YouTube Shorts Best Practices: Ideal Length and More

YouTube Shorts are short-form video content you can watch on YouTube. They're similar to other video platforms, like Instagram reels or TikTok videos, and are 60 seconds or less. 

Shorts are important for any business marketing strategy. People love watching them because they're quick and attention-grabbing, and they let you share trending stuff fast and catch everyone's eye. 

Shorts are great for quick tutorials that viewers can access easily on their mobile devices. They're perfect for when you scroll through the YouTube app and only have a minute to watch something. 

YouTube created these bite-sized videos so anyone can become a star, and it's a great way to show your video content fast. 

With Shorts, you can make people laugh, teach something, or share inspiring moments. And because they’re short, you can make a lot of content without needing a lot of time.

These shorts are beneficial for your YouTube channel and social media marketing strategy because they help you reach more people all over the world. 

If people like your Shorts, they might watch your longer videos, too. That means more fans and even more money.

If you’re looking to break into the world of YouTube Shorts, here are some best practices to keep in mind.

Ideal Length of YouTube Shorts

When making YouTube Shorts, keeping them short and sweet is key. 

When you create a Short, the best length is usually between 15 and 60 seconds. This short format keeps viewers interested from start to finish. Make sure you shoot vertical videos for the best results, too.

Short videos are great because they are easy to watch — people can watch them while waiting in line or during a quick break, for example.

The goal is to make someone stop scrolling and watch your video. You're on the right track if you can do that in a few seconds. Keep your videos snappy and to the point to get the best results and more subscribers.

Engaging Content From Start to Finish

Creating YouTube Shorts means catching your viewer's eye right away. 

The first few seconds are crucial — you want your audience to stop scrolling and watch your video. 

Make your start as interesting as possible. Use a catchy hook, a surprising fact, or an exciting visual. This grabs your audience’s attention fast.

Keep your video engaging all the way through. Change scenes or use bright colors and lively sounds. These tricks help keep the viewers hooked. Your video is short, so every second counts.

Here are a few tips:

• Start Strong: Use an exciting start. Ask a question or show something amazing. Make it relatable.

• Keep It Moving: Change scenes often. Transitions keep the energy and viewer's attention up.

• Sound Matters: Good music or funny sounds can make your video more enjoyable. Voiceovers work well, too.

• Call to Action: End with a clear call to action. Tell viewers what to do next. Ask them to like or follow for more videos.

Shorts are a quick way to show your creativity. They can really shine on social media. Make each short video packed with fun and facts to make your audience want to watch more.

Using Hashtags and Descriptions Effectively

Using hashtags and descriptions correctly can make your YouTube videos easier to find. 

Hashtags help sort your videos into categories. This means more people can find them when they search for that hashtag. 

Pick hashtags that match your video's topic. Use popular ones that people search for — this makes your video more likely to show up in searches. Don't overdo it, though. A few relevant hashtags are better than a ton of hashtags that don't fit well.

Keep your descriptions clear and brief. Tell viewers exactly what they'll see in the video. Good descriptions help your SEO, meaning your video is more likely to come up in searches (not only on YouTube but on Google, too). 

Be precise. Every word in your description should help explain your video's value. Use SEO keywords that your target audience uses — this also builds brand awareness.

A call to action (CTA) is also essential. Ask your viewers to like or subscribe if they enjoyed the video. Usually, they will do so without you asking if your content aligns with their values.

Good hashtags and descriptions make it easier for the right viewers to find your YouTube Shorts. This can lead to more views and more subscribers.

Thumbnail and Title

A good thumbnail and title are crucial. They make people want to click on your YouTube Short. 

Here's how you can make yours stand out:

• Thumbnail: Your thumbnail should catch the eye. It should show what your video is about in one quick look. Use bright colors and big text. Make sure it looks good on both big screens and small phones.

• Title: Your title should be clear and exciting. Use words that make people curious or excited. Tell them what they will see in your video. Keep it short so they can read it fast.

Use high-quality images. Pick a clear, sharp image for your thumbnail, and make sure to add emotion with facial expressions or action shots that show feeling.

Keep titles short. Aim for less than ten words, and use keywords. Include words people might search for on Google.

Test different styles — sometimes, try new things to see what works best. 

Thumbnails and titles are your first chance to get someone's attention. Make them count. 

Consistency and Frequency of Posting

Content creators know that posting YouTube Shorts regularly is key to growing your audience. 

Being consistent in your content creation matters because it builds viewer habits. When you post often, people expect new content from you. 

Users come back to see what's new, and this can make them more likely to watch your videos when posting them.

Posting consistently boosts your channel's activity according to the YouTube algorithm. The more you post, the more active your channel looks. This can help your videos show up more on YouTube. It tells YouTube that your channel is good to suggest to others, and it even helps you understand your audience. Posting regularly gives you lots of data — you can see what your viewers like and don't like, which will help you make better videos in the future.

Use a content calendar. Plan your videos ahead of time to stay posting even when you are busy. If you can, try to batch-create a few videos at once. This saves time and keeps you ready with posts for many days.

Set reminders. Use tools or reminders to keep your posting schedule — don’t miss a post because you forgot. Being consistent isn’t just about posting a lot. It's also about posting regularly, like once a week or every day. 

Pick a pace that you can keep up with, and stick to it. This is how you build a channel that keeps viewers coming back.

Cross Promote on Social Media Platforms

Cross-promotion is a powerful way to spread your YouTube Shorts across social media. 

Share your Shorts on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. This helps you reach different audiences who may not be on YouTube.

Link your Shorts with content on other platforms. For example, tease a YouTube Short on your Instagram stories. This creates curiosity and drives your Instagram followers to your YouTube channel.

Keep consistent branding in mind. Keep your messages and visual style consistent across platforms. This helps people recognize your brand no matter where they see it.

Timing matters. Share your Shorts when your followers are most active on each platform. Check analytics to find the best times.

Always make an effort to engage with your audience. When you share your Shorts, talk to your followers. Answer their comments and ask questions. Engagement helps boost your content in social media algorithms.

Using these strategies can make your YouTube Shorts more popular. It can bring more viewers to your YouTube channel and grow your social media presence.

YouTube Shorts are changing how we use video on social media. They help you connect fast with lots of people. Using these short videos right now can help your channel grow.

The best YouTube Shorts are short and sweet. They grab attention and keep it. Using the right hashtags and clear descriptions helps more people find your videos. Good thumbnails and titles make people want to watch your Shorts.

It’s important to keep checking your YouTube analytics. This tells you what’s working and what’s not. And if you can, think about how to make money from your Shorts.

Keep trying new things with your YouTube Shorts. Learn from what you do. Keep getting better.

Ready to try these tips? Start making your own YouTube Shorts today. Want to learn even more? Check out our guides at Founder OS. Subscribe to our Founder OS newsletter for the latest tips. Fill out our application for a personal talk about making great YouTube Shorts. Start now and grow your channel.