YouTube Shorts Tips

Shorts are vertical videos of up to a minute or more, depending on current YouTube rules. They are a quick way to reach new people, but they work differently from long videos.

1. Hook in the first second

Viewers swipe fast. Start with the most interesting moment, a question or a clear visual action. Do not begin with a slow introduction.

2. One idea per Short

Teach one tip, show one trick or tell one mini story. Keep the video tight and remove every extra second.

3. Design for the phone

• Shoot in vertical 9:16 format.
• Add large captions, because many people watch without sound.
• Keep important text away from the bottom and sides where buttons cover it.

4. Make people watch to the end

Shorts that are watched fully, or even replayed, tend to perform better. A loop-friendly ending or a small surprise at the end can help.

5. Connect Shorts with long videos

Use a Short as a preview of a longer video and link the full video. Remember that Shorts views and long-video watch hours are counted separately for monetization, so check the official YouTube rules.

6. Post regularly and learn

Because Shorts are quick to make, you can test many ideas. Look at which ones keep viewers and make more of that style.

Also read YouTube Growth Tips.