YOUTUBE LONG VIDEOS OR SHORTS, WHATS BETTER

The rise of short-form video content, popularized by platforms such as TikTok and Instagram Reels, has given rise to a debate in the content creation community: are shorter videos better than longer ones? This debate is particularly relevant to YouTube, the world's largest video sharing platform. YouTube has traditionally been associated with longer-form content, with many creators producing videos that are 10, 20, or even 30 minutes long. However, in recent years, YouTube has launched a new feature called Shorts, which allows users to create and share short-form videos that are 60 seconds or less. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of long-form and short-form video content on YouTube and help you decide which is better for you.

Long-form Videos on YouTube

Long-form videos have been the staple of YouTube since its inception. Creators like PewDiePie, Casey Neistat, and MrBeast have built their entire careers on producing videos that are 10 minutes or longer. The advantages of producing longer videos on YouTube are:

Better for storytelling

Long-form videos allow creators to tell more complex and detailed stories. They can provide context, background, and nuance that shorter videos cannot. Viewers are more likely to engage with longer videos because they have invested more time in watching them, which means they are more likely to stick around until the end.

Better for monetization

YouTube monetizes videos through ads, and longer videos mean more ads. This means that creators who produce longer videos can earn more money from YouTube. YouTube also rewards creators who can keep viewers engaged for longer periods of time, which is more likely to happen with longer videos.

Better for SEO

Longer videos also perform better in search engine results. YouTube's algorithm favors longer videos, as they are perceived to provide more value to viewers. Creators who produce longer videos are more likely to appear at the top of search results for relevant keywords.

However, producing longer videos also has some disadvantages:

Higher production costs

Longer videos require more time, effort, and resources to produce. Creators need to invest in better equipment, better editing software, and sometimes even hire a team of people to help them produce their videos.

Higher viewer attention requirements

Longer videos require viewers to invest more time and attention. Creators need to work hard to keep their viewers engaged throughout the entire video, which can be challenging, especially for beginners.

Lower engagement rates

Longer videos may not be as appealing to casual viewers who are looking for quick, entertaining content. Viewers who don't have the time or patience to watch longer videos may skip them altogether, resulting in lower engagement rates.

Short-form Videos on YouTube

Short-form videos on YouTube have been gaining popularity since the launch of Shorts in 2020. Creators have been experimenting with this format, and some have even built large audiences by exclusively producing Shorts. The advantages of producing short-form videos on YouTube are:

Better for virality

Short-form videos are more likely to go viral than longer videos. They are easier to share on social media platforms and can quickly gain traction. Creators who produce short-form videos have a higher chance of reaching a wider audience and growing their channels faster.

Lower production costs

Short-form videos require less time, effort, and resources to produce. Creators can film and edit them on their smartphones, and they don't need expensive equipment or editing software. This makes short-form videos more accessible to creators who are just starting out or who have limited resources.

Better engagement rates

Short-form videos are more likely to be watched in their entirety, as they require less time and attention from viewers. Viewers are more likely to engage with short-form videos because they can quickly consume them during a break or a commute. This can result in higher engagement rates and more interaction with the audience.

However, producing short-form videos also has some disadvantages:

Limited storytelling

Short-form videos don't allow for the same level of storytelling as longer videos. Creators need to condense their message into a short amount of time, which can be challenging. They also don't have the same opportunity to provide context or nuance.

Limited monetization

Short-form videos may not earn as much money from ads as longer videos, as they have fewer ad slots. YouTube also doesn't reward creators for keeping viewers engaged for longer periods of time with short-form videos, which can result in lower monetization rates.

Limited SEO benefits

Short-form videos may not perform as well in search engine results, as they are perceived to provide less value to viewers. Creators who produce short-form videos may struggle to appear at the top of search results for relevant keywords, which can limit their reach.

Which is Better: Long-form or Short-form Videos on YouTube?

The answer to this question depends on your goals as a content creator. Long-form videos are better for creators who want to tell more complex and detailed stories, earn more money from ads, and rank higher in search engine results. Short-form videos are better for creators who want to reach a wider audience, grow their channels faster, and produce content with limited resources.

However, it's worth noting that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Creators can experiment with both formats and see which works best for them and their audience. Some creators have even found success by combining both formats. They produce longer videos that provide in-depth analysis or storytelling and use short-form videos as teasers or highlights.

Ultimately, the key to success on YouTube is to create content that resonates with your audience. Whether you choose to produce long-form or short-form videos, make sure that your content is engaging, informative, and entertaining. Listen to your audience's feedback and adjust your content accordingly. With time, effort, and dedication, you can build a successful YouTube channel regardless of the format you choose.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the debate over whether long-form or short-form videos are better on YouTube is a nuanced one. Both formats have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice depends on your goals as a content creator. Long-form videos are better for complex storytelling, monetization, and SEO, while short-form videos are better for virality, low production costs, and engagement. Creators can experiment with both formats and find the best approach for their audience and content. Ultimately, the most important thing is to create content that resonates with your viewers and provides value to them.