YouTube Shorts is one of the fastest ways to grow on YouTube. With short, engaging videos, you can reach millions of viewers and gain subscribers quickly. But not every Short goes viral. To increase your chances, follow this step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Find Trending Topics
Creating content around popular topics increases the chances of your Shorts going viral. Here’s how to find trends:
- Use YouTube’s “Trending” and “Shorts” feed to see what’s performing well.
- Check TikTok and Instagram Reels for viral challenges and trends.
- Use keyword research tools like TubeBuddy or VidIQ to find high-ranking topics.
- Follow industry influencers and see what type of content they’re posting.
Once you identify a trend, add your unique twist to make your video stand out.
Step 2: Keep It Short and Engaging
YouTube Shorts should be under 60 seconds. The first 3 seconds are the most important—if people don’t find it interesting immediately, they’ll scroll away. Here’s how to hook viewers:
- Start with a strong hook – a shocking fact, a funny moment, or a bold question.
- Get straight to the point – avoid long intros or unnecessary details.
- Use fast cuts and visuals to keep viewers engaged.
Step 3: Use High-Quality Video and Editing
Even though Shorts are quick videos, quality still matters. Follow these tips:
- Record in vertical format (9:16 ratio) to fit YouTube Shorts properly.
- Use good lighting and clear audio for a professional look.
- Add captions or text overlays – many people watch without sound.
- Use effects and transitions to make the video more dynamic.
You can edit your Shorts using CapCut, InShot, or YouTube’s built-in editor.
Step 4: Add Viral Music and Sounds
YouTube promotes Shorts that use popular sounds and music. To find trending audio:
- Explore the YouTube Shorts library for trending songs.
- Check TikTok’s trending music list (many viral TikTok sounds work well on Shorts).
- Use sound effects to make your video fun and engaging.
Step 5: Optimize Your Title, Description, and Hashtags
SEO plays a huge role in making your Short discoverable. Here’s what to do:
- Use a catchy, keyword-rich title (Example: “This Life Hack Will Change Your Morning Routine! 😲”)
- Add relevant hashtags like #Shorts, #Viral, and niche-specific tags.
- Write a detailed description including your main keyword and related terms.
Step 6: Post at the Right Time
Timing affects your video’s reach. The best times to post are:
- Evenings (6 PM – 9 PM) and weekends when people are most active.
- Experiment with different times to see what works best for your audience.
Step 7: Engage with Viewers
The more engagement your Short gets, the more YouTube promotes it. Here’s how to boost interactions:
- Ask a question in your video to encourage comments.
- Reply to comments quickly to keep the conversation going.
- Pin a comment with a CTA (Call to Action), like “What do you think about this? Comment below!”
Final Thoughts
Creating viral YouTube Shorts requires the right topic, engaging content, and smart promotion. Keep videos short, use trending sounds, optimize SEO, and interact with viewers. With consistency and creativity, your Shorts can go viral and help grow your YouTube channel fast!
