Shorts started as YouTube’s solution to competing with TikTok. As the majority of content consumers move from millennials to Gen Z, long-form content doesn’t have the same audience that it used to have.
The younger generation seems to be bigger fans of shorter forms of content. This transformation was first apparent in a platform called Vine, which only allowed for 7-seconds of videos at a time.
So if you’re looking to get more subscribers on YouTube and grow your channel quickly, you need to learn how to make YouTube shorts. In this article, we’ll be going over the step-by-step process of the short-making process.
Table of Contents
What Are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube shorts are different from the usual video content you upload on the platform. They are vertical with an aspect ratio of 9:16, and cannot be more than 60 seconds. The general format of these videos is very similar to that of Instagram Reels or TikTok videos.
At first, the question of “How long can a YouTube short be?” was causing issues with the fans of the platform. Nowadays, people have learnt that you can choose to make a long video into a 5-part reel, or just make a minute-long video.
Shorts are a great way to grow your channel, as YouTube also promotes them more than its longer content. However, the older creators on the platform aren’t particularly happy about this, stating that this form of content does not have the same value as long-formatted videos.
Meanwhile, as a content creator, you should always be ready to change your content type based on your audience preferences.
Why Should You Make YouTube Shorts?
There are plenty of reasons behind using YouTube shorts. Here are a few main ones:
1. Algorithm Favourism
YouTube algorithm is eager to make ‘Shorts’ more and more popular. Since Instagram reels and TikToks seem to be the favoured form and platform of content right now, YouTube needs your shorts to do well and win over its competitors.
That means the platform is actually eager to promote your short content.
2. Easy Content
Other than that, shorts are easier to make and less time-consuming. It takes much more effort to make a 20-minute-long video than a 20-second one.
3. Shareability
Another point is shareability. People are much more likely to share a short view with their friends, rather than a long video essay about a niche subject.
4. Attention Span
The younger your audience, the least likely that they enjoy longer videos. The reality of it is most of our younger generations don’t really pay attention to anything longer than 60 seconds. Overall, shorts are a great way to gain more visibility.
How to Make YouTube Shorts?
There are many things that go into making a short on YouTube. The title, the descriptions, the hashtags you use, the timing schedule of your posting, and everything else that goes into it. We’ll have a short look over everything you need to take into consideration.
1. The Idea Behind the Short
While there are a lot of tips and tricks to get your short out there, the most important thing is still the idea behind it. The most important thing is determining your desired audience. The content you post will determine the audience you get.
So, pick your subject carefully, start with niche concepts that aren’t otherwise saturated, and determine your end goal. Are you trying to end up with a shorts channel, or just promote your more long-form content? Consider all of this before posting a short.
2. Title and Hookline
You don’t get too many chances to grab the attention of your audience. In reality, you get a few milliseconds to interest people in your content. So, picking the correct title is super important.
After the title comes the hook line; imagine your audience is scrolling through shorts and isn’t even paying attention to titles. In this case, you have the choice to start your shorts with something very grabbing. Some examples are:
- Here is the most important thing you’ve been missing in your life
- Have you considered what would happen if “X” didn’t exist?
- 5 Things to turn your life around
- Tired of doing “X” all the time?
Another option is starting with a trending sound that everyone is familiar with. Familiarity makes people stay on your content for longer. The same thing can be said for a trending channel people already like.
3. Pay Attention to Your Shooting Background
Having an appealing background can also contribute to keeping an eye on your content for longer. Set up your lights, your posters, your decor, and everything else that’s in view. Make sure everything in your surroundings is as aesthetically pleasing as possible.
4. The Actual Process
The steps to uploading a YouTube short are not complicated at all. This process is actually very similar to uploading a normal video. Let’s go through the steps together:
- Open YouTube’s website
- Click on the camera with the + inside it on the top right
- Click on ‘Upload video’
- Click on ‘Select files’
- Upload your video of choice
- Pick your title and write your description
- Go through the steps, i.e. whether it’s appropriate for kids or not
- Click publish.
That’s it. If you have all the correct requirements for a short, your content is uploaded as a short now.
YouTube Shorts Requirements
So, what exactly are these requirements? First, you have to ensure the size and dimensions are correct. What size are YouTube shorts supposed to be?
- The perfect short size is 1080 by 1920 pixels, with a 9:16 aspect ratio.
- It can also come with a 1:1 aspect ratio, 1080 by 1080 pixels.
- Other than that, the video can’t be longer than 60 seconds,
- and you must be over the age of 13 as well.
How Much Does YouTube Shorts Pay?
Monetizing shorts takes a bit of effort. You must have more than 500 followers, 4000 hours of watch time, and be over the age of 13. After that, you’ll be getting between $0.01 to $0.06 per 1000 views.
Conclusion
YouTube shorts are a great way to boost your engagement. Whether you’re looking to focus on short format content in general, or just reach new audiences and get more views on YouTube, learning how to make YouTube shorts can be very beneficial.
FAQs
1. Do YouTube Shorts Make Money?
Yes. YouTube shorts do bring in revenue, sometimes more than any long-format videos can. Make sure you follow the necessary steps for monetizing your shorts and they will bring in money.
2. Do I Have to Switch my Video to Short?
No. If your video has the aspect ratio of a short and is under a minute, YouTube will automatically upload it as a short.
3. Is YouTube Shorts An Exclusive Feature?
While this format originally ran as an exclusive feature in 2021, it is now accessible to everyone. You can even find the tab specified for shorts in your YouTube mobile app as well.
