YouTube is a platform for all types of creators and video content. Whether you want to make a quick entertainment video or an explanatory video for educational purposes, YouTube has it all. You can choose the video length according to your preferences.
Now, here is a very important question: YouTube shorts VS long videos, which one is the best? There is no one-word answer for this. To find a comprehensive answer, you have to look into several factors that help you decide your preferred video format. Let’s dive into the details.
YouTube Shorts VS Long Videos
YouTube shorts and long videos have their perks and benefits. Shorts are popular among creators because of their potential to go viral, but on the other hand, long videos offer better monetization opportunities. To get the YouTube monetization, you have to meet a certain watch-time criterion.
You can easily get certain watch time on YouTube organically with long-form videos, but in case you fall short, you can also buy YouTube watchtime. Here is a table to understand the key points of each video format, how they are different from each other, and which will help you grow YouTube subscribers quickly.
YouTube Shorts |
Long Videos |
| YouTube shorts have a 50% higher engagement rate than long videos due to quick and precise content. | Long videos on YouTube have a lower engagement rate compared to shorts, but it has a better watch time. |
| High chance of going viral due to short and shareable content. | Low potential of going viral, but can be shared often if engaging. |
| Shorts tend to attract more subscribers along with the views. It is better for channels with over a million subscribers. | Long videos are capable of getting 10 – 100 new subscribers per 10,000 views, on average. It is generally better for building a loyal audience. |
| It has lower production costs as it can be shot with a smartphone. | It has higher production costs due to longer duration and content detailing. |
| Shorts have limited monetization options and it is harder to earn revenue directly. | Long videos offer multiple monetization options, such as multiple ad placements. |
| It is less effective for SEO optimization due to its shorter duration. | It is more effective for SEO optimization, and longer watch time improves search rankings. |
| It is preferred by people with shorter attention spans and younger viewers. | It is preferred by viewers looking for in-depth information or entertainment. |
| Due to shorter duration, these videos have limited content depth. | These videos offer in-depth storytelling and detailed explanations. |
| People love to share shorts more often as compared to long videos. | These are shared less often but have a stronger impact if engaging. |
| YouTube algorithms favor shorts for quick viewing and discoverability. | YouTube algorithms favour long videos for better watch time and engagement. |
| A quick and easy way to improve engagement and increase visibility. | It is best from an SEO perspective and for building a loyal audience. |
How to Choose Your Preferred Video
Although shorts visibly have more benefits as compared to long videos,but in the end it all depends on the type of content you are making and the requirements of your niche. Here are some ways to find out which format will suit you the best.
- Before you choose between shorts and long-form content, align it with your ultimate goals. Ask yourself, what are you trying to achieve on YouTube with your content?
- Another question you must ask yourself is what format fits your niche the best? And what type of content are your strengths? Some content has great results in shorts while shows no progress in long-form videos, and vice versa.
- One important factor you must consider while making content is your schedule. Whether you have time for long videos or shorts, they fit best in your schedule.
- Some niches demand a blend of shorts and long-form videos. if you have the time and resources for doing both formats, it will give you the best results.
Pros and Cons of YouTube Shorts
To better understand the possible outcomes of YouTube shorts, here is a table showing the pros and cons of the shorts.
Pros |
Cons |
| Shorts are quick and easy to produce. | Shorts offers less in-depth content with a time limit of 60 seconds. |
| It has great potential for going viral. | The viewers might convert to long form videos. |
| It is great for beginners on YouTube | It has lower monetization potential, such as ad placement opportunities. |
| It has a high engagement rate. | YouTube algorithms have a great impact on shorts. |
| It can easily be reutilized on any other platform. | Shorts content has shorter lifespans and is rarely evergreen. |
| It has potential for brand sponsorships. | It has limited clickable links and fewer call to action options. |
| It can complement long form video | It is difficult to convert viewers into long-form video content consumers. |
Pros and Cons of Long Form Videos
Before you make up your mind on creating YouTube shorts, take a look at the pros and cons of the long-form video so you can make a better decision.
Pros |
Cons |
| Long videos on YouTube have higher monetization options. | It has a high Production cost, requires more time and effort. |
| You can build a stronger connection with your audience. | You need high quality equipment and editing skills. |
| You can build authority through long form videos. | Initially, it has lower engagement rates. |
| These videos have engaged more profitable subscribers. | The growth with this format of videos will be slower. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, both video formats on YouTube have their advantages and disadvantages. You have to figure out the best pick for you. You can strategically use both formats to have better results. Initially, YouTube shorts will give a boost to visibility and engagement.
It will build a follower base for you, but if you are looking for a quick solution here, then you can buy YouTube subscribers from “Social Followers” to skip the initial efforts. It will help you to focus on long form videos that will get you a loyal audience, better watch time, and monetization opportunities.
