Alongside TikTok and Reels, YouTube Shorts have rapidly become a favorite for creators to share snappy content, but the format isn’t just about brevity.
These bite-sized videos can help massively increase viewership. Thus, you provide engagement and maybe even make a viral hit.
If you’re new to Shorts and ready to dive in, this guide will walk you through how to create YouTube Shorts, with tips on making them look slightly better.
What Makes YouTube Shorts Better Than Regular Videos?
So why are YouTube Shorts blowing up, and why should you even bother? There’s something about the format that’s different—a kind of instant connection that longer videos sometimes miss.
- Quick Consumption, Instant Impact: Shorts are designed for speed. Viewers can consume an entire story or idea in a dozen of seconds. No lengthy intros, no fluff—just straight to the point.
- Perfect for Mobile Users: Shorts are tailor-made for mobile viewing. Imagine scrolling through (and watching) 20+ regular videos within a minute; that’s literally impossible. The vertical, full-screen format makes the experience super immersive.
- YouTube Pushes Shorts Hard: One of the best things? YouTube is promoting Shorts like crazy. Your video could easily pop up in someone’s feed—even if they’ve never heard of you—thanks to the algorithm.
The Length and Format: What Works for Shorts?
To create YouTube Shorts, you have to keep things… well, short. But there’s still a bit of flexibility. Here’s what you need to know:
- Length: After a recent update, it’s up to 3 minutes, though most videos are under 15–30 seconds. Think quick, punchy content.
- Format: 9:16 aspect ratio because Shorts are meant to fill the whole screen on a phone. Filming horizontally? Forget it.
How to Make Shorts on YouTube That Grab Attention?
Okay, let’s get into the fun part—how to actually make a Short that doesn’t just fade into the abyss of endless content. If you want to create something that stands out, here are some strategies:
1. Hook ‘Em Right from the Start
Think of it this way: the first 2–3 seconds are make-or-break. You have to hook the viewer immediately, or they’ll just swipe to the next video. Whether it’s a bold statement, an interesting visual, or a fun twist, start with a strong intro.
2. Craft a Mini Story Arc
Yes, even in 15 seconds. Every video, no matter how short, needs a beginning, middle, and end. It could be as simple as setting up a challenge, showing the action, and then delivering a quick payoff. People love a satisfying resolution, even in a tiny time frame.
3. Leverage Viral Sounds and Music
Most of the time, viral means trendy music. Check out the popular audio tracks from other short-from creators and think about how you can incorporate them creatively into your video. YouTube offers a built-in music library—use it!
4. Keep it High-Quality
Just because it’s a Short doesn’t mean it should be sloppy. High video quality, decent lighting, clear sound are still a must. Viewers are far less likely to stick around if they can’t see or hear. By the way, a good rule is to add subtitles.
5. Slick Edits for Maximum Impact
Editing is the magic of your video creation process. Sharp cuts, clever transitions, and well-placed titles add a professional feel.
And you don’t need to be an editing whiz to pull this off—YouTube Studio’s editor can cover most of your needs. If you’re more comfortable editing on a PC, go for it— plenty of free video editing software are there waiting for your next Short.
What Will Be Trending in 2025?
Again, being viral doesn’t mean the content has to be elaborate. Sometimes, it’s the little things that resonate with viewers and help grow your YouTube channel (the music, the edits, your personality, etc.)
Here’s what stays dominant on YouTube Shorts in 2024 and will likely remain popular for the foreseeable future:
- Challenges: Artists perform their songs with each other, content creators lip-syncing to a hit song… card tricks, makeup transformations, and so on. People love to show off their moves.
- Memes: Love ’em or hate ’em, memes are hard to ignore. Humorous animal videos, relatable jokes, and everything in between—be ready to catch onto the trend.
- Quick Hacks: Life hacks, beauty hacks, cooking hacks… you get the idea. If there is something you can teach people to do faster and easier, chances are it will make for a great Short.
- Fails: As much as we want to be successful and see other people succeed, human nature finds fails and bloopers entertaining. If you can frame your content around something that just didn’t go as planned, you might have a winner.
- Fresh content: Being trendy is one thing but creating that said trend is a completely different game. Try to come up with original, creative content that hasn’t been seen before.
Uploading and Monetizing YouTube Shorts
How to Upload a YouTube Short
- Open the YouTube app on your phone.
- Tap the + icon at the bottom of the screen. Select Create a Short.
- Record your Short directly through the app or upload a pre-recorded video from your camera roll.
- Use the program or YouTube’s built-in tool to edit out the clip.
- Add a catchy line into the title, think of a lovely description, and use relevant hashtags (#Shorts can be found nearly under any video).
- Hit Upload and you’re good to go!
Monetizing YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts are getting serious attention from advertisers, which means you can start earning from them too. While traditional ads might not run on Shorts as often, there are still some ways to make money:
- Shorts Fund: YouTube pays creators from its Shorts Fund, regardless of whether you’re big or small.
- Brand Partnerships: Brands are jumping on Shorts as a marketing tool. If you build a strong following, there’s potential for partnerships or sponsored content.
- Ads: Just like regular YouTube videos, you can add a plate that promotes some kind of service. Or you can add affiliate links to your video description.
YouTube Shorts are no longer just a fad—they’re here to stay, and they’re the perfect way to capture quick engagement in 2025. Whether you’re looking to grow your channel or just experiment with new content ideas, learning how to create engaging Shorts will give you an edge. So, grab your phone, start creating, and let your creativity shine in those 60 seconds!
