There are now YouTube Shorts, which are the platform’s response to TikTok. And just like with the addition of practically any new feature to a social or streaming platform, new marketing opportunities with the chance of going viral in the short-form video sector come along with it!
Not to mention that 2 billion users—yes, billion with a “b”—visit YouTube monthly. YouTube is the original video powerhouse, the platform where it all started and where viewers continue to swarm to find new creators, new music, and new artists to follow. This is true despite the enormous popularity of TikTok and Instagram Reels. How, therefore, can independent musicians make even greater use of YouTube Shorts to promote their music on YouTube? Let’s investigate!
How do YouTube Shorts work?
In essence, YouTube Shorts are just what they sound like: a condensed version of YouTube.
Shorts are quick, shareable vertical videos that can be generated using a smartphone and the YouTube app, much like the video material on TikTok & Instagram.
Shorts can range in length from 15 to 60 seconds, making them the ideal format for viral skits, comedies, dance fads, lip-sync competitions, and other content.
Additionally, unlike YouTube & Instagram Stories, the Shorts you make will remain on your YouTube channel for as long as you like, gaining views and engagement over time.
Why should musicians market their songs through YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are governed by the app’s internal algorithm, much as Spotify’s music algorithm, and short videos are currently preferred over other video formats on the platform.
Therefore, if you can’t defeat the algorithm, work with it instead!
Making your Shorts and participating in the Shorts community will improve the likelihood that your videos (and music by default) will be discovered by a new audience that you otherwise wouldn’t be able to reach.
Therefore, Shorts is unquestionably the place for musicians—you should be there too!
Numerous other sources, such as music hashtags, the YouTube home page, and search, can also be used to find music on Shorts.
How to make YouTube Shorts musical
One of the app’s best features is the ability to add your music to YouTube Shorts.
Your song will join the millions of others in the Shorts music library once you begin releasing it to YouTube Music via Ditto.
