Why Your YT Shorts Aren't Getting Views: 7 Common Mistakes To Avoid

Summary

In this conversation, Johnny, a YouTube creator with over 50 million monthly views, shares key strategies for getting views on YouTube Shorts. He emphasizes the importance of genuine, passionate content over algorithm-driven tricks, highlighting that audience engagement and retention are critical. Johnny also discusses the challenges of building an audience, the unpredictable nature of content performance, and the value of consistency. He advises creators to be persistent, experiment with their content, and use analytics to understand what resonates with their audience. Ultimately, he stresses that success comes from creating authentic content that connects with viewers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Passion and energy are key: Genuine content with enthusiasm engages viewers, even if they aren't initially interested in the subject.
• 😀 Avoid playing solely for the algorithm: Videos that seem too focused on views lack the energy that makes content engaging and authentic.
• 😀 Building an audience with YouTube Shorts is challenging: Short-form content thrives on instant gratification, making it hard to create lasting viewer connections.
• 😀 Set the bar higher: Don't expect instant fan appreciation—viewers need to experience your unique personality and content to build a connection.
• 😀 Retention is crucial: To gain views, your video must hook the viewer quickly and maintain their attention throughout.
• 😀 Trial and error is part of the process: Use YouTube’s analytics to learn what works and refine your strategy over time.
• 😀 Efficiency matters: Avoid long pauses or filler content in your videos—keep them engaging and to the point to maintain viewer interest.
• 😀 YouTube tests video performance: Initial views might spike and flatline, but over time, YouTube will determine if your video resonates with a larger audience.
• 😀 Content can gain traction over time: Even older videos can experience a resurgence in views, so consistency and patience are key.
• 😀 Success requires action: Knowing what works is important, but taking consistent action to create content is what ultimately leads to growth.
• 😀 Find a balance: Creating content and analyzing its performance is tough, but achieving a balance between growth and work-life sustainability is crucial for long-term success.

Q & A

What is the main reason most YouTube Shorts fail to get views?

The primary reason is a lack of genuine enthusiasm. If the creator isn’t passionate about the content, viewers can easily tell, and this reduces engagement.

How does Johnny suggest creators avoid appearing forced or disingenuous in their videos?

Johnny recommends that creators focus on topics they are genuinely passionate about. This authenticity and energy will naturally resonate with viewers and make the content more engaging.

What role does energy and enthusiasm play in the success of YouTube Shorts?

Energy and enthusiasm are crucial. Even if the viewer doesn't care about the topic, they are more likely to watch if the creator’s excitement is evident. Videos lacking enthusiasm tend to perform poorly.

Why is building an audience on YouTube Shorts so challenging?

Building an audience is difficult because viewers often seek instant gratification and aren’t always forming connections with creators. They may watch many videos, but they rarely follow or engage with the creators.

How does Johnny recommend setting yourself apart from other content creators?

To stand out, creators need to give viewers a memorable experience. This involves being unique, authentic, and making content that resonates on a deeper level, rather than just mimicking what others are doing.

What is the importance of retention in YouTube Shorts, and how can creators improve it?

Retention is key for success. To improve retention, creators must make their content engaging right from the start, ensuring that viewers stay hooked throughout the video without losing interest.

How does YouTube determine which videos to push to larger audiences?

YouTube tests new videos with a smaller audience first. Based on the video’s performance, such as engagement and viewer retention, it then determines whether to push the video to a broader audience.

What role do YouTube’s analytics play in improving content performance?

Analytics provide insights into which parts of a video worked well and which didn’t. By analyzing data like view duration and audience behavior, creators can refine their content and make adjustments to improve future videos.

Why does Johnny suggest that videos sometimes 'pop off' months after being posted?

Johnny explains that YouTube’s algorithm sometimes pushes older videos months after they’ve been uploaded, especially when new audience data shows the video could resonate with a broader group.

What advice does Johnny give about balancing content creation with personal well-being?

Johnny advises creators to avoid burnout by finding a balance between creating content and personal well-being. Consistent effort is important, but so is enjoying the process and not overworking yourself.