YouTube Shorts have emerged as a powerful tool for creators to grow the views of their long-form videos and channels. Statistics indicate that Shorts generate over 2 billion views per month, meaning that they are more effective for bringing more views to your channel than long-form videos. 

However, these bite-sized videos also have their own challenges. With so many of them created and posted, it can be hard to get visibility for them, underscoring the need for a strategy to leverage YouTube Shorts to grow. This is why you need a solid strategy to turn your short viewers into subscribers. In this article, we guide you on how to do that.

Do Short Viewers Watch Longform Videos?

One question you may have is: If someone visits your channel to watch a 60-second video, do they have the time to stick around for 10 or 20 minutes? Honestly, some will while others won't. This is because Shorts viewers usually have a different mindset. Some are scrolling for quick entertainment or snackable information. On the other hand, viewers of long-form content are actually searching for an in-depth experience.

However, in the recent past, YouTube has tried to create a deeper connection between the Shorts and long-form content formats. When the algorithm notices that a viewer is watching a Short and engaging with long-form content, it is more likely to recommend that video. The platform has also added a live avatar ring to indicate when a Shorts creator is live, another step toward bridging the gap between the two content formats.

Ultimately, turning Shorts viewers into long-term followers shouldn't feel forced. It should be about making them want to watch this content format by capturing the audience’s attention and stirring their curiosity to make them want more from you. You can do that by intentionally designing your content well and removing any roadblocks.

How YouTube Shorts Impact Channel Growth

YouTube Shorts can impact the growth of your channel in different ways, such as:

• High discoverability. Shorts tend to appear more under the YouTube Shorts tab and the recommendations tab, providing creators with a big audience beyond their current subscribers. Since Shorts are also pushed to users who aren't familiar with your channel, they help improve the channel's discoverability.
• Low engagement barriers. Short-form videos are usually easier to consume and don't require much time or effort. This makes them a good choice for increasing the number of likes, comments, and shares, which keeps the algorithm promoting the video. This is especially true when you understand how to make YouTube Shorts go viral.
• Gateway for long-form video. If a creator is producing short and long-form videos, they can use Shorts to encourage viewers to watch their longer videos. This can lead to higher engagement and more subscribers.

How to Use Shorts to Promote Long-Form Videos

If you want to guide Shorts viewers to watch long-form videos, you need to add a compelling reason that makes them want to click. You can do that by leveraging YouTube features that connect Shorts with long-form content. 

These features include:

Related Video Feature

This is one of the most powerful tools YouTube offers to connect Shorts with long-form content. This tool lets you link certain videos to a long-form video, helping your channel grow as quickly as possible. You can use it to add a clickable link to your Shorts and drive viewers to the long-form videos.

To use the tool when uploading Shorts through the YouTube mobile app, check the “related video” option. You can then choose a related long-form video to add to the channel. When doing that, make sure the hook works like a teaser that guides viewers to the long-form video. For instance, the Short can be a clip from the long-form video, with the link taking viewers back to the source video. On the other hand,  if the Short is a standalone piece, you can link to the long-form videos to take a deeper dive into the topic.

Use Storytelling to Add an Open Hook

Instead of telling your audience to watch the long video, provide compelling reasons for them to do so. One of these should be the use of storytelling in Shorts to add an open hook in the form of a question, an unfinished thought, or a cliffhanger, all of which should be resolved by watching the entire long-form video.

For instance, you can show the most dramatic part of a failed recipe while adding a link to a long-form video. You can then use the title, “How I transformed this from a disaster”. The Short will be interesting on its own, but will leave the viewers wanting to watch the resolution.

Reward Clicks

When viewers click on your long-form videos, you want them to see that they made the right decision by rewarding them. Don't keep them waiting for the content to load or for them to search for it; go straight to the part that closes the loop or provides instant value. This removes the doubts viewers have when clicking and encourages them to stay.

Clip Snippets

You can also take the compelling parts of your videos and change them into Shorts. However, make sure you do more than just post the clip. Instead, add value to the Short. For instance, you can add text overlays to the clip or a quick voiceover explaining what viewers will get when they watch the entire video.

Add visual cues, such as pointing gestures, when posting videos or text to capture attention to the link in the related video. For instance, watch the full video in the link, or follow this link for a full video.

Ensure that the Vibes Remain Consistent

If the Short feels like it's from a different channel than the long-form videos, it will leave viewers feeling lost. This is why you need to ensure that you maintain a consistent visual style, tone, and overall vibe in both videos. Also, ensure that the Shorts and long-form videos are socially related.

For instance, if your channel is on workouts, you should create short workout tips. This will ensure you have a more natural transition that draws in viewers interested in longer workout guides.

Add Call to Actions (CTAs)

Another way to drive views from Shorts to long-form videos is by adding a CTA. At times, what your audience needs is a little nudge to take the action you want them to take, such as watching your long-form videos. As noted earlier, the best way to do that is through the related videos. However, make sure the CTA is clearly visible, and the content in the link encourages clicking.

You can also add a pinned comment with a link to the relevant long-form videos. You can then add a phrase such as “Click this link for the whole tutorial.” Make sure you also experiment with different word choices to find those that resonate most with your audience.

Make sure the last two to four seconds of your Shorts contain visual CTAs, such as text overlaying the video with words such as “Click the link for the whole video" or “Subscribe to view more.” You can then add an arrow that points to the subscription button or the channel name.

If you talk in your Shorts, you can add some brief words at the end of the video saying, “Watch the full video here, or subscribe for other such tips.” This helps to reinforce the visuals and the necessary CTAs. You can also add several CTAs by leveraging the related videos feature, combined with a pinned comment, and supplemented with auditory or visual cues that guide the viewer's actions and gaze.

How to Add Shorts to Your Social Media Strategy

A good Short strategy should complement your long-form content, not treat them as a separate entity.

• Start with both content formats early enough. If you are getting started, you need to launch both long- and short-term strategies early. This will enable your audience to understand from the start what to expect.
• Ensure topics are related. The shorts and long-form content should cover related niches and themes. This should reinforce your channel's identity and ensure it is logical for viewers interested in one format to also show interest in another.  
• Ensure creator connection. Avoid relying on a single trending challenge or sound. Instead, add a unique voice or personality to the Shorts. Ensure that viewers are your fans, not fans of the short content. When that happens, it becomes easier to make them explore your other content formats.
• Conduct a holistic performance review. When your Shorts' audience metrics appear different, don't panic. Check the overall performance of your channel to determine how Shorts views help discover long-form content and drive subscriber growth.

In Conclusion

YouTube Shorts can play an important role in the discoverability of your videos. When strategically used as a hook or a teaser, they can guide viewers to the long-form content. You can take advantage of their great reach to reach new subscribers. Therefore, use the tips above to grow your subscriber base with YouTube Shorts. You can read our guide on repurposing your podcasts into YouTube Shorts.