How to Make a YouTube Short: Beginner's Guide

Almost every content creator knows about YouTube Shorts. Especially those that create (or eager to create) TikTok-like content. It’s a powerful tool to help expand their reach and give the audience another type of engagement.

And the focus on short, vertical videos makes YouTube Shorts a great choice among younger generations with their consuming habits, preferences, and attention spans.

This guide covers everything you need to know about how to make shorts on YouTube, from the preferred format to production, uploading, and even monetization.

What Are YouTube Shorts?

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If you’re not familiar with the concept, YouTube Shorts can't be 2, 5, or 10 minutes. Launched as YouTube's response to the popularity of TikTok and Instagram Reels, Shorts are great for creating and sharing engaging content without the need for extensive production.

They are short, catchy videos with a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 60 seconds long, shot in a vertical format. These are designed to be quick, snappy, and perfect for mobile viewing.

You swipe video clips up and down and explore one after another. It’s similar to how you scroll through your Instagram or TikTok feed. And, of course, you can watch them on a loop.

The primary appeal of YouTube Shorts is their simplicity and ease of access. When you start a vlog, you often need a decent video camera, a microphone, and advanced video editing skills to start. Here, a smartphone and a good idea are enough to get you going.

You aren’t stopped by the type of content too. You can create YouTube shorts on anything from quick tips, highlights, news, funny moments, etc.

How Are YouTube Shorts Better Than Regular Videos?

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One of the standout benefits of YouTube Shorts is their ability to reach thousands, even millions, of viewers quickly.

Due to the algorithmic nature of YouTube's Shorts, even if you aren't that popular on the platform, you can still get featured and gain countless views, likes, shares, and subscriptions in a short amount of time.

The YouTube Shorts shelf on the app’s homepage and the dedicated Shorts tab significantly enhance the discoverability of these videos. This means people are more likely to see your Shorts, even if they don't follow your channel.

Shorts also allow creators to participate in popular trends, which can significantly increase the likelihood of viewers viewing and sharing your content.

Another advantage is that you don’t always have to waste money on planning, production, or editing. This keeps your content fresh and engages your audience, as they have more opportunities to interact with your channel.

For many creators, this low barrier to entry and the potential for high engagement make such videos an attractive addition to their content strategy. This also makes Shorts a fantastic way to test new ideas and connect with audiences.

How to Make Cool Shorts: What is Trending Now?

So, how to make a YouTube Short? As mentioned before, it doesn't actually mean high expenses or complicated techniques. But the process does require some awareness of current trends and best practices.

To simply put it, what's popular in the world will more likely get you more views on YouTube Shorts. Keep an eye out for the “Trending” section on the platform.

Step 1: Explore Current Trends

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Some may say that it's not always necessary to follow trends, but incorporating them in your videos still gives you a higher chance of getting featured and noticed by the algorithm.

In 2024, some of the most admired topics are:

Challenge Videos: A dancing, singing or any other performance. Some examples of popular songs for challenges include “Rosa Que Linda Eres”, “Bye Bye Bye” featured in the recently released “Deadpool & Wolverine” movie, or “The Spark” by Kabin Crew.
Gaming Highlights: Watching other people play video games has become popular on YouTube. You can use funny moments or the best play to assemble a gaming video montage. Games to consider - Black Myth: Wukong, WoW, League of Legends.
“Day in the Life” Vlogs: These videos offer a behind-the-scenes look into someone's daily life, usually with some fun and interesting activities or events included. These videos can also feature a specific theme, like “How I Prepare for a Photoshoot” or “My Morning Routine as a College Student.”
“Get Ready With Me” Videos: Perfect for influencers in the beauty and fashion industry, these videos show the process of getting ready, usually with a specific makeup look or outfit. Some popular themes include “Everyday Makeup Routine” or “Holiday Party Outfit Ideas.”
Product Reviews: Testing out and giving honest reviews of products gains a lot of attention on YouTube. You can focus on a specific category, like tech products or beauty products, or review different things you find fascinating.

Step 2: Prepare the Equipment

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Use your smartphone and search for some best free video editing software (for example, if you have a video you want to upload as a Short) to create an astonishing video. However, there are some things to consider:

Quality still matters – clear, high-resolution videos make a better impression.
Steady shots – avoid shaky footage by using a tripod or stabilizer, if possible, or holding the camera steady while shooting (if shaking isn't intentional for creative purposes)
Editing app – consider what features you need and what program can provide them.

Step 3: Open YouTube Shorts

To get started, open the YouTube app on your mobile device and tap the "+" button at the bottom of the screen. From there, select "Create a Short," and you'll be able to access the Shorts camera.

Step 4: Create the Video

The tool allows you to record clips within the length limit, add music, and some other useful features like speed controls and text overlays to enhance your video.

Think of a great intro and tap the “Record” button to start. On the recording screen, you can also adjust video duration, add a specific sound, etc.

Stop and edit right in the app if needed. Then, add the necessary tags and description, and publish within a single click.

The competition for viewers' attention is fierce, so you need to make an impact quickly. Use engaging visuals, compelling hooks, or intriguing questions right at the beginning.

How to Monetize Your Shorts

When it comes to making money from YouTube Shorts, there are a few options available:

Ad revenue: If your channel is eligible for monetization, you can earn ad revenue from your Shorts videos. However, there are specific requirements that need to be met before you can start earning.
Sponsorships: Brands and companies may approach you for paid sponsorships or product placements in your Shorts videos if they see potential in your content and audience reach.
Merchandise: If you have a loyal following on YouTube, you can also sell merchandise related to your content to generate income.
Affiliate Marketing: You can include affiliate links in the description of your shorts videos, earning a commission when viewers make purchases through those links.

To maximize your Shorts' earning potential, focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that viewers want to watch and share.

Monitor what works by checking your analytics and adjusting your strategy accordingly. Remember that while going viral is great, consistent quality and engagement are key to long-term success.

Start Making Spectacular Shorts

This is how to create a YouTube Short. These videos present a fantastic opportunity for creators to grow their channels. They're easy to produce, have a low barrier to entry, and can potentially reach a large audience.

Staying updated on trends, following YouTube Shorts best practices, and being creative make a foundation for success. Use the tips and steps outlined in this article to create YouTube Shorts that are sure to be a hit with your audience.

No matter what kind of content you create, incorporating such video content into your strategy can attract new viewers, engage your audience, and even generate income. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it!

How to Make a YouTube Short: Beginner's Guide