How to Make a YouTube Short: A Step-by-Step Guide
With the rise of TikTok and other short-form video platforms, YouTube has jumped on the bandwagon with their newest feature: YouTube Shorts. Shorts are brief, engaging videos that are no longer than 60 seconds and are shot vertically, perfect for mobile viewing. They are ideal for creators looking to create content on the go, share behind-the-scenes footage, or simply experiment with a new format.
In this article, we’ll provide you with five simple steps to create successful YouTube Shorts, as well as tips and tricks on how to make them truly stand out.
YouTube Shorts 101: What You Need to Know to Get Started
A YouTube Short is a vertical video that’s under 60 seconds long. They appear in the YouTube Shorts feed, and they’re designed to be short, snappy, and attention-grabbing. Shorts are different from regular YouTube videos because they’re created in portrait mode, are often shot on mobile phones, and are typically shorter than regular videos.
The benefits of creating YouTube Shorts are numerous. With more and more people consuming video content on mobile devices, creating bite-sized videos that can be easily consumed on the go is a fantastic way to reach new audiences. Plus, YouTube Shorts have their own dedicated section on the app, which means they are easy for viewers to find.
When creating content for YouTube Shorts, keep in mind that the maximum length is 60 seconds. Additionally, since Shorts are designed to be viewed on mobile devices, they should be created in a 9:16 aspect ratio.
Getting started with creating your own YouTube Shorts is easy. All you need to do is open the YouTube app on your mobile device, and tap the “+” icon at the bottom of the screen. From there, select “Create a Short,” and you’re ready to start creating!
5 Simple Steps to Create a YouTube Short Video
Creating a successful YouTube Short involves five simple steps:
1. Brainstorming
Figure out what you want to create, and make a plan. Consider the story you want to tell or the message you want to convey. Before you start filming, create an outline or storyboard to help organize your thoughts.
2. Filming
As with any video, lighting is key. If you’re filming indoors, make sure you’re in a well-lit room or near a window. When filming outdoors, avoid direct sunlight and try to shoot during the “golden hour” (the hour before sunset or after sunrise) to get the best possible lighting.
Remember to keep your camera steady and avoid excess camera movement. Too much camera movement can be distracting and take away from the overall quality of the video.
3. Editing
Edit your clip down to its best bits, and cut out any unnecessary footage. Remember that you only have a short amount of time, so every second counts. Prioritize the most engaging footage first.
4. Adding Music/Sound Effects
Music can set the mood for your video and keep viewers engaged. Consider adding royalty-free music or sound effects to help bring your content to life.
5. Uploading
Once your video is edited, add a title and description. Consider using relevant keywords to make it easier for users to find your content. Then, upload your video and share it on your social media channels to help get it in front of more people.
How to Make the Most of Your 60 Seconds on YouTube Shorts
Since YouTube Shorts are short and sweet, it’s essential to quickly grab viewers’ attention and keep them engaged. Here are some tips:
Use text overlays:
Captions can help viewers understand the video’s message better, even when there’s no sound. Use text overlays to help reinforce your message and keep viewers engaged throughout your video.
Create a story arc:
Create a beginning, middle, and end. This can help keep viewers engaged throughout the video and give your content more depth.
End with a strong CTA or message:
Encourage your viewers to take action, whether it’s subscribing to your channel, visiting your website, or sharing your video with their friends. A clear call-to-action can help increase engagement and reach.
10 Secret Tips to Make Your YouTube Short Viral
The following tips can help ensure your content stands out and goes viral:
1. Use trending hashtags:
Trending hashtags can help increase the visibility of your content and put it in front of more users. If relevant to your content, use trending hashtags in your video’s title, description, or tags.
2. Incorporate humor:
Humor can be a great way to grab viewers’ attention and make your content more shareable. If appropriate for your brand or message, try incorporating humor into your videos.
3. Share behind-the-scenes footage:
Sharing behind-the-scenes footage can help humanize your brand and make it more relatable. This can also help build trust with your audience, which can lead to increased engagement and loyalty.
4. Collaborate:
Collaborating with other creators is an excellent way to cross-promote your content and reach new audiences. Consider partnering with a creator whose audience aligns with your brand or message.
5. Use storytelling:
Storytelling can help make your content more compelling and increase engagement. Create a narrative for your video and make it relatable to your audience.
6. Be consistent:
Posting videos consistently can help build a loyal following and make your content more likely to go viral. Consider posting multiple times per week to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.
7. Keep it simple:
Creating a simple, easy-to-follow video can help ensure your content is more shareable and appealing to a broader audience.
8. Use visuals:
Visuals such as animation or graphics can help make your video more engaging and help explain complicated concepts more easily.
9. Highlight a current event:
If appropriate for your brand or message, consider tying your content to a current event or trend to help increase visibility and engagement.
10. Make it relatable:
Create content that resonates with your audience and speaks to their experiences and struggles. This can help build an emotional connection with your audience that can lead to increased engagement and loyalty.
The Anatomy of a Successful YouTube Short: Lessons from the Best in the Game
One of the best ways to learn how to create successful YouTube Shorts is to analyze and learn from the best creators in the game. Study the pacing, editing, messaging, and other elements of successful YouTube Shorts and identify what made them successful. Then, apply those lessons learned to your own content.
Conclusion
Creating YouTube Shorts can be a fun and rewarding way to create short, engaging videos that connect with your audience. Follow these tips to create high-quality Shorts that can go viral and help grow your audience. Remember to keep your content short and sweet, use engaging visuals, and tell a story that resonates with your audience. With practice and patience, you can create successful YouTube Shorts that take your channel to the next level.