Have you ever wondered why thousands of viewers will watch a YouTube Short but not the longer videos on a creator’s channel? It’s a common issue, and one that has bothered YouTubers since the beginning of the Shorts era. After all, long-form videos are easier to monetize. Why 

YouTube knows this, and that’s why the platform is introducing 

. These are persistent links that appear near the bottom of the screen, sending viewers to a long-form video 

YouTube creator pointing to a long-form video link in a Short

This update comes after a recent change on YouTube that 

 from every part of a Short: the comment section, the description, and even the live chat. So this update, which restores 

 link capacity, is sure to excite creators.

How to Put Related Links in Your YouTube Shorts

Content option in YouTube Studio navigation

2. Find the Short you want to edit, then click the pencil icon beneath it.

Pencil icon the the right of a YouTube Short

Related video section of the video edit page

4. Browse your content to select a long-form video to link inside of your Short.

Video selector for choosing related videos

Need a quick tutorial? Watch this video to see each step in real time.

Linking out to long-form videos from your Shorts is a smart move, but truthfully, 

. That means you can add a link to your latest livestream, a recent long-form video, and other Shorts on your channel! 

Shorts, Longs, and Lives: How to Compare YouTube Views from All 3

The tool is fairly new, but you have some freedom when deciding which videos to recommend (although we suggest sticking to long-form videos).

On a mobile screen, related links look like video titles instead of buttons you can tap. They're positioned right below the title of a Short, and they have a small, white play button icon.

Example of a content link, which appears below the YouTube Short video title

Look closer, and you'll notice there is also some some 

. Viewers can click those words — pulled directly from the recommended video — to watch suggested content.

not everyone has access to related links.

 You’ll have to verify your YouTube channel first to unlock advanced features (like adding related links in Shorts).

And finally, you can only add related links 

. But we’re guessing it’s only a matter of time before YouTube enables this feature in the mobile app.

The idea of connecting long-form videos to Shorts isn’t just intriguing; it’s incredibly exciting! But how do you get people to click on related links in the first place?

make sure the video you’re recommending is related to the Short.

For example, imagine that someone is watching a Short about growing organic bananas. The content link should be closely related to that topic 

 complement the Short that viewers just watched. A lengthy guide to growing organic bananas, which is relevant and helpful, would be an excellent choice.

 that drives viewers to your related link. Ask them to tap the link below, then physically point to its location near the bottom of the screen. Do all of this while explaining 

 they should tap the link, and you’ll get more views.

With YouTube's new related links, you've got another chance to boost your channel's overall views. Think of it as a bridge between your usual videos and those snappy YouTube Shorts you’re posting right now. Or even a bridge that goes from Shorts to livestreams!

Of course, you need more YouTube Shorts views if you plan on sending viewers to the rest of your content. So, here’s an awesome guide to help you crush it!

A smart phone showing YouTube Shorts logo

Smartphone displaying YouTube Shorts logo with black and red earphones on red background

Clickable links are returning to YouTube Shorts, but this time, they’ll send viewers to long-form videos on your channel. Keep reading to learn more!

YouTube Unveils 'Related Links' to Connect Shorts and Long-Form Videos

Hey there, awesome creators! Are you scratching your head, wondering, 

Why are my YouTube Shorts not getting views?

 Or, have you sheepishly thought to yourself, 

You're not alone, and those are great questions to ask. Now that 

 is a real thing, everyone wants to make money from short, snappy videos! YouTube has set new milestones for this journey, and you need to reach both before applying to the YouTube Partner Program (and earn ad revenue from Shorts):

Attract 10 million public Shorts views in a 90-day period.

, but the path above is tailored to Shorts creators.

Best of all, you don’t have to do any of this alone! We'll walk you through a 90-day plan to skyrocket your Shorts views and hit that dreamy 10 million mark. Let's dive in!

A magnifying glass held over a smartphone showing youtube logo

The first part of any “Shorts takeover” is to research until you go 

. Hang out on TikTok, Reddit, or even YouTube Shorts themselves to understand which topics are trending and why. You can also use Google Trends and other free tools to identify what’s hot right now.

: Make a list of at least 20 trending topics you could create Shorts around. This is the first step in figuring out how to get 10 million views on your YouTube Shorts.

Now that you have some viral trends to lean on, the next step is turning them into viral YouTube ideas. This can be challenging at first, but we have a few suggestions! Start by pulling inspiration from this list of 

9 videos that perform well as YouTube Shorts

 Aim for at least 30 ideas. The more unique they are, the less you'll have to wonder why your YouTube Shorts aren’t getting views.

Man filming a YouTube Short while holding an amplifier

The Shorts landscape is pretty competitive right now, so creating a viral video may take some time. Your best bet is to post numerous videos throughout a 90-day period. So, pick up your camera, get creative, and record those brilliant ideas you crafted in week one!

 Aim for at least 15 Shorts to start with. Batch-recording takes some effort (even for YouTube Shorts), but we 

 you can do it! Plus, we have a few tips to help you out.

Script your intros beforehand while pulling inspiration from these 

. Remember, a compelling intro can be the difference between an explosive Short and one that gets swiped away.

 If it evokes a strong emotion, you're on the right track. 

 can significantly boost your views on YouTube.

Use the Shorts audio library to find trending tracks that fit the mood of your video. Music can give your Shorts a noticeable boost (because of a popular song and artist) and help you stay relevant for a few months.

Do you want views from people watching your content on mute and those who crank the volume up high? If so, be sure to add YouTube captions to your Shorts! Make them bold, and place them somewhere near the bottom of the frame. This alone will make your content more accessible and viewable.

YouTube Shorts have a maximum length of 60 seconds, and surprisingly, you should aim to use most of that time! 

A recent study showed that Shorts around 50 seconds performed better

 than all others. So, make them a bit lengthy, but remember to cut out scenes that aren’t engaging or slow down the action.

It may seem like titles aren’t important for YouTube Shorts, but they make a huge difference when you put some effort into writing them. After all, video titles appear in a prominent area, and people do see them!

 for all of your Shorts (and save time). If you need more help, here's an excellent guide for crafting 

 Hashtags aren't necessary for Shorts, but pay attention to those that keep popping up in your niche. That may indicate a trending topic, and on YouTube, we like those 

Things are heating up now! It’s time to publish your first batch of Shorts so you can see which videos work and which ones don't.

 To get all 15 out quickly, upload a few Shorts each day for the next week.

Now that your Shorts have been published for a while, dive into your YouTube analytics. Make a list of the top 3 things that viewers seem to enjoy so you can double-down on those in your next batch of Shorts. Also, try to identify the topics, titles, introductions, and music tracks people resonated with the most, using 

, or how long viewers spend watching the Short on average. Then, take a look at 

, which is how much of the video viewers watched on average. The higher these numbers are, the easier it is go viral.

Woman filming an unboxing video for a YouTube Short

Ready to make some more Shorts? Now’s the time to use all of the performance data and insights you’ve gained to create even better videos. And while we’re on the subject, did any new trends pop up on YouTube? If so, make a few Shorts based on those as well, to get the maximum number of views in your next batch.

: Create another 15 Shorts. You’ll still need great introductions, stunning titles, YouTube captions, popular music, and emotional storylines.

YouTube channel stats showing 4,549,296 views

Congratulations! By now, you should have a total of 30 Shorts posted, which is plenty of content to analyze. Open your analytics for each one, and (again) identify the top performers and why people loved them. Are the insights different from what you discovered previously? Are they exactly the same?

 Use your insights to establish a winning format for your Shorts. Build a creation template based on what worked in the past!

Now that you know what works, double-down even harder on the right topics, titles, and formats. Increase your output to create 

 chances at going viral, but don’t overdo it! Most experts say 

the optimal growth range is about 3 Shorts per day

: Using your creation template, keep posting until you reach 10 million YouTube Shorts views!

Getting 10 million views on YouTube Shorts in 90 days is no small feat, but it's definitely achievable. Follow this 90-day plan, stay consistent, and don't be afraid to experiment. You'll be well on your way to becoming a Shorts superstar.

And if you haven't reached the other milestone for monetization, read this guide to attract 1,000 YouTube subscribers!

Smartphone screen displaying the YouTube Shorts logo on a white background.

Getting 10 million Shorts views might seem impossible, but plenty of creators have done it. Here’s a 90-day plan to break through and monetize your channel!

How to Get 10 Million YouTube Shorts Views: A 90-Day Plan

While scrolling Twitter, we noticed a shocking tweet about how much (or more accurately, how little) you can make from YouTube Shorts ad revenue. 

, who has nearly 2 million subscribers, wrote:

"YouTube Shorts monetization update [for] one Short. 14 million views, 0:49 average view duration, $0.01 revenue per mille = $122.78. Good bonus money, not enough to make a living out of it."

," a viral Short on Pucky's channel. Surprisingly, a payout of $122.78 for this video translates to just 

Considering how low that is, we decided to follow up with Pucky and ask more questions. For one, why is his YouTube Shorts ad revenue so low? And second, how does this payout compare to the now-canceled 

, which awarded the top creators up to $10,000 monthly?

YouTube Shorts Monetization: How to Profit from Short Videos

“The most I made from the Shorts bonus was $3,000 in a month,” Pucky says. “That’s not the amount I’m getting right now…it’s pushing me to experiment and try different things.”

While some creators earn $900 per Short — according to Pucky — others don't make nearly as much. Sometimes where they live or even the language they speak affects the advertising revenue on their channel. In Pucky's case, he makes cosplay-style videos in mostly Spanish, and the Latin American market is smaller compared with other locations.

Are you struggling to monetize your Shorts properly? Here’s what Pucky is doing to boost his income (and what you should do too).

1. Turn Your Shorts into Compilation Videos

According to Pucky, AdSense revenue for long-form videos is much higher than AdSense revenue for YouTube Shorts — at least right now. So why not take all of the 

 on your channel, string them together, and create a compilation video? That way, you're using old content to make new money.

, but few creators use the hack to repurpose their Shorts.

“If you have a series of Shorts that are doing well, turn that series into one long-form video," Pucky says. "Put the Short with the most views at the beginning of the compilation and the one with the least views at the end. That will keep your audience retention high.”

As you build a compilation, don’t forget to create an eye-catching thumbnail for the video. Pucky says his 

 (people who saw the thumbnail versus those who clicked on it) when there’s an attention-grabbing image.

 is when a company pays a creator to advertise a product or service on social media. That could be anything from meal kits to vacuums to cleaning solutions that can be used around pets; it just depends on a creator's audience and what they're willing to buy. 

If your channel gets decent views, you can either pitch yourself to brands or have a talent agency find brand deals for you. You may have to "prove yourself" a bit more when it comes to agencies, but signing with one may be easier than you think. In fact, Pucky got signed after networking with Corey Tonge, another creator in his YouTube niche.

"I saw that he was signed with ViralCollab, and I said, ‘Hey, I want more information about your agency and what you guys offer,’ " Pucky says. "The co-founder saw my content and my channel and wanted to talk to me ASAP.”

According to Impact.com, micro-influencers on YouTube make between 

 per branded video. So brand deals are well worth the effort, especially if you have anywhere from 10,000 to 75,000 subscribers.

A man using a phone and DSLR to record at the same time

YouTube Shorts are popular right now, but it's not the only thing you should focus on when it comes to making money.

“I see a term that’s going around a lot: 

," Pucky says. "I think that's the future now with this new monetization program. The more you do, the better off you are. If you do long-form, Shorts, Instagram, and Snapchat, it's better for you money-wise.”

Multi-format creators earn more because they monetize videos on several apps. Plus, they’re attractive to brands that want to advertise to customers on various platforms outside of YouTube. From Instagram to TikTok, these creators reach 

 of a brand’s audience for a much higher payout.

4. If All Else Fails, Embrace Longs and Shorts

mobile screen options to create either a Short a regular YouTube video

If Shorts don't produce a viable income for you, it’s time to consider longs. These traditional, horizontal videos give creators the highest payout possible, so posting them alongside your Shorts can never hurt.

“If you're like me and you're not seeing a lot of revenue from Shorts, they’re still worth posting because people are discovering who you are,” Pucky says. “The views you get from Shorts might transfer into long-form views, merchandise, brand deals, or all those things.”

But if you’re new to YouTube, Pucky’s advice is clear: 

“If you think Shorts will get you monetized quicker, go hard on that until you're monetized,” he says. “Then transfer over to long-form. Or, do both because, at the end of the day, 

long-form pays better than Shorts right now.

Person holding a coin above a small black wallet, wearing a gray knitted sweater.

When Shorts revenue is low, one creator uses innovative solutions to boost his earnings.

YouTube Shorts Not Paying the Bills? 4 Solutions to Boost Your Revenue

Every creator needs a few things to build a successful YouTube video: a good title, an attractive thumbnail, an addictive hook, and, most importantly, some really dope, well-edited content! And this doesn't apply to just regular YouTube videos. You need these tools to create viral YouTube Shorts, too, except you only have 60 seconds to work with.

2 billion active monthly users and 15 billion views

 generated daily, YouTube Shorts is the golden egg you simply can't ignore. So, we picked out the most-viewed Shorts to understand how and why they viral in 2023. Let's begin!

How to Get More YouTube Shorts Views on Your Channel

A classic YouTube switch and bait, the title of this video is bound to infuriate viewers. But, by the end, the video takes a wholesome turn and we have our faiths restored! The storytelling in the video, accompanied by good music and simple editing, gives it a genuine feel, and we as viewers feel more emotionally invested.

Telling a wholesome story is great, but sprinkle some artistic talent on top, and voila, you have an instantly viral Short. This creator uses his spray painting skills to paint his daughters’ favorite cartoon. The reveal, along with the uplifting music, leaves us with no other choice but to leave this man a like!

Documents a creative process, behind-the-scenes style

If you’re addicted to watching cleaning videos on YouTube, then this one shouldn’t be surprising. Just look at how all that dirt washes off in seconds: Isn’t that so satisfying? The editing is crisp too, adding to the overall positive viewing experience.

One thing that rarely fails on YouTube, or any other social media for that matter, is achieving expertise in your skill. Couple that with a unique idea and some cool editing, and you have what it takes to make a viral Short. This man’s parkour skills will leave you wanting more!

Displays an exciting talent (parkour jumps)

Uses that talent to remix a popular game (tic-tac-toe)

Employs a level of creativity beyond most videos

What do you get when you mix two of the most popular search terms on YouTube? A viral Short! Food videos are great to watch, but adding that ASMR element takes it to the next level. The editing is absolutely world-class as well, giving us some awesome sound effects.

Efficient editing leaves no dulls moments

Prepares an unexpected treat (a three-layer s'more)

Fast-moving clips and sound effects command your full attention

Challenges, especially creative ones, seem to do well in all formats on YouTube. The stakes are high in this video, which keeps the audience hooked until the very end to see who wins the game. Challenges like these are fun to watch and can be remixed by any creator looking to reach more viewers on YouTube.

Shows a unique challenge with high stakes

Ends on a high note and plot twist (the winner doesn't like milk)

Another massively popular category on YouTube is comedy. Although funny Shorts may seem like a saturated niche, you can't fail when your story is original and relatable. In this video, a problem we have all faced before becomes an entertaining comedy skit!

The problem keeps escalating, making the Short even funnier

Another challenge video, but this time it’s physical sports. Watching this video will give you a rush of adrenaline as participants move through different stages of the race by playing popular sports we all love! The commentary adds to the hype of the video and keeps you glued to your seat.

Keeps you engaged with action-packed adventure

Motivational commentary hypes up the challenge

Shows a feel-good moment (the victor celebrating)

Want to create your own viral Short? It’s simple: Just become a master at editing! Here we have the king of transitions and mind-blowing edits himself, casually stealing the Big Ben, or so it appears. This Short reinforces the idea that if you can master a single aspect of YouTube creativity, viewers will flock to your channel!

Shows a familiar yet entertaining character (the pocket thief) 

Takes editing to a new level of excitement

Shows viewers a cool trick they've never seen before

You can't talk about the most-viewed YouTube Shorts, or any kind of video on YouTube, and not mention MrBeast! This Short reminds us that the fundamental aspect of what makes a good video, regardless of format, is good storytelling! The title makes you click, and the content makes sure you stay until the end.

Shows a cool plot twist (buying someone a Disneyland ticket)

Captures the emotional satisfaction of the recipient

Fast-paced editing leaves no dull moments

Capitalizing on popular trends is another great way to make your Short viral, especially now that trends migrate to every platform. Although some trends might originate from other platforms like Instagram or Tiktok, everything eventually comes to YouTube. And if you can add your unique twist, viewers might just repost your content!

Capitalizes on the trend of short reaction videos

Uplifting music makes the video enjoyable

8 Characteristics of Viral YouTube Shorts

So, there you have it. Shorts go viral on YouTube for a few reasons, but these are the most common:

The videos show a unique skill or talent.

There's a competition of some kind, often between friends.

The storytelling is on point (music, editing, special effects, etc.).

If you’re inspired by this list, get ready to upload your own Short! 

We've got you covered with 9 viral video ideas.

Magnified YouTube video views, likes, and dislikes count on computer screen close-up.

What makes a YouTube Short go viral? We analyzed the most popular ones in 2023 to find out!

Analyzing Popular YouTube Shorts: What Makes Them Go Viral?

Why do some YouTube Shorts go viral while others don’t? If you break it down by what makes a good video, the best ones always have the following:

Emotional transfer (happy, funny, moving, etc.)

In this post, we’ll focus on the most critical part — creating a strong concept for your video. So if you want more views this year, here are nine YouTube Shorts ideas to go viral!

YouTube Shorts may be brief, but there’s more than enough time to squeeze in a tutorial. That could be anything you’re good at, such as DIY projects, art, tech repair, or another topic related to your niche. Just make it brief and informative!

If you need some inspiration, here’s a skin-retouching tutorial from 

. It’s pretty short, but you get a step-by-step guide on improving anyone’s skin in Adobe Photoshop. Plus, the tutorial also has more than 5 million views!

Of all the viral YouTube Shorts ideas, life hacks may be one of the best. After all, everyone loves a shortcut to achieving their goals!

There are two ways to execute this idea on YouTube. You could react to a life hack that’s already trending, or you could film yourself attempting the hack in a brand new video. Either path could lead to a viral moment if the topic flows with your niche.

Before and after videos have a strong appeal on YouTube. They're just 

 in a way that most videos will never be, especially when something goes from dirty to clean or from boring to beautiful.

With these videos, just make sure the “after” looks better than the “before.” The gap between those states is what creates the “wow” factor.

Quick tips are like tutorials, except you have more space to play around with the format. You don’t have to go step-by-step, but you can find creative ways to break complex topics into bite-sized pieces of information.

 posted a Short about answering tricky interview questions. Instead of showing a list of tips, this creator mimicked an actual job interview! There are also captions to help people memorize what they’re learning.

Have you noticed any myths within your YouTube community? What about common mistakes people always make?

If so, set the record straight in a short, punchy video. Your findings may shock viewers so much that they 

 has a video about mistakes people never catch in popular movies. It has over 7 million views!

Motivational content works best for people chasing popular goals, such as getting in shape, staying healthy, or adopting the right mindset. They're extremely hard to accomplish, so a little motivation goes a long way.

You can make a difference by sharing a goal you achieved over time. Show a time-lapse of your progress, or find creative ways to break down your journey and get people inspired!

 has a great example of this, where she documented her full-body transformation in exchange for 

 disappoints? You can’t go wrong with fun facts!

For this idea, you’ll expose hidden truths that appeal to a curious audience (which includes most viewers). Combine that with 

, and you’ll go viral while entertaining millions of people.

But that’s just one side of the coin. Some facts can simply be relatable (not rare) and still get millions of views.

 posted a Short about actors who do the same thing in every movie. It has over 29 million views!

We have good news! You don’t have to post long videos on YouTube to start getting discovered. Many people create short, viral, unboxing videos, proving anyone can transform the idea for YouTube Shorts.

, for example. This creator posted an iPhone XR unboxing with more than 6 million views. Not bad for one YouTube Short!

If you have popular long-form videos, why not turn those into YouTube Shorts? You can see the 

Need some video ideas for your YouTube Shorts? Here are 9 ideas that will help you go viral!

YouTube Shorts

YouTube Unveils 'Related Links' to Connect Shorts and Long-Form Videos

How to Get 10 Million YouTube Shorts Views: A 90-Day Plan

YouTube Shorts Not Paying the Bills? 4 Solutions to Boost Your Revenue

Analyzing Popular YouTube Shorts: What Makes Them Go Viral?

9 Video Ideas to Go Viral with YouTube Shorts

YouTube Will Recommend Long-Form Videos to Shorts Viewers [Algorithm Update]

Why Some YouTube Shorts Don't Attract Long-Form Viewers [Algorithm Update]

How to Grow a YouTube Shorts Channel

How to Double Your YouTube Watch Time by Looping Shorts

These 5 YouTube Shorts Upgrades Will Help You Make Better Content

Do This One Thing to Increase YouTube Shorts Views

3 Reasons to Upload YouTube Shorts Before the Competition Gets Tough