YouTube Shorts has quickly become a game-changer for creators and artists looking to grow their audience and showcase their talents.
With its short-form, vertical video format, Shorts offers a powerful platform to captivate viewers and drive engagement. They’re similar to TikTok, but both audiences are different. Here’s how to make the most of YouTube Shorts as an artist or creator.
1. Why YouTube Shorts matters
YouTube Shorts reaches billions of users globally, offering massive exposure. It’s designed to compete with TikTok and Instagram Reels, providing creators with an incredible opportunity to reach new audiences.
- Key stat: Over 70% of YouTube’s watch time comes from mobile users, making Shorts an ideal format.
- Why it’s great for artists: Short videos are perfect for showcasing music clips, creative processes, or engaging storytelling.
2. Creating engaging content
Shorts are designed for quick consumption, so every second counts. Focus on creating content that is visually engaging, concise, and impactful.
- Ideas for artists:
- Tease a new single with a catchy 15-second clip.
- Showcase your creative process, such as sketching, songwriting, or rehearsing.
- Share fun behind-the-scenes moments from your projects or performances.
Pro tip: Start with a strong hook to grab attention immediately.
3. Optimise your Shorts
Make your content easy to discover and appealing to viewers.
- Use hashtags: Include #Shorts in your title or description to help YouTube categorize your video.
- Add captions: Most viewers watch without sound, so captions can keep them engaged.
- Include a call-to-action: Encourage viewers to subscribe, follow you on other platforms, or check out your full-length videos.
4. Leverage music and trends
YouTube Shorts allows you to add popular music to your videos, making them more relatable and engaging.
- Tip: Use trending songs or challenges to increase visibility.
- For musicians: Feature your own music in Shorts to gain exposure and direct traffic to streaming platforms.
5. Consistency is key
Regularly uploading Shorts can boost your visibility on YouTube’s algorithm and keep your audience engaged.
- Tip: Post at least 2-3 Shorts per week to maintain momentum.
- Example: Plan a content calendar with recurring themes, such as “Music Monday” or “Fan Q&A Friday.”
6. Analyse performance
Track your Shorts’ performance using YouTube Analytics to refine your strategy.
Metrics to watch:
- Views and watch time
- Audience retention
- Click-through rates on calls-to-action
7. Use tools to streamline your workflow
Managing content creation can be overwhelming, but tools like PUSH.fm can simplify your workflow.
- Smart Links: Create landing pages for your music, merch, or full-length videos to include in your Shorts descriptions.
- Analytics: Use PUSH.fm’s analytics features to track engagement and optimise your content strategy.
YouTube Shorts offers an incredible opportunity for artists and creators to connect with audiences, showcase their talents, and grow their platforms. By creating engaging, optimised content and leveraging tools like PUSH.fm, you can make Shorts a cornerstone of your digital strategy. Start experimenting today and watch your reach expand!
