YouTube Shorts offer you an exciting way to grow your channel even faster. These special short videos are not only entertaining but can also significantly increase the visibility of your channel. So if you want to know how to create and upload effective shorts, you've come to the right place. In this guide, I'll explain everything you need to know about YouTube Shorts and guide you through the upload process.
Key Insights
YouTube Shorts are short videos with a maximum length of 60 seconds, to be uploaded in portrait mode (9:16). To increase visibility, you should use the hashtag #shorts in the title or description. Shorts can also be uploaded without a thumbnail, and there are no specific requirements for the description.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. What are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are a form of short videos similar to the formats on TikTok or Instagram Reels. They offer you the opportunity to present creative content in a compact format. It is important that these videos are not longer than 60 seconds. If your video is longer, it will not be accepted as a Short.
2. The Right Formatting
When creating your Shorts, make sure they are filmed in portrait mode (9:16). This differs from normal YouTube videos, which are displayed in a 16:9 format. Portrait mode ensures that your viewers can easily watch the Shorts on their mobile devices.
3. Benefits of YouTube Shorts
Uploading Shorts offers several benefits, especially for smaller channels. You have the chance to reach a new audience and potentially gain new subscribers. I have noticed that about one in five Shorts achieves a higher number of views. This push from YouTube can help you quickly expand your audience.
4. Uploading Shorts via the Mobile App
Uploading Shorts via the YouTube app on your mobile device is straightforward. Go to the app and click on the plus sign (➕) at the bottom of the screen. There you will find the new option "Upload Short Videos." Clicking on it will take you to your upload screen.
5. Using Hashtags and Titles
Give your Short an engaging title. Here you can also include the hashtag #shorts. It is recommended to integrate this hashtag into the description or title to increase discoverability. This way, you can ensure that YouTube gives your video more visibility.
6. Description and Thumbnail
Unlike regular YouTube videos, the description plays a minor role for Shorts. You can even omit the description altogether or keep it minimal. Additionally, it is not mandatory to upload a thumbnail. Many creators choose to forgo it, and their Shorts perform well nonetheless.
7. Additional Settings
If you wish, you can assign a playlist to your Short or make specific audience settings. Make sure to choose a suitable category. This helps YouTube organize your video better and target it to the right audience.
8. Adjusting Visibility
After configuring your Shorts, you can set the video's visibility in the final step. I recommend setting the visibility to "Public" so that everyone can immediately discover your video. Click "Publish" to make your Short visible to the world.
Summary
YouTube Shorts offer you the opportunity to quickly achieve a wide reach and promote your channel. With the right formatting, use of hashtags, and easy upload guide, you can successfully create and publish Shorts. It doesn't take much effort to benefit from the reach of this new content.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a YouTube Short be at most?A YouTube Short can be up to 60 seconds long.
In what format must Shorts be uploaded?Shorts must be uploaded in portrait format (9:16).
Do I have to upload a thumbnail for my Short?You can omit a thumbnail, but it is not mandatory.
How can I adjust the visibility of my Short?Visibility can be set to "Public," "Unlisted," or "Private."
Are hashtags important for Shorts?Yes, using the hashtag #shorts in the title or description can increase visibility.
