If you’ve been making content for a while, you probably weren’t that excited when YouTube introduced YouTube Shorts in late 2020 – yet another channel to post to and create content for. However, it might be worthwhile to add this one to your roster – and it doesn’t have to be *that* much more work. 

You can easily repurpose content from YouTube

Good news, you don’t necessarily need to create new content. If you’re already a successful YouTuber, tapping into YT Shorts is an easy way to repost and repurpose the highlights from some of your most successful videos. This can be a great way to maximize the value of content you’ve already created. You can create the video easily on YouTube itself or edit it with a tool like StreamLadder.

You can reach a broader audience

YouTube Shorts is a relatively new feature on the platform and has gained significant traction since, but it’s not as saturated as TikTok yet. By utilizing Shorts, you can tap into the growing Shorts community and potentially reach a wider audience.

You can take advantage of the Shorts algorithm

YouTube Shorts has its own algorithm that determines which Shorts to recommend to viewers. By creating Shorts, you have the opportunity to be featured in the Shorts shelf or be recommended to users who have shown an interest in similar content. This can help you gain exposure and increase your visibility on the platform.

‍You can post to TikTok, YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels in one go

Another nice thing about YouTube Shorts is that it’s not wildly different from other short-form, vertical content platforms, like TikTok and Instagram Reels. That means you don’t have to optimize the video for each platform as much – all three have pretty much the same characteristics, the same dimensions and similar minimum and maximum lengths. You can use a tool like StreamLadder to edit your video once and then post it to all of your social media channels in one go.

‍You can capitalize on short-form video trends

Short-form video content has become increasingly popular across various social media platforms. By creating YouTube Shorts, you can leverage this trend and cater to viewers who prefer quick, digestible content. Shorts are designed to capture attention within a shorter timeframe, potentially leading to higher engagement rates.

You can increase brand exposure and discoverability

By participating in the Shorts world, you can increase your brand exposure and improve discoverability. As viewers engage with your Shorts, they may be inclined to explore your full-length videos and subscribe to your channel. This can lead to a growth in your subscriber base and overall channel visibility, especially if you add a little watermark of your username.

You can showcase your creativity

Shorts provide an opportunity to showcase your creativity and experiment with different content formats. As Shorts tend to be more visually appealing and dynamic, you can explore new storytelling techniques, use visual effects and engage with viewers in unique and creative ways.

‍You can connect with a younger audience

Short-form video platforms, including YouTube Shorts, are particularly popular among younger audiences. If your target demographic includes Gen Z or millennials, utilizing Shorts can help you connect with and resonate with this demographic, building brand awareness and loyalty among younger viewers.

You can stay ahead of the curve

YouTube Shorts has been around for a little while now, but it’s not yet as well-known as TikTok or regular YouTube. That being said, embracing new(ish) features and trends early on can give you a competitive edge. By starting to use YouTube Shorts, you demonstrate adaptability and a willingness to explore emerging content formats, which can help you stay ahead of your competitors and maintain relevance in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

You can gain valuable insights and feedback

Creating Shorts allows you to gather valuable insights about your audience's preferences and engagement patterns. You can analyze metrics like views, likes, comments and shares to understand what resonates most with your viewers. This feedback can inform your content strategy and help you refine your future video creations.

As you can see, there’s enough to be said for dipping your toe into the warm waters of YouTube Shorts. However, it is important to evaluate whether it aligns with your content goals and audience preferences. Monitoring your analytics and feedback will give a clearer understanding of how Shorts contribute to your overall YouTube strategy. But, you’ll never know if you don’t try. 

Looking for a tool to edit, download and share videos from YouTube to other social media channels? Try StreamLadder – it’s free.