Creating snackable YouTube Shorts content is the ideal opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and get creative. And with 70 billion daily views, Shorts are one of the best ways to grow your channel. But when you're stuck for inspiration, coming up with new YouTube Shorts ideas can be tricky.
We've put together a bumper list of YouTube Shorts ideas to suit all types of creators, whether this is your first time using the format, or you’re a regular short-form-whizz. You’ll find quick and easy videos you can capture on the fly, hot trends to jump on, and ideas for building an audience that’ll keep coming back for more.
- Easy Shorts ideas for quick wins
- Creative ideas for faceless content
- POV videos that immerse your audience
- Boost your views with viral trends
- Funny content to make viewers laugh
- Share expertise with educational Shorts
- Binge-worthy formats for building an audience
Easy Shorts ideas for quick content wins
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. Whether you’re just starting out or simply short on time, there are plenty of quick ways to grab your audience’s attention on Shorts, without compromising on the quality of your uploads.
1. Answer FAQs from your audience
If you don’t have time to write a script for your content, why not have your audience do it for you? Answering frequently asked questions is a great way to connect with viewers. Leslie Catherine is an expert at the FAQ, using the format to generate even more engagement by asking her audience to drop questions in the comments section!
2. Show off your hard work with a before and after
Nothing’s more satisfying than a snapshot of a project or task, paired with the final results. Why not showcase something large-scale, like a kitchen renovation, or turn day-to-day chores into content opportunities? It’s an easy way to take advantage of tasks you’ll be doing anyway, like cleaning your closet or turning simple ingredients into a delicious meal.
3. Share clips from your recent uploads
If you create long-form YouTube videos, it makes sense to make the most of your hard work by resharing popular moments as Shorts. Successful YouTubers, like culinary experts Binging with Babish, publish the same content across different platforms and formats. It’s a common strategy that’s proven to grow your following and boost views by teasing your main channel content.
Get creative by trying out faceless content
Being in front of the camera isn’t for everyone. If you’re camera-shy, or simply prefer to keep your personal identity out of your content, there are plenty of creative ways to produce engaging YouTube Shorts without showing your face.
4. Take viewers behind the scenes of your set up
Show your viewers what life looks like behind the camera with a snapshot of your desk, editing space, or even the gear itself. A sneak peek into your setup is an easy and relatable way to connect with your audience without showing your face. After all, viewers will be curious about where the YouTube magic happens!
5. Share a time-lapse of your creative process
A time-lapse video is a striking way to share the progress of a project, from idea to completion. Channels use the simplicity of this format to build huge followings, like e-Lapse with their clips showing plants growing over time. The possibilities for content are endless - whether it’s time-lapse art, photography or baking, you’re sure to find something that captures people’s interest.
6. Unbox your latest exciting purchase
Unboxing content is a big deal, with a whopping 25 billion views across YouTube as of 2023. There’s something oddly addictive about watching people open their mail, especially if it reveals something exciting like a new gadget or outfit. Join in on the hype and showcase your latest purchase, or share a quick product review like Unbox Therapy do.
Immerse viewers in your world with POV content
Show your audience what you get up to through point-of-view content. The best thing about this format is you’ll never run out of moments to share! You can capture everyday chores like getting groceries, right through to glitzy award nights, giving you endless opportunities for content.
7. Travel to fun new destinations with your audience
Share your first experience of a new destination and take your viewers along for the ride. You don’t need to jet-set to exotic islands to have a go at this idea, either. It won’t take much in the way of clever editing and eye-catching transitions can make a trip somewhere local feel far more exciting for your viewers.
8. Give viewers a glimpse at your day-to-day
Want your audience to get to know you better? Take your camera with you as you go about your life, just like vlogger Avanti Nagral does with her regular updates. Even if your day isn’t picture-perfect, sharing authentic moments like your breakfast or night routine, allows your audience to connect with the real you.
9. Share the outcome of a new experience
Film your experience trying something new, whether that’s baking a cake or bungee-jumping! This format gives your viewers inspo to experiment with new things themselves. And if you’re testing out a particularly challenging pursuit, you’ll have your audience there cheering you on.
Hop on viral trends for the chance to reach new audiences
Want to reach a new audience fast? Catch the wave of a trend and you could well find YouTube recommending your videos to people watching similar content. It’s a surefire shortcut to your Shorts blowing up!
10. React to hot topics and trends
Show viewers you’re knowledgeable in your niche by reacting to current events or trending news. Once you establish yourself as an expert, people will soon seek out your channel to keep up-to-date with what’s new.
11. Try a viral dance that’ll capture extra views
Get involved with current pop-culture trends by having a go at a viral dance. It’s the perfect way to dust off your moves, have some fun, and get your videos in front of lots of new people. Take popstar Charli XCX’s viral ‘Apple’ dance - thousands of creators took part in the trend, resulting in a surge of views on their uploads!
12. Hack the algorithm by using popular audio
Did you know that the YouTube algorithm is more likely to promote content that uses trending audio? Take advantage of the clout that trending sounds carry, and use them in your Shorts. Before you know it, your videos could be ending up on feeds across Youtube, which means even more views!
Music is the ultimate finishing touch to your videos and can significantly boost your engagement too. See how you can add music to YouTube Shorts by checking out our step-by-step guide.
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Lighten your audience’s feed with funny Shorts ideas
Often the best uploads are the ones that make us laugh! Bring a smile to the face of your audience and you’re destined for success, no matter what your niche is.
13. Contrast an expectation and the reality
Life doesn't always turn out how you expect it to. Make the most of these moments by capturing your expectation of an event or product, paired with how it actually turns out. Like Jonna Jinton who shares how her winter wardrobe is wildly different from what she was expecting. Get creative with this format by adding smooth transitions, or sound effects to emphasize the contrast.
14. Get viewers laughing with bloopers
Filming doesn’t always go to plan the first time round. Don’t waste your outtakes, and use them for your content instead! It’s an easy way to repurpose clips and get your audience laughing along with you.
15. Showcase your comedic genius with a skit
Skits can be super shareable if you manage to hit your audience’s funny bone. Get creative with your content by writing and acting out a funny or relateable story. Shorts creator Marie Stellar posts skits filled with pop culture references that are instantly recognizable. The huge views she achieves with each upload show the viral potential of comedy skits.
Share your expertise with educational content
YouTube Shorts may be, well, short, but that doesn’t mean they can’t deliver plenty of value for your audience. If you are super knowledgeable about a subject or niche, there’s nothing stopping you from dropping nuggets of wisdom in three minutes or less!
16. Show off a special skill
Got a specialist skill you could share with your audience? Maybe you’re crafty, good at cooking or handy with a hammer? Show your audience how you complete a task with a short tutorial or how-to video. Like TheSorryGirls who break down difficult DIY jobs into quick videos that make their viewers want to pick up a paintbrush. See if you can inspire your audience to have a go themselves!
17. Share a life-changing hack
If you have a piece of advice that changed your life, don’t keep it to yourself. Your audience will love to hear any tips they can put into practice. AdviceWithErin is a great example of a YouTuber that has built a huge following on being an expert at condensing complex career advice. Viewers can't get enough handy, actionable tips like these!
18. Break down complex concepts into bite-sized content
Boil down a complicated concept into a short, digestible video. Youtubers like Ruby Granger and Ali Abdaal regularly share research they’ve done for their main channel as YouTube Shorts. It’s a great way to make learning fun, and you could well see viewers return for more of your explainers.
Binge-worthy formats that keep viewers coming back for more
Shorts can catapult you onto the feeds of people who might never have encountered your channel before. While this is great for you, you might also want to think about how you can get people to keep coming back for more.
19. Push your limits with a fun challenge
Challenges are an exciting way to hook your viewers on your content. Take on a silly eating challenge like YouTuber Ramizeinn, or set yourself a long-term goal to work towards, like BalancingLaura challenging herself to give up her phone. Long-term goals make great short form content. They’re a great way to get viewers to return to your channel to see whether you managed to come out on top.
20. Share a major change in your life
Take your audience along as you embark on a personal journey. Whether you’re a new parent, switching careers or moving across the country, sharing personal moments like these is a surefire way to forge a deeper connection with your audience - especially if they’re going through a similar experience!
21. Turn your content into a bingeable mini-series
Turn your Shorts into mini-episodes by creating a series of videos around a subject or theme. Foodie creator Josh Slavin has made a career from his Shorts ranking every death-row meal ever, from best to worst. This kind of content grabs the attention of your audience and encourages repeat visits to your channel so they can see your next upload.
Turn your creativity into extra views on YouTube Shorts
Short form content gives you the opportunity to engage your audience in fresh and exciting ways. And the best part is, they can be adapted to fit any style or niche. From blooper reels and viral dances, to cooking up a storm in your latest POV video, you’re sure to find a format that viewers can’t get enough of!
Now you have a toolkit of youtube shorts ideas, it's time to create some new content and start building up your channel. Don't hesitate to experiment with different approaches to discover what resonates—who knows, you might just attract new viewers along the way!
Looking for even more ideas for your uploads? Check out our guide to easy YouTube video ideas. Find inspiration for content that will not only help grow your channel, but also be great fun to film.
