It’s very important to get and keep your audience’s attention. In 2023 and 2024, the rise of short-form video apps like TikTok and Instagram Reels has changed how companies and content creators talk to their public. YouTube, which is one of the biggest video-sharing sites in the world, couldn’t keep up, so YouTube Shorts was created. We will talk about everything you need to know about YouTube Shorts in this detailed guide, such as how to upload YouTube shorts and how they can help your brand’s digital marketing.
What are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube added a feature called “YouTube Shorts” that lets users make and watch vertical, short videos right on YouTube. You can think of them as short video snacks that get your attention right away. Similar to movie trailers but shorter, these Shorts are meant to be fun, catchy, and interesting. One of the best things about YouTube Shorts is how short they are.
Most of the time, they last between 15 and 60 seconds, which is perfect for keeping people’s attention in this world where time is short. YouTube Shorts are a fun and interesting way for both content creators and viewers to share short videos, like a funny skit, a dancing routine, a quick tip, or a look into someone’s day.
How to Upload YouTube Shorts
Now that we’ve defined YouTube Shorts, let’s walk through the process of generating and uploading your own Shorts. YouTube has made it simple for everyone to join, whether they are using a PC or a mobile phone.
Creating and Uploading YouTube Shorts Using a PC or Mac
If you have an intriguing video concept that you want to create from your computer, follow these steps:
- Prepare Your Short-Form Video: Create or edit a video that meets the YouTube Shorts criteria of being 60 seconds or less in duration and optimized for vertical viewing.
- Access YouTube Studio: Log in to your YouTube account and navigate to YouTube Studio using your web browser.
- Upload Your Short Video: Click on the “Create” button in YouTube Studio and select “Upload Videos.” You can either drag and drop the video file or choose it from a location on your computer.
- Add Details and Optimization: Fill in the title, description, tags, thumbnails, and other necessary details for your Short video.
- Add Video Elements: Enhance your Short by adding subtitles, music, or other elements that enhance its visual appeal.
- Fix Issues If Any: Ensure your video meets YouTube’s community guidelines and copyright policies.
- Choose the Visibility Settings: Decide whether to make your video private, unlisted, or public, and choose whether to publish it right away or save it for later.
- View Your Saved Video: From your profile, you can view your YouTube Shorts by clicking on “Shorts” from the “Content” tab.
Creating and Uploading YouTube Shorts Using a Mobile Phone
If you prefer using a mobile phone to create and upload your YouTube Shorts, here’s what you need to do:
- Access YouTube App: Open the YouTube app on your Android or iPhone device.
- Create a Short: Tap the ‘+’ button to start creating a new video and select “Create a Short.”
- Record or Upload a Video: Use the Shorts camera to record a new video or upload an existing video from your device’s gallery.
- Enhance and Edit: Use the available editing tools within the Shorts camera to enhance your video by adding sound, adjusting playback speed, adding a voice-over, including text, or applying filters.
- Add Details: Provide details for your YouTube Short to help optimize its searchability and discoverability.
- Upload Your Short: Once you’re satisfied with your Short, add a title, caption, and choose the visibility settings. Then, upload your Short to YouTube.
- View Your Uploaded Shorts: You can view your uploaded Shorts by clicking on “Your videos” in your profile.
That’s it! You’ve successfully created and uploaded YouTube Shorts using your mobile phone.
The Best Ways to Make YouTube Shorts
To maximize the impact of your YouTube Shorts and increase their visibility, here are some best practices to keep in mind:
- Keep it Short and Interesting: Aim for short, interesting material that gets people’s attention right away. Start with an interesting hook or opening to get people interested in watching the whole Short.
- Use the Vertical Format: Optimize your Shorts for the ideal aspect ratio of 9:16, which fits perfectly on mobile devices and aligns with how users naturally hold their phones.
- Create Catchy Thumbnails: Design visually appealing and intriguing thumbnails that accurately represent the content of your Short. Thumbnails play a crucial role in attracting viewers and enticing them to click.
- Include Engaging Visuals and Effects: Use visually appealing elements such as animations, text overlays, filters, and creative effects to capture viewers’ attention and make your Short stand out.
- Utilize Trends: Stay updated with current trends and challenges on YouTube and social media platforms. By aligning your content with popular topics and trends, you increase the likelihood of your Shorts being noticed and shared.
- Optimize Titles and Descriptions: Craft compelling titles and descriptions that accurately represent your Short and enhance its visibility in search results and recommendations. Use relevant keywords and social media hashtags to improve indexing and categorization.
- Include a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA): Prompt viewers to take specific actions such as liking, commenting, sharing, subscribing, or visiting related content. A clear CTA encourages audience interaction and fosters a sense of community engagement.
- Maintain Consistency and Frequency: Upload Shorts regularly to maintain a consistent presence on the platform. Consistency helps increase visibility and build anticipation among viewers.
- Interact with Your Audience: Respond to comments and actively engage with your audience. Acknowledge and appreciate viewer feedback to foster a sense of inclusivity and encourage further engagement.
- Monitor Analytics: Use YouTube analytics to gain insights into the performance and audience reception of your Shorts. Analyze metrics such as views, watch time, audience retention, likes, comments, and shares to understand how your Shorts resonate with viewers.
Also Read: TikTok vs. YouTube: Which Platform Should You Choose?
In Closing
YouTube Shorts allow companies and content creators to engage their audience with short, visually appealing videos. Create and upload Shorts using YouTube’s mobile app or YouTube Studio on a PC. YouTube Shorts’ prominent presence on the platform can boost visibility, interaction, and audience growth. You may boost your YouTube profile and Shorts’ impact by following best practices and trends. Waiting for what? Now learn how to upload YouTube Shorts to engage your audience and boost your digital marketing strategy.