The attention span of viewers on YouTube is notoriously short, lasting around 3-5 minutes. How can you keep your audience engaged? How to grow a YouTube channel? Should you opt for YouTube Shorts or stick to long-form videos? These questions are constantly on our minds. But let's be real; the answer lies not in the length of the video but in how you utilize it.
In this piece, we'll explore 2 strategies on how to maximize the effect of your long-form videos. Spoiler alert! YouTube Shorts is one of the ways to do it!
Author – Olha Kapinos
Olha is a Creative Economy Consultant at AIR Media-Tech. She analyzes YouTube formats, performance patterns, and strategies behind subscriber growth. In this guide, she compares Shorts, long-form videos, and continuous streams to help you build a more effective content strategy.
YouTube Shorts: the Format
YouTube Shorts are quick, vertical videos that last up to 60 seconds. Designed with mobile users in mind, Shorts are built for those moments when viewers are just scrolling through, looking for something fun to watch.
What makes them even more irresistible? They have their very own space in the YouTube app, a dedicated feed where users can swipe through an endless stream of fresh content—meaning your video can land right in front of new eyeballs without much effort! Thanks to YouTube’s algorithm, a well-made Short has the potential to go viral fast, making it a fantastic tool for channel growth and visibility.
YouTube Shorts Video Optimization and Monetization Strategy
Ever since YouTube Shorts introduced revenue sharing, they’ve become a golden ticket for creators looking to monetize short-form content outside of TikTok. To make your Shorts work for you, follow these optimization steps:
- SEO: Use targeted keywords like “funny shorts,” “motivational clips,” or niche-specific terms in your titles and descriptions.
- Thumbnails: Even for Shorts, an eye-catching thumbnail can make a big difference in click-through rates.
- Hashtags: Use #Shorts and trending hashtags to increase discoverability.
Frequency of YouTube Shorts Releases
Consistency is critical for Shorts. Aim for daily or multiple weekly uploads to keep up with the fast-paced nature of the platform. Regular uploads keep you in the Shorts feed, which means more chances to catch the eyes of new viewers.
If you’re unsure when exactly to post your Short video, you can consult an article linked.
Best Content for YouTube Shorts Videos
YouTube short videos are extremely popular, not only among viewers but also in the eyes of YouTube's algorithms. Ever since YouTube Shorts started generating revenue, they've become the cool new kids on the block. These brief videos can work wonders for you:
- Promote Your Long-form Content: Shorts can serve as a teaser for your longer videos, drawing more attention to your channel.
- Boost Your Recommendations: YouTube Shorts can help you climb higher in the recommendations, increasing your visibility.
- Convert Viewers into Subscribers: Engaging Shorts can turn viewers into loyal subscribers.
YouTube Shorts has already proven its worth, generating countless new subscribers and billions of views for our partners. It's not just a shot in the dark; it works!
We challenge you to give YouTube Shorts a try, and we've got some tips to maximize your chances of going viral:
- Tap into Trends: Use Google Trends to find trending topics in your niche.
- Brighten Things Up: Opt for bright video intros instead of dark ones to grab attention.
- Optimize Everything: Always include an SEO-optimized title, description, and tags. VidIQ is a handy tool for this.
- Remix Trending Music: Use the Remix button under trending music videos to add some zest to your Shorts.
- Engage with Comments: Respond to comments under your Shorts to build a connection with your audience.
- Timing Matters: Schedule your Shorts for times when most of your audience is online.
- Grab Attention Early: If you're repurposing existing content, consider recording or adding an attention-grabbing AI-generated intro in the first few seconds.
In the end, our goal isn't just to create Shorts for the sake of it. The primary aim remains unchanged: we want YouTube Short videos to promote our long-form content. Contact us to steer clear of the common mistakes creators often encounter and get your YouTube short video strategy on the right track.
Long-Form YouTube Videos: What Are They For?
Long-form videos are where YouTube creators can truly stretch their wings. Unlike the bite-sized thrill of YouTube Shorts, long-form videos go beyond the 1-minute mark, giving you the space to explore, explain, and entertain in-depth. It’s your chance to really connect with your audience, whether you’re diving into a detailed tutorial, sharing your day in a vlog, or interviewing that special guest everyone wants to hear from.
Why Go Long? Long-form videos let you tackle bigger ideas and build a more intimate connection with your viewers. Imagine taking your audience on a 30-minute journey through the history of a genre, or guiding them through a step-by-step DIY project. It’s where you can share those extra tips, backstories, and insights that just can’t fit into a 60-second clip. Plus, if you’re looking to establish yourself as an expert or thought leader in your niche, long-form content is the way to go.
Long Video Optimization and Monetization Strategy
When it comes to long videos, you need a slightly different game plan compared to Shorts. But trust us, it’s worth the effort:
- Intros: The first 15 seconds are make-or-break, which is even stated by several large YouTubers! Your intro should grab attention, tease the value, and make viewers stick around for the full experience.
- Chapters & Time Stamps: Ever heard the saying, “Ain’t nobody got time for that”? Well, chapters can solve that problem. Use time stamps to break down your video into bite-sized segments so viewers can jump straight to the part they’re interested in—perfect for tutorials, how-tos, or long discussions.
- Monetization: Here’s a little secret: YouTube loves to reward long videos. Why? Because longer content can fit more ad breaks! With more opportunities for ads (think mid-roll ads every 8-10 minutes), your potential revenue gets a nice little boost. If you don’t know how to check if your channel is monetized, you can consult our article!
- SEO: Long-form videos are made for that detailed SEO magic. Go beyond the basics—use rich descriptions, sprinkle in strategic keywords, and create eye-catching thumbnails. It’s the extra effort that helps your videos climb to the top of search results and get discovered by new viewers.
Frequency of Long Video Releases
When it comes to long-form content, the mantra is: quality over quantity. Unlike the constant churn of Shorts, with long videos, you’re aiming for 1-2 uploads per week. Why? Because longer content takes more time to produce—it needs planning, scripting, shooting, and editing. But don’t rush it. It’s better to drop one great video a week that keeps viewers glued to the screen than to push out half-baked content.
Best Content for Long Videos
So, what types of content are best suited for long-form videos? If you’re thinking in-depth, you’re on the right track. Here’s what shines in the long-form arena:
- Deep Dives & Tutorials: If you’re an expert in your field, go ahead and show off those skills. Long-form videos are ideal for step-by-step guides, elaborate demonstrations, and full-fledged tutorials. Teach your audience something new, and they’ll stick around for every minute.
- Detailed Product Reviews: Got a product you want to rave about? Or maybe one that deserves a little roasting? Give your audience the in-depth breakdown—pros, cons, features, and real-life testing. These reviews can save viewers time and money, making them more likely to tune in.
- Stories & Vlogs: People love a good story, and if you’ve got one to share, a long video is your best friend. Take your viewers on a journey through your day, a behind-the-scenes adventure, or a heartfelt story time session. It’s a great way to build a personal connection with your audience.
- Interviews & Panels: Got access to a special guest or expert? Long-form content allows you to delve deep into interviews, host panel discussions, or even just have an engaging conversation with someone in your niche. This format is perfect for offering unique insights and building authority in your space.
- Series or Episodic Content: Thinking about creating a series? Whether it’s a multi-part documentary or a serialized storytelling project, long-form videos are perfect for it. This can keep viewers coming back for the next “episode,” turning casual viewers into dedicated fans.
If you need ideas…
There are countless good ideas for both Short and Long content! Learn more about trending topics in music, gain inspiration from fresh gaming ideas, and the trends for YouTube Kids!
If you are more fond of YouTube Shorts, we’ve got you covered as well! Check out 40 ideas for gaming Shorts, 42 ideas for music shorts, and 21 ideas for YouTube Kids Shorts!
Did You Know?
- Over 70% of YouTube’s watch time comes from mobile users, making Shorts a powerful tool for reaching this audience.
- Long-form videos of 10+ minutes can earn up to 3x more ad revenue thanks to multiple ad placements.
- Creators who use both Shorts and long-form videos see a 40% increase in overall subscriber growth!
Continuous Streaming Format
Continuous streaming is a highly effective strategy to make your mark on YouTube. YouTube highly values it, just like it values YouTube Shorts.
Essentially, a continuous stream is a 24/7 loop of your content. With it, you can breathe new life into your existing videos. And you know what's even better? You don't need to be in front of the camera all the time. Simply set up a stream using your existing content and let it run for as long as you want.
In simple terms, continuous streams are excellent for boosting five crucial metrics:
- Views
- Subscriber count
- Watch time
- Engagement
- Income
Now, let's dive into three strategies to harness continuous streams and promote your long-form content:
- Views Capital: Streams accumulate views faster than regular videos. So, release a video as a continuous stream and also save it as a regular video. This tactic helps maximize your views in the critical first few hours. It's particularly useful for long-form or serialized content.
- Starting Potential: Take a 30+ minute video that hasn't been published yet and start streaming it. Pause the stream when the video ends and save it. By doing this, you tap into the initial traffic potential right from the first few minutes.
- The Magic of Redirection: Schedule the release of a new video as a 'Premiere'. Three days before the premiere, start a continuous stream that ends when the video is released. This way, both your subscribers and stream viewers will immediately know about your new video. This strategy maximizes traffic and enhances the video's chances of appearing in recommendations.
All these strategies can be put into action with a tool called Gyre. So, get your hands on it and kickstart your streaming journey. If you're ready to take your channel to the next level, just reach out, and we'll work together to boost your growth with the best strategies!
Don’t Choose—Use Both YouTube Shorts and Long Video Content
Here’s the magic formula: use YouTube Shorts to boost your long-form content! Create a Short that teases key moments from your latest long video, and include a call-to-action for viewers to watch the full version on your channel.
Pro Tip: Repurpose clips from your long-form videos into Shorts to maximize their lifespan and reach new audiences.
Optimal Proportions for Different Video Formats
A balanced content plan might look like this:
- 60% Long-form videos for in-depth engagement
- 30% YouTube Shorts for increased reach and subscriber growth
- 10% Continuous streams for consistent watch time and engagement
This mix keeps your channel fresh and adaptable to changing viewer preferences.
Key Takeaways:
- Use YouTube Shorts to draw attention to longer videos and boost channel growth.
- Leverage long-form videos for deep engagement and building a loyal audience.
- Continuous streaming can amplify views, watch time, and overall engagement.
- Balance is key—each format serves a unique purpose in your content strategy.
Now that you’re armed with these insights, it’s time to get creative and experiment with your YouTube strategy
