Why Your Shorts Aren't Getting Views Any More

Summary

In this Boost by vidIQ video, the hosts address why YouTube Shorts may stop getting views and how to fix it. They discuss the history of Shorts, the initial boost in views, and the current challenges due to increased competition. Key strategies include creating compelling hooks, starting with high-impact content, and maintaining a consistent niche. They also highlight the importance of analyzing metrics like view percentage and swipe rates. The video offers tips on scripting, storytelling, and optimizing Shorts for better engagement and visibility.

Takeaways

• 😀 YouTube Shorts have evolved since their introduction in 2012, with changes in how quickly views are counted and the process for gaining traction.
• 🔍 Initially, Shorts required additional steps like tagging with hashtags, but now views can be seen within an hour of posting.
• 🎯 The algorithm for YouTube Shorts involves a broad distribution to various audiences, which may not always align with the creator's target viewership.
• 📉 A significant issue is that if a Short is not engaging to the initial audience, it may fail, as viewers may swipe away instead of watching.
• 📈 Successful Shorts often have high average view percentages, such as 90% or more, and a high percentage of viewers choosing to watch rather than swipe away.
• 📊 Metrics alone do not guarantee success, but they can provide clues on what works well for engaging audiences.
• ⏰ The importance of a strong hook in Short content cannot be overstated, often needing to be established within the first second to capture attention.
• 📹 Creators should start their Shorts in the midst of the action to immediately engage viewers, rather than spending time on lengthy introductions.
• 🗂 Niche consistency is also important in Shorts, with a need to identify a theme or topic to attract and retain viewers' interest.
• 🔄 The potential for Evergreen content in Shorts exists, especially when answering common questions that can be discovered through YouTube search.
• 🔍 YouTube search is increasingly being used for quick answers, providing an opportunity for Shorts to gain views through search optimization.
• 🛑 It's normal for video views to plateau or stop growing entirely, as the algorithm may not find further audiences or engagement levels it deems successful.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the video script regarding YouTube Shorts?

The main issue discussed is that some creators are experiencing a drop in views for their YouTube Shorts and are trying to understand why this is happening and how to fix it.

What was the initial experience like for creators when YouTube Shorts first came out?

When YouTube Shorts first came out, creators had to wait up to 3 days for views to come in and had to use hashtags and other methods to get their shorts to work. There was a lot of interest, and almost any content would get a lot of views.

How do YouTube Shorts work in terms of viewer engagement?

YouTube Shorts are initially shown to a broad audience without specific targeting. The algorithm then gauges engagement and if the content is engaging, it will be shown to more viewers. If not, it may stop receiving views.

What is the importance of the 'hook' in YouTube Shorts compared to long-form content?

The hook in YouTube Shorts is even more critical because creators have about 1 second to capture the viewer's attention, compared to the 15 seconds typically allowed in long-form content.

What are some tips for creating a successful hook in YouTube Shorts?

Tips include spending extra time crafting the hook, starting the action within the first 3 seconds, and beginning the short in a high moment to immediately engage the viewer.

Why is it important to niche down when creating YouTube Shorts?

Nicheing down helps to ensure that the content is relevant and interesting to a specific audience, increasing the chances of views and engagement, which are key to the success of YouTube Shorts.

How can creators ensure their YouTube Shorts have repeat ideas or concepts?

Creators can ensure repeat ideas by focusing on a single topic or theme within their shorts, allowing viewers to return for more content that aligns with their interests.

What is an example of an Evergreen short mentioned in the script?

An example of an Evergreen short is one that answers a question and gets most of its views from YouTube search, which is not typical for shorts but can be leveraged for more views.

Why might a YouTube Short stop receiving views after a certain number?

A YouTube Short might stop receiving views if the algorithm determines that the content is not engaging enough or cannot find more viewers interested in the content, based on the initial engagement levels.

What does the script suggest about the normalcy of a video's view count stopping?

The script suggests that it is normal for a video's view count to stop at some point, as the algorithm may not find further engagement or additional viewers interested in the content.

What additional strategy can help improve the performance of YouTube Shorts?

One strategy is to create Evergreen content that targets search queries, as this can lead to more views over time as people search for answers on YouTube.