How to Create YouTube Shorts: Your 2024 Guide

In 2021, leveraging the popularity of TikTok and Instagram, YouTube entered the short-form video market with its exciting feature, YouTube Shorts.

Today, we’re focusing on YouTube Shorts. To illustrate its vast potential, a staggering 70 billion Shorts are viewed daily.
With a strong YouTube Shorts strategy, you can attract millions of viewers much faster than with regular YouTube videos.
The algorithm also plays a significant role in boosting the reach of YouTube Shorts, as people enjoy consuming short videos.
So, how do you get started with YouTube Shorts?
Our comprehensive YouTube Shorts guide covers everything you need to know.
Let’s dive in and learn how to create compelling YouTube Shorts and grow a successful YouTube channel.

How to Create and Upload YouTube Shorts

Creating and uploading YouTube Shorts is a straightforward process that allows you to quickly share short, engaging videos with your audience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Create Your YouTube Short

1. Plan Your Content:
   • Idea: Start with a clear idea or concept for your Short. Whether it’s a tutorial, a funny moment, or a quick tip, having a plan will help you stay focused.
   • Script: If necessary, write a short script to ensure you convey your message effectively within the limited time.
2. Record Your Video:
   • Use Your Smartphone: YouTube Shorts are designed to be quick and easy to create, so you can use your smartphone to record the video.
   • Vertical Format: Ensure you shoot your video in a vertical format to fit the YouTube Shorts criteria.
   • Length: Keep your video under 60 seconds. Shorter videos (15-30 seconds) often perform better.
3. Edit Your Video:
   • Use Editing Apps: You can use various video editing apps like Adobe Premiere Rush, iMovie, or even the YouTube app itself to edit your video.
   • Add Effects: Incorporate text, filters, music, and other effects to make your video more engaging.

Step 2: Upload Your YouTube Short

1. Open the YouTube App:
   • Sign In: Make sure you’re signed into your YouTube account.
2. Start the Upload Process:
   • Tap the Create Icon: This is usually represented by a “+” sign or a camera icon at the bottom of the screen.
   • Select ‘Create a Short’: If you don’t see this option, select ‘Upload a Video’ and choose your short video from your gallery.
3. Edit Within YouTube (Optional):
   • Trim Your Video: Use the in-app trimming tools if you need to adjust the length of your video.
   • Add Music and Text: You can add music from YouTube’s library and text overlays to enhance your video.
4. Add Details:
   • Title: Create a compelling title for your Short. Keep it concise and relevant.
   • Description: Write a brief description that provides context for your video.
   • Hashtags: Include relevant hashtags, especially #Shorts, to increase discoverability.
5. Choose Your Settings:
   • Visibility: Select whether you want your video to be Public, Unlisted, or Private.
   • Audience: Specify if your video is made for kids or not to comply with COPPA regulations.
6. Upload:
   • Tap ‘Upload’ or ‘Next’: Follow the prompts to complete the upload process.

Tips for Successful YouTube Shorts

• Hook Viewers Early: Capture attention within the first few seconds.
• Engage with Comments: Respond to viewer comments to build a community.
• Analyze Performance: Use YouTube Analytics to see what works and refine your strategy.
• Consistency: Regularly upload new Shorts to keep your audience engaged.
• Cross-Promote: Share your Shorts on other social media platforms to reach a broader audience.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively create and upload engaging YouTube Shorts that have the potential to reach a wide audience and help grow your channel.

How To Go Viral On YouTube Shorts

Creating viral YouTube Shorts involves a mix of strategy, creativity, and an understanding of the platform’s dynamics. Here are some essential tips to help your Shorts go viral:

1. Hook Your Viewer

Capturing the audience’s attention in the first few seconds is crucial. Use eye-catching visuals, catchy music, and surprising elements to hook viewers from the start. Start with a captivating action sequence or a comedic moment to instantly pique interest and encourage viewers to keep watching.

2. Encourage Audience Engagement

Audience interaction is key to the viral success of YouTube Shorts. Encourage viewers to like, comment, and share your video to boost its visibility. Ask questions, invite viewers to participate in challenges or tag their friends, and respond to comments to foster engagement.

3. Emphasize Format

The length and format of your Shorts video are important. Shorter videos tend to perform better on the platform. Keeping your Shorts under a minute allows viewers to consume the content quickly, increasing the chances of shares and engagement. Choose a vertical format for optimal viewing on mobile devices.

4. Include the Latest Trends

Leveraging trending topics and hashtags can increase the visibility of your YouTube Shorts. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and incorporate them into your content to attract a wider audience. Use popular hashtags related to your video’s theme to increase discoverability and potentially feature on the YouTube Shorts Explore page.

5. Incorporate Storytelling Elements

Creating an emotional connection with viewers through storytelling can maximize engagement. Incorporate relatable characters, compelling narratives, or heartfelt moments to evoke emotions and make your content more shareable.

6. Expand and Collaborate

Promote your YouTube Shorts beyond the platform by sharing them on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and other relevant social media. Collaborate with other creators who have a similar target audience to expand your reach and visibility.

7. Optimize for SEO

Ensure your YouTube Shorts are easily discoverable by paying attention to search engine optimization (SEO). Use relevant keywords in your video title and description to improve its ranking in search results, attracting more viewers searching for related topics.

8. Analyze and Adapt

Monitor your YouTube analytics to understand what works best for your audience. Identify patterns in videos that get the most views, likes, and comments. Use this data to refine your content strategy and focus on producing more of what your viewers love.

Lastly, be yourself and enjoy the process. Authenticity resonates with viewers and can set your content apart. When you have fun making your Shorts, your audience will likely enjoy watching them too. By following these strategies and staying true to your unique style, you’ll increase your chances of creating viral YouTube Shorts. Remember, going viral isn’t just about luck; it’s about understanding your audience and delivering content they can’t help but share.