How to Make YouTube Shorts
How to Make YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts has revolutionized short-form video content, allowing creators and businesses to reach millions of viewers with videos under 60 seconds. Learning how to make YouTube Shorts effectively can significantly boost your channel's visibility and engagement.
What Are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are vertical videos lasting up to 60 seconds, designed to compete with TikTok and Instagram Reels. These short-form videos appear in a dedicated Shorts shelf and can dramatically increase your channel's reach.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make YouTube Shorts
Step 1: Plan Your YouTube Shorts Content
Choose engaging topics that work well in short format:
- Quick tips and tutorials
- Behind-the-scenes content
- Product demonstrations
- Industry insights
- Entertainment and trending topics
Key planning considerations:
- Hook viewers in the first 3 seconds
- Deliver value quickly
- End with a strong call-to-action
Step 2: Record Your YouTube Shorts Video
Recording options for how to make YouTube Shorts:
Option A: YouTube Mobile App
- Open YouTube mobile app
- Tap the "+" (Create) button
- Select "Create a Short"
- Choose recording length (15, 30, or 60 seconds)
- Record using built-in camera tools
Option B: External Recording
- Use smartphone camera or professional equipment
- Record in vertical format (9:16 aspect ratio)
- Ensure good lighting and clear audio
- Keep videos under 60 seconds
Step 3: Edit Your YouTube Shorts
Essential editing elements:
- Text overlays: Add captions and key points
- Music: Use YouTube's audio library or trending sounds
- Transitions: Keep cuts quick and engaging
- Thumbnails: Create eye-catching first frames
Recommended editing apps:
- YouTube's built-in editor
- CapCut (free)
- InShot
- Adobe Premiere Pro (advanced)
Step 4: Optimize for YouTube Shorts Algorithm
Technical requirements:
- Vertical orientation (9:16 ratio)
- Maximum 60 seconds duration
- Minimum 720p resolution
- Include #Shorts in title or description
Content optimization:
- Start with a compelling hook
- Maintain fast pacing
- Use trending hashtags
- Include relevant keywords in title
Step 5: Upload Your YouTube Shorts
Upload process:
- Open YouTube Studio or mobile app
- Click "Create" then "Upload video"
- Select your Shorts video file
- Add optimized title with "YouTube Shorts" keywords
- Write engaging description with #Shorts hashtag
- Choose appropriate thumbnail
- Select relevant category and audience
- Publish or schedule
YouTube Shorts Best Practices for Businesses
Content Strategy Tips
High-performing YouTube Shorts topics:
- Quick tutorials related to your industry
- Product features and benefits
- Customer testimonials
- Team introductions
- Industry news and updates
Timing and Frequency
Optimal posting strategy:
- Post 3-5 Shorts per week minimum
- Publish during peak hours (2-5 PM and 8-11 PM)
- Maintain consistent posting schedule
- Test different times for your audience
Engagement Optimization
Boost engagement on your YouTube Shorts:
- Ask questions to encourage comments
- Use compelling thumbnails
- Include clear calls-to-action
- Respond to comments quickly
- Cross-promote on other social platforms
Common YouTube Shorts Mistakes to Avoid
Technical Mistakes
- Using horizontal video orientation
- Poor audio quality
- Videos longer than 60 seconds
- Low resolution uploads
Content Mistakes
- Slow or boring openings
- No clear value proposition
- Missing call-to-action
- Irrelevant hashtags
Measuring YouTube Shorts Success
Key Metrics to Track
- Views and impressions
- Watch time percentage
- Subscriber growth from Shorts
- Comments and engagement rate
- Click-through rate to longer content
Analytics Tools
- YouTube Analytics Shorts tab
- Third-party analytics platforms
- Engagement tracking spreadsheets
Advanced YouTube Shorts Strategies
Repurposing Content
Transform existing content into Shorts:
- Extract highlights from long-form videos
- Create teaser content for upcoming videos
- Break down complex topics into short segments
- Share quick tips from blog posts
Series Creation
Develop Shorts series to build audience:
- Daily tips series
- Behind-the-scenes content
- Product spotlight series
- Customer success stories
Getting Started Today
Creating effective YouTube Shorts requires understanding both the technical process and content strategy. Start with simple recordings using your smartphone, focus on providing quick value to your audience, and optimize each video for the Shorts algorithm.
The key to success with YouTube Shorts is consistency and experimentation. Test different content types, posting times, and formats to discover what resonates with your target audience.
Ready to create your first YouTube Short? Start with our step-by-step guide above and begin building your short-form video presence today. For comprehensive YouTube channel management and Shorts strategy development, consider working with video marketing specialists who understand the platform's evolving algorithm and best practices.