Short-form video content is taking over, and YouTube Shorts is a game-changer for creators who want fast growth with the ability to monetize. But how do you get lots of views on YouTube Shorts? Why are some Shorts struggling to gain traction? And, importantly, how do you make YouTube Shorts go viral?
In this post, you’ll discover 15 proven strategies to skyrocket your YouTube Shorts views, whether you’re aiming for your first 1k views or dreaming of hitting 100k views fast. Plus, we’ll explain how YouTube counts views on Shorts and what makes some videos explode in popularity.
Let’s dive in.
🔥 Top Strategies for How to Maximize YouTube Shorts Views:
- Keep Your Shorts Quick and Engaging (15-35 Seconds)
- Hook Viewers in the First 3 Seconds
- Optimize Your Titles and Descriptions
- Use Hashtags Wisely
- Post Consistently
- Use Copyright-Safe Trending Music
- Leverage Trends Without Copying
- Use Text Overlays and Captions
- Edit for a Fast-Paced Flow
- Create Loops that Encourage Replays
- Analyze Your Analytics to Improve Content
- Create Engaging Thumbnails
- Engage with Comments and Viewers
- Collaborate with Other Shorts Creators
- Promote Your Shorts on Other Platforms
📚 More Resources on YouTube Shorts:
- FAQs about YouTube Shorts Views
- How YouTube Counts Views on Shorts
- How to Monetize YouTube Shorts
- Where to Get Copyright-Safe Music for YouTube
- Final Takeaways to Boost YouTube Shorts Views
1. Keep Your Shorts Quick and Engaging (15-35 Seconds)
If you’re wondering how to get lots of YouTube Shorts views, the first thing to remember is: short-form content needs to be truly short. Think of Shorts as bite-sized entertainment that people can watch on the go. Ideally, your videos should be between 15 and 35 seconds to hold viewers’ attention and avoid the dreaded swipe-away.
Why does this matter? Because attention spans on YouTube Shorts are even shorter than on regular videos. People scroll fast and if your video drags on, they’ll move on to the next one in a heartbeat. Keeping things concise and punchy ensures that your viewers stay hooked from start to finish, driving your watch time and signaling to YouTube that your content should be featured in the search & discovery algorithm.
✨ Example: This quick 22-second Short from Thematic creator feed meimei shows her super-easy green Thai tea boba recipe in under 25 seconds. It uses quick cuts, bright visuals, and catchy music to hook the viewer from the start.
🔷 Why it works: It’s short and punchy, making it easy to watch to the end (great for watch time!). The recipe is something viewers can try themselves, encouraging shares and comments. Plus, it uses trending audio, which helps it appear in more Shorts feeds.
✅ Pro Tip: Don’t waste precious seconds with long intros or explanations, just jump right into the action. Use captions, overlays, or quick cuts to keep the energy high and the viewer engaged.
2. Hook Viewers in the First 3 Seconds
You’ve only got three seconds to make an impression on YouTube Shorts (seriously)! If your opening doesn’t hook the viewer, they’ll scroll right past. That’s why you need to grab attention immediately.
Start with a powerful question, an eye-catching visual, or a bold statement that instantly sparks curiosity. If your YouTube Shorts views are consistently low (especially your engaged views), it’s most likely that your intro simply didn’t capture interest. Don’t waste time with a long setup – jump right into the action. Those first seconds are where you win or lose your audience, so make them count!
✨ Example: Start with an unexpected question, a bold statement, or an eye-catching visual. For instance in this Short from Thematic creator Yura Ghim, she immediately asks, “Did you know spools of thread can expire?,” inviting the viewer to keep watching to learn more.
🔷 Why it works: Shorts users scroll fast. If your video doesn’t instantly spark curiosity or excitement, they’ll skip it without giving it a second thought. A strong hook ensures your Short stands out in a crowded feed.
✅ Pro Tip: Use energetic visuals, text overlays, or sound effects to draw viewers in immediately. Make them curious enough to stick around.
3. Optimize Your Titles and Descriptions
While YouTube Shorts are known for their quick, scrollable format, don’t underestimate the power of a strong title and description. These help YouTube’s algorithm to understand your video content and match it to viewers who are interested in your content.
A clear, keyword-rich title not only grabs attention but also improves your chances of being recommended in the algorithm. Pair it with a concise, well-written description that uses relevant keywords (keep it on topic).
Taking a few minutes to optimize your YouTube SEO helps with search rankings and ensures your Shorts get recommend in YouTube’s recommendations, giving you a better shot at maximizing your YouTube Shorts views and going viral.
✨ Example: Instead of “Cool Trick I Learned,” go with “5-Second Trick to Open a Stuck Jar” or something more descriptive
🔷 Why it works: A keyword-rich title improves your chances of being recommended and appearing in search results.
✅ Pro Tip: Add your main video keyword (like “Kitchen Hacks” or “5 Second Fix”) naturally into the description. Don’t overstuff or go off topic. Keep it readable and relevant.
4. Use Hashtags Wisely
Did you know that hashtags aren’t just for Instagram or TikTok? They can be a powerful discovery tool on YouTube Shorts, too. Hashtags help categorize your video and connect it to trending topics, which can skyrocket your YouTube Shorts views and channel visibility.
Don’t just throw in random hashtags, though. Choose ones that are relevant to your content and your niche. Use a mix of broad hashtags like #Shorts and more specific ones like #LifeHacks or #FitnessTips. This strategic approach helps YouTube’s algorithm understand what your video is about and shows it to the right people, increasing your chances of getting more YouTube Shorts views.
✨ Example: #LifeHacks #QuickTips or #HomeHacks
🔷 Why it works: Hashtags categorize your content and increase the chances of it appearing in the Shorts feed or in relevant searches.
✅ Pro Tip: Include a max of 2-3 relevant hashtags in your Shorts description, focusing on both broad (#Shorts) and niche (#FitnessTips) topics to maximize reach.
5. Post Consistently
Consistency is the secret sauce for success on YouTube in general.
Posting a Short every other day, or at least three times a week, keeps your audience engaged and signals to YouTube that you’re an active creator worth promoting. The more you post, the more data YouTube has to understand what works with viewers and what falls short. That means more chances for your Shorts to get picked up by the algorithm and recommended to new viewers. Frequent posting of quality YouTube videos = more YouTube Shorts views.
✨ Example: Post a new Short every other day, or aim for at least three times a week.
🔷 Why it works: Frequent uploads signal to YouTube that you’re an active creator, which can boost your Shorts in the feed.
✅ Pro Tip: Batch film several Shorts in one session so you can schedule them and stay consistent, even on busy days.
6. Use Trending Music (and Avoid Copyright Issues)
Music can dramatically boost a video’s watch time and overall appeal. However, using copyrighted tracks without permission can kill your video’s performance (by having the video being muted, taken down, or demonetized). To stay safe and keep your content sounding fresh, use copyright-safe, curated music specifically designed for Shorts creators.
✨ Example: Watch this fashion Short that has a generic, background beat (something you might find in free stock libraries). The song is fine, but lacks excitement and isn’t recognizable, making the video feel flat and forgettable. Viewers may scroll past without much engagement.
Now, watch a similar fashion Short from Thematic creator THE SHORTY 那個矮子. He paired his visuals with an upbeat, energetic track from Thematic (🎵YSO Blank – comfy). The music complements the movements, energizes the viewer, and adds personality to the video. This creates a memorable viewing experience, increasing the likelihood of re-watches, shares, and higher engagement. Face it, this video is just vibey and stylish.
🔷 Why it works: The music adds excitement and keeps viewers engaged, while the fashion advice is clear, actionable, and easy to follow. The right song can keep viewers watching longer and make your content feel polished. The right track can transform your Short from forgettable to viral-worthy.
✅ Pro Tip: Use platforms like Thematic to find trending, copyright-safe music that enhances your Shorts and keeps your channel safe from takedowns. Choosing the right music isn’t just about avoiding copyright issues, it’s also a smart strategy for getting more YouTube Shorts views.
The best part is, creating an account on Thematic is totally free. Whether you’re creating vlogs, tutorials, or social media videos, Thematic is the go-to music library for creators.
👉 Need help figuring out how to add music to YouTube Shorts? We’ve got you covered. Check out full guide on adding music to Shorts here.
7. Leverage Trends Without Copying
Trends can catapult your Shorts to new heights. But stealing ideas or simply copying other creators is a recipe for blending in, not standing out.
Instead, put your unique spin on what’s popular. For example, if there’s a trending dance or challenge, add your own twist (maybe a funny angle, a new location, or even a surprising reaction). That way, you’re tapping into the trend’s popularity while giving viewers something fresh and memorable to enjoy. This balance of relevance and originality is what sets top creators apart.
✨ Example: This Short from Thematic creator David Achu shows his personal take on the Frank Ocean edit trend. Instead of following the crowd and doing it with a group of people in public, he put his own spin on it by performing the trend solo and at home, creating a more personal and relatable vibe.
🔷 Why it works: By making the trend his own, the creator stood out from the sea of similar group videos and gave viewers something fresh to watch. Plus, using a trending sound helps boost discoverability. His unique take attracted 32,000 views – a testament to the power of leveraging trends while adding your personal twist.
✅ Pro Tip: Check YouTube’s trending feed or social media for viral topics, then brainstorm ways to make it your own.
8. Use Text Overlays and Captions
Think about how many viewers watch Shorts with the sound off (probably more than you’d guess)! That’s why adding text overlays and captions is so important. It ensures your message gets across even if the viewer isn’t listening. Plus, text overlays make your content more engaging by highlighting key points or steps.
If you’re serious about your content, adding text can boost viewer retention and help your Short reach a broader audience. Just make sure your text is big, clear, and easy to read on a small screen.
✨ Example: This Short from Thematic creator Men’s Fashion Files dives into the differences between various Levi’s jeans styles. The creator uses clear, bold text overlays throughout the video to label each pair and explain his comparison, making it super easy for viewers to follow along and understand the differences.
🔷 Why it works: Text overlays help viewers instantly understand the content of the video, even if they’re watching without sound. This keeps the content accessible and informative while boosting retention. The clean visuals and labels make the info stick, and viewers are more likely to engage and share
✅ Pro Tip: Keep your text large, bright, and aligned to avoid cutting off in the vertical format.
9. Edit for a Fast-Paced Flow
Nobody wants to watch a slow, boring Short. If your video doesn’t keep moving, viewers will lose interest fast.
When editing, cut out any unnecessary pauses and jump straight from one point to the next. Use quick cuts, jump cuts, and dynamic transitions to keep the energy high. Fast-paced editing makes your Short feel professional and polished, which is essential if you want to grow your YouTube Shorts views. Think of it like keeping up a good beat: your viewers will stay hooked, and your view count will reflect it.
✨ Example: In this Short, Thematic creator Shivangi Singh unboxes Pinterest-inspired decor items and quickly transforms her room with stylish touches, all in under 45 seconds. The fast cuts, constant movement, and energetic pacing keep viewers hooked from start to finish.
🔷 Why it works: Fast-paced videos hold attention longer and feel more professional, which helps increase your YouTube Shorts views.
✅ Pro Tip: Apps like CapCut or Adobe Premiere Rush make it easy to add transitions and text in seconds, helping you to easily cut out any dead space or pauses.
10. Create Loops that Encourage Replays
Want to really boost your YouTube Shorts views count? Think about how your video loops. A seamless loop makes viewers watch multiple times without even realizing it, increasing your total views and watch time.
Design your Short so it ends in a way that naturally leads back to the beginning. Maybe it’s by using a repeating beat, a cliffhanger, or a moment that makes viewers want to see it again. The result? More YouTube Shorts views, more engagement, and a better chance of getting recommended by the YouTube algorithm and in For You feeds.
✨ Example: In the Short below, you can see how the creator uses the seamless loop technique. He shows a continuous edit that restarts perfectly without viewers even realizing it’s over. The video starts and ends at the same point, creating the illusion of an endless cycle that keeps people watching.
🔷 Why it works: Seamless loops tap into human curiosity and keep viewers engaged because they can’t tell where the video ends and begins. This can skyrocket your YouTube Shorts views by boosting watch time and encouraging repeated plays.
✅ Pro Tip: Plan your shot so it starts and ends in the same place, making the transition invisible. This keeps your audience hooked and signals to YouTube’s algorithm that your Short is highly engaging – perfect for increasing reach and discoverability! 🚀
11. Analyze Your Analytics to Improve Content
Knowing how YouTube counts views on Shorts is important, but understanding your analytics is even more powerful.
Check your Shorts Analytics regularly to see how your videos are performing. Are people dropping off after 5 seconds? Are they rewatching? These insights tell you what’s working, and what needs improvement. Focus on engaged views and watch time, since these are key signals to YouTube that your content is valuable. Adjust your hooks, editing style, and content based on this data to keep improving and get more YouTube Shorts views.
✨ Example: Noticing that most viewers drop off after 10 seconds? That’s a sign your hook isn’t strong enough to keep them engaged. Try tweaking your intro to be punchier or add an attention-grabbing question to keep them watching. On the other hand, if your viewership stays steady throughout the video, that’s gold! It means people are hooked and loving your content.
🔷 Why it works: Analyzing your analytics helps you pinpoint exactly where you’re losing or winning your audience. This insight lets you experiment with hooks, pacing, and topics to fine-tune your Shorts and get more views.
✅ Pro Tip: Focus on your engaged views, retention rate, and overall watch time. Ask yourself: Are these metrics trending up? Are there topics that perform better than others? Find out what works (and what doesn’t) and keep iterating to unlock a top-tier content strategy. Use these insights to refine your hooks, pacing, and topics to keep viewers engaged, and boost your YouTube Shorts views over time!
12. Create Engaging Thumbnails
Even though Shorts will auto-generate thumbnails, customizing them can make a big difference in search results and on your channel page. A strong, eye-catching thumbnail draws viewers in and gives them a reason to click.
Take the time to design a thumbnail that reflects your video’s content. Use bright colors, high contrast, and simple, bold text that’s easy to read even on small screens. A great thumbnail is like a billboard for your Short – make it count!
✨ Example: A bright, bold thumbnail with a clear image and minimal text.
🔷 Why it works: A strong thumbnail grabs attention and teases your video’s content.
✅ Pro Tip: Keep text short and readable; use bright colors and high contrast.
13. Engage with Comments and Viewers
Comments are the lifeblood of a strong YouTube channel community. Responding to viewers’ comments not only builds loyalty but also signals to YouTube that your content is engaging.
When you engage with viewers and subscribers, you create a two-way conversation that keeps people coming back for more. Pin top comments, answer questions, and show appreciation to your fans. All of these tiny actions can help to boost your Shorts in the algorithm and keeps your view count climbing.
✨ Example: Replying to viewer questions, thanking people for watching, and asking them to share their own experiences.
🔷 Why it works: Engagement signals to YouTube that your content is valuable, which can boost your Shorts in recommendations.
✅ Pro Tip: Add a comment to your own video and pin it to the top asking viewers what they want to see next (this can be a great way to drive new video ideas).
14. Collaborate with Other Creators
Collaborations are a fantastic way to grow your YouTube Shorts views. When you team up with another creator, you’re effectively sharing your audiences and introducing yourself to new fans.
Look for creators in your niche or with a complementary style and brainstorm fun, shareable Shorts you can create together. Tag each other in titles and descriptions to help both of you get more exposure. The result? A fresh, engaging videos that’s likely to reach a much wider audience and boost your overall YouTube Shorts views.
✨ Example: A reaction Short or a side-by-side challenge with another creator in your niche.
🔷 Why it works: Collabs tap into both audiences, increasing reach and credibility.
✅ Pro Tip: Tag your collaborator in the title and description to help cross-promote your Short.
15. Promote Your Shorts on Other Platforms
Don’t just rely on YouTube’s algorithm to get your Shorts seen. Sharing your videos across all of your short-form platforms (like Instagram Reels, TikTok, X, or even LinkedIn) can drive additional views and help you reach new audiences. If you’re serious about increasing your YouTube Shorts views, cross-promoting on multiple platforms is a no-brainer.
Post teaser clips, behind-the-scenes content, or even direct links to your Shorts to drive traffic. The more people see your Shorts, the more YouTube’s algorithm will take notice and push your content even further.
✨ Example: Sharing your Shorts on Instagram Stories with a link back to YouTube.
🔷 Why it works: Multi-platform promotion creates more traffic and signals to YouTube that your content is worth recommending.
✅ Pro Tip: Use the same catchy hook and hashtags to maintain consistency across platforms.
FAQs about YouTube Shorts Views
Getting consistent views on YouTube Shorts can sometimes feel unpredictable. To help you navigate common concerns and optimize your Shorts strategy, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions creators have about creating content for YouTube Shorts. Whether you’re wondering how YouTube Shorts views are counted or how to hit that first 1K, this FAQ has you covered ✅
How to get lots of views on YouTube Shorts?
If you want to get lots of YouTube Shorts views, start by making quick, engaging videos that capture attention in the first few seconds. Use high-quality visuals and trending music to keep viewers hooked. Post consistently (ideally a few times a week) to stay on YouTube’s radar and maximize your chances of being recommended.
Optimize your titles and descriptions with relevant keywords so your Shorts show up in search. Engage with your viewers by replying to comments, encouraging likes and shares, and asking questions to build community. Keep a close eye on your analytics to see what works (metrics in YouTube Analytics will tell you a lot).
Experiment, adjust, and test different formats, styles, and topics to find your sweet spot. You’ll be on your way to racking up more views in no time!
Why are my YouTube Shorts not getting views?
If your Shorts aren’t getting the views you want, it’s likely due to one of a few key reasons:
- Weak hooks – you need to grab attention in the first 3 seconds
- Poor video quality – blurry, dark, or muffled audio turns viewers off
- Lack of engagement – ask questions that encourage likes, comments, and shares
- Inconsistent posting – aim for at least 2-3 Shorts per week
- Wrong video format – always use vertical (9:16) and add captions or text overlays for mobile viewers
Fix these areas and you’ll increase your chances of getting more YouTube Shorts views!
How to get 100k views on YouTube Shorts?
To reach 100k views on YouTube Shorts, consistency is everything. You need to post regularly to stay favored by the algorithm.
Here are a few tips to help drive more YouTube Shorts views:
- Use trending sounds and challenges but add your own spin to stand out.
- Engage with your audience by responding to comments and encouraging likes and shares.
- Keep your videos short and captivating to maximize watch time, which signals YouTube to promote your content more.
Combine these tactics, and you’ll boost your chances of going viral!
How do you get 1k views on YouTube Shorts?
Getting your first 1,000 views on YouTube Shorts might feel challenging, but it’s totally doable with a solid plan. Start by creating engaging, focused videos that deliver value or entertainment quickly. Use popular hashtags and relevant keywords in your title and description to help your Shorts get discovered. Adding captions will help to reach viewers watching without sound.
And don’t forget to promote your Shorts beyond YouTube. It’s important to cross-post your videos on social media, communities, or forums where your target audience hangs out. With these steps, you’ll build momentum and hit that 1k views milestone faster than you think!
How does YouTube count views on YouTube Shorts?
YouTube recently updated how it counts views on Shorts to better reflect how often your content is actually seen. Now, Shorts views count every time your video starts playing or replaying, with no minimum watch time required. This means YouTube Shorts views can accumulate faster, even if viewers watch only a few seconds.
Previously, a Shorts view was counted only after someone watched the video for a minimum number of seconds. YouTube made this change to provide creators with clearer insight into total impressions and initial reach for their content.
What does this mean for your analytics and monetization?
- The original Shorts view metric is now called “engaged views” and will be tracked in your YouTube Analytics (under Advanced Mode). This metric will help you measure how many viewers choose to continue watching your video after it first starts to play (a good sign of deeper viewer interest).
- Monetization and eligibility for the YouTube Partner Program will not change. This will continue to be based on the original Shorts view metric (engaged views), and not the new Shorts view calcuations.
You can learn more about how YouTube counts views and why YouTube made this change here.
How do you make YouTube Shorts go viral?
While there’s no guaranteed way to make any video go viral, you can set yourself up for the opportunity by following our tips for maximizing your YouTube Shorts views.
In general, viral Shorts have strong hooks, fast pacing, relatable or trendy content, and high engagement. We recommend using trending sounds, participating in challenges when they first start becoming popular, and encouraging your viewers to interact with your content by leaving comments or sharing the video.
How to Monetize YouTube Shorts and Join the YouTube Partner Program 💰
Many creators ask, “Can I make money from YouTube Shorts?” The answer is yes, absolutely! But keep in mind that monetizing Shorts works a bit differently than monetizing regular long-form YouTube videos.
YouTube Shorts Fund & Monetization
YouTube launched the Shorts Fund, a $100 million fund rewarding creators who make popular Shorts. While this program doesn’t require you to be part of the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), it does have eligibility criteria based on views and engagement.
Joining the YouTube Partner Program for Shorts Monetization
To monetize Shorts directly through ads, you’ll need to join the YouTube Partner Program. Here’s what you need:
- 1,000 subscribers and:
- 4,000 watch hours on your regular videos in the past 12 months, or
- 10 million valid public YouTube Shorts views in the last 90 days
Once accepted, you can earn ad revenue not only from your regular videos but also through ads shown between Shorts.
Learn more about YouTube’s Partner Program requirements and how to apply here.
Tips to Accelerate Monetization
- Post videos consistently to grow your subscriber count
- Mix sharing Shorts with longer YouTube videos to accumulate watch hours across your channel
- Engage regularly with your audience to increase watch time
- Use trending music and participate in content trends to boost YouTube Shorts views quickly.
✅ Remember: Monetization success comes from combining high-quality, engaging content with smart channel growth strategies.
Power Up Your Shorts with Copyright-Safe Music 🎵
Music can make or break your YouTube Shorts. Using trending, catchy tracks keeps viewers hooked, increases YouTube Shorts views and watch time, and boosts your chances of going viral. But beware: using copyrighted music without permission risks your video being muted, taken down, or demonetized ‼️
The best way to avoid these issues? Use copyright-safe, curated music playlists designed specifically for short-form content creators. These tracks keep your videos sounding fresh and vibrant while keeping your channel safe from copyright strikes.
To get you started, enjoy our Music for YouTube Shorts playlist, featuring the top trending, copyright-safe music to use in your YouTube Shorts videos:
Whether you’re creating dance challenges, tutorials, or quick tips, having the right soundtrack elevates your content and attracts more viewers.
Looking for more, premium and copyright-safe music for your videos? Get free music for all your YouTube videos and Shorts on Thematic.
📌 Final Takeaways to Boost Your YouTube Shorts Views
YouTube Shorts offers creators a massive opportunity to grow their audience quickly (if you know how to play the game). By applying these 15 proven strategies, from eye-catching hooks to consistent posting and optimized music, you’ll be well on your way to skyrocketing your YouTube Shorts views. Remember: every second counts, every detail matters, and every view brings you closer to building a loyal community.
Ready to level up your YouTube Shorts views? Start experimenting today, analyze what works, and don’t forget to use high-quality, copyright-safe music to keep your content safe and professional. With the right approach, your next Short could be the one that goes viral!
We’re excited to see what you create!
Looking for more free creator tools and resources? Visit Thematic’s Creator Toolkit for additional resources on creating content – including thumbnail and channel art templates, best practices, and of course, great royalty free songs to use in your videos for free with Thematic.
This Guide on Increasing your YouTube Shorts Views is brought to you by Thematic Director of Partnerships, Stephanie Leyva
Stephanie Leyva sits at the intersection of music artists and content creators. As the Director of Partnerships at Thematic, Stephanie has worked extensively with the artist and creator community on the site to ensure success digitally, on the platform, and support their initiatives.
Over the past few years, she has led numerous trending music-driven influencer marketing campaigns for “Glitter” and “Supalonely (feat. Gus Dapperton” by BENEE, “Loneliness for Love” by Lovelytheband, “Checklist (feat. Chromeo)” by MAX and so many more. She’s worked alongside various labels such as Casablanca Records, Republic Records and Sony Music. Focused on empowering connections between content creators and music artists, Stephanie continues to lead the charge in innovative music discovery through social.
Stephanie is also the creator of the Bloom In Progress podcast – a podcast about personal growth, relationships and navigating life in your 20’s.
