5 YouTube Shorts Ideas Brands and Influencers Can Use

After TikTok burst onto the social scene with its short-form videos in 2016, other platforms followed suit. Instagram launched Reels in 2019, and YouTube released Shorts in 2020. Each has its perks, but YouTube is known as a video hub. Plus, it’s the second largest search engine (behind Google), which means more people are likely to see your content. If you’re ready to create YouTube Shorts, here are a few ideas brands and influencers can use as inspiration:

YouTube Shorts: Fast Facts

Video length: 60-second maximum

Video orientation: Vertical

Aspect ratio: 9:16

Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Create teaser clips

Consider making a YouTube Short to tease one of your other, longer videos.

For example, you reviewed a brand’s latest video game. In the video, you create an avatar, play the game, and offer your initial thoughts. When complete, the video is about 15 minutes long.

Those familiar with your content might watch it in its entirety as soon as it’s released, but it might be too long for newcomers to watch. To entice prospective followers to check it out, cut a one-minute version of your review as a YouTube Short. Use this teaser video to promote your full-length review.

YouTube has a tool to accomplish this very task. You can pick an existing YouTube video from your library, pick a starting point, and click “Edit into a Short.” YouTube will automatically create a 60-second clip from that point. You can use editing tools to trim it or make additional changes like adding filters or text.

Use this tutorial to turn existing videos into Shorts.

Teach viewers how to accomplish something

YouTube has become a how-to library full of all kinds of tutorials. From DIY home renovations and gardening lessons to pet grooming and baby care, you can get specific instructions on any topic.

If you’re a brand or a content creator, consider creating step-by-step tutorials focusing on your product or niche.

Look at this smokey eye tutorial created by make-up influencer Ali Andreea. She teaches followers how to create this look in just 59 seconds:

Unboxing video

Unboxing videos have become a common type of influencer marketing campaign. As a brand, you send your product to an influencer and ask him or her to shoot a video while opening or “unboxing” it.

If you’re looking for a short yet effective product reveal, ask an influencer to create a Short. Take a look at this unboxing video from toy influencer KSLnKrafts. In just 60 seconds, the toy is unboxed and each piece is presented.

Brand explainer video

Whether part of a brand marketing team or an influencer, you can create powerful Shorts focusing on your mission and values.

For example, a DIY influencer could share a one-minute video on his or her mission. Is it to help homeowners save money on costly fixes, or is it to empower people to take on jobs they usually wouldn’t? Explain it in a short video.

A clean-eating influencer might explain why he or she has adopted that lifestyle and a make-up influencer could explain why he or she only buys cruelty-free brands.

Think of these videos as a way to educate your viewer on a particular aspect that’s important to you or your company. HP, the multinational information technology company, created this Short about its commitment to sustainability.

Behind-the-scenes video

Give your followers a quick, behind-the-scenes tour. Think of something that customers don’t get to see, and let that inspire a Short.

A restaurant could offer a behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen or show how the chefs prepare for the dinner rush, for example.

You could show followers how orders are fulfilled and packed, shoot video of products being made, or record your next company BBQ.

Followers are always intrigued by behind-the-scenes access. If followers respond to these videos, they could become a recurring item, like a #FridayFactoryTour or #MondayMealPreps.

YouTube Shorts give brands and influencers a way to engage with followers and attract new ones, not to mention they’re a great way to diversify your content offerings. When you’re ready, give these ideas a try.