Introduced in 2020, YouTube shorts are a feature created by the platform, which allow users to create videos under 60 seconds.
Hopping on the short-form video bandwagon, Shorts are designed to drive engagement and offer audiences entertaining content from content creators and brands across the world.
In this article, we will offer you the complete guide on what exactly Shorts are, and why you should be creating them to boost your engagement and visibility on YouTube.
What are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are the platforms version of short-form, vertical videos, that are created using smartphones and are then directly shared onto the platform via the YouTube application.
The features on the platform allow users to film, edit, control the speed and length of the clips, and most popularly add music to the background.
The time cap-size on Shorts are limited to up to 60 seconds, however, you can add a mixture of various 15-second clips to make up 1 full video.
Unlike short-form videos on apps like Instagram and Snapchat, the content does not disappear and will in fact remain on your YouTube Channel until you opt to delete it.
It is a fantastic way for your audience to watch and engage with your published content, as they are able to like, comment, dislike and share your video.
Where can I find the feature to make one?
YouTube shorts can only be made directly in the actual YouTube mobile app.
This makes life much easier, having everything in one place and not having to use any external applications to create one (thank you YouTube).
To download the app, you must:
- Login to your app store (iOS App Store or Google Play) and type in the search bar for YouTube
- Click to download the official YouTube app
- Login either using your YouTube login or Google login details
Then, click on the (+) icon located on the button of the app homepage, then tap Create a Short.
Simply hold the red record button to begin recording a 15-second clip, or tap it and tap again to stop recording.
To change the video length and increase it to 60 seconds, you can tap on the number ‘15’ to adjust the video length.
Want to add music or special effects? Enjoy browsing the toolbar located on the right of the screen for a variety of fun elements or add a sound to make your video more entertaining!
Why should I create YouTube Shorts?
Whether you are a brand looking to tease your audience on a new product, or a content creator hoping to give your subscribers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into your daily life, YouTube Shorts are an effective way to boost your visibility and allow you to increase your engagement according to the YouTube algorithm.
- Using Shorts to appeal to a new audience
According to statistics, Shorts receive over 15 billion views daily, and it is reported that ‘more than 70% of YouTube watch time is through mobile’.
With short-form videos showing unparalleled popularity, led by platforms such as TikTok, using the feature can help you tap into a wider pool of audiences.
YouTube’s audience is made up of such a mixed variety of users, ages, and different interests.
Therefore, Shorts can be leveraged by different creators and brands from multiple different industries to help you connect with a niche audience.
Whether you’re into tech or makeup, there are a plethora of content creators out there using the platform to reach and engage with their intended audience.
Recently, it has been revealed that younger audiences are seeking short-form videos for entertainment and knowledge, which is great as you can use Shorts to either offer insight or hook in new audiences by jumping on the trend (depending on your intended goals).
2. Boost engagement by jumping on trends
Short and snappy videos offer your audience the perfect opportunity to engage with your video.
Since the rise of TikTok, viral trends such as dance challenges, makeup looks, banana-cake recipes and songs have been taking the internet by storm.
Now that doesn’t mean you have to be doing every challenge under the sun, but by joining certain trends that you know will appeal to your audience, places you in a position of being up to date.
3. Monetize from Shorts via the Funds feature
Although there isn’t a direct way to make money from an actual video on Shorts, the platform has created an official Fund for creators aged 13+ and match the requirements posted by the platform.
According to Google “The YouTube Shorts Fund is a $100M fund to reward creators for their dedication to making creative, original Shorts that delight the YouTube community. We’ll reach out to thousands of creators each month to tell them that they qualify for a Shorts bonus from the fund.”
Reviewed monthly, hundreds of thousands of eligible Shorts creators will get notified by YouTube in order to be able to claim money based on how their Short’s performed that month.
At this moment in time, there isn’t a specific requirement on the number of views or number of Shorts you produce each month, however one thing that does impact if you qualify are where your viewers are located
The great thing is, you can adjust your content each month prior to the review, to see what works and who you can reach with certain types of videos!
4. Offer your audience more authentic content
One of the best reasons to get on the YouTube Shorts hype is to showcase your content in a much more authentic and raw approach.
As most full length YouTube videos are often pre-planned and polished perfectly, Shorts allow you to tap into your creativity and give your audience much more ‘real’ insights into your brand, products or channel.
Below are some ideas of content you can showcase:
- A quick day in my life
- Teaser into a new product
- BTS from an event
- Challenges that are trending
- New product launch and CTA
At the end of the day, we are all human and by showing this transparency with your audience, you can build trust and illustrate relatability (which Gen Z is seeking).
Are you a fan of Shorts? Tweet us @itpliveme to let us know your thoughts.