YouTube Shorts get more than 50 billion views per day. They receive algorithmic prioritization and can expose your channel to audiences far beyond your current subscriber base. But like long-form videos, Shorts benefit from proper optimization before publishing.
Here’s a complete checklist.
What Are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are vertical videos up to 60 seconds long, designed for mobile viewing and quick consumption. They appear in the Shorts feed, on channel pages, and can be discovered through search. Since 2023, Shorts creators can qualify for the YouTube Partner Program and earn ad revenue.
Before You Upload: The Checklist
✅ 1. Write a Compelling Title
Your title should be concise, descriptive, and include at least one relevant hashtag. Keep it under 60 characters. Example format: “Quick Fix for Low CTR | #YouTubeTips | [Channel Name]”
✅ 2. Write a Short Description With Keywords
Even for 60-second videos, the description matters for SEO. Include a brief video summary, your primary keyword, and a link to a related longer video if one exists. Descriptions help YouTube categorize and surface your content in search.
✅ 3. Add Relevant Tags
Tags help YouTube understand your content’s topic and category. Include your main keyword, 2–3 related terms, and #Shorts.
✅ 4. Add Your Short to a Playlist
Grouping Shorts with related content (other Shorts, or a broader topic playlist) helps viewers discover more of your channel after watching.
✅ 5. Link to a Related Long-Form Video
If you have a longer video on the same topic, add it in the “Related Video” section. Shorts are excellent top-of-funnel content that can drive viewers to your more in-depth videos.
✅ 6. Set Visibility Correctly
Choose public, private, or unlisted before uploading. Schedule it if you’re batching uploads to maintain a consistent posting cadence.
How to Upload a Short
- Open the YouTube mobile app
- Tap the + icon and select Create a Short
- Record (hold the button for 15 seconds, tap to start/stop, toggle to 60s mode for longer)
- Edit: add music from YouTube’s free sound library, filters, text, or captions
- Tap Next, fill in your title and description, add #Shorts tag
- Set visibility and publish
Best Practices for YouTube Shorts
Grab attention in the first 2 seconds. The Shorts feed moves fast. If your opening doesn’t hook immediately, viewers swipe.
Keep it snappy. Use cuts, edits, and pacing to maintain energy. Don’t waste any of your 60 seconds.
Optimize for looping. Shorts loop automatically. If your ending flows into your beginning, viewers watch multiple times without realizing it — which boosts your view count and watch time.
Create exclusive content. Original Shorts outperform repurposed clips from long-form videos. The Shorts audience has developed expectations for the format.
Use music thoughtfully. YouTube’s free sound library adds energy to Shorts with minimal dialogue. A well-chosen track can dramatically improve viewer experience.
Monetizing YouTube Shorts
As of 2023, Shorts creators who qualify for the YouTube Partner Program earn ad revenue from Shorts at a rate of 45% of ad earnings. Eligibility requires 10 million Shorts views in the previous 90 days, plus meeting standard YPP requirements.
Shorts are one of the most efficient ways to grow a YouTube audience right now — especially for new channels. A well-optimized 30-second Short can reach more new viewers than a poorly optimized 20-minute video.