If you've ever been on YouTube, whether it be the app or on desktop, you might have seen something labeled “Shorts” and thought, “What are YouTube Shorts”?
YouTube Shorts, or just Shorts, are videos that range between 15 – 60 seconds and use a similar swipe feature to TikTok and Reels for moving from one video to another.YouTube created Shorts in 2020 after the massive growth of TikTok, with its short-form content.
YouTube Shorts is becoming a big deal for everyone who loves to watch or make these quick videos. So, let's dive in and see what makes YouTube Shorts so cool and why so many people are checking them out.
The Key Features and Video Tools of YouTube ShortsYouTube Shorts is like a treasure box full of cool tools for making quick videos. Imagine you have a camera in your pocket that lets you create awesome videos in just a few taps. Here's how it works:
So what makes Shorts different from TikTok videos and Instagram Reels?
YouTube Shorts, TikTok videos, and Instagram Reels are all key players in the short-form video content arena, yet each platform carves out its unique space.
At their core, all three enable creators to craft and share brief, engaging videos, tapping into the zeitgeist (read: trend) of quick consumption and immediate gratification that defines today's media consumption habits.
The similarity extends to their basic functionality. This includes a vertical format optimized for mobile viewing, a plethora of editing tools that empower creators to add music, text, and special effects, and algorithms designed to propel content.
However, the differences are as important as their similarities.
The biggest difference between YouTube Shorts and other short-form video platforms is that Shorts makes use of YouTube's extensive user base and integrates with a creator's existing channel.
This offers a seamless blend of short and long-form content that can enhance a creator's reach and engagement within a single ecosystem.
TikTok, on the other hand, is a standalone platform that has been synonymous with the rise of short-form content. It is distinguished by its highly addictive algorithm, cultural trends, and a community that thrives on challenges, duets, and sound-based creativity.
Benefits of Using YouTube Shorts for CreatorsMaking YouTube Shorts is not just fun; it's also a smart move for creators. Here's why:
1. Reach More PeopleYouTube Shorts expand your visibility globally, tapping into YouTube's vast user base. This broadens your potential audience significantly, making it easier for new viewers to discover your content.
The reason for this is the decrease in viewer’s attention span over the last two decades. In 2023 the attention span of a viewer can be as low as 47 seconds. YouTube Shorts had 50 billion daily views in 2023 which is a testament to the large user base you'll be tapping into.
LovelyLo, a female YouTuber, is an excellent example. She grew her channel to over 2 million subscribers in 2 years, with most of her success coming from Shorts.
Let’s take a look.
Her Shorts are simply repurposed from her longer video clips, which themselves are edited from her daily Twitch streams. They perform great, with some getting over 2 million views.
Now let’s take a look at her long-form videos.
These videos get much fewer views, averaging between 60-80K views. With over 2 million subscribers, that’s between 3-5% of her subscribed audience, versus the much higher viewership of her Shorts.
2. Get Views FastShorts cater to the preference for quick content consumption, leading to a faster accumulation of views. Their short format and the platform's algorithm can quickly propel your videos to a wider audience.
This is because approximately 80% of internet users under 35 engage with YouTube Shorts, while around 70% of those over 35 also tune into Shorts.
3. Show Your CreativityYouTube provides extensive editing tools for Shorts, enabling creative freedom to showcase unique content. This helps differentiate your videos in a competitive space.
Shorts also offer channels the opportunity to create content that differs from their main long-form content. It's also a great way to share some behind-the-scenes (BTS) videos from your latest videos.
If you’re struggling to get the creative juices flowing, let ContentShake give you a boost. ContentShake AI is a tool designed for crafting unique and captivating content. It supports the entire content creation process, from initial ideas to publishing on your blog, offering insights into trends within your industry.
Start Crafting Engaging Content with ContentShake 4. Boost Your YouTube Channel’s GrowthAdding Shorts can invigorate your YouTube channel, attracting new subscribers and re-engaging existing ones. It's an effective strategy to enhance your channel's growth and visibility.
Plenty of YouTube channels even edit their long-form content into Shorts to highlight some of the best bits of their content. Here’s an example from Smosh Pit:
YouTube Shorts Best Practices: Making High-Quality ShortsCreating YouTube Shorts requires a mix of creativity, strategy, and understanding of what works. Here are some best practices to help you create Shorts that stand out:
The largest YouTube channels can generate millions of dollars a year through monetization.YouTube knows that making great videos takes time and talent, and that same care and attention goes into creating Shorts.
Here's how you can monetize your Shorts:
1. Ad RevenueOn February 1, 2023, YouTube allowed monetizing partners to earn from ads viewed between Shorts in the Shorts Feed, replacing the YouTube Shorts Fund.
To participate, creators must adhere to YouTube’s channel monetization policies and accept the Shorts Monetization Module. Revenue sharing is based on ads in the Shorts Feed, with creators keeping 45% of revenue, calculated monthly from a pooled revenue adjusted for music licensing costs.
Earnings depend on the creator's share of total views and music usage in their Shorts.
To be eligible to earn ad revenue from Shorts, it's required to have at least 1,000 subscribers. Additionally, eligibility for monetization hinges on either of these two things:
Even though Shorts themselves don't have ads like regular videos, Shorts can still be used to create sponsored videos and help you grow your channel.
Here’s a great example of a sponsored YouTube Short video from Sean Andrew who partnered with BandLab:
3. Merchandise and MembershipsMore fans mean you can sell your merchandise to them or offer channel memberships with special perks. This can be a great way to earn money while giving your biggest fans something extra.
With the extra reach you get from Shorts, there’s no excuse not to promote your merch through a Short.
To sell merchandise, you’ll need to set up a website. Shopify is the easiest way to do this. Shopify stands out as an ideal platform for setting up an e-commerce shop due to its user-friendly interface, comprehensive suite of e-commerce tools, and robust support ecosystem.
Start Your Online Shop Today with Shopify The Future of YouTube ShortsYouTube Shorts is set to transform how viewers experience content by personalizing every aspect of the Shorts feed to match individual preferences, creating a unique journey for each user.
YouTube Shorts represents a frontier of opportunity for creators looking to express themselves, connect with a global audience, and explore new creative possibilities.
With shorter content becoming the norm, especially on mobile devices, the time to embrace YouTube Shorts, TikTok videos, and Instagram Reels has never been better.
By leveraging the platform's features, embracing best practices, and engaging with the community, creators can unlock new dimensions of digital storytelling. Dive into YouTube Shorts and discover where your creativity can take you.