You’ve probably noticed by now that YouTube Shorts is taking over. With millions of views every day, this bite-sized content is the future of online video. But here’s the catch: just because you post a Short, doesn’t mean it will automatically get views. Getting more views on YouTube Shorts takes a bit of strategy and a lot of creativity. Fortunately, we’ve got some easy and FREE tips to help you increase your views, engage your audience, and grow your YouTube channel without spending a penny.
Let’s jump into it!
1. Optimize Your Title, Tags, and Description
The first step to getting your YouTube Shorts views up is to make sure your content is discoverable. Optimization is key. That means using relevant keywords in your title, description, and tags. When uploading your Shorts, think about what people are searching for. You can use YouTube’s search bar to find popular keywords or tools like Google Keyword Planner to uncover the best terms to target.
For example, if you’re making a funny cat video, use tags like “funny cat Shorts,” “cat videos,” or “viral cat videos.” This will help YouTube’s algorithm understand your content and push it to the right audience.
2. Create Eye-Catching Thumbnails
Even though YouTube Shorts are primarily displayed in a vertical format and play automatically, a thumbnail still matters! An appealing, bright, and bold thumbnail can increase your click-through rate. A well-designed thumbnail gives viewers an idea of what your video is about and helps them decide whether it’s worth watching.
Keep it simple, but make it stand out from the crowd. Thumbnails featuring big, readable text and a close-up shot tend to perform best.
3. Post Consistently and at the Right Time
The more you post, the better your chances are of getting noticed. Consistency is a huge factor in growing your YouTube Shorts views. However, it’s also about timing. Posting at the right time means your videos are more likely to be seen by a larger audience.
When’s the best time to post? Well, this can vary depending on your target audience, but generally, posting in the early evening during weekdays (around 6-9 PM) and on weekends works well. You can track which times give you the best results through YouTube Analytics.
4. Jump on Trends and Challenges
This is one of the easiest ways to get more views: Join trending challenges or create videos around trending topics. Trends on YouTube Shorts go viral quickly, and using trending sounds or participating in challenges can get your videos in front of more people.
Follow popular creators or explore the “Discover” tab to see what’s trending. Then, use your creative spin to make it unique!
5. Keep It Short and Sweet
YouTube Shorts are designed to be quick, fun, and engaging. While the maximum length is 60 seconds, that doesn’t mean you should take up the entire minute. Focus on delivering value, humor, or excitement right away, and don’t drag it out.
The key to good Shorts is keeping them fast-paced and easy to digest. If your video is too long or drags on, people are more likely to click away.
6. Add Hashtags for Better Discoverability
Just like other social media platforms, hashtags are essential for helping your content get discovered. Using relevant hashtags like #shorts and #YouTubeShorts is a must. You can also add niche-specific hashtags related to your content.
For example:
- #fitnessShorts
- #foodieShorts
- #musicShorts
This will help YouTube categorize your video and make sure it shows up for users interested in those topics.
7. Engage with Your Viewers
Building a community around your YouTube Shorts is critical. Take time to reply to comments, ask viewers for feedback, and encourage them to share your content. The more engagement your video gets, the more likely it is to be promoted by YouTube.
Even hosting Q&A sessions or responding to comments with short clips can make your audience feel valued and encourage them to stay connected.
8. Use Music and Sound Effects
Sounds can make or break your Shorts. YouTube has a library full of music tracks and sound effects that can make your content pop. Choose trendy sounds or background music that suits the vibe of your video. The right music can enhance the mood of your Shorts and keep people watching until the end.
9. Leverage Cross-Promotion on Other Platforms
Your YouTube Shorts don’t have to live solely on YouTube. Cross-promotion is a great way to increase views. Share your Shorts on other platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook to drive traffic back to your YouTube channel.
You can also share your Shorts on your website or blog to give them an extra boost. Tools like Tagembed allow you to easily embed YouTube Shorts on your site, giving your videos more exposure.
10. Be Creative and Authentic
At the end of the day, creativity is your secret weapon. Try different content formats—comedy, tutorials, reviews, behind-the-scenes, or tips and tricks. And don’t forget to be authentic. Viewers are drawn to real, relatable creators, so let your personality shine through in every video.
If you bring value and uniqueness to your Shorts, your audience will keep coming back for more.
Conclusion: Start Growing Your YouTube Shorts Views Today
Increasing your YouTube Shorts views isn’t rocket science. With the right mix of optimization, creativity, and engagement, you can easily get more eyes on your content. Don’t forget to stay consistent and keep experimenting until you find what works for you.
If you’re looking to take your YouTube Shorts to the next level, don’t forget to embed them on your website using tools like Tagembed for extra visibility. So, what are you waiting for? Start implementing these tips today, and watch your YouTube Shorts views skyrocket!