YouTube Shorts: What they Are, Benefits, and Tips

Nicole Symon
September 3, 2025

You’ve probably heard lots of people talking about short-form video marketing lately. After all, it’s one of the biggest digital marketing trends of 2025. 


While TikTok often gets the most buzz, it’s not the only platform for short-form videos. Instagram and YouTube also created features for this type of content. On YouTube, they’re called YouTube Shorts. 

But what are YouTube Shorts exactly, and should they be part of your marketing strategy? Explore how to use YouTube Shorts to promote your business with these content ideas and tips. 


What Are YouTube Shorts?


YouTube Shorts are short-form vertical videos on YouTube that can be up to three minutes long. They appear on the Shorts tab of the app or website. YouTube created Shorts to compete with platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, providing a new avenue for creators to reach a wider audience.


Traditional videos on YouTube are often longer than three minutes and have a horizontal aspect ratio. If you use a YouTube Shorts strategy to market your business, you may also post long-form videos on your YouTube account. Just make sure you follow best content practices for YouTube. 


Benefits of YouTube Shorts


The central question for businesses is whether they should invest time in creating short-form videos and posting them on YouTube Shorts. While this approach may not work for every brand, it can offer valuable benefits that spotlight why short videos are important.


Using YouTube Shorts, you can:


  • Help your content reach a wider audience.
  • Be flexible enough to suit brands in all types of industries.
  • Create engaging content that enables you to build an online community.
  • Spend less time and effort on creating short-form content (compared to longer videos).
  • Possibly monetize your content further, through the YouTube Partner Program and YouTube Shorts, to earn ad revenue.


Content Ideas You Can Use for YouTube Shorts


Often, the trickiest part of getting started with social media video marketing is coming up with compelling content ideas. Try these short video ideas for your first YouTube Shorts. 


  1. Repurpose existing content: Create short videos covering the same ideas as old blog posts, emails, social media posts, or other content you already created. 
  2. Add product and service demos: Show customers how your products and services work with a quick demonstration. They’ll feel more comfortable purchasing if they know exactly what to expect. 
  3. Answer frequently asked questions (FAQs): You probably get lots of the same questions over and over, so those topics are clearly what people want to hear addressed. Gather some of your top questions and give quick answers to them. 
  4. Offer quick how-tos: Lean on your expertise and teach your audience how to do something that would interest them or help them solve a problem. 
  5. Include behind-the-scenes content: Everyone loves a peek behind the curtain. Film a short behind-the-scenes in your store, factory, or office to help viewers get to know your business. 
  6. Address industry myths and facts: There are probably some common misconceptions about your industry that you can set straight in a short video that’s engaging and possibly even humorous. 
  7.  Share hacks: Some of the most popular content online is about hacks. See if you can come up with any quick, applicable tips related to your business or industry, and share them in a YouTube short. 


How It Works and Tips for Engagement


The process of creating a YouTube Short is pretty straightforward, and it will only get easier once you get into a rhythm. Follow these steps:


  1. Choose a topic: Decide what your video will be about (educational, how-to, behind the scenes, brand story, news and updates, hacks, etc.) based on the topics you think interest your audience the most. 
  2. Create your video content: Use existing video content (repurpose) or record on any device, like your camera, phone, or tablet. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but keep the subject in the center of the frame and use clear lighting for the best results. 
  3. Edit your video: You can edit your video directly within the YouTube app. Try edits like adding music and sounds from the built-in library, using text overlays, and incorporating some simple transition effects. 
  4. Optimize your video with search engine optimization (SEO) elements: Use titles, descriptions, and tags with keywords related to your video topic. Add closed captions and share questions that encourage viewers to engage with videos.
  5. Post your video: Try to upload consistently to keep your audience engaged. Post your videos when your target users are most likely to be online, such as after work hours on weekdays. 


Keep in mind that it’s crucial to hook your audience in the first three seconds. High-quality editing is key. If you’re used to posting on Facebook, you can generally follow the same best practices for Facebook video. 


Uncover New Possibilities With YouTube Shorts


If you’ve been trying to expand your audience and engage new customers, posting YouTube Shorts could be the answer. Focus on creating compelling and exciting content on topics that your target audience cares about. 


And for help with YouTube Shorts or your broader digital marketing strategy, contact Optimize Digital Marketing.