What is a Short-Form Video?  
And Why You Should Be Using YouTube Shorts for Advertising 

One of the hottest trends in digital marketing right now is short-form videos. You know, those quick, captivating clips that everyone seems to be scrolling through on their phones these days. Not only are they a must for social media, but they‘re also a game-changer for advertising. Today, we want to explain how to make the most of this trend with YouTube Shorts and Google Ads. 

What Exactly is a Short-Form Video? 

Simply put, a short-form video is any video 90 seconds or less. Think TikToks, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. These videos are crafted to capture attention quickly and effectively convey a message in under a minute and a half. Some companies professionally produce them, and others create them “quick and dirty” with in-house resources. Both approaches work as long as the content you’re covering appeals to your audience.  

Why You Should Invest in Creating Video Shorts 

So why all the buzz about short-form videos for advertising? Well, let’s break it down: 

1. High Engagement: People love quick, capturing content. It’s easy to digest and share, making it a fantastic way to boost engagement with your brand. 
2. Broad Reach: Platforms like YouTube Shorts have a massive user base. You can tap into this vast audience by placing your ads in the YouTube Shorts ecosystem. 
3. Cost-Effective: Short-form videos are generally more affordable to produce than longer videos. With the right strategy, they can deliver an incredible return on investment. 

All About Advertising with YouTube Shorts 

YouTube Shorts is the new kid on the block regarding short-form video advertising. These skippable ads, ranging from 10 to 60 seconds, appear between videos in the YouTube Shorts Feed and are managed under the greater Google Ads ecosystem. Here’s why they’re a valuable tool for your business: 

• Reach a Massive Audience: The sheer number of people consuming short-form content on YouTube is staggering; YouTube Shorts has over 2 billion monthly active users, with over 70 billion daily views. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get your brand in front of more eyes. 

• Engaging Format: With a short, impactful message, you can capture attention quickly and hold it, leading to higher engagement rates. 

• Make the Most of Your Budget: Whenever Google rolls out a new advertising opportunity, it keeps costs low to entice advertisers to try it. YouTube Short ads are charged per view with the average CPV (cost per view) between 10-30  cents.  

Interested in giving short-form video advertising a try? Here are some tips to make your YouTube Shorts stand out and convert. 

Tips for Running Effective Ads on YouTube Shorts 

1. Content is King: Each short should be unique and captivating. Originality not only grabs attention but also keeps viewers engaged. Make sure to follow advertiser-friendly guidelines. 
    
2. Optimal Length: Aim for videos between 10 seconds and 60 seconds. Shorter clips are perfect for quick, impactful messages. 
    
3. Versatile Orientation: Optimize your videos for various orientations. Whether vertical, horizontal, or square, your content reaches audiences no matter how they view it. 
    
4. Quality Visuals: Use high-quality visuals that catch attention from the start. Clear and polished visuals can significantly enhance viewer engagement. 
    
5. Strong Hooks: The first few seconds are critical to capturing attention. Use a compelling hook that piques interest right from the start. 
    
6. Clear CTAs: Be explicit in guiding your audience on the next steps. Whether it’s visiting your website or clicking a link, a clear call to action can drive higher conversions. 
    
7. Follow the ABCD Framework: 
   Google’s ABCD framework can serve as an excellent guide: 
   • Attention: Grab and maintain attention with engaging content. 
   • Branding: Incorporate your brand early and often, ensuring viewers know who you are. 
   • Connection: Engage viewers emotionally to make your message memorable. 
   • Direction: Provide clear instructions on what to do next. 

Final Thoughts 

Stepping into the world of short-form videos with tools like YouTube Shorts can seem daunting, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. As your trusted partner and resource for digital marketing, we’re here to tell you – you got this! With a bit of creativity and the right strategy, you can create short-form videos that catch the eye and drive results. 

Not sure where to start? Reach out to us. We are happy to help you brainstorm video ideas, edit existing footage, suggest a budget/spend, or set up a YouTube Shorts campaign.