Short-form content is where it’s at if you’re looking to skyrocket your video views in record time. It’s the quickest way to get famous fast and gain more exposure. With the platform going all-in on short-form content with YouTube Shorts, having more than 921 million videos as of June 2024, there’s never been a better time to jump on the bandwagon. But here’s the thing: just posting isn’t enough. You need to know how to play the game if you want those views to roll in.
You betcha, we’ve seen creators go from zero to thousands (or more) by nailing the basics and then some. It’s not rocket science, but it does take a bit of know-how, and that’s exactly what I’m here to share. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the YouTube Shorts pool, these tips will help you turn those casual scrollers into loyal viewers.
So, grab your notepad (or, you know, just bookmark this page), because we’re diving into the top tips to get more views on YouTube Shorts. And trust me, these aren’t your run-of-the-mill tips—we’re talking game-changers that could make all the difference. Ready to boost those views? Let’s get into it.
Make Your Thumbnails and Titles Catchy
Let’s start with the basics—your thumbnail and title. These are the first things viewers see, so they need to pack a punch. But here’s the kicker: if you’re posting from a desktop, you’re out of luck when it comes to choosing your thumbnail. Yep, YouTube still hasn’t rolled out that option for desktop uploads, so you’ll need to bring out your phone to get it done.
Now, when it comes to thumbnails, you can only pick a frame from the video itself. Want a specific thumbnail that screams “click me”? You’ve got to get a bit crafty. Make sure to include that perfect shot as part of your video, even if it’s just for a split second. That way, you can select it as your thumbnail and grab viewers’ attention right from the get-go.
As for your title, keep it short and to the point. No one’s got time for a novel—especially not in the world of YouTube Shorts. Toss in a couple of relevant hashtags to boost discoverability, but don’t overdo it. You want your title to be catchy, not hard to read. So, keep it short, clean and hashtag-savvy, and you’ll be well on your way to getting more views on your YouTube Shorts.
Focus on the First Few Seconds
Our attention spans these days are shorter than a goldfish’s memory. If a video doesn’t grab us within the first few seconds, we’re swiping up faster than you can say “next.” That’s why nailing those opening moments is crucial if you want your YouTube Shorts to stand a chance.
Think of it this way: those first few seconds are the hook in a catchy song. If it doesn’t hit just right, people won’t stick around to hear the rest. You’ve got to make it clear what your video is about from the get-go. Whether it’s a jaw-dropping visual, a teaser of what’s to come, or a quick explanation, make sure your viewers know exactly why they should keep watching.
Don’t beat around the bush—get straight to the point. If your audience doesn’t know what they’re in for right away, they won’t be invested enough to stick around. So, grab their attention, hold it tight, and watch how your YouTube Shorts video will get more views.
Use Trending Music and Sounds
Trending audios or sounds are a staple of YouTube Shorts and other short-form content platforms. Using them is crucial because it places your video under that sound, which is already getting a lot of clicks, increasing your chances of being discovered and your Shorts getting more views. Even if the audio doesn’t perfectly match your content, it’s still worth including. Just lower the volume if needed, so it doesn’t overshadow your video—a strategic move to boost visibility.
Use Popular Hashtags
Hashtags play a big role when it comes to getting more views on your YouTube Shorts. They’re pretty much like signposts that guide viewers straight to your content. If you’re not using them, you’re missing out on a major opportunity to boost your visibility.
Hashtags help categorize your videos, making it easier for the right audience to find them. But here’s the catch: not all hashtags are created equal. You’ve got to be strategic about which ones you use. Stick to popular hashtags that are relevant to your content, but don’t just copy-paste the same ones every time. Mix it up with a combination of broad and niche tags to get the most out of your reach. Our advice? Use hashtags that are already trending within your video’s theme.
Consider Buying YouTube Views
Now, we have not stated at any point throughout this article that this would be–well, easy. Getting traction on YouTube Shorts can be tough, especially when you’re just starting out. Sometimes, no matter how much effort you put into creating and optimizing your content, it feels like you’re not really seeing any progress. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “why are my YouTube Shorts not getting views,” you’re not alone. This is where buying YouTube views can give your content the initial boost it needs.
Buying views might sound like a shortcut, but think of it more as a jumpstart. When your video starts with a decent number of views, it signals to the YouTube algorithm that your content is worth watching. This can help your Shorts gain momentum and reach a wider audience faster. Plus, a higher view count can make your video look more popular and credible, encouraging even more organic views.
Now, you don’t want to rely solely on purchased views—this is just one tool in your arsenal. The real goal is to use this boost to attract genuine, engaged viewers who will keep coming back for more.
Talk To Your Followers
YouTube isn’t just a platform; it’s a community. And if you’re not engaging with your audience, you’re missing out on building real connections that can turn casual viewers into loyal fans and therefore getting more views in your YouTube Shorts. Responding to comments and interacting with your viewers shows that you’re more than just a content creator—you’re someone who cares about the people watching your videos.
When someone takes the time to comment on your Shorts, don’t just leave them hanging. A simple reply or even a like can make all the difference in how viewers perceive you. It’s like having a conversation; the more you engage, the more likely they are to stick around and keep watching your content.
But don’t stop at just replying—create a community. Encourage viewers to share their thoughts, ask questions, or even suggest topics for your next video. The more you involve them, the more invested they’ll become in your channel. You can even shout out some of your top commenters in your videos to show appreciation and build a sense of belonging.
Keep Your Videos The Right Length
When it comes to YouTube Shorts, size—or in this case, length—definitely matters. The length of your Shorts can make or break your chances of getting more views. If your video drags on too long, you risk losing your audience before they even get to the good stuff. On the other hand, if it’s too short, you might not have enough time to deliver your message effectively.
Now, you might be wondering, “how long do YouTube Shorts have to be?” Technically, they can be up to 60 seconds, but the magic number is 15 seconds. Yep, that’s right—15 seconds is the perfect length for a YouTube Short. We’ve actually written an in-depth article on this, breaking down why 15 seconds is ideal and how you can make the most of it. Check it out to dive deeper into the details.
Collaborate, Collaborate, Collaborate
You’re probably tired of hearing this, and it might not sound like much, but this has been a huge YouTube strategy for years. Two heads are better than one, and the same goes for YouTube creators. Collaborating with other creators is one of the smartest moves you can make to get more views on YouTube Shorts and tap into new audiences. Collabs are great because they bring something fresh to the table. Whether it’s a fun challenge, a creative crossover, or just a different perspective, viewers love seeing their favorite creators work together. Plus, it’s a win-win situation: you get exposure to their audience, and they get exposure to yours.
So, how do you find the right creators to collaborate with? Start by looking for creators who share a similar audience or niche. You don’t have to be in the exact same field, but there should be some overlap so that your collab makes sense for both of your viewers. Reach out with a clear idea of what you want to do together—whether it’s a joint video, a shoutout, or something more creative.
Conclusion
As we discussed, getting more views on YouTube Shorts isn’t just about luck—it’s about strategy. From optimizing your thumbnails and titles to engaging with your audience and even considering a little boost with purchased views, each tip adds up to help you stand out in a crowded space. Stay consistent, keep experimenting, and don’t be afraid to try new things. With these strategies in your toolkit, you’re well on your way to growing your Shorts’ views and building a loyal audience.
I kicked off my blogging journey back in my university days as a marketing student and totally fell in love with writing. Now, I’m freelancing for several websites, including RedSocial. If you ever want to chat, give feedback, or collaborate, don’t hesitate to reach out!
