The popularity of short, easy-to-access media has recently increased. In response to this demand, YouTube created YouTube Shorts, its brand of short-form content.
Shorts now make up an increasing percentage of YouTube’s content and are just as popular as regular videos.
Like a TikTok feed, viewers can scroll to view more of them after tapping on a Short. Creators on YouTube can also gain subscribers with Shorts by including a noticeable Subscribe button on each one.
Although YouTube introduced Shorts initially to take on TikTok, the feature has transformed user engagement and is now a top discovery driver on the platform. Shorts have surpassed 70 billion daily views by early 2024.
Do you sometimes run out of ideas for YouTube Shorts as a creator and don’t know where to find inspiration?
If that’s the case, keep reading to discover what Shorts are, where to find short video ideas for your channel, and how to make them go viral.
- What Are YouTube Shorts and Why Are They Popular?
- Top YouTube Shorts Ideas for Creators
- How to Create Engaging and Viral YouTube Shorts
- Tools and Tips for Creating YouTube Shorts
- Success Stories: Creators Thriving with YouTube Shorts
What Are YouTube Shorts and Why Are They Popular?
Shorts are short vertical videos you can create and watch from your phone.
There is a specific Shorts section on YouTube where you can find these videos, which usually last less than a minute. Their layout is optimized for mobile consumption.
YouTube shorts emerged just a few years ago in response to trends on other social media platforms. Instagram and TikTok video snippets were popular, and people were likelier to watch and share them. So, YouTube has created its own section for short-form video content.
With YouTube Shorts, you can do more than just make shorter videos; it also gives you a whole new marketing tool for your longer-form content by segmenting it into smaller chunks.
Consequently, it’s multipurpose. While influencers do their own thing, brands can cut lengthy videos up and repackage them.
The Rise of Short-Form Video Content
The short-form video has become king in the online world to satisfy the short attention spans of today’s viewers. Studies have shown that people nowadays favor brief, easy-to-understand videos because their attention span is lower than that of a goldfish.
Viewers can interact with your videos even when on the move, which is perfect for today’s fast-paced lifestyle. Short-form videos also grab people’s attention quickly; in fact, 96% of buyers say they prefer them while researching products or services.
YouTube has expanded into short-form video content with YouTube Shorts. This platform is perfect for instructive or informational content because it caters to a varied audience, spanning from older generations to Gen Z. Tutorials, how-tos, and product reviews are just a few examples of the many uses for short videos. The search-driven aspect of YouTube Shorts makes material discoverable over time, unlike TikTok and Reels. In addition, there is excellent potential to monetize on YouTube through its extensive ad network.
How YouTube Shorts Can Boost Your Channel Growth
Creators and brands seeking to increase their audience can use YouTube Shorts in many ways. Whether you’re a company or an individual content creator, short videos can offer novel and intriguing methods of engaging your audience. There are numerous benefits of short videos.
| BENEFIT | EXPLANATION |
| Greater Interaction | Their brief format compels users to watch the full video, resulting in increased interaction on social media and better conversion rates. Among video marketers, 88% say they see a good return on investment (ROI) from video content, and 83% say it helps with lead creation. |
| Production Cost-Effectiveness | Anyone can afford to create these videos because they typically take less time and resources than longer formats. |
| Easy Consumption | People are likelier to watch Shorts all the way through because they are easy to watch on the go. |
| Potential to Spread | The likelihood of these videos going viral, expanding their audience reach, and drawing more attention to the creator increases. Short-form videos have a 47% greater probability of going viral than longer content, and 85% of marketers think they’re the best social media format overall. |
| Bonding With the Audience | Posting Shorts regularly is a great way to engage your audience and make them more attached to your content. |
Top YouTube Shorts Ideas for Creators
Now that we know how Shorts can affect your popularity let’s explore some creative YouTube Shorts ideas to spark your video creation.
Creative Content Ideas for Artists and Bloggers
Usually, good YouTube Short ideas are the simplest ones, and they can sometimes be the most effective. If you’re new to Shorts or don’t have much time to devote to each video, there are several ways to quickly get your audience’s attention without sacrificing quality.
1. Tips and Tricks
Fast tips and hacks work because they are useful right away, and viewers may use them immediately. The format is designed to meet the audience’s need for practical information and efficiency—the likelihood of engagement and sharing increases when people encounter content that makes their lives easier.
https://youtube.com/shorts/lduO5iRD2Tk?si=9flMfqFGzDlw1wGp
2. Storytelling
Short stories that elicit emotions or humor interest listeners, which makes it one of the best YouTube Shorts ideas for beginners. Engaging stories encourages commenting and community participation. Telling stories makes content memorable and shareable.
https://youtube.com/shorts/OB4of6e0A6g?si=Z9pJ7FT8Rv9tbkjw
3. Reaction Videos
Reaction videos satisfy viewers’ curiosity about hot issues from diverse angles. They entertain and encourage spontaneous, genuine replies, making the material relatable. This style invites audience comments and can become viral as people share their favorite reactions.
https://youtube.com/shorts/E8xUNKzIvy4?si=A_GeKGgabpOXsso0
4. Before and After
Transformation content demonstrates progress and encourages viewers to go on their own journeys, which makes it a great YouTube Shorts idea. Visually pleasing, this format invites viewers to follow for future changes. As viewers care about the results, expectations and engagement increase.
https://youtube.com/shorts/i1umqMQYamY?si=X8fmHjnXVLRHASkb
5. Educational
Educational snippets offer brief, essential information, satisfying viewers’ desire for instant knowledge. This material promotes you as an industry expert, building audience trust and loyalty. Clear explanations and appealing pictures keep visitors interested and encourage sharing.
https://youtube.com/shorts/OuqOdukpHZc?si=uMuzigoHD54Mvucd
Using Trends and Challenges to Go Viral
Making material that reflects current trends is also one of the good YouTube Shorts ideas. It’s a great strategy to get views on your channel.
The key to making popular YouTube Shorts is keeping up with the latest viral challenges, memes, and pop culture references.
- Challenges and Trends: Get in on the latest relevant challenges to your field. Look for a challenge or those dance routines that go viral. If you want to find new trends that you can use for YouTube Shorts, you can check out services like TikTok.
- Using hashtags: Use popular hashtags for better discoverability. For ideas, look at the most popular YouTube Shorts and see which hashtags get the most views.
When you develop Shorts around these trends, you join existing conversations, improving your visibility. Your Shorts will be recommended to people interested in related content when you follow trends. Due to its familiarity and fun, viewers click on trending material like viral dances, memes, and challenges.
https://youtube.com/shorts/wl6EzRDu0yM?si=KSl6gh3F-ldmpg18
Behind-the-Scenes Videos: A Personal Touch
One of the most popular ideas for short videos is to film BTS content. Your audience will feel more connected to your business and get a glimpse of your creative process through behind-the-scenes (BTS) material.
- Content-Making Process: Show your creative process. Viewers love seeing BTS action, whether it’s editing, planning YouTube Shorts, or setting up your filming space.
- Studio Tour: Give your viewers a tour of your recording studio or home office.
BTS content’s real and private nature makes it easier for fans to connect with you. It also provides an inside look into your work life as a content creator.
https://youtube.com/shorts/PzOr8NbSC6c?si=Nzu7mIx8HeM4vvnt
How to Create Engaging and Viral YouTube Shorts
The rules of YouTube Shorts are well-known: videos must be 60 seconds or shorter and vertical. Consistent posting and sticking to a theme are great, but are there any other YT Short ideas and strategies you can do to help your Shorts go viral even more?
Optimizing Thumbnails and Titles
How can people understand your Short? People usually see your thumbnail and title first. This preview lets them determine whether they’re interested in seeing your video. Fun fact: 90% of top videos have personalized thumbnails. So, yeah, a catchy thumbnail is also one of the short ideas for YouTube popularity.
Design thumbnails that stand out
- Use the “rule of thirds” to produce appealing visuals. Add branding and informative text to your photographs. Use an easy-to-read typeface for adding text.
- Avoid complicated designs. Dynamic color and composition can draw attention, but excessive use can overwhelm.
- Ensure that your thumbnail image is large because devices display thumbnails differently.
- Diverse audiences have diverse tastes, so thumbnail styles change. It is crucial to stay current on community successes and consider upgrading previous thumbnails to attract new viewers.
Put some effort into writing titles and descriptions
YouTube’s algorithm and viewers first notice your title and description. They’re essential for search and engagement.
- Create Catchy titles: Use descriptive titles to convey the video’s topic immediately.
For instance, the title “Top 5 YouTube Short Ideas to Grow Your Channel” is catchy and SEO-friendly.
- Put effort into writing descriptions: Write about your video, use relevant keywords, and include timestamps for navigation in the description box.
Links to similar material or playlists help keep users on your channel longer.
Also, include a CTA in the description, such as “Follow me for more tips on expanding your channel!”
Leveraging Trending Hashtags and Music
Hashtags
One of the good ideas for YouTube Shorts is to add hashtags to your videos to promote your content. If someone clicks a hashtag, your Short may get more views.
Now, let’s debunk some myths. People say, “Three hashtags are not enough!” or “Oh no, 15 is too much!”
YouTube ignores videos and playlists with over 60 hashtags. Going overboard could get your video banned. You can use multiple hashtags under 60. Keep them related to your Shorts and SEO-friendly.
Review Google’s YouTube hashtag policies to enhance their efficacy.
Music
Do you know that your views will increase if you use popular songs on TikTok? YouTube lets you do that, too!
Go to a ‘trending’ tab and choose “music.” Find the latest music videos and songs here.
Check out the music video’s description. If you scroll down, you’ll see that video remixed by Shorts. Select the music video from your phone, then tap the remix option. From there, choose the sound effect to incorporate into your Shorts. Follow the procedures; that music will be your background track, producing more views!
Encouraging Audience Interaction
Community building is one of the best strategies for developing your channel.
Audiences are more engaged and share content when they feel heard and valued.
- Reply to Comments: Simply saying “Thank you!” or addressing a query can build loyalty.
- Ask questions: Ask questions regarding your video to attract comments at the end of your Shorts.
- Pin Comments: Pin a fascinating comment or question to the top of comments to start conversations.
Tools and Tips for Creating YouTube Shorts
There are some simple editing tools in YouTube Shorts, but that’s all they are: simple. If you want your videos to look like they were made by a professional, you need to use other tools for creating and editing videos.
Best Editing Tools for Beginners
Canva
Canva is an online design tool for creating visual effects in photos, videos, and animations. Its drag-and-drop editor makes it easy to create patterns even if you have never designed anything before.
Canva’s video maker can be beneficial when you need to change your YouTube Shorts quickly. Like other Shorts editors, this one lets you trim, crop, and change the size of your movies. You can also add text, stickers, or moving parts to make your videos more engaging.
Animotica
For novices, in particular, Animotica is an excellent alternative for making YouTube shorts. The purpose of this easy-to-use video editor is to enable you to quickly create amazing videos without requiring complex knowledge. It is ideal for anyone who wants to quickly and easily create engaging content. Animotica provides various editing tools, such as adding transition effects, filters, trim, split, and merge clips. In order to improve the overall vibe of your shorts, the app also offers tools for adding text music and sound effects.
How to Use YouTube’s Built-in Shorts Editor
You can use a lot of useful editing tools in the YouTube app. Did you know that? Yes, they’re basic, but these video editing tools will help you make your videos better with just a few clicks.
- Flip: Switch between the front and back cameras.
- Timer: The timer function makes it easy to record yourself.
- Speed: You can change the speed of your recording by 0.3x, 0.5x, 1x, 2x, or even 3x.
- Effects: You can add interesting visual effects to your video, like freckles or sparkles.
- Green screen: You can upload a picture to be shown behind you in the video as the background.
- Filters: Add a color-specific filter on top of your recording.
- Retouch: Get rid of harsh lines and let the program fix your video instantly.
- Lighting: You can change the lighting of your clip to make it brighter or darker.
- Flash: You can easily change your video to have flash or not.
Tips for Improving Video Quality and Appeal
1. Use Quality Equipment
Using superior equipment, such as a high-resolution camera, can improve your YouTube videos. Changing phones or upgrading to ones with exceptional video quality and sound will also make a big difference. Remember that lighting, frame, and composition will improve the look of your Shorts.
2. Enhance Videos Using Software
Consider using a dependable video enhancer program to improve your videos. Advanced video improvement software improves quality, colors, noise, and visual clarity. Try several of the top video quality enhancers to boost your video quality. Free video enhancers like iMovie, Clideo, and VideoProc are great.
3. Work On Lighting
Proper lighting eliminates shadows and illuminates a scene. Use natural light whenever possible for mellow, pleasant illumination. Softboxes and LED panels are inexpensive lighting options with limited natural light. These technologies optimize lighting for beautiful videos.
4. Be Catchy and Interactive
Know your audience first. This matters. First, analyze your audience’s hobbies, demographics, and what they like to create material that resonates and gets their attention. Track popular search trends to incorporate into your Shorts. Creating material around hot themes is one of the best Shorts ideas for YouTube that will help your videos reach more people.
Also, make your Shorts look better with eye-catching thumbnails, rich colors, attractive backgrounds, and editing options to apply filters, effects, and transitions.
5. Get Feedback
By incorporating constructive comments and matching content to audience preferences, you can create engaging videos that resonate with viewers. By collecting feedback through audience engagement and peer review, you can constantly benefit from other viewpoints and insights to enhance the quality of your videos.
Success Stories: Creators Thriving with YouTube Shorts
YouTube is an outstanding platform to use because it has over 2.68 billion active users.
Each social media site has its own features and trends, making it hard to understand how to achieve success.
That’s why we’re highlighting a few of the most influential creators to provide you with some video ideas for YouTube Shorts content and approach.
Case Studies of Viral YouTube Shorts
Nas Daily
Nas Daily, aka Nuseir Yassin, perfected short-form video material before its popularity. He became famous for his fascinating one-minute stories.
Nuseir posted daily 1-minute films on Facebook for 1000 days.
One of the many reasons for Nuseir’s enormous success is that he has carved out a special place for himself in the tourism industry.
https://youtube.com/shorts/qLYmbtTZE0w?si=Q5lC8pAFxvZatrrz
The Try Guys
Initially famous at Buzzfeed, The Try Guys have mastered YouTube Shorts with their remarkable strategy.
In addition to their intriguing long-form videos, they use Shorts to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at their main channel videos.
The Try Guys also creatively use Short videos to highlight the most fascinating bits from longer videos, giving viewers a taste of their whole channel. They use well-crafted call-to-actions to urge viewers to explore further after sampling their material.
https://youtube.com/shorts/oP96-jDS0ps?si=7nBaXkkBoCYteZ3g
Shelby Young
Shelby Young’s Shorts captivate viewers in seconds. Her YouTube channel showcases her significant voice acting skills as a full-time voice actor.
Shelby’s Shorts strategy blends her passion for voice acting with audience-pleasing content. By cultivating a niche, she has built a loyal audience on YouTube.
https://youtube.com/shorts/V227GkO2pQU?si=aH4QkGb6FgDq_jzS
Lessons Learned from Successful Creators
If you want your audience to pay attention to what you say, you need a plan to captivate them in the first few seconds.
If you’re making short videos for YouTube, here are some guidelines to follow.
- Create SEO-optimized descriptions and Titles
- Find the right editing tools you feel comfortable using
- Learn how to create a beautiful picture
- Engage with your audience
- Find your niche
- Be creative and use different ideas to film Shorts
