Launched by YouTube back in 2020, YouTube Shorts are a vertical video format with micro-content that goes up to 60 seconds in length. YouTube Shorts are a huge opportunity for creators and businesses. Whether you’re a vlogger, family channel, tech expert, beauty guru, gamer, or even a toy reviewer, YouTube Shorts should be used by YouTube creators from all genres.
This new “Story” format or vertical micro-content is the latest new feature joining its rivals Instagram Reels, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook Stories, too. They are meant to be consumed on smartphones as they are shot vertically in a 9:16 aspect ratio and take up the entire screen of most smartphones, offering an immersive viewing experience.
When a social media platform launches a new feature the algorithm wants its creators to use the new feature and popularize it. What an easy way to achieve higher reach and increase engagement, right?
So, after reading our simple explanation of YouTube shorts, if you are yet to create content, especially for this format, let us tell you exactly how you can do this to really boost your channel and take it to the next level.
Firstly, where do Shorts live on the YouTube app I hear you ask? The YouTube Shorts tab can be found next to your home tab at the bottom of your phone screen. All you have to do is tap on the Shorts tab and scroll through to the Shorts feed. Users can tap on the creator's profile picture/name to view all of their uploaded shorts.
Now for some simple and effective YouTube Shorts video ideas:
You can create a YouTube short video for absolutely anything you like. Here are just some of the many themes you can take as your inspo:
Creating hype for an upcoming event
Product launch
Sneak Peaks
Tutorials
Behind-the-scenes snippets
Repurposing content from TikTok or Instagram
How to create YouTube Shorts:
YouTube Shorts must be created by capturing the video vertically instead of horizontally. Alternatively, you can convert your horizontal, 16:9 footage to make a YouTube Shorts video using an easy aspect ratio resizer tool. Here is our step by step guide to creating a YouTube short:
1. Tap on the + plus button at the bottom of your screen. Create options will appear in a pull-up box. You can choose between Uploading a video, Creating a Short, and Go Live. Tap on Create a Short.
2. Allow access. If you have not created a YouTube Short before, you will need to allow access to your camera and microphone. Tap on ALLOW ACCESS to proceed. 3. Record a YouTube Short or upload a pre-recorded vertical video. It’s now time to create your YouTube Short. You can tap on the red record button to start recording your YouTube Short. Alternatively, you can upload a pre-recorded vertical video under the length of 60 seconds by clicking on the small box on the bottom left that will show the clips on your smartphone. So now you have all the information you need to get creating your YouTube Shorts. Just remember, they must be a maximum of 60 seconds long. Also, don’t forget to alter your YouTube video aspect ratio to vertical 9:16 from widescreen 16:9. Save your shortened YouTube video directly to your smartphone for easy Shorts uploading. Happy creating!