Got A Minute? Then You Have Time For YouTube Shorts!
Social media platforms have sped up marketing and communication for the entire world. And they’ve provided savvy marketers and business owners with a way to spread their messages to target audiences.
However, the challenge is to provide as much information as you can in a short window of time. Lengthy posts will probably be skimmed over quickly, or completely ignored. No one has the time for that!
Instead, marketers have learned that if they can package their content in easy to consume formats, they’ll get the results they want.
Instagram and TikTok have grown exponentially over the past several years, and allowed individuals to garner thousands of followers.
Not only are these posts easy to share, they’re also easy to create – but if they’re not done in a professional manner and posted without planning, the results won’t be particularly successful.
Not to be left out of this trend, YouTube has created YouTube Shorts. Much like the competition, these videos usually last a minute and are designed to capture an audience’s attention, and then encourage them to take action – whether that’s clicking on a link or visiting a website.
So how can you take advantage of this relatively new feature? What’s the best type of content to include?
Content is King!
Everyone struggles with producing relevant content on a regular schedule. Providing your followers with engaging videos can be a challenge – and boiling your messages down to fit within a 60-second time frame adds additional difficulty.
Here are a few types of subjects that you can use.
- Comparison: perfect for marketers who are involved in a niche type of business. You can compare certain tools, software, and other instruments that viewers can use.
- Behind the Scenes: showing your audience how you work, and where you work, makes for interesting subject matter – and you can probably get it all done in 60 seconds.
- Your Tools: what do you use to get the job done? It might be a software program or equipment like a camera or laptop.
- Point of View: What’s your opinion on a subject matter or event? Share some insightful ideas and views – but keep the vibe positive. No one wants to hear a negative message!
Production Hints
Today’s technology makes it easy to create a short video with decent quality. Sure, it doesn’t have to be on par with a Hollywood blockbuster, but with the basic elements and equipment, you can present a professional Short that’s not wobbly or hard to see.
Don’t go overboard with filters and effects – they can distract and take away a viewer’s focus on your message. Clean and simple are the way to go.
Script out your short and practice before you record your official version. Make it concise, but add your own flavor – you want to stand out from the competition.
Remember that you’re not limited to one Short. You can create a mini series of related videos – not only does this approach give you more time, it keeps your viewers coming back!
Additional YouTube Shorts FAQ
Can You Embed YouTube Shorts?
If you have a WordPress site, you can and should embed YouTube Shorts onto your website! TikTok and Instagram Reels have proven that content does not need to be long to keep your audience engaged. Embedding YouTube shorts into your website is a great opportunity to engage with your audience in a short format.
When Were YouTube Shorts created?
YouTube Shorts was launched in September 2020. Since its initial launch, the average number of daily first-time creators more than doubled from September 2020 to September 2021. YouTube shorts was launched in India with the goal to “give everyone a voice and help creators grow their audience with short-form video,” according to YouTube’s blog.
How Do You Post YouTube Shorts?
Posting YouTube Shorts is easy!
- Sign in to YouTube Studio.
- Click “CREATE” in the top right corner.
- If you already have a video created, select upload to publish it (make sure it’s in vertical format and less than 60 seconds long.)
- If you want to make a new video in real-time, select “CREATE A SHORT” and then hold the “Capture” button down to start recording your video.
- Include a title or description to help YouTube recommend your short videos to users.
- Click “Publish” and you’re done!
How Long Can YouTube Shorts be?
YouTube Shorts cannot be longer than 60 seconds. This feature from YouTube is designed to distribute short-form content to audiences, similar to TikTok and Instagram Reels.
How Can You Monetize YouTube Shorts?
Yes! Beginning in January 2023, Shorts creators can become eligible for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). If you gain 1,000 subscribers with 10 million valid public Shorts views over 90 days, then you can apply for the YPP program. After applying, your channel will be reviewed to ensure it meets YPP’s channel monetization policies. Keep in mind, all uploaded content must be original.
Work With Pink Dog Digital
YouTube Shorts can be fun and informative, but doing them right and tying them in with your other marketing efforts adds a layer of complexity you don’t have time for.
Our team at Pink Dog can handle your project and provide insight and resources that can help your YouTube Short go a long way!
Call us at (410) 696-3305 to see how we can take your social media presence to the next level.