Introduction
Why are my YouTube Shorts not getting views? If you've asked yourself this question lately, you’re not alone. YouTube Shorts can feel like a crowded space where everyone is competing for attention. So, how do you ensure your YouTube Shorts stand out and actually attract viewers? In this guide, we’ll explore some lesser-known, effective strategies that can help you boost your YouTube Shorts views and make your content shine.
Hyper-Specific Hooks to Grab Attention
One of the best ways to grab viewers' attention is to be hyper-specific in the opening hook of your short form videos. You have just three seconds to grab them, and if those three seconds are action-packed or intriguing, people would want to see what’s next. But remember, generic hooks like "Want to know a secret?" don’t work for short videos anymore because viewers have heard it a thousand times.
Instead, offer specific, intriguing details right away, such as, "Here’s how I doubled my views in one week with just a thumbnail change." Providing real data or a precise promise piques curiosity and encourages viewers to stick around. Checkout our detailed guide on how to write video scripts for more examples.
Faceless Channels Experiment: The Impact of Quick Visual Changes
I recently decided to experiment with my faceless YouTube Shorts channel where I post short form content, precisely - history facts videos. I was curious about the impact that changing visuals have on audience retention and swipe-away rates (which have a direct impact on YouTube algorithm). Conventional wisdom tells us that faster, more frequent visual changes keep audiences hooked—but I wanted to see if the data supported this.
Here’s what I did: I posted two sets of YouTube Shorts.
In the first group, the visuals changed every 2-4 seconds, while in the second group, visuals lingered for 5-7 seconds. For the first group, where the visuals changed quickly, the average view duration and swipe-away ratios showed a significant difference. Here’s a quick summary:
Group A (2-4 Second Visual Changes)
Views | Average View Duration | View-Swipe Away Ratio |
|---|---|---|
65 views | 198.4% | 55.6% viewed - 44.4% Swiped away |
504 views | 49.7% | 39.9% viewed - 60.1% Swiped away |
829 views | 72.6% | 52.1% viewed - 47.9% Swiped away |
532 views | 85.8% | 56.1% viewed - 43.9% Swiped away |
532 views | 88.5% | 60.9% viewed - 39.1% Swiped away |
Group B (5-7 Second Visual Changes)
Views | Average View Duration | View-Swipe Away Ratio |
|---|---|---|
1,902 views | 98.4% | 63.5% viewed - 36.5% Swiped away |
681 views | 80.4% | 57.1% viewed - 42.9% swiped away |
807 views | 81.3% | 68.0% viewed - 32.0% swiped away |
1,882 views | 83.6% | 66.4% viewed - 33.6% swiped away |
597 views | 93.1% | 57.6% viewed - 42.4% swiped away |
Inference
1. Higher Retention with Slower Visual Changes
The second set of YouTube shorts, with slower visual transitions, consistently had higher average view duration and a lower swipe-away rate. For instance, the 5-7 second change rate group had a retention rate of over 80% on average, whereas the 2-4 second change rate group often saw retention rates below 70%. This clearly indicated that slower, more deliberate visual changes kept viewers more engaged.
2. Viewer Engagement with Steady Changes
Audiences on platforms like YouTube can be overwhelmed by rapid changes, making it harder to follow the content or become invested. The slower visual changes in the second group gave viewers time to process what was happening, which led to greater engagement and lower swipe-away rates. The data suggested that too much rapid pacing can make viewers feel overwhelmed or fatigued, prompting them to swipe away.
3. Emotional Connection Through Consistency
Interestingly, slower visual transitions seemed to help in building a stronger emotional connection with viewers. YouTube shorts that allowed visuals to linger a bit longer seemed to convey messages more effectively, making the viewer feel more connected to the content. This demonstrates the importance of not rushing through visuals—sometimes letting a moment breathe is key to viewer retention.
Takeaway
If you want to increase retention and lower your swipe-away rate, create YouTube shorts that change visuals more steadily—ideally every 5-7 seconds. This pacing keeps viewers invested without overwhelming them, leading to a more positive viewing experience. The experiment proved that being deliberate about visual pacing can be a subtle yet powerful way to maximize engagement.
While this data is based on a small sample, it’s clear that steady visual shifts can keep viewers engaged longer. If you're experimenting with your own YouTube Shorts, I would still recommend trying out both quicker cuts and steady visuals and see how it impacts your retention rates and YouTube’s algorithm!
💡 Tip: If you’re interested in creating similar faceless history facts YouTube shorts like me, then checkout the following video:
Use Sound Effects for Emotional Hooks
Strategic use of sound effects can help evoke emotion and make your YouTube Shorts more dynamic. For example, a perfectly timed 'whoosh' when making a point or a subtle 'ding' to highlight a key fact can make your video far more engaging. This is something often overlooked, but well-executed sound effects can differentiate you from other YouTube creators who rely solely on music.
Craft a Multi-Part Series
Creating content that leaves viewers wanting more can be a great way to boost views, and one highly effective approach is by crafting a multi-part series. Start with a compelling statement like, "In this series, I’m sharing the top 10 YouTube growth hacks that got me 1 million views." This not only gives viewers a reason to stay until the end but also encourages them to come back for the next part. Make sure to tease what’s coming up next to keep viewers curious. Checkout how Jenny Hoyos created a series around $1 xyz vs abc and leveraged the multi-part series to her advantage.
Harness the Power of Contradictions
Viewers love to be surprised or see something unexpected. A hook like, “The biggest mistake everyone makes with YouTube Shorts… and why I keep making it on purpose!” immediately presents a contradiction that viewers will want to understand and encourage viewers to watch your content over other videos. Use titles, descriptions, and in-video statements that leverage the power of contrasting ideas to grab attention.
Use Vertical Subtitles to Stand Out
Instead of just adding regular subtitles at the bottom, consider using vertical text that appears on the side of the screen. It helps to break the monotony and creates an unusual visual flow that catches the eye. Different formatting styles make it visually unique compared to other YouTube Shorts that viewers might be scrolling through.
Leverage the Shock Factor Wisely
Creating moments that are genuinely surprising or shocking can help boost your views, but it's important to be authentic and create high quality videos. Clickbait tactics will lead to more swipes away and less credibility. Instead, focus on adding a surprising twist to your content—something that challenges expectations without feeling misleading. For example, if you’re making vertical videos about life hacks, reveal an unusual but effective twist that viewers wouldn't typically expect. Checkout the following YouTube short from Mark Rober - a perfect example.
Final Words - Why Boosting Your YouTube Shorts Views Matters
Gone are the days when YouTube Shorts were just for fun with no monetary benefits. Now, creators have several financial incentives to get as many views as possible, such as:
The YouTube Shorts Fund, which pays bonuses ranging from $100 to $10,000 monthly.
Linking YouTube Shorts to regular YouTube videos (long-format) to boost watch time.
YouTube Partner Program eligibility for creators who gain 10 million views in 90 days.
I know it still might feel less compared to long format revenue. However, getting more views on your YouTube Shorts isn’t just about vanity metrics—it can have real benefits for your YouTube channel. More views can lead to channel’s growth (more subscribers), more opportunities for monetization, and a greater chance to make it into YouTube’s recommendation system.
