How I Actually Make Viral Shorts

In this article, I will take you through my process of creating viral shorts for my YouTube channel. With over 20 million views and many viral videos, I have learned what works and what doesn't. However, I recently noticed that my recent shorts haven't been performing well, so I needed to break the cycle and find a new strategy. Follow along as I share my updated viral recipe and guide you through the process of making a viral short from scratch.

Researching the Latest Trends

Before diving into the creation process, it's important to stay updated on the latest trends in your niche. Trends play a crucial role in the virality of a short, so keeping an eye on what's popular is essential. You can use tools like Google Trends to identify trending topics or rely on your own passion and knowledge in your niche. In my case, I knew that Loki Season 2 had a new trailer, which was creating a buzz among fans. This became the foundation for my viral short.

Crafting the Script and Voiceover

When it comes to scripting a short, it's crucial to have a killer video idea. A bad video idea won't go viral, no matter how well you write your script or edit the video. Look out for trends in your niche and implement them into your content. If possible, add your own unique spin to make it stand out. For my short, I focused on the story of an actor from a Marvel movie, K Hui Kuan, using his Oscar speech as a hook to captivate viewers.

In terms of voiceover, you have two options. If you have a captivating voice, you can record the script yourself. However, if you prefer using AI, there are various text-to-speech tools available. I personally use 11 Labs for generating AI voiceovers. Choose a voice or generate a custom one, and make sure to add emphasis and emotion by using punctuation and capital letters strategically.

Editing and Adding Engaging Elements

With the script and voiceover ready, it's time to start editing your short. Begin by creating a rough cut using relevant footage from YouTube or stock video platforms like Pexels. Cover your voiceover with related clips, ensuring a smooth flow of visuals. To maintain viewer engagement, incorporate interaction clips or memes throughout the video. Adding a story element also increases the likelihood of viewers staying until the end.

Next, it's essential to pay attention to pacing, graphics, and effects. Utilize keyframes to add zoom-ins, zoom-outs, and camera movements for a more dynamic video. Include graphics like circles and arrows to draw attention to important points and increase engagement. Captions are also crucial, so experiment with different styles, sizes, and colors to find what works best for your channel's branding.

Don't forget to add sound effects to enhance the overall viewer experience. Look for free sound effect packs on YouTube or other platforms to find the right sounds to match your content. Finally, select a fitting soundtrack or song to create a cohesive and immersive atmosphere.

Exporting Your Video and Evaluating Success

Once your editing is complete, it's time to export the final video. Ensure the video settings are optimized for the platform you're targeting. After publishing, give your viral short some time to gain traction. Remember that success doesn't happen overnight, and it's important to continue creating content and improving your skills with each video.

Summary - Keywords: Viral Shorts, Creating Viral Content, YouTube Tips, Trending Topics, Scriptwriting, Editing Techniques

FAQ

Q: What role do trends play in creating viral shorts? A: Staying updated on the latest trends in your niche is crucial for creating viral shorts. Choosing a trendy topic or implementing a current trend into your content increases the chances of going viral.

Q: How important is storytelling in viral shorts? A: Adding a story element to your shorts enhances viewer engagement. It keeps viewers interested and curious about the outcome, increasing the likelihood of them watching until the end.

Q: Can AI text-to-speech tools be used for voiceovers in viral shorts? A: Yes, there are various text-to-speech tools available that can generate voiceovers for your shorts. You can choose from preset voices or even create custom ones to add emotion and emphasis to your script.

Q: What are some key elements to consider during the editing process? A: Pacing, graphics, effects, and sound are essential elements to consider during the editing process. Adding engaging visuals, captions, sound effects, and a fitting soundtrack can significantly enhance the overall viewer experience.

Q: How long does it typically take for a viral short to gain traction? A: Gaining traction and going viral is not an immediate process. It may take some time for a viral short to gain views and engagement. It's important to remain patient, continue creating content, and evaluate the success over a reasonable period.

Q: Are there any specific tips for choosing a video idea for viral shorts? A: Look out for trends in your niche and implement them into your content. Adding a unique spin or focusing on a newsworthy event, like an upcoming movie release or celebrity interview, can increase the viral potential of your shorts.