Make YouTube Shorts Out of Long-Form Content and Link Them

Introduction

In today's digital landscape, the rise of short-form video content has reshaped how creators engage with their audiences. Platforms like YouTube have embraced this trend through their Shorts feature, allowing creators to share concise, vertical videos of 60 seconds or less. In this article, we'll explore how to create engaging YouTube Shorts from long-form content and link them effectively to boost watch hours and subscriptions.

Understanding YouTube Shorts and Long-Form Videos

YouTube categorizes videos into two main types: Shorts and long-form videos. Shorts are vertical videos under 60 seconds, typically displayed on the dedicated Shorts feed. In contrast, long-form videos follow the traditional horizontal format (16:9) and last several minutes or more. The goal is to generate more watch hours on your YouTube channel by converting Short viewers into long-form video viewers.

The Process of Creating YouTube Shorts from Long-Form Content

Step 1: Define Your Long-Form Content

Begin by selecting a long-form video from your channel that you want to convert into Shorts. Focus on videos that are engaging and likely to resonate with your audience.

Step 2: Use Opus Clip for AI-Powered Editing

One efficient tool for transforming long-form videos into Shorts is Opus Clip. This AI-powered application can identify stand-out moments from your content and create clips under 60 seconds. Here's how to use it:

Open Opus Clip: Sign up for an account and log in.
Input Video URL: Copy the link to your long-form video and paste it into Opus Clip.
Configure Settings: Adjust settings to specify clip lengths (under 30 seconds and between 30-59 seconds).
Process the Video: Click to generate Clips. Wait for the AI to process your video, and you'll receive an email when it's ready.
Download Selected Clips: Choose the clips that resonate with you, download them in HD, and prepare for uploading.

Step 3: Upload to YouTube as Shorts

After downloading your Shorts, head over to YouTube:

Begin Upload: Select the downloaded Shorts video to upload.
Edit Metadata: Adjust the title and description for optimization.
Link to Long-Form Video: Within the video settings, add the long-form video link to create a connection between the two. This encourages viewers to check out the longer content.

Step 4: Repurpose Content on Other Platforms

To maximize reach, consider repurposing your Shorts on platforms like Pinterest. Using tools like Repurpose.io, set up connections from your YouTube Shorts to your Pinterest boards, creating greater visibility for your content across platforms.

Step 5: Analyze Viewership and Conversions

To evaluate whether your Shorts are successfully driving traffic to your long-form videos, monitor the analytics in your YouTube Studio. Check traffic sources for referrals from related Shorts and external platforms to see if viewers are clicking through.

Conclusion

By strategically converting long-form content into Shorts, linking them effectively, and repurposing on other platforms, you can enhance your channel’s growth and monetize your content more efficiently. Consistency and analysis are key in optimizing these efforts for maximum impact.

Keyword

YouTube Shorts
Long-form Content
Opus Clip
Repurpose.io
Video Editing
Analytics
Monetization

FAQ

Q1: What are YouTube Shorts?
A1: YouTube Shorts are short, vertical videos that last under 60 seconds, designed for rapid viewing and engagement.

Q2: How can I create Shorts from long-form videos?
A2: You can use tools like Opus Clip to edit your long-form videos into shorter clips.

Q3: Is it worth linking Shorts to long-form content?
A3: Yes, linking can drive traffic from Shorts to longer videos, increasing watch hours and subscriber counts.

Q4: Can I repurpose Shorts for other platforms?
A4: Absolutely! You can use tools like Repurpose.io to share your Shorts on platforms such as Pinterest.

Q5: How can I track the performance of my Shorts?
A5: You can monitor analytics in your YouTube Studio, focusing on traffic sources and viewer engagement metrics to evaluate performance.