How Do You Make Shorts on YouTube? Your Ultimate Guide

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. You want to conquer the vertical video realm and make YouTube Shorts. The fundamental process is simpler than you think, but mastering it takes finesse. Here’s the core recipe: Upload a vertical video (9:16 aspect ratio) that’s 60 seconds or less and include #Shorts in the title or description. That’s it! But, believe me, the devil’s in the details, and that’s what we’ll be diving into.

The Essential Ingredients for YouTube Shorts Success

Crafting the Perfect Vertical Video

The heart of any successful Short is, naturally, the video itself. Don’t just flip your existing landscape footage – that screams amateur hour. Think vertical from the get-go.

• Shoot in 9:16: This is non-negotiable. Use your smartphone’s camera, ensuring you’re recording in portrait mode. Most modern phones have excellent camera capabilities, so leverage them.
• Keep it Concise: 60 seconds is your limit. But don’t feel obliged to use every last tick of the clock. Shorter can often be better, especially if you’re grabbing attention quickly.
• Content is King (Still!): What’s your Short about? Is it funny, informative, artistic, or intriguing? It needs to be compelling in those fleeting seconds. Plan your content beforehand – even a rough storyboard helps.
• Prioritize Visual Engagement: Fast cuts, dynamic camera movements, and engaging visuals are key. Think TikTok, but with a YouTube spin. Consider using filters and effects sparingly to enhance, not distract.
• Audio is Your Ally: Music can make or break your Short. Use trending sounds or create your own. Just be mindful of copyright restrictions. YouTube’s Audio Library offers a vast selection of royalty-free tracks. Voiceovers are also fantastic for adding context or humor.

The #Shorts Secret Sauce

The #Shorts hashtag is your ticket to the YouTube Shorts feed. It’s how YouTube identifies and categorizes your video.

• Placement Matters (Sort Of): You can put the hashtag in your title OR description. It doesn’t really matter which one you choose from an algorithmic perspective, but I personally recommend putting it in the description. Your titles should be catchy and SEO-optimized.
• Don’t Overdo It: Just one #Shorts is all you need. Spamming other hashtags related to shorts won’t boost your visibility; in fact, it could make you look desperate.

Uploading and Optimizing Your Short

Once your video is ready, it’s time to unleash it upon the world.

• Upload Like a Regular Video: The uploading process is identical to uploading a standard YouTube video. Use the YouTube app or the website.
• Craft a Killer Title: The title should be attention-grabbing and informative. Tell viewers what to expect in a concise and intriguing way.
• Write a Compelling Description: Expand on your title, adding relevant keywords to help viewers discover your Short. Include a call to action (e.g., “Subscribe for more!”, “Check out my other videos!”).
• Choose an Eye-Catching Thumbnail: While YouTube automatically generates thumbnails, creating a custom one is highly recommended. Make it visually appealing and representative of your content. Use a high-quality image and consider adding text overlays.
• Select the Right Audience: Designate whether the video is made for kids. This is crucial for compliance with COPPA regulations.
• Add Tags: While tags are less important than they used to be, they can still help YouTube understand your content. Use relevant keywords related to your niche and the specific topic of your Short.
• Monitor Your Analytics: Keep a close eye on your analytics to see what’s working and what’s not. Pay attention to metrics like views, likes, comments, and audience retention. Use this data to refine your content strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about YouTube Shorts

1. What is the ideal length for a YouTube Short?

While you can go up to 60 seconds, shorter is often better. Think 15-30 seconds for maximum impact. Capture attention quickly and leave viewers wanting more.

2. Can I use copyrighted music in my Shorts?

Yes, BUT be very careful. YouTube has a robust copyright detection system. You can use music from YouTube’s Audio Library or licensed tracks. Using copyrighted music without permission can lead to your Short being muted or even taken down.

3. Do YouTube Shorts get monetized?

Yes, Shorts are now monetized! YouTube introduced Shorts monetization through ads and a revenue-sharing model. You need to be part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) and adhere to YouTube’s monetization policies.

4. How do I add text overlays and effects to my Shorts?

YouTube provides built-in tools for adding text overlays, filters, and effects within the YouTube app. You can also use third-party video editing apps like CapCut, InShot, or Adobe Premiere Rush for more advanced editing capabilities.

5. What equipment do I need to create YouTube Shorts?

You primarily need a smartphone with a decent camera. A tripod can be helpful for steady shots. A microphone (even a basic lavalier mic) can significantly improve audio quality. Lighting can also make a difference.

6. How often should I post Shorts?

Consistency is key. Aim for at least 3-5 Shorts per week. Experiment with different posting schedules to see what works best for your audience.

7. How do I get more views on my YouTube Shorts?

• Create engaging content that viewers will want to watch and share.
• Use catchy titles and descriptions with relevant keywords.
• Promote your Shorts on other social media platforms.
• Collaborate with other creators.
• Engage with your audience in the comments section.
• Analyze your analytics and adjust your strategy accordingly.

8. Can I use existing YouTube videos to create Shorts?

Yes, you can create Shorts from existing long-form videos using the “Edit into a Short” feature. This allows you to select a segment of your existing video and convert it into a Short.

9. Are YouTube Shorts a good way to grow my channel?

Absolutely! Shorts can significantly boost channel visibility and attract new subscribers. They are a great way to reach a wider audience and drive traffic to your long-form content.

10. What are the best niches for YouTube Shorts?

There’s no “best” niche, but popular categories include:

• Comedy
• DIY and Life Hacks
• Gaming
• Educational Content
• Cooking and Recipes
• Travel Vlogs
• Pet Videos

The key is to find a niche you’re passionate about and create content that resonates with your target audience.

11. How do I add a call to action to my Shorts?

The easiest way is to verbally mention the call to action within the Short itself (“Subscribe!”, “Like this video!”, “Check out the link in the description!”). You can also add text overlays with call-to-action prompts.

12. What if my Short doesn’t get any views?

Don’t get discouraged! It takes time to build an audience. Analyze your analytics, experiment with different content formats and topics, and keep learning. Consistent effort and continuous improvement are the keys to success. Re-evaluate your thumbnails and titles. Make sure your content is engaging and offers value to the viewer.

So there you have it – the inside scoop on conquering the YouTube Shorts universe. Remember, consistency, creativity, and a dash of that secret sauce (your unique personality!) are your best weapons. Now go out there and create some amazing Shorts!