Uploading YouTube Shorts the right way can make a massive difference in how your content performs. Many creators give up after a few uploads because they don’t see immediate results. But the secret lies not just in uploading — it’s in how you upload and optimize your Shorts.
In this article, we’ll break down the full process using three powerful apps and some smart SEO tricks that help Shorts go viral. Whether you’re just starting or looking to boost your viewership, this guide will help you level up.
🔹 Step 1: Upload the Right Way — Not Just from the YouTube App
While uploading directly from the YouTube app is fine, many features remain restricted — such as custom thumbnails, advanced tags, and detailed SEO settings.
Do This Instead:
- Go to the YouTube app and start uploading your Short.
- Choose your video and hit “Next.”
- Use the following options:
- Audio: Tap on the Audio section and search for Trending.
- Select top trending music and add it.
- Reduce music volume to 1%–2% if your video already has voice-over or background music.
- In the title, write short and searchable phrases.
- Set visibility to Unlisted.
- Enable the setting: Allow others to use this audio — this can give your video a viral boost if others use your sound.
🔹 Step 2: Customize Your Shorts on Chrome with Desktop Mode
Once the video is uploaded:
- Open Chrome on your phone or PC and turn on Desktop Site mode.
- Go to Your Channel > YouTube Studio > Customization.
- Click on your newly uploaded video and start optimizing:
Add a Description
- Add 5 strategic hashtags. Two of them must include:
#shorts#youtubeshorts
- Add 10–15 relevant keywords in your description like:
- How to earn money
- Video editing tutorial
- Make money online
- Learn video editing
This boosts visibility when users search similar terms on YouTube.
Add Tags
Tags help categorize your Shorts and improve search ranking. Examples:
how to earn 2 lakh onlinemake money from editingediting courselearn video editingonline income ideas
🔹 Step 3: Add a Custom Thumbnail to Your Shorts
YouTube Shorts don’t offer an obvious thumbnail upload option — but there’s a workaround:
How to Do It:
- Create a vertical custom thumbnail image (9:16 aspect ratio).
- Add this thumbnail at the start or end of your video using any video editor.
- Keep its duration very short (like 0.5 seconds).
- Export the final video.
Set It as Thumbnail:
- Go to YouTube Studio in Chrome.
- Tap the ✏️ pencil icon on your Shorts video.
- Use the scrubber to select the frame (your thumbnail) and save.
Once done, go back into the editor and trim the thumbnail segment from the start or end of the video — your chosen frame will remain as the default thumbnail.
🔹 Step 4: The Viral Boost Formula
Now that you’ve uploaded your Shorts the right way, it’s time to optimize for virality.
Here’s How:
1. Grab Attention in First 3 Seconds
The most important part of your Shorts is the intro. In the first 3 seconds:
- Clearly state what value the video gives.
- This increases view duration, which is key for YouTube’s algorithm.
2. Add Movement Every 2 Seconds
Static shots reduce engagement. Try:
- Camera zooms
- Text animations
- Hand gestures or object movements
Even subtle motion hooks the viewer better than still frames.
3. Keep It Short
The shorter your Short, the better the chances it gets replayed or viewed till the end — this boosts completion rate.
Avoid dragging content unnecessarily. Aim for concise delivery.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use custom thumbnails for YouTube Shorts?
Yes! By inserting the thumbnail frame at the beginning or end of your video and selecting it manually during upload, you can set a custom thumbnail.
Q: How do I find the right hashtags?
Start with #shorts and #youtubeshorts, then use 3 more related to your content (e.g., #videotips, #moneymaking, #editingtutorial).
Q: Do keywords in the description really matter?
Absolutely! YouTube uses your description to index your content. Proper keywords improve search visibility and increase the chance of being recommended.
📌 Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about growing through YouTube Shorts, uploading correctly is half the battle. Using the YouTube Studio on desktop, adding SEO elements, keeping viewers hooked in the first few seconds, and optimizing with custom thumbnails can transform how your content performs.
It’s not about working harder — it’s about uploading smarter.
Tags: youtube shorts tips, how to upload youtube shorts, youtube shorts custom thumbnail, youtube seo tricks, how to go viral on youtube, youtube shorts description tips, video optimization for youtube, youtube shorts algorithm, youtube shorts editing, youtube tips 2025
Hashtags:
#YouTubeShorts #ShortsTricks #YouTubeTips #CustomThumbnail #ViralShorts #ContentCreation #ShortsSEO #VideoEditing #EarnFromYouTube #MobileEditing
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🎥 Looking for Gear for Your YouTube Channel? Here Are Some Amazing Tools You Can Try from Amazon (Affiliate Links)
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your setup, these are some of the best gear options you can consider for shooting high-quality YouTube videos.
📸 Camera Gear (For High-Quality Footage)
- Canon EOS R7 – Great for crisp 4K video and fast autofocus: Buy on Amazon
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🎙️ Audio Gear (For Clear Sound)
- Shure SM7DB – Industry-standard mic for vocals and voiceovers: Buy on Amazon
- DJI Mic – Wireless mic system for mobile creators: Buy on Amazon
- Hollyland Lark M2 – Compact dual-channel wireless mic: Buy on Amazon
💡 Lighting Setup (For a Professional Look)
- Godox SL60W – Reliable continuous light for video: Buy on Amazon
- Godox 120cm Softbox – Soft, even lighting for any subject: Buy on Amazon
📷 Tripods & Support
- Tygot Tripod – Budget-friendly option for beginners: Buy on Amazon
- Manfrotto Befree Tripod – Lightweight yet sturdy for travel shoots: Buy on Amazon
