How to make shorts that go viral every time

Introduction

With 3 million, 5 million, and even 9 million views within a year of starting my shorts journey, I finally cracked the code for consistently going viral. Today, I'm passing that knowledge onto you. This article won't be a basic tutorial advising on niches or hashtags – all of that is irrelevant. Instead, you'll learn the precise formula that top creators use to make their shorts blow up. Focus up, take notes if you’d like, and let’s dive in.

Understanding and Exploiting the Algorithm

Before breaking the algorithm, we need to understand it. The algorithm is not random and dependent on luck; it simply showcases the most engaging content. If you consistently create engaging shorts with high retention, your success is pretty much guaranteed.

My Journey to Decoding the Algorithm

Initially, when I started, my shorts barely broke 100 views. However, as I honed my content over four months, I hit 10K subscribers. On my subsequent channel, equipped with better content knowledge, I hit 10K in just three weeks. This proves the algorithm pushes quality shorts forward, and you'll witness the same if you adhere to the advice shared here.

Step 1: Start with an Interesting Topic

An interesting topic is the cornerstone of every viral short. Without it, expect few views. Begin by thinking of your intended audience and what they want to see. Research popular channels in your niche to see what works for them. For instance, if your target audience is school kids, aim your topics at them. This approach ensures your videos are relevant and engaging.

Example of Targeting Your Audience

A creator aiming at school kids will see a drop in views if they create content that doesn’t appeal to their core audience. When he returned to content that appealed to kids, his views surged. Always tailor your content to your audience's preferences.

Step 2: Perfect Your Delivery

Identifying and Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Even with a great topic, poor delivery can hinder performance. For example, revealing the key information too early can cause viewers to lose interest and scroll away. The delivery and execution of your topic are as crucial as the idea itself. Keep your viewers engaged by ensuring they only get the payoff towards the end of the short.

Structure and Editing: The HPC System

To create viral content, master the art of editing and structuring your shorts. This involves storytelling and pacing. Utilize the HPC system:

• Hook: The first 5 seconds are crucial. Capture attention quickly by introducing the topic while leaving the viewer with questions.

  Example of an Effective Hook

  "I want to be the first person to have a snowball fight in the desert." This opening leaves viewers asking: How? Where will he get snow?

• Progression: The short should meet the expectations set by the hook. Show the journey and struggles to fulfill the promise made in the hook.

  Example of Clear Progression

  "It’s hot out here and there’s no snow, so we grabbed our cooler and headed for the mountains." Continue the narrative logically and engagingly.

• Climax: Fulfill the topic of the content at the climax. It's the moment viewers get what they stayed to see.

  Example of a Satisfying Climax

  "With a cooler full of snow, the only thing left to do is have a snowball fight."

By mastering HPC, your shorts are guaranteed to hit the mark.

Step 3: Optimize Posting

Choosing the Best Time to Post

Experimentation revealed that the posting time matters. Shorts posted in the morning got higher views for me. Check your analytics to find when your audience is most active and align your posting schedule accordingly.

Frequency of Posts

Frequency also plays a role in how well your shorts perform. Posting up to four times per day reduced my content quality and engagement. However, posting once per day allowed for high-quality creation and consistent exposure. The key is consistency; don’t let too much time pass between uploads to maintain momentum.

Keyword

• Viral Shorts
• YouTube Algorithm
• Engaging Content
• Target Audience
• Content Delivery
• HPC System
• Posting Schedule
• Audience Analytics
• Retention Strategies
• Content Frequency

FAQ

Q1: How important is the topic of my shorts?

A1: The topic is crucial. Without an intriguing and relevant topic, your chances of going viral are slim. Always consider your audience and what they want to see.

Q2: Can poor execution harm a good topic?

A2: Yes, even the best topic can fail if not delivered correctly. Ensure you structure your content to reveal key information towards the end to keep viewers engaged.

Q3: What is the HPC system, and how can it help?

A3: The HPC system stands for Hook, Progression, and Climax. It ensures your shorts capture attention, maintain engagement, and provide satisfying conclusions, boosting chances of going viral.

Q4: When is the best time to post my shorts?

A4: The best posting time varies for everyone. Check your YouTube analytics to see when your audience is most active and schedule your posts accordingly.

Q5: How frequently should I post shorts?

A5: Posting once per day strikes a balance between maintaining high-quality content and consistent exposure. However, find a schedule that you can maintain consistently without compromising quality.