How to Go Viral on YouTube Shorts: Tips and Tricks for 2024

Want to up your YouTube Shorts game in 2024? A viral hit on the platform can explode your YouTube channel, bringing in scores of new subscribers and ramping up your visibility as never before.

Whether you're new to Shorts or keen to fine-tune your approach, this guide is jam-packed with pointers and secrets that will make people sit up and take notice of your content. Even though it lasts just one minute or less.

We'll show you everything from how best to tell stories within 60 seconds, why current trends matter, and how to use them, plus much more. Get ready: by the end of this article, you'll know exactly what it takes for YouTube Shorts to victory.

What Are YouTube Shorts?

YouTube Shorts are brief videos created specifically for mobile users who want quick entertainment. Like TikTok or Instagram Reels (or similar content on other social media platforms), they're vertical and last no longer than one minute.

You can add music, text, and effects and do much more with Shorts – meaning the possibilities for your YouTube Channels are almost endless. Tell stories, make tutorials, show what goes on behind the scenes, or something nobody's thought of yet.

But here's the really cool part. Even if you're new to YouTube or don't have many subscribers, these short videos still give you a chance to find fans (and maybe even explode in popularity). And all this can happen right from your phone screen.

Why Should You Go Viral on YouTube Shorts?

Being able to go viral is huge for any YouTube video channel. However, with the recent addition of Shorts, the potential reach and growth you can achieve has never been higher.

That's because when something blows up on these vertical videos, thousands (if not millions) of new viewers and subscribers can flood in – thanks partly to how prominently Shorts are featured on YouTube's homepage and app.

This massive influx of eyeballs doesn't just mean a bigger audience, either. It could also lead to brand deals, monetization opportunities, or collaborations that may not have presented themselves otherwise.

What's more, if your Short is one the platform thinks people will enjoy watching, its algorithm will help spread it far and wide, meaning lots more folks could end up seeing it than might have done previously.

In short, viral YouTube Shorts has the potential to supercharge your channel's growth and boost your brand like never before. And these are just a few examples.

Understanding the YouTube Shorts Algorithm

In order to get your YouTube Shorts video to go viral, it's important to know how the platform's algorithm works. Here's a breakdown:

• Viewed vs. Swiped Away: YouTube algorithms pay a close attention to how many times people watch your Shorts versus how many times they swipe away from them. You can help keep viewers around by starting with something that grabs their attention.
• Watch History: One factor behind YouTube recommending content to someone is their past viewing activity. If you make videos similar to others that your target audience already watches, you may up your chances of having YouTube surface yours.
• Similar Content: YouTube also likes to promote videos similar to those its users have interacted with before. Keep an eye on creators who are doing the same stuff as you (and note what's working for them), or find categories on the rise in which you could participate.
• Relevance: Stick with what you're good at. Make sure your videos align with both the community standard around content like yours and what viewers expect from your channel specifically. All while still finding ways every now and then for something new or trendy.
• Engagement: While lots of people liking, commenting on, or sharing your video can be helpful signals for YouTube's algorithms, even more important is whether those who watch click on other things afterward (returning visitors).

Tips to Make Your YouTube Shorts Viral

Now that you know what YouTube Shorts are and why they matter, let's explore some expert tips on how to make your video viral in 2024:

Hook Viewers Early: Make the First Seconds Count

You have to act fast if you want people to keep watching your YouTube Short—those initial few seconds are crucial. To prevent users from swiping away, open with something that's both unexpected and amazing, or simply startle them out of their scrolling stupor.

One idea: Kick things off with a provocative statement or fascinating scene. For instance, if you're making videos about travel adventures, try showing an unbelievable sight (like dolphins leaping from sparkling turquoise water) right at the top.

Or how about beginning with a clip from a local rock concert that looks more like it belongs on MTV than in anyone's feed? The point is to grab viewers' attention immediately—and keep it—which means they won't be able to resist sticking around for what happens next.

Keep It Short and Sweet: Less is More

Despite the fact that YouTube Shorts can last up to a minute, research indicates that those spanning just 15 to 30 seconds generally do better. The reason for this? By keeping things snappy and to the point, shorter videos hold people's attention – meaning they are less likely to become bored and click away.

Consider, for example, a fast recipe clip showing only the key stages over 20 seconds or a brief motivational snippet that gets straight down to business.

The aim is not to waste a moment of your audience's time while providing them with value. After all, the longer you can keep someone watching (and enjoying) your content, the higher the chance it will go viral!

Use Trending Music and Sounds: Ride the Wave of Popularity

The role of music and sound is huge when it comes to making YouTube Shorts go viral. Using popular trending sounds can greatly increase the likelihood of people finding your content.

If there's a certain song or audio clip that's blowing up right now, don't be afraid to use it in your Shorts. Simply get creative with how you incorporate it.

For example, say there's a funny soundbite going around that lots of comedy creators are using. Why not adapt it for your tech reviews/fashion/cooking channel?

When you tap into what's popular audio-wise, there's more chance the YouTube algorithm will push your Short to other viewers who've been engaging with videos containing similar sounds.

Engage with Your Audience: Build a Community

Engagement is a two-way street. If you want your YouTube Shorts to blow up, ask people to like, comment, and share at the end of your clip.

One easy way to do this is by posing a question, such as: "What's your go-to dance move?" The idea is that by including a call-to-action—or CTA—you'll encourage more people to engage with your post, thus boosting its visibility (or how easily discoverable it is).

Responding to comments and fostering conversation among viewers may also help cultivate a loyal community that is excitedly waiting for your next upload!

Optimize Titles and Descriptions: Be Search-Friendly

Having an appealing video's title and carefully crafted description is essential if you want the algorithm to understand what your content is about. Make sure to use descriptive and relevant keywords that also capture people's attention.

For example, rather than simply titling your video "Morning Routine," consider something like "A Five-Minute Morning Routine That Will Supercharge Your Day." Descriptions should offer further context while still using keywords strategically so that your video pops up in relevant searches.

By taking the time to think through both your title and description, you can make a big difference in how easily others find (and fall in love with) your Shorts.

Leverage Hashtags: Make Your Content Discoverable

When it comes to YouTube Shorts, hashtags reign supreme. By utilizing a combination of popular and industry-specific tags, you can boost the visibility of your content.

For example, creators who specialize in do-it-yourself projects should include hashtags such as #DIYProjects or #CraftIdeas—as well as trending options like #TrendingOnYouTube.

These labels help classify your footage so viewers searching for specific subjects will come across your videos more easily. Do some investigating to discover which hashtags are performing well within your field and incorporate them intelligently.

Participate in Challenges: Jump on the Bandwagon

As a YouTube Shorts creator, one big advantage is the platform's built-in audience for trending challenges—which can help your videos go viral. Joining or creating challenges can get your content seen by more people.

For example, if there's a popular new dance challenge on YouTube Shorts or a "30 days of fitness" challenge lots of people are doing, you could put your own spin on it to make it stand out.

Challenges often prompt viewers to take part themselves as well as share and comment on them—a great way to get even more people to see your video across the platform.

Consistency is Key: Stay Top of Mind

Being consistent is key if you want to keep your viewers interested and maintain a good position in the algorithm. By regularly uploading new videos that people find interesting or helpful, you can build up a loyal fanbase – and let YouTube know that you're someone who should be promoted.

Think about it: if someone enjoys your videos and knows they can rely on you for more great content next week, they're more likely to subscribe.

And if lots of your subscribers are anxiously awaiting your next upload? Well, that's going to look pretty good when it comes time for YouTube to decide which videos get recommended to users on their home pages. Don't forget to use analytics in your YouTube Studio to track progress of each short video.

Conclusion

In 2024, if you want your YouTube Shorts to go viral, it's all about knowing the platform, keeping up with trends, and connecting with your viewers. Methods such as using popular sounds, starting with an attention-grabber, and adding relevant hashtags can help make your content stand out in a crowded field.

But don't forget: being creative and posting regularly are just as important. Keep trying new things, see what works best for your audience, and learn from it. Ready to make some waves on YouTube Shorts?