YouTube Shorts for Creatives: tips and Tutorial
Did you know that YouTube has a feature similar to Instagram Reels or TikTok videos? That’s right, they have jumped on the bandwagon for short-form video content.
This is a new(ish) opportunity for creators to grow their following and community on YouTube. If you’re already a fan of Instagram Reels and or TikTok, this is going to be an exciting new feature for you. If you’re a personal brand who is still begrudgingly adopting the short-form videos…I challenge you to hold off on rolling your eyes until you reach the end of this article. There are opportunities for literally every type of creative on YouTube Shorts, and in fact, it can be a really easy way to repurpose content you already have.
In this article, we’ll cover:
What are YouTube Shorts?
How are YouTube Shorts different from regular YouTube videos?
How to make a YouTube Shorts video
Benefits of YouTube Shorts for creative businesses
Benefits of YouTube Shorts for actors
Tips for making the best YouTube Shorts
What are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are 15 - 60 second videos uploaded to the Shorts Feed, which is located within the YouTube app. If you’re familiar with Instagram Reels or TikToks, you’ll find that the general appearance and formatting of these videos are very similar. Check out some of our Shorts from the Beyond Acting YouTube channel for some examples.
Shorts can be viewed on mobile devices as well as desktop, though they were designed for mobile consumption. Shorts also can only be created and uploaded via the mobile app.
How are shorts different from regular YouTube videos?
While most YouTube videos fall into what we call “long-form video content”, Shorts are considered “short form” or “micro video” content. Shorts are capped at a maximum of 60 seconds, whereas most regular YouTube videos run for a minimum several minutes up to hours in length. Unlike regular YouTube videos, Shorts are shot vertically instead of horizontally (in the same framing as TikTok and Instagram Reels). Additionally, regular YouTube videos are accessed and stored in a similar way to the Google search engine. Videos are prioritized based on SEO accuracy. Shorts, however, is structured more similarly to Tiktok and Instagram where content is served up to users based on their known interests. For many businesses and individuals, Shorts have a better chance of getting attention quickly, but regular YouTube videos are more likely to convert.
How to make a YouTube Shorts video?
Here are the step-by-step instructions for creating your own YouTube Shorts video:
If you haven’t already, download the YouTube app on your phone and either create an account or log-in.
Once you’re logged in, select the plus sign at the bottom center of the screen.
Select the “Create a Short” option. (If this is your first time creating a Short, you’ll be prompted to allow YouTube to access to your camera at this time).
Once you’re in the Short creation screen, you can choose to either record a video from within the app or pull pre-created clips from your phone library by selecting the symbol on the bottom left corner of the screen. Your camera roll library will pop up so you can select your video.
If you want to record a video from within the app, first determine how long you want your video to be by tapping the “15” above the record button to toggle between 15 or 60 second options. Then, simply tap the red “Record” button to start recording and tap again when you are done.
Once you’re complete with adding or recording video clips, click on the white check mark on the bottom right corner of your screen. You’ll be taken to a new screen where you can add additional elements such as text boxes, and music. Tap “Next” when you’re finished.
Write a caption to include with your Short, then select the “Upload Short” button.
YouTube Short video creation options
Within the editor, there are several features and options creators can choose to use to enhance their content.
Here’s a quick list of in-app editing features YouTube offers for Shorts:
You can record video using both the front and back cameras as desired
You’re able to speed up or slow down the video recording speed
You can set a timer before a recording begins
Select filters can be added to your video.
Text elements can be created in a variety of colors and font styles
Benefits of YouTube Shorts for creative businesses
Whether you’re an e-commerce business, lifestyle brand, or tech startup, or an author, public speaker, or online educator, there are a ton of benefits for using YouTube Shorts:
Brand awareness and visibility
Organic audience growth / klout
Nurturing future customers to get them ready to buy
Monetization via ads (more on this below)
If you’re already creating short-form video content on other social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, then there’s no reason NOT to cash in on using that same content on another platform. Repurposing content is the name of the game in 2023, and the good news is that most videos from TikTok and Instagram can be used as-is on YouTube Shorts. You may just need to manually add certain audio from inside the YouTube app to comply with their licensing regulations. You’ll also need to ensure your captions and hashtags work for each platform.
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Benefits of YouTube Shorts for actors
If you’re an actor who’s ever posted a short film or theatrical reel that flopped on the regular YouTube side, you might be counting yourself out for YouTube Shorts, but I beg you to reconsider! While it can be challenging to build traction around long-form video content showing off our craft, or getting strangers interested in seeing our highlight reel of random clips from various film and TV shows, there are more options to play with on with the shorter-form video department.
Just like on TikTok and Instagram Reels, you can look at YouTube Shorts as a sort of teaser trailer to your talent. What mini-story can you tell in 60 seconds or less? What character can you bring to life? How can you use your talents while also providing entertainment to viewers in the style of the platform?
YouTube Shorts is a great way for actors to:
Develop more brand awareness (AKA more eyes on your talent and more people who know your name and face)
Grow an online community of fans, friends, and supporters
Have a creative outlet that you own completely
Spark conversations with other industry players that could develop into collaborations and opportunities
Can you monetize YouTube Shorts?
Short answer? (pun intended). Yes, but not quite yet. In early 2023, Shorts creators will be able to monetize their videos via the YouTube Partner Program. This is the same program that currently allows creators to profit off ads on their regular YouTube videos. To qualify for the Shorts side of the program, YouTube creators must be getting at least 10 million views within the previous 90 days. Once you’re enrolled in the Partner Program you can earn 45% of ad revenue on Shorts videos.
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5 Tips for great YouTube shorts
As you know, there’s a big difference between knowing how to make a YouTube short and how to make one that is actually great and helps you get closer to your goals. These are 5 essential tips to keep in mind to make the best YouTube shorts.
Good Lighting & Sound - If viewers can’t see or hear you, they’re unlikely to stick around to watch your video. Make sure you’re well-lit, whether it’s with natural light, a ring light, or lights in your home, it doesn’t matter. Viewers just need to be able to clearly see what’s happening in your video. When it comes to audio, you’ll have different considerations depending on your particular video. If you’ll be speaking in your video, be sure there isn’t any distracting noises in the background (cars outside, your friends shouting in the other room, the lawn guy, etc.). If you’ll be adding music over speaking, make sure to adjust the volume levels so that the music doesn’t drown out your voice.
Be Specific - 15 to 60 seconds goes by quickly. Make sure that you have one specific topic, point, or idea to share so that your audience doesn’t get overwhelmed or confused and can actually enjoy your video. You should also have a specific audience in mind for your video.
Grab Attention Quickly - Like I said in the last tip, those seconds fly by, and there’s a LOT of competition on YouTube Shorts (and other platforms). You have to hook your audience’s attention right away to convince them to keep watching. It’s all too easy for them to swipe up to see the next video if yours is dragging on for too long without being helpful, entertaining, or interesting right off the bat.
Utilize Text On Your Video Short - One way to help grab attention and keep it is to use the text feature to highlight key points throughout your video. This feature also helps make your video more accessible to more people and scenarios.
Be Strategic with Caption Space - Remember, unlike TikTok or Instagram, YouTube Shorts only gives you 100 characters of caption space for your videos. Use this space wisely, and keep it in mind when strategizing your videos. You can’t count on the caption space to be used for additional context, information, or to deliver the punchline of your joke. Instead, focus on a short, brand-specific CTA and use the rest of your space for audience-specific hashtags.
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