Is It Worth Posting YouTube Shorts? The Pros and Cons
YouTube Shorts is a new feature from YouTube that allows creators to upload short form videos of 15 seconds or less. Since its launch in September 2020, it has gained immense popularity among users as well as creators. But the question many creators ask is, is it worth posting YouTube Shorts? Let’s weigh the pros and cons to find out.
Pros:
1. Increased visibility: With YouTube Shorts, you have the potential to reach a wider audience as the Shorts are shown on the Shorts shelf or in the Shorts player, which is a new section on the YouTube homepage.
2. Easy creation: Shorts are easy to create because you can shoot and edit them directly in the YouTube app. There’s no need for expensive equipment or software, which makes it easy for anyone to get started.
3. Opportunity for growth: Since Shorts are a new and popular feature, posting them regularly can help grow your channel, gain new subscribers and increase engagement.
4. Experimentation: Shorts allow creators to experiment with different types of content, such as dance, comedy, and tutorials, that they may not have tried before.
Cons:
1. Short lifespan: YouTube Shorts have a short lifespan, only appearing in the Shorts player for a few days, which means you need to produce new Shorts frequently to stay relevant.
2. No monetization: Shorts can’t be monetized (yet) as they aren’t considered long-form content. Therefore, creating Shorts can only generate indirect benefits such as increased visibility and growth.
3. Limited scope: Shorts have limited editing options and can’t be longer than 15 seconds, which can restrict creativity and expression.
4. Competition: The Shorts feature on YouTube is still new, so there’s a lot of competition for visibility. It may be difficult to stand out from the crowd, especially if you’re only starting.
In conclusion, posting YouTube Shorts has both pros and cons. The increased visibility and potential for growth are excellent benefits, but the lack of monetization and the short lifespan of Shorts may limit their value. However, since creating Shorts is easy, it’s worth experimenting with them to see how your audience responds. Ultimately, the decision to post YouTube Shorts is up to the creator and their goals on the platform.