Ever wondered how to make YouTube Shorts but feel overwhelmed by all the steps and options? You're not alone—figuring out where to start, what tools to use, and how to actually get your Shorts noticed can be confusing, especially for beginners.
The good news? This guide is designed just for you. We'll break down everything you need to know in simple, clear steps, so you can confidently create and upload your first Short—even if you've never made a video before.
By the end, you'll have all the tips, tricks, and product recommendations you need to start growing your channel with YouTube Shorts.
What Are YouTube Shorts and Why Creators Are Embracing Them
YouTube Shorts are vertical, short-form videos up to 60 seconds long designed for quick consumption on mobile devices. They offer creators a powerful way to reach new audiences and boost engagement without the need for long, polished videos.
Shorts vs. Regular YouTube Videos: Key Differences
- Length: Shorts are 15 to 60 seconds; regular videos can be minutes or hours.
- Format: Shorts are vertical (9:16), while regular videos are usually horizontal (16:9).
- Purpose: Shorts focus on quick, catchy content; regular videos allow in-depth storytelling.
Why Shorts Work: Reach, Algorithm Boost, and Audience Engagement
YouTube's algorithm heavily promotes Shorts, giving creators a chance to go viral quickly. The format encourages viewers to watch multiple videos in a row, increasing watch time and engagement.
The Role of Shorts in a Broader Content Strategy (and Monetization)
Shorts can act as a gateway to your longer videos, helping grow your subscriber base. Plus, YouTube has introduced monetization options specifically for Shorts, making them a viable revenue stream.
How to Make a YouTube Short (Start to Finish)
Creating Shorts is easy—especially with the built-in tools on the YouTube app. Here's how to get started.
How to Create YouTube Shorts Within the YouTube App
- Open the YouTube app and tap the "+" icon.
- Select "Create a Short."
- Record your video using the built-in camera or upload a vertical video under 60 seconds.
- Add music, text, or effects directly in the app.
Editing Tips for a Great Short (Captions, Music, Effects)
Once you've recorded your Short, editing is where the magic happens. This is where you shape the raw footage into a scroll-stopping video that hooks viewers and keeps them watching. Here's how to use captions, music, and effects the smart way:
Use Captions to Boost Engagement
Captions help people understand your video even without sound. Many viewers watch videos silently, so adding text keeps them engaged. Use easy-to-read fonts and make sure the captions match your speech. You can use apps or YouTube's built-in tools to add them quickly and accurately.
Add Trending Music for More Views
Using popular music can help your Shorts reach more people. YouTube promotes videos with trending sounds. Pick songs that match the mood of your video—funny, emotional, or exciting. Don't let the music drown out your voice. Adjust the volume so your message stays clear and easy to follow.
Use Effects to Enhance, Not Distract
Effects can make your video more fun, but too many can confuse viewers. Use simple transitions or animations to highlight important parts. Make sure the effects fit your video's style. Always focus on your message—effects should support it, not take attention away from what you're trying to show.
Ideal Length, Format, and Content Types That Perform Well
- Keep your Shorts between 15-60 seconds.
- Shoot vertical videos in 9:16 aspect ratio.
- Popular content includes tutorials, quick tips, challenges, and funny moments.
Tools You Can Use: Built-in vs. External Editing Apps
The YouTube app is great for quick edits like trimming clips, adding music, or inserting basic text. But if you want more control—like adding transitions, filters, or speed effects—try apps like CapCut or InShot. They're beginner-friendly and let you create more polished Shorts that really stand out.
NearStream USB & XLR Condenser Microphone (AM25X)
Great audio makes a big difference. The AM25X gives you clear, studio-like sound for your Shorts. It works with both USB and XLR, making it perfect for beginners and pros. Whether you're talking, narrating, or doing voiceovers, this mic ensures your sound is clean, crisp, and easy to hear.
4K Streaming Camera (VM20)
If you want your video to look sharp and professional, the VM20 is a solid choice. It captures in 4K and works great as a webcam too. The image quality is perfect for creators who want their content to stand out, especially when filming indoors or in low-light settings.
Wireless Streaming Camera (VM33)
The VM33 gives you DSLR-level video with the freedom to move around—no cables needed. It's perfect for creators who film tutorials, lifestyle content, or action shots. With a 10X zoom and wireless streaming, you can shoot high-quality Shorts from anywhere with ease.
Portable Audio Mixer (AMIX40U)
For better control over your sound, the AMIX40U lets you adjust volume levels, reduce background noise, and mix multiple audio sources. It's great if you're using a mic, background music, or recording guests. Small but powerful, it helps you sound professional even when filming at home or on-the-go.
How to Upload Shorts on YT the Right Way?
Here are the tips that will help you:
Requirements: Video Orientation, Length, and Hashtags
- Vertical video (9:16).
- Length under 60 seconds.
- Include #Shorts in the title or description to ensure YouTube categorizes it correctly.
How to Upload Shorts on Desktop vs Mobile
- Mobile: Use the YouTube app's "Create a Short" feature.
- Desktop: Upload a vertical video under 60 seconds and add #Shorts in the title or description.
Crafting Effective Titles, Descriptions, and Tags
- Use clear, catchy titles with keywords.
- Write concise descriptions with relevant hashtags.
- Add tags related to your niche to improve searchability.
Custom Thumbnails for Shorts: Do You Need Them?
Custom thumbnails are optional for Shorts since they auto-play in the Shorts feed, but they can help if your Short also appears in regular search results.
Pro Tips to Make YouTube Shorts That Actually Perform
Use a Strong Hook and Clear Call-to-Action (CTA)
Start your Short with a strong visual or exciting line to grab attention in the first 3 seconds. Viewers scroll quickly—make them stop. Then, guide them with a clear CTA like "Follow for more tips" or "Hit subscribe for part two." A great camera like the NearStream VM20 or VM33 ensures your visuals are sharp enough to hook viewers right away.
Add Captions for Accessibility and Retention
Many people watch Shorts without sound, so captions help them understand your message and stay longer. Captions also make your content more inclusive. You can add them using editing apps like CapCut or InShot, or directly in YouTube Studio. To keep your voice clear when captions aren't enough, use the NearStream AM25X Microphone for top-tier sound quality.
Leverage Trending Sounds and Topics to Boost Discoverability
Jump on viral audio or challenges to get noticed. YouTube prioritizes content that aligns with trending topics and sounds. Stay updated by checking the Shorts feed daily. When recording voiceovers or reactions, the NearStream AMIX40U Audio Mixer helps balance your voice with background music, giving your Shorts a polished finish.
Consistency: How Often Should You Post Shorts?
Posting consistently helps you grow faster. Try uploading 3–5 Shorts per week to stay top-of-mind for your audience and signal activity to the algorithm. Use a content calendar and batch-record multiple videos using your VM33 Wireless Camera, so you always have fresh content ready to go.
Analyze Your YouTube Shorts Analytics Weekly
Look at your Shorts analytics in YouTube Studio—focus on metrics like views, average watch duration, and click-through rate. If a video performs well, try making similar content. If not, tweak your hook or format. Great visuals and audio, powered by NearStream's 4K camera and mic setup, can make a huge difference in performance.
Repurpose from Other Platforms (TikTok, Reels) to Maximize Reach
Don't reinvent the wheel—reuse your TikTok and Instagram Reels by resizing them for YouTube Shorts. This saves time and helps you reach more people. Just be sure to remove platform watermarks before uploading. When shooting multi-platform content, tools like NearStream's AM25X mic and VM20 camera ensure professional quality that fits anywhere.
How the YouTube Algorithm Promotes Shorts
The YouTube Shorts algorithm rewards videos with high watch time and engagement. If people watch your video all the way through, like it, or leave comments, YouTube will show it to more viewers in the Shorts feed. Clean visuals from the VM20 or VM33 and clear audio using the AM25X boost your chances of keeping viewers engaged until the end.
How Shorts Support Monetization and Channel Growth?
YouTube lets you make money from Shorts in two main ways. First, there's the YouTube Shorts Fund, which pays creators for popular Shorts. Second, YouTube now shows ads between Shorts in the main feed—you can earn money from those ads.
Shorts also help bring more people to your channel. If your Shorts are fun and interesting, viewers might click on your long videos and subscribe.
1. How to Monetize YouTube Shorts (Beyond the Basics)
YouTube currently offers two main ways to earn money from Shorts:
- Shorts Ad Revenue Sharing: As of early 2023, YouTube began splitting ad revenue from Shorts shown in the feed. This means that if your Shorts get lots of views and engagement, you get a share of the total ad earnings based on your channel's performance.
- Shorts Fund (Phased Out): The Shorts Fund was a $100M creator fund paid to top-performing Shorts creators. While it's being replaced by the ad-sharing model, it helped set the stage for short-form monetization.
Bonus Tip: To qualify for Shorts ad revenue, you need at least 1,000 subscribers and 10M public Shorts views in the past 90 days, or meet the standard Partner Program criteria (4,000 watch hours on long videos + 1,000 subs).
2. Subscriber Growth: From Passive Views to Active Fans
Shorts are a powerful discovery tool. Because YouTube pushes them to new users through the Shorts feed, your content can go viral fast—even if your channel is small.
Here's how that supports growth:
- Viewers swipe through Shorts quickly, so if yours catches their eye, they might click your profile to check out more.
- From there, many will subscribe—especially if your long-form content matches the vibe or topic of your Shorts.
Pro Tip: End your Shorts with a verbal or visual CTA like "Hit subscribe for the full story!" or "See the full guide on my channel."
3. Use Shorts to Boost Long-Form Content
Shorts work best when they support your overall content strategy. Here's how to use them to grow watch time:
- Create teasers from your long-form videos—pull out exciting moments, tips, or questions to spark curiosity.
- Add text or voice saying something like "Full video in bio" or "Watch the full version on my channel."
This drives traffic to your full-length videos, increasing total watch hours—which helps you stay eligible for or grow within the YouTube Partner Program.
Gear That Helps You Make Better, Monetizable Shorts
To stand out and make professional-quality content that attracts views (and revenue), use the right tools:
- NearStream AM25X Condenser Mic – For crisp, studio-level voiceovers and better audio clarity. Good sound improves viewer retention.
- NearStream VM20 (4K Streaming Camera) – Delivers high-res Shorts that look sharp even on mobile.
- NearStream VM33 (Wireless Streaming Camera) – Perfect for creators on the move or recording from multiple angles.
- NearStream AMIX40U Portable Audio Mixer – Balance music, voice, and sound effects with ease to level up your edits.
Mistakes New YouTubers Make with Shorts (and How to Avoid Them)
Here's what you might be doing wrong and how to save yourself:
1. Ignoring the First 3 Seconds – Losing Viewers Instantly
The first few seconds of your Short are crucial. If you don't capture attention quickly, viewers will swipe away. Start strong with a hook: ask a question, show something surprising, or tease the main idea.
How to Avoid It: Make the opening moments dynamic and intriguing. Ask questions or show a quick glimpse of the punchline to make viewers curious about what happens next.
2. Uploading Horizontally or Going Over 60 Seconds
YouTube Shorts are designed for vertical video—16:9 aspect ratio—so don't upload horizontal videos, or they'll look awkward on mobile. Also, keep your content under 60 seconds to fit YouTube's guidelines for Shorts.
How to Avoid It: Always shoot vertically (9:16 aspect ratio) and edit down your content to stay under a minute. This will ensure your video fits perfectly on mobile screens and won't get cut off.
3. Inconsistent Posting or Off-Niche Content
Posting too infrequently or sharing content that doesn't align with your channel's theme can confuse your audience. Consistency is key in building an engaged following.
How to Avoid It: Stick to a posting schedule (ideally 3-5 Shorts a week) and stay on-brand with your content. If your channel focuses on gaming, for example, your Shorts should revolve around gaming content, tips, and highlights.
4. Not Using Hashtags or Failing to Optimize Metadata
Hashtags and metadata (titles, descriptions) are how YouTube understands what your video is about. Failing to include #Shorts or optimize your metadata could reduce your chances of discovery.
How to Avoid It: Always add #Shorts to your title or description, and make sure to use relevant keywords that describe your content. This helps YouTube categorize and surface your video to the right audience.
5. Forgetting to Engage with Comments or Community
Engagement doesn't stop after posting. Ignoring comments on your Shorts can prevent you from building a community of loyal followers.
How to Avoid It: Make time to respond to comments and interact with your viewers. Asking questions or showing appreciation encourages more people to comment, helping boost engagement.
FAQs – How to Create, Upload, and Grow with Shorts
1. Can I Make a Short from an Existing Video?
Yes, you can! If you have a longer video, just trim it down to under 60 seconds and make sure the format is vertical (9:16 ratio). You can also add engaging captions, music, and effects to make it more appealing to your audience.
2. Is It Helpful to Schedule a Short for Later Publishing?
Scheduling can be a smart strategy! It helps you maintain consistency and publish your Shorts at times when your audience is most active. It's especially useful if you're managing multiple videos and want to keep your content flowing regularly without being online all the time.
3. How Many Shorts Should I Upload per Week?
Start by uploading 3-5 Shorts per week. This frequency will help build momentum and ensure your content stays fresh in viewers' feeds. As you get more comfortable, you can adjust the number based on your audience's response.
4. Do Shorts Really Help Small Channels Grow?
Yes, they can! Shorts are a powerful tool for channel growth, especially for new creators. Because they're quick to watch and easy to share, Shorts can rapidly increase views and attract new subscribers. This boost can help you gain traction and funnel viewers to your longer videos.
