YouTube Shorts: Step-By-Step Guide To Making Your First Short
YouTube Shorts is the latest trend in online video, and it’s one of the easiest ways to get your brand or product in front of a new audience.
Short-form content on YouTube isn’t new, but YouTube Shorts takes it to the next level by making it easier than ever to create and share 15-60 second videos. All you need is a smartphone and a YouTube app.
YouTube Shorts goes head-to-head with other short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. But YouTube has a leg up on the competition thanks to its massive user base and a vast array of content creators.
If you’re looking for a way to reach a new audience, YouTube Shorts is definitely worth considering. And if you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about YouTube Shorts.
YouTube Shorts
With the popularity of short-form video content on the rise, it’s not surprising that YouTube has jumped on the bandwagon with YouTube Shorts.
What is YouTube Shorts?
Just like TikTok and Instagram Reel, YouTube Shorts allows users to create 15-60 second videos that are designed for entertainment and engagement. YouTube Shorts is a great way for anyone to connect with a new audience using just a smartphone and the Shorts camera in the YouTube app.
You can use the YouTube app’s built-in Shorts camera to shoot multi-segment videos, or you can upload existing videos from your phone or computer. YouTube Shorts also offers a variety of editing tools to help you create engaging, shareable content.
Why should I create YouTube Shorts?
There are a few reasons why you should consider creating YouTube Shorts. First, YouTube Shorts is a great way to connect with a new audience. YouTube Shorts offers a variety of tools that make it easy to create and share engaging content.
Additionally, YouTube Shorts is a great way to drive engagement with your brand or product. YouTube Shorts offers a number of features that make it easy for viewers to interact with your content, including the ability to like, comment and share your videos.
How do I get started with YouTube Shorts?
Getting started with YouTube Shorts is easy! First, download the YouTube app on your smartphone. Once you have the YouTube app installed, open the app and tap on the “Shorts” camera icon located at the bottom of the screen.
Step 1: Download the YouTube app
YouTube only allows users to create Shorts natively in the YouTube app. By keeping everything in one place, it is more convenient for users rather than having to download and sign up for another app.
To gain access to the YouTube app, do the following:
- Go to your preferred app store (iOS App Store or Google Play) and search for YouTube
- Download the official YouTube app
- You can log in using your Google account credentials, or you can use a separate YouTube login.
Step 2: Get started on your YouTube Short
- On the homepage of the app, tap (+) icon. After that, select Create a Short
- To record a 15-second video clip, simply hold down the red record button or tap it once to start recording and then again to stop.
- To record a 60-second video, change the length from 15 seconds to 60 by tapping the number above the record button.
- You can add an audio track to your Short either before you start recording or during the editing process by tapping the Add sound icon at the top of the screen.
- If you make a mistake, just tap the reverse arrow next to the record button and it will be fixed in no time.
- Find special effects and elements for your video by browsing the toolbar on the right side of your screen.
- To change the camera view, tap the rotating arrows.
- To watch your Short at a different speed, tap the 1x button
- Use the clock icon to set a timer for how long you want your video to be
- To filter your Short, tap the three circles icon
- Enhance your video footage by tapping the magic wand icon.
- To change your background, select the person icon and then choose a green screen or photo from your device’s library.
- The Ghost tool allows you to see an overlay of your previous clip while editing, so you can more easily align your transitions.
Step 3: Edit and post your Short
- Once you’re done recording, tap the checkmark to save your short.
- Lastly, finish your Short by customizing it with a song, text, and filters.
- To explore editing further, tap the timeline icon to select when text appears in relation to the video timeline.
- When you’re done editing, tap Next in the upper right-hand corner.
- Configure your settings for the Short, including whether you want it to be public, unlisted, or private.
- Choose if your video is appropriate for all ages or needs an age restriction
- Use the “Upload Short” button to post your video to YouTube.
YouTube Shorts Best Practices
Now that you know the basics of YouTube Shorts, it’s time to start creating your own content! Here are a few best practices to keep in mind:
- Keep it short and sweet – YouTube Shorts are meant to be quick and easy to consume. Keep your videos under 60 seconds for optimal engagement.
- Be creative – YouTube Shorts is a great way to get creative with your content. Try out different filters, effects, and editing techniques to make your videos stand out from the crowd.
- What’s the hook? – YouTube is a competitive platform, so you need to make sure your Shorts are eye-catching and engaging. Ask yourself, “What’s the hook?” for each of your videos.
- Utilize YouTube’s tools – YouTube provides a number of helpful tools to help you create better Shorts. Be sure to take advantage of them!
- Pay attention to the audio – YouTube Shorts are meant to be watched with the sound on, so make sure your audio is high quality and easy to understand.
- Optimize your thumbnail – Just like with any YouTube video, you’ll want to make sure your thumbnail is eye-catching and representative of the content in your video.
- Use keywords and tags – YouTube Shorts are still YouTube videos, so don’t forget to use keywords and tags to help optimize your videos for discovery.
10 Ideas for YouTube Shorts
Not sure what kind of YouTube Short to make? Here are 10 ideas to get you started:
1. How-to videos
These ‘how-to’ shorts are perfect for YouTube. Keep them under 60 seconds and make sure the audio is clear so your viewers can easily follow along.
2. Unboxing videos
Unboxing videos are always popular on YouTube. Show off your latest purchase or unbox a product you’re reviewing for your channel.
3. Product reviews
Similar to unboxing videos, product review shorts are a great way to show off your latest find and give your viewers a quick overview of what it’s like.
4. Haul videos
Haul videos are similar to product reviews, but instead of focusing on one item, you show off everything you’ve bought recently. This is a great way to do some quick product promotion for the brands you love.
5. Day in the life videos
Take your viewers with you for a day and show them what your life is like. This is a great way to give them a behind-the-scenes look at your work or homeschooling routine.
6. Q&A videos
Q&A videos are a great way to engage with your audience and answer their burning questions. You can do these live or pre-record them and edit them into a YouTube Short.
7. AMAs (ask me anything)
Similar to Q&A videos, AMAs are another great way to engage with your audience and give them a chance to learn more about you. You can do these live or pre-record them as well.
8. Challenges
Challenges are always popular on YouTube. You can do a solo challenge or invite some friends to join in on the fun. Either way, make sure your challenges are safe and legal before you start filming.
9. Collaborations
Collaborations are a great way to grow your YouTube channel and reach a new audience. Find another YouTuber in your niche and team up to make a YouTube Short together.
10. Vlogs
Vlogs are always popular on YouTube. If you’re not sure what to vlog about, try picking a theme for your vlog series and sticking to it. This could be anything from “a day in my life” to “exploring my city.”
Hopefully, these ideas have inspired you to create your own YouTube Shorts. YouTube is a great platform for short-form content, so get creative and have fun!
LAStartups.com is a digital lifestyle publication that covers the culture of startups and technology companies in Los Angeles. It is the go-to site for people who want to keep up with what matters in Los Angeles’ tech and startups from those who know the city best.
