Reading time: 6 minutes
Table of Contents
- What’s the hype with YouTube Shorts?
- 7 viral YouTube Shorts ideas (with examples)
- Repurposing content for YouTube Shorts
- Test, tweak, and trend-jump your way to success
- Let’s get scrolling
What’s the Hype with YouTube Shorts?
YouTube = the OG of long-form video. But YouTube Shorts? That’s the new wave. With 70 billion views a day (yup, you read that right), Shorts are quickly becoming a go-to tool for brands that want to grab eyeballs and go viral.
So, if you’re still sleeping on Shorts, wake up. The platform is doubling its views in under two years, and with YouTube being the second-largest search engine (shoutout to Google), this is your chance to get discovered on autopilot.
7 Viral YouTube Shorts Ideas (with Examples)
1. Answer FAQs from Your Audience
People love quick, clear answers. Use Shorts to break down FAQs about your brand, product, or industry.
🔥 Example: Shopify nailed this by answering “What’s a print-on-demand business?” in under 60 seconds. They used fast cuts, clear text overlays, and upbeat music to keep viewers hooked.
💡 Pro tip: Put the question in your video title & description to boost searchability!
2. Highlight Customer Wins & Glow-Ups
People trust people. Showcase real customers using your product and thriving.
🔥 Example: Pattern Beauty featured a customer before-and-after hair transformation, sharing her experience at an Ulta Beauty salon. Authenticity = engagement gold.
💡 Pro tip: Encourage user-generated content (UGC) and turn it into a testimonial reel.
3. Day-in-the-Life & Behind-the-Scenes (BTS)
BTS content makes your brand feel real and relatable. Show off the hustle, the culture, the vibes.
🔥 Example: The Nitro Bar, a coffee shop, casually showed how they make a black raspberry matcha, with chill music and simple text overlays. Instant aesthetic + cravings. ☕✨
💡 Pro tip: No need for fancy edits—raw and real works best here.
4. Tease Upcoming Drops & Sales
Hype up your next launch with sneak peeks, quick reveals, or fun challenges.
🔥 Example: Oner Active’s “Describe Black Friday in One Word” video was casual, fun, and so much better than another “HURRY! SALE!” ad.
💡 Pro tip: Create FOMO by adding a countdown or secret code word in the comments.
5. Repurpose Your Best Content
Short-form doesn’t mean you need new content every time. Chop up your best-performing videos into bite-sized Shorts!
🔥Example: Cheekbone Beauty turned a TikTok video into a Short by swapping the music for YouTube’s trending audio + adding captions. Smart.
💡 Pro tip: Remove TikTok/IG watermarks before reposting. YouTube doesn’t like that.
6. Create Short Trailers for Long-Form Content
Got a fire podcast, vlog, or interview? Use Shorts to tease the best parts and drive traffic to the full video.
🔥 Example: Thinkific created a Shorts trailer for a podcast with finance creator Ellie Diop. It had a powerful quote, podcast logo animation, and clear CTA to watch the full ep.
💡 Pro tip: End with a strong CTA like “Full interview link in comments!”
7. Turn Long Videos into Micro-Moments
Your long-form videos are a goldmine. Edit them into multiple Shorts to keep your content fresh.
🔥 Example: Brooklinen took a home tour video and turned it into a quick Shorts highlight, driving views back to the full feature. Genius.
💡 Pro tip: Focus on the most hype, funny, or emotional moments from your long video.
Repurposing Content for YouTube Shorts
Shorts = the ultimate cheat code for stretching your content. Here’s how to repurpose wisely:
✅ Repost Instagram Reels/TikToks (without watermarks!)
✅ Turn blog posts into video explainers
✅ Clip highlights from live streams & interviews
✅ Make text-based Shorts using customer reviews
✅ Use existing footage but remix it with new edits & sound
Test, Tweak, and Trend-Jump Your Way to Success
The best way to win with YouTube Shorts? Experiment like crazy. Try different formats, topics, and edits. Use analytics to track what pops and double down on what works.
🎯 Things to remember:
- Hook fast. You have 3 seconds max before people scroll.
- Use trending sounds (but stay on-brand).
- Optimize for search with strong titles & descriptions.
- Post consistently—YouTube loves that.
- Engage in the comments to boost reach.
YouTube Shorts is blowing up and brands who adapt NOW will dominate. So, what’s your next Short gonna be? 👀Need help crafting fire content? Let’s talk.( Click here )
