How To GO VIRAL on YouTube Shorts Every Time You Post! (works without subscribers)

Introduction

By the end of this article, you'll discover the two best strategies for going viral on YouTube Shorts in 2024. These approaches are not created equal, and through my experience of going viral hundreds of times, as well as helping numerous creators achieve the same, I've learned one method is not only easier but also more lucrative. Let's dive into the details!

Understanding YouTube Shorts Distribution

The Two Methods for Showcasing Shorts

To go viral on YouTube Shorts, you must understand how YouTube showcases content. There are two key methods:

1. Search-Based Discovery: Users intentionally search for content on specific topics.
2. Recommended Content: Users are served content based on their past interactions.

YouTube recommends videos to users based on their viewing history. This understanding informs how to create content that aligns with trending topics and user engagement.

Short Recommendations

When logging into YouTube, you’ll find Shorts recommended based on your viewing habits. For example, if you scroll down the homepage, the featured shorts are heavily influenced by your previous interactions.

By searching for specific topics or trends (e.g., “Golden State Warriors”), you can discover the successful shorts from the last few days, allowing you to mimic or adapt viral content.

Steps to Achieve Viral Success on YouTube Shorts

Step 1: Identify Trending Topics

To maximize your chances of viral success, ensure that you are making content on trending topics, preferably those with viral Shorts in the last 72 hours. Explore popular niches and observe successful videos to spot patterns and themes that engage viewers.

Step 2: Optimize Watch Time

Ensure your Shorts are generated to retain viewer attention. Review existing viral content and aim to create longer videos that encourage higher watch time. For example, if a viral video is 34 seconds long, aim to produce a 40- to 60-second short that keeps viewers engaged longer.

Step 3: Craft Effective Metadata

Effective titles and descriptions improve the chances of your content being found. Adapt your title from successful competitors’ content to include keywords that are relevant, and ensure your description is keyword rich. Aim for clarity and searchability.

The Importance of Search

While using the methods above, don't neglect the power of search optimization for your content. Videos that are search-based serve viewers with specific problems, increasing the likelihood of monetization.

Step 4: Utilize Tools for Keyword Research

Tools like VidIQ help identify what potential audiences are searching for. Target keywords that draw in over 20,000 searches a month to create content that aligns with viewer intent.

Step 5: Optimize Your Metadata

Your title should contain the relevant keyword, and your description must reflect the content while featuring those keywords. Tags should fill 450 to 475 characters with related phrases to enhance discoverability. Finally, ensure that your transcript directly addresses the keywords, particularly in the initial sentences.

Step 6: Take Multiple Shots on Goal

Focus on generating several pieces of content around variations of relevant keywords. Don’t limit your attempts; diverse content can unlock multiple avenues for virality.

Conclusion

Going viral on YouTube Shorts isn’t purely a matter of luck—by strategically focusing on trending topics and optimizing your content for both search and recommendations, you can significantly increase your chances of success.

Keyword

YouTube Shorts, viral content, recommendations, trending topics, watch time, metadata, keyword research, optimize.

FAQ

Q1: What types of content work best on YouTube Shorts?
A1: Content centered around trending topics, memes, and engaging storylines tend to perform well.

Q2: How can I increase my watch time on Shorts?
A2: Create compelling narratives that encourage viewers to watch until the end; longer videos (40-60 seconds) can also help.

Q3: Why is keyword research important?
A3: Keyword research identifies what your audience is searching for, allowing you to create content that meets their needs and improves visibility.

Q4: What tools can I use for keyword analysis?
A4: Tools like VidIQ are excellent for finding popular keywords and trending topics, helping you align your content strategy.

Q5: Can I go viral without a significant number of subscribers?
A5: Yes! Viral content relies more on engagement and trending topics rather than subscriber count.