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Video content has seen an unprecedented surge in popularity, and YouTube Shorts is leading the pack. As a bite-sized video format, YouTube Shorts provide an exciting opportunity for content creators to engage their audience in a fun, dynamic, and easily digestible way.
However, the upload process may seem overwhelming to those new to the platform. Thus, this ultimate post aims to demystify the YouTube Shorts upload process by providing a comprehensive YouTube Shorts upload checklist.
What are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are vertical videos that last for up to 60 seconds, designed to be filmed, edited, and uploaded directly from the YouTube mobile application. This format was YouTube's response to the rise of short-form video content popularity, following the footsteps of other popular platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Why Use YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts present a unique opportunity for content creators and brands to grow their engagement and reach a wider audience. According to Google, YouTube Shorts garners more than 50 billion views each day. Moreover, YouTube Shorts are prioritized by the platform's algorithm, increasing the chance of your content being viewed by a larger audience.
YouTube Shorts Length
Shorts are designed to be brief and engaging, with a maximum duration of 60 seconds. This time limit is similar to Instagram Reels but shorter than the 3-minute videos allowed on TikTok. The short duration encourages creators to pack their content with value and creativity, which caters to the audience's preference for quick, impactful content.
The YouTube Shorts Upload Checklist
To ensure a successful upload of your YouTube Short, follow this checklist:
Create a Compelling Title: Your title should be concise, descriptive, and engaging, including at least one hashtag and the name of your channel. For example: "Quick Makeup Tutorial | #BeautyTips | [Channel Name]".
Craft a Detailed Description: The description should include a brief summary of your video, relevant keywords, and a description of your channel. This helps YouTube's algorithm understand your video's content and context, improving your video's visibility in search results.
Add Relevant Tags: Tags help YouTube understand your video's content and context, helping to increase its visibility. Include relevant keywords and phrases related to your video.
Add Your Short to a Playlist: By adding your Short to a playlist, you can group similar content together, making it easier for viewers to find and watch your videos.
Link to a Related Video: If you have a related long-form video, consider adding it to the "Related Video". This can help drive traffic to your other content and increase overall engagement.
Upload Your Video: Once you've completed all the checklist items, it's time to upload your video. Remember to check the video's visibility settings before uploading it. You can choose to make your video public, keep it private, or list it as unlisted.
How to Upload a YouTube Short
Now that you have the YouTube Shorts Upload Checklist, let's delve into the step-by-step process of creating and uploading a YouTube Short.
Access the YouTube Mobile App
To create a YouTube Short, you'll first need to download the official YouTube mobile app. Once installed, log in with your Google or YouTube credentials.
Record Your Short
Tap the '+' icon on the app's homepage and select 'Create a Short.' You can record a 15-second clip by holding the red record button, or tap it to start and stop recording. If you want a full 60-second video, tap the number 15 above the record button to change it to 60.
Q: Can I Record and Edit Shorts Outside of the YouTube mobile app?
Yes! You can absolutely record your Short outside of the official YouTube app like on a camera, DSLR camera or even using another smartphone app.
Edit Your Short
After recording your video, tap the checkmark to move to the editing stage. Here, you can add a music track, filters, text, and more. If you want to perform advanced editing, consider using different editing apps like Premier Rush, Filmora, or Davinci Resolve.
Finalize and Upload Your Short
After perfecting your clip, tap 'Next' to finalize your Short. Here, you can add a title, description, and select your video's visibility. Remember to include the tag '#Shorts' before you tap 'Upload Short.'
How to Monetize YouTube Shorts
Although Shorts don't offer much when it comes to ad revenue, there is still an opportunity for creators and channels that drive a lot of views. As of 2023, Shorts creators can qualify for the YouTube Partner Program, which allows them to earn ad revenue. To qualify, creators need at least 10 million views over the previous 90 days. Once you're a part of the program, you'll earn 45% of ad revenue from your videos.
Best Practices for YouTube Shorts
To maximize the impact of your YouTube Shorts, adhere to the following best practices:
Ensure Immediate Engagement: Grab your audience's attention within the first few seconds of your video.
Keep It Snappy: Shorts should be concise and packed with value. Utilize different cuts and edits to keep viewers engaged.
Define Your Content Goal: Whether it's boosting subscribers or leading viewers to a more detailed video, always have a clear goal for your content.
Create Engaging and Recurring Content: Think about how to hook your audience and make them return for more.
Optimize for Looping: Since YouTube Shorts loop automatically, creating a video that loops cleanly can enhance viewer retention. This is a difficult one, but if you are able to do it, it will make your views skyrocket.
Create Exclusive Content: Rather than recycling existing content, aim to create original, authentic content for your Shorts.
Follow these tips and you are sure to find success eventually with your YouTube Shorts strategy.
How Channels Can Utilize YouTube Shorts
There are several ways to utilize YouTube Shorts to increase your brand's visibility and engagement:
Promote Your Channel: Use Shorts to promote and grow your regular YouTube channel.
Behind-the-Scenes Footage: Share exclusive behind-the-scenes content to show your brand's authentic side.
Tease Your Audience: Use Shorts as teasers for upcoming videos or product launches.
Quick Engagements: Use Shorts to engage your audience quickly and effectively.
Jump on Trends: Participate in viral trends or challenges to increase your visibility.
User-Generated Content: Encourage your audience to create Shorts featuring your products or services.
Cost-Effective Marketing: Creating Shorts is a cost-effective way to produce video content and promote your brand.
You can really use Shorts for whatever purpose you need but those are a few ideas to help get you started.
Start Uploading YouTube Shorts Today
Whether you're a seasoned content creator or just starting, this guide will help you navigate YouTube Shorts and grow your online presence. At Creator Essentials, we help creators and businesses grow their YouTube channels through all of YouTube's tools and assets, including YouTube Shorts. Let us help you implement a YouTube strategy today!
Written by Rob Miller
Founder, Creator Essentials
Rob has been on YouTube since 2016 and has worked on dozens of channels and websites, including his own, amassing hundreds of millions of views and hundreds of thousands of subscribers.
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