How to use YouTube Shorts to grow your channel ASAP

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If you're wondering how to use YouTube Shorts to quickly expand your channel, you're in the right place! In this article, we'll dive into the ins and outs of YouTube Shorts, how to use them and if they're worth the hype.

We'll also give you several YouTube Shorts ideas to try. Each one is designed to get more YouTube views and grow your following with short-form videos.

What are YouTube Shorts?

YouTube Shorts are short-form videos that are 60 seconds or less in length. Similarly to TikTok videos and Instagram Reels, these short videos are meant to get discovered by new-to-you users and funnel them to your main channel.

They're becoming pretty popular, most likely because younger YouTube users love watching fast-paced "micro-content." Not to mention, YouTube accounts are seeing high rates of engagement, just by posting a short video.

YouTube Shorts specs

Unlike the classic YouTube video format, YouTube Shorts are a 9:16 vertical aspect ratio. This is similar to what you'd see when scrolling through TikTok and the new version of Instagram Reels.

YouTube Shorts are only 60 seconds or less in length, so save longer videos for your main YouTube channel.

Don't think 60 seconds is enough? Luckily, the less you reveal in your YouTube Shorts, the more viewers will want to see from you. Just a little savvy marketing psychology!

Jump down to see our list of YouTube Shorts ideas that work double duty in engagement and conversions to your channel!

How to make YouTube Shorts

You can create YouTube Shorts right in the YouTube app, just follow the prompts!

However, we invite you to try out Mojo, the video creation app with 400+ premade templates, platform file optimization and easy drag-and-drop features that completely minimize the time it takes to create a large volume of content.

What's the point of YouTube Shorts?

From a marketing and growth perspective, YouTube Shorts spread like wildfire. They also can help you gain exposure in front of the right target audience. YouTube Shorts are bite-sized videos that can draw massive amounts of users toward your channel, if you do it right.

From a user perspective, YouTube Shorts diversify the YouTube experience and introduce people to a variety of new accounts that they may enjoy following. They can discover YouTube Shorts in the "Shorts" tab. Or, they may find new and interesting content on the YouTube homepage.

Are YouTube Shorts worth it?

A thousand times yes! YouTube Shorts are right on trend with the micro-content that sensationalized TikTok and Instagram Reels. If you want to expand the reach of your YouTube channel, Shorts are the way to go.

YouTube users crave the instant gratification and fast-paced feed that they experience on other platforms. But it's your job to make them stop, watch your video and draw them to your YouTube channel.

YouTube Shorts ideas to grow your channel

Let's talk about how to take advantage of YouTube Shorts to the max. These YouTube Shorts ideas are designed to get more views and help people convert into avid followers of your channel.

A huge influx of traffic to your YouTube channel may be exactly what you need to monetize your account into a profitable business or become the mega-influencer you always dreamed you'd be.

In short, YouTube Shorts boost traffic with users who are excited about the kinds of content that you create. Here are some engaging video ideas to try for your brand:

Small wins

You can create a YouTube video about anything, but people have only a few reasons as to why they'll watch your video. In most cases, viewers want to be entertained, educated or inspired. Give them something of value when they watch.

How can you do this? One of the best ways to boost views of YouTube Shorts and get viewers to follow you is to make sure people get a "small win" when they watch.

For example: If you're a realtor who hopes to gain a following of buyers in LA, you can post home tours on your YouTube channel. In your YouTube Shorts videos, post about the "top 3 things you need to do first before you buy in LA."

This kind of YouTube Shorts idea gives viewers a "small win." Even if they don't subscribe to your channel, they can still walk away with helpful information that will make a difference in their buying experience.

It's this type of high-value and fast-delivery content that you should put in your YouTube Shorts.

FAQs

Find yourself answering the same questions all the time on your YouTube channel? Turn them into YouTube Shorts to attract new followers.

If they haven't seen any of your YouTube videos yet, they'll surely have the same questions related to your industry. Stick to just a few FAQs so that you can answer each thoroughly.

Remember, when it comes to YouTube Shorts, think "less is more."

User ideas

Ask your current followers what kinds of content they crave. Then, make a short video about it.

Bonus tip: If you can create a series of YouTube Shorts that cover the same sort of content, new viewers may be inspired to watch more of your Shorts.

For example: If a YouTube follower makes a suggestion for you to do a 30-day challenge, create YouTube Shorts for each day of the challenge. We suggest using a YouTube headline that implies it's part of a series. Something like, "day 18" or "video 2/10."

This will hint to a new viewer that there are more videos just like this one. And if they liked this video, they'll probably like others.

Behind the scenes

Why do we love behind-the-scenes footage? Because we love being an insider to something exclusive.

Entice new viewers with a special look behind the scenes. This is especially effective for niches in which the target audience may know little about.

For example: If you're an inclusive fashion YouTube creator, you could share behind-the-scenes footage of how you clothe 10 models with different body types to make sure your clothes fit everyone.

Problem and solution

Almost like a commercial you'd see on TV, use some basic (but effective) marketing strategies in your YouTube Shorts.

Try the "problem-solution" marketing strategy. This entails depicting your target audience's problem or frustration and showing your product or service as the solution.

You'll have to keep it concise, though, since YouTube Shorts can only be 60 seconds. However, this type of promo may be just enough for a new person to click into your channel and browse your content.

Step by step

Step-by-step how-to's are extremely helpful. Plus, YouTube is used extensively for watching how to do something.

While you may think that 60-second YouTube Shorts are way too short to teach something, they are. And that's the point.

In your step-by-step process, you may have 10 steps. But instead, you could record steps 1-3 in your YouTube Shorts. Encourage viewers to finish the process on your YouTube channel.

Why does this work? A new viewer will already be invested in your step by step, and they'll want to finish the process. They're invested in you now, especially if steps 1-3 have been helpful and concise.

YouTube Shorts video editing

YouTube makes it convenient to create Shorts right in the app. You'll find special YouTube Shorts features like adding music, setting a recording timer and adjusting playback speed.

However, the Mojo app makes creating YouTube Shorts fast, easy and totally on-brand. Explore 400+ premade templates, all with the ability to customize colors and fonts. You can create a brand guide that will apply branding aspects to each and every YouTube Short that you create.

In just a few clicks, you can add your media, jazz it up with special effects and keep it consistent post after post.

Play around in the Mojo app to learn more.

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