identify it easily and could aid in better discoverability.
Best Time to Post Shorts on YouTube
Timing can be everything. Imagine crafting an impeccable Short and releasing it when your audience is asleep or otherwise engaged.
Research suggests that posting between 2 pm to 4 pm can be effective, coinciding with afternoon breaks and winding down hours. However, this varies based on demographics and regions.
Study your audience’s behavior using YouTube analytics.
When are your subscribers most active?
Try This: Over the next week, experiment. Post Shorts at different times and monitor engagement. Identify patterns. This will give you a custom-tailored answer, rather than a generic best time.
Examples of Brands Winning with YouTube Shorts
Gleaning insights from success stories can offer direction, spur creativity, and serve as a testament to the transformative power of YouTube Shorts for brands. Here’s a deeper dive into how some industry juggernauts and creators are making the most of this format.
1. Nike
Nike has been at the forefront of brand storytelling. With YouTube Shorts, they have evolved their narrative style to be more concise yet impactful.
Instead of just product showcases, they offer glimpses of athlete journeys, inspirational snippets, and teasers of upcoming events or products.
Their use of fast-paced visuals, teamed with compelling music, ensures viewer engagement in those fleeting moments.
2. Gordon Ramsay:
Gordon Ramsay has brilliantly utilized Shorts to cater to the fast-paced lives of his 20 million+ subscribers.
By sharing abbreviated recipes, sneak peeks of his culinary adventures, and light-hearted behind-the-scenes moments, he’s developed a unique, personal connection with viewers.
His larger-than-life personality, compressed into these brief segments, amplifies his brand’s relatability.
3. Red Bull:
Red Bull is no stranger to creating gripping content. Their transition to Shorts is marked by rapid montages of extreme sports, event highlights, and athlete features.
These clips, often paired with dynamic music, encapsulate the brand’s essence of living on the edge and help them generate far more views.
4. Tim Ferriss:
The author and entrepreneur, renowned for his “4-Hour” series, has ventured into Shorts to share bite-sized wisdom, productivity tips, and highlights from his podcast.
Tim’s Shorts act as perfect teasers, driving viewers to explore his longer content.
Tim Ferris YouTube Shorts
They also provide quick value to the viewer, strengthening his image as a productivity guru.
You will see below that to make his content production process more efficient, he uploads the exact same content onto Instagram Reels.
This expands his reach and helps him tap into more customer bases.
Tim Ferriss Shorts Repurposed as Reels
Something to think about: What is the core message behind your brand? How can you encapsulate it in a short form? Can you offer quick tips, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or perhaps leverage user-generated content?
Well, now that we’ve delved deep into the nuances of publishing and checked out some top players’ strategies, are you ready to learn the secrets of monetizing your Shorts?
Good, next we give you the keys to YouTube Shorts monetization.
The Numbers Game: Monetizing YouTube Shorts
Remember when we started this journey, diving deep into the world of YouTube Shorts?
You’ve learned the art and the technicalities and seen the big players win.
But now, let’s talk about what truly matters for many creators:
The Money.
We are going to dive into the nuts and bolts of monetizing your content on YouTube Shorts.
Understanding YouTube’s Evolving Monetization Policies
Before we dig into the actual numbers, it’s crucial to understand the landscape.
YouTube’s monetization has traditionally been through the Partner Program (YPP).
However, with the introduction of Shorts, things are a tad different.
As of now, YouTube Shorts does not earn revenue through the regular AdSense mechanism of standard YouTube videos.
Instead, YouTube has set up a Shorts Fund, a dedicated pot of money to reward creators for their exceptional content on Shorts.
It’s YouTube’s way of encouraging quality content while they refine their monetization strategies for this platform.
The eligibility criteria? You need to be in the YPP.
You need to have at least 1,000 subscribers, which you can buy here.
And you need to have at least 4,000 valid public watch hours in the last 12 months, or…
10M valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days. Whichever came first.
How To Make Money With Youtube Shorts
- Ad Revenue
- Sponsorships and Affiliate Marketing
- Merchandise
- Channel Memberships
- Super Thanks
- Other Ways
How To Make Money With YouTube Shorts
By now, you’ve got the lowdown on what YouTube Shorts are, how to create them, and how to maximize their impact.
But let’s address the elephant in the room: How do you monetize shorts?
While traditional YouTube videos have well-established revenue streams,
Shorts are relatively new to the party.
However, with YouTube’s aggressive push into the short-form content space, monetization avenues have expanded significantly.
In this section, we’ll unveil proven strategies to earn from YouTube Shorts, ensuring your creative efforts are rewarded.
1. Ad Revenue: Cashing in on Clicks
YouTube’s primary monetization method has always been through ads. But how does it work for Shorts?
Joining the YouTube Partnership Program (YPP) is your ticket.
Once you’re a member, you can monetize your Shorts through ads.
Here’s the catch: revenue from these ads is pooled together, and then distributed based on the view shares creators amass.
Let’s break down the numbers:
- Of the total ad revenue YouTube generates from Shorts, 45% is dished out to creators.
- On average, Shorts earnings range from $0.01 to $0.06 per 1,000 views.
While this might seem lower than long-form videos, remember that Shorts are easier to produce, and with the right strategy, they can go viral, raking in millions of views.
2. Sponsorships and Affiliate Marketing: The Brand Connection
Short on time? No worries.
YouTube Shorts offer a unique opportunity for influencer marketing in bite-sized doses.
Engage in brief sponsorships where you swiftly feature a brand’s product, earning a tidy sum in return.
But it doesn’t stop there.
With affiliate marketing, you can smoothly slide product promotions into your content.
Every time a product is purchased using your link, you get a commission.
While the video might be short, the revenue potential certainly isn’t.
And remember – Your audience trusts you, and that’s your biggest asset.
Before jumping into sponsorships or affiliations, communicate transparently with your audience.
For instance, a quick disclosure about sponsored content can go a long way in maintaining audience trust. Moreover, choose brands and products that truly resonate with your content theme and audience preferences.
3. Merchandise and Products
If you’ve established a sizable audience, why not sell merchandise?
T-shirts, food products, mugs, hoodies, stickers, guitars, skateboards, whatever you like….
Put your unique brand and style on them and if you have a big enough follower – you can turn into a consistent revenue stream.
Your Shorts are the perfect way to showcase these items.
A quick teaser of your latest merchandise can lead to a surge in sales.
While merchandising can be a goldmine, it’s essential to ensure that the products are of top-notch quality.
Collaborate with trusted vendors, get sample products before finalizing, and pay keen attention to your branding.
After all, it’s not just merchandise; it’s an extension of your brand.
Mr. Beast uses his Shorts to advertise his product lines like Feastables and these have made millions of dollars in sales.
4. Channel Memberships: The Inner Circle
Ready to reward your most loyal fans?
Offer channel memberships.
In exchange for a monthly fee, subscribers get exclusive content, shoutouts, and other perks.
However, there’s a catch: you need to be a part of the YPP and boast a subscriber count north of 1,000.
Monetizing through channel memberships isn’t a ‘set it and forget it’ game.
Continuously update the perks based on feedback.
Perhaps an exclusive Q&A session or a monthly shoutout?
Listen to your members and keep the offerings fresh and enticing.
5. Super Thanks: Because Every Bit Helps
Imagine your viewers having the power to tip you, showing appreciation for your content.
Enter: Super Thanks.
This feature, available on eligible Shorts, allows viewers to offer monetary gratitude.
It’s a testament to your content’s value and a handy revenue source.
The more you engage with your audience, the more likely they are to support you monetarily. A simple acknowledgment of a Super Thanks tip or actively responding to comments can amplify viewer loyalty.
This loyalty often translates into increased views, memberships, and even merchandise sales.
6. Diversify, Diversify, Diversify
Why stop at one revenue stream when you can have many?
From YouTube Premium memberships (which pay creators based on watch time) to Super Chat and Super Stickers during live streams, the opportunities are vast.
Some creators even venture into crowdfunding, products, or launch online courses.
Popular YouTubers the Nelk Boys also have their own products with the ‘Happy Dad’ Brand, which they promote on their Shorts channels.
The Nelk Boys use their YouTube shorts to advertise their products.
So, What’s Next? You’re probably buzzing with excitement and ideas on how to monetize your Shorts.
But, it’s essential to approach this with a strategy.
Our upcoming sections will deep dive into how much YouTube actually pays for Shorts, and give tactics to maximize your earnings.
How Much Does YouTube Shorts Pay? A Comprehensive Breakdown
How Much Do YouTube Shorts Pay For 1,000 Views
First, it’s vital to clarify that, unlike traditional YouTube videos, Shorts doesn’t have a CPM (Cost Per Mille) that’s standardized.
Since it’s based on the Shorts Fund, payments can vary.
From various reports and creator feedback, for 1,000 views, earnings can range from $0.10 to $3, depending largely on the audience’s geography, engagement rate, and the overall performance of the video in the Shorts shelf.
How Much Do YouTube Shorts Pay For 1 Million Views
Now, this is where things get interesting.
Given the above range, if your Short goes viral and hits a million views, you’re looking at a potential earning of $100 to $3,000.
Quite a range, right?
But that’s the nature of the beast currently.
Remember, a lot depends on factors like audience location (views from countries with higher ad spends generally pull in more), how engaging your content is, and how it’s faring in terms of likes, shares, and comments.
Advanced Strategies: How to Get More Views on YouTube Shorts
You’ve mastered the art of creating.
Now, how do you ensure those creations don’t get lost in the vast sea of content and actually reach your intended audience?
Delving Deep into Algorithms, Trending Topics, and Engagement Hacks
1. The Algorithm is King
Just like YouTube’s primary platform, Shorts operates on an algorithm.
The specifics? YouTube’s always been a bit mysterious there, but engagement metrics (likes, shares, comments) undoubtedly play a significant role.
So, keep your content engaging.
You really want the viewer to watch your video over and over, feel obliged to comment, and share it with their friends.
2. Ride the Trend Wave
Remember the Ice Bucket Challenge?
Or maybe the latest dance trend?
Being quick to pick up on and produce content around viral trends can give you a significant boost.
Use tools like Google Trends or even YouTube’s own trending page to stay updated.
3. Engage, Engage, Engage
Reply to comments. Engage with other creators.
Promote your Shorts on other social media platforms.
The more active and responsive you are, the better.
4. Boost with FreewaySocial
Want to monetize your YouTube Shorts account rapidly and with genuine engagement?
It’s not always about patiently waiting for organic growth.
With FreewaySocial, you can get more views from Day 1 by securing legitimate subscribers, likes, and watch time.
By bolstering your channel’s stats, you not only kickstart your monetization journey but also make a compelling statement to the YouTube algorithm.
Get your Shorts the visibility they deserve with Freeway Social, and get your channel into the Partner Program ASAP.
5. Collaborations Work
Partner with other YouTubers or influencers. It exposes your content to their audience and vice versa. Win-win!
6. Regular Posting
The YouTube algorithm loves consistency.
Keep a schedule and stick to it.
It keeps your audience engaged and the algorithm happy.
7. Crossposting and The Law of Seven
It’s Marketing 101.
The more your content is seen, the better.
And, as per the Law of Seven, a customer needs to see an advertisement seven times before they’ll take action.
This rings true for Shorts too.
Crosspost your YouTube Shorts to platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Make sure to checkout our other guide on Instagram Reels as well.
By presenting your content across platforms, you’re reinforcing your brand and content, making viewers more likely to engage, subscribe, and convert.
Try this at home: Pick one of the strategies mentioned above. Implement it for the next month. Track the difference in your engagement and views. Iterate and improve.
Final Thoughts on YouTube Shorts
In our deep dive into YouTube Shorts, we’ve unpacked everything from its basics to monetization strategies.
Creating impactful Shorts requires a blend of creativity and strategy.
But remember, the demand for short-form video is enormous, and YouTube Shorts is a golden opportunity to capture that demand.
Capitalize on it now, enhance your reach, and unlock new revenue streams.
Give your YouTube Shorts a kickstart!
Now I’d like to hear from you:
Have you re-purposed your long videos into Shorts yet?
Let me know in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about YouTube Shorts
Starting with YouTube Shorts and curious about the ins and outs of this platform?
You’re not alone!
We’ve gathered the most commonly asked questions from budding creators like yourself and provided insightful answers:
1. What are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are short-form videos, up to 60 seconds long, optimized for mobile viewing and designed to rival platforms like TikTok.
2. How do I create YouTube Shorts?
Creating Shorts is simple. Use the YouTube Shorts camera in the mobile app or upload vertical videos (aspect ratio 9:16) that are 60 seconds or shorter. You can also include ‘#Shorts’ in the title or description for clarity.
3. How can I get more views on YouTube Shorts?
Boosting views involves a mix of quality content, regular posting, trending music or challenges, and optimizing your video title, description, and hashtags for discoverability. Some people also buy YouTube views to get more views.
4. How long can a YouTube Short be?
YouTube Shorts can be up to 60 seconds in length.
5. How much does YouTube Shorts pay?
Payment varies, but on average, YouTube Shorts earnings can range between $0.01 to $0.06 per 1,000 views. Payments significantly rise with increased viewership.
6. How much do YouTube Shorts pay for 1,000 views? Or 1 million views?
For 1,000 views, creators might earn between $0.01 to $0.06. Therefore, for 1 million views, earnings could be between $10 to $60, contingent on several factors like engagement and audience demographics.
7. What’s the best time to post YouTube Shorts?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s essential to analyze your YouTube Analytics to understand when your audience is most active. However, consistency in posting is more crucial than specific timing.
8. What are the dimensions and aspect ratio for YouTube Shorts?
The ideal aspect ratio for Shorts is 9:16 (vertical), aligning with most smartphone screens.
9. How do I upload YouTube Shorts?
You can use the dedicated Shorts camera on the YouTube mobile app or upload a vertical video through the regular upload button on YouTube, ensuring it meets the Shorts criteria.
10. How do I monetize my YouTube Shorts?
While ad revenue is one method, creators can also leverage sponsorships, affiliate marketing, merchandise sales, channel memberships, and the Super Thanks feature.
11. Is there a difference between posting YouTube Shorts and regular videos?
Yes. While the upload process is similar, Shorts are designed for mobile, and vertical viewing, and have a distinct shelf on the YouTube homepage and under channel pages.
12. Can I monetize YouTube Shorts in the same way as regular videos?
While some monetization methods overlap, YouTube Shorts has unique avenues like the YouTube Shorts Fund. However, standard methods like sponsorships and merchandise sales remain applicable.
13. How do I maximize earnings from YouTube Shorts?
Diversify your revenue streams. While ad revenue is one avenue, integrating sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and selling merchandise can significantly boost your income.
