Article last updated on:
October 29, 2024
Initially published on:
March 03, 2024

You’re probably here because you:

  • Regularly post YouTube Shorts
  • But they don’t get views
  • So you want to do something about it

This guide teaches you the 8 key points going viral.

CTA: Create viral YouTube Shorts now button

8 Hacks: Make YouTube Shorts Go VIRAL

1. Hook Viewers in the First Few Seconds

Start your video with an attention-grabbing hook.

  • Use eye-candy visuals or intriguing questions to captivate viewers immediately.
  • The first few seconds are crucial to keep your audience from scrolling away.

Keep Learning: Find out the top 5 hooks for Shorts.

2. Optimize for Mobile Viewing

Since YouTube Shorts are primarily viewed on mobile devices, ensure your content is visually appealing and easy to digest on smaller screens.

Size Requirements for YouTube Shorts

Use large text and vibrant colors to make your videos stand out.

But always make sure you’re posting vertial content (9:16). Horizontal videos, or landscape, are prone to go viral on “regular” YouTube, not Shorts.

Keep Learning: Best size for YT Shorts.

3. Use Trending Music and Sounds

Use popular music tracks or sound effects that are currently trending.

This not only boosts your video’s engagement but also increases the chances of it being featured in searches related to those sounds.

Pro Tip: Mix audios with viral hashtags for Shorts!

4. Use Captivating Thumbnails

Even though thumbnails are less crucial for Shorts, an eye-catching thumbnail can still make a difference when people scroll through your channel.

YouTube Shorts Thumbnails

Create custom thumbnails that represent your content effectively and pique curiosity.

5. Include Strong CTAs

Encourage viewers to engage with your content by including clear calls to action (CTAs). Ask them to like, comment, or subscribe, or direct them to related content.

Engaging with your audience increases the likelihood of sharing and further viewing.

6. Keep It Short and Sweet

Although Shorts can be up to 90 seconds long, aim for brevity. Deliver your message quickly and efficiently, making every second count.

This approach helps retain viewer attention and encourages repeated views.

7. Create a Series or Theme

Develop a series of related Shorts that revolve around a specific theme or topic.

Here’s a great example:

This not only keeps your audience coming back for more but also enhances the chances of your videos going viral as viewers become invested in the series.

8. Analyze and Adapt

Regularly check your analytics to understand what works and what doesn’t. Pay attention to viewer retention rates, likes, and shares to refine your content strategy.

Adapting based on viewer preferences is key to increasing your chances of virality.


Create viral Shorts in seconds, with AI

With SendShort, you can effortlessly generate captivating YouTube Shorts in just seconds! Our advanced AI technology helps you transform your long videos into engaging shorts by automatically selecting the best clips and adding eye-catching captions.

Turn long videos into shorts, or just add captions

Whether you’re looking to jump on trending topics or share quick tutorials, SendShort streamlines the process, allowing you to focus on creativity while we handle the editing.

Start creating viral content today and watch your audience grow!

CTA: Create viral YouTube Shorts now button

FAQ: Viral Shorts

1. What kind of Shorts go viral on YouTube?

Shorts that often go viral on YouTube typically feature relatable content, humor, or unique challenges.

Engaging storytelling, eye-catching visuals, and trending music or sounds also play a significant role in capturing viewers’ attention and driving shares.

2. How to tell if a YouTube Short is going viral?

You can tell if a YouTube Short is going viral by monitoring its view count, likes, and comments, which typically surge rapidly.

Additionally: If the video gains traction on social media platforms or appears in trending sections, it’s a strong indicator of its viral potential.

3. What time do YouTube Shorts go viral?

YouTube Shorts can go viral at any time, but posting during peak viewing hours—typically evenings and weekends—can increase visibility.

Using trending topics and challenges can significantly boost the chances of virality.


Thanks a lot for reading this,
David Ch
Head of the Editing Team at SendShort

About the author

Daniel is the head of our research and statistics team. With Daniel's help, our team keeps up with the latest stats and financials for your favourite social media company.