Tips For Using Youtube Shorts To Grow Engagement

YouTube has been the de facto video-consuming platform for generations now. It is the king when it comes to video hosting and has great content added every day by the people themselves. With 2.3 billion users and counting, YouTube has reinvented itself again to compete in the shorter video format.

The first-ever video to be uploaded on YouTube was 18 seconds, and it feels like history is repeating itself. YouTube Shorts is the direct competitor of TikTok and Instagram Reels that will introduce the short portrait video format to the platform. 

Tips to make your YouTube Shorts successful

Thumbnails

Probably the most important factor when it comes to getting people interested in your video is the thumbnail. It is the first pic that people see of your video and a great way to attract people. An attractive thumbnail can do wonders for your video and drive YouTube engagement up.

Many YouTube powerhouses like Buzzfeed use attractive thumbnails to lure their audiences. They set the expectations for the video and let people have a gist of what is to be expected. A good frame from the video can do wonders too, but a different thumbnail works equally well. 

The image that you choose should be high resolution, and the text should be readable no matter what the device is. Create a catchy title and see people flocking to your videos.

Add Annotations

Adding annotations makes your message loud and clear. Whether you want people to subscribe to your channel or go to your website, it delivers the action you want them to take in a short and concise form. It is a highly effective way of marketing your products and services.

YouTube analytics will also register the actions taken from the prompt while also focusing on retention, likes, and views. Annotations at the end of the video are also a great way to boost your engagement and interaction. As your videos end, a user is more than likely to go to another video. If you give them an alternative, there is a chance that they might not do that.

This is why everyone should add annotations to their videos regardless of the format. They give your audience a clear goal as to what you are trying to do with the video.

Short and Sweet

It is important that your videos are short and to the point. This not only increases engagement but also helps retention. With people’s attention span diminishing as time goes on, it is important to leave a lasting impression.

For short videos, remove the intro and outro sections that you may usually use for a longer video. Get straight to the point and keep it concise. This way, you have a highly effective video that not only is under 30 seconds but conveys the message easily too. This is especially true for mobile users who view their content on the go.

SEO and Marketing

The same basic principles of marketing that you apply to your campaigns can also be used here. Short-form videos might be a different platform, but that does not mean that the whole strategy should change. Rather you should adapt your current strategy just for a shorter format. 

Concentrate on the effectiveness of the videos and SEO of it, and you should be good to go.

Short videos are a great way to drive engagement and increase your visibility on the platform. With YouTube having the largest user base in the world right now, you should capitalize on this. 

We specialize in YouTube marketing and will be more than happy to have you on our roster. Our experts will make your channel grow and get you the viewership that you want.