New YouTube short

Wow, it feels surreal to finally say I've published my first YouTube Short! 🎉 As a budding content creator, stepping into the world of Shorts felt like a big leap, and I'm so excited to share my initial experience and some thoughts on its performance. My very first Short is a short cover of a One Direction song, "You and I". I chose this song because it's a personal favorite, and I thought a quick, heartfelt cover would be a great way to test the waters. The whole process, from recording to a quick edit, was a fun challenge. I wanted to keep it authentic and raw, reflecting my journey as a small YouTuber. I officially uploaded it on March 11, 2024, and the anticipation has been real! Looking at the early stats has been fascinating. In its first 1 day and 9 hours, the Short garnered 132 views. What really caught my eye was the average percentage viewed which stood at 34.5%. For a 34-second video, this means people are watching about 11-12 seconds on average. I'm honestly pretty happy with that for a first attempt, especially considering how competitive the Shorts feed can be! It also ranked 1 of 10 in views for my recent uploads, which is a small win in my book. Every single view and like feels incredibly motivating when you're just starting out. So, what did I learn from creating my first YouTube Short? Keep it concise and engaging from the start: The first few seconds are crucial. I tried to grab attention immediately with the music. Optimize your title and description: Even for Shorts, a clear title helps. I made sure to include relevant hashtags like #smallyoutuber and #contentcreator, which I believe is important for discoverability. Don't overthink it: It's easy to get caught up in perfection, but sometimes just putting your content out there is the best step. My goal wasn't perfection, but to learn and grow. Engage with your audience: Even with a small number of views, responding to comments (if any) can build community. For anyone else out there wanting to make their first YouTube Short, here are a few practical tips I've picked up: Choose a topic you're passionate about: Authenticity shines through. Use trending sounds/music (if applicable): This can boost discoverability, but make sure it fits your content. Experiment with editing styles: Fast cuts, text overlays, or even just raw footage can work depending on your niche. Don't be afraid to experiment: Shorts are a great low-pressure way to try new content ideas. Consistency over perfection: Try to upload regularly, even if it's just one Short a week. This One Direction cover Short is just the beginning for me. I'm excited to explore more short-form content, maybe some quick tutorials, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or more music snippets. It's truly a journey, and I appreciate everyone who's taken a moment to watch. If you want to see more of my content and support a small content creator, you can find the link to my channel right in my bio!