Why Youtube Shorts are Useless

By the end of this Newsletter you’ll know:

• Why Youtube Shorts are Useless

• “The Attention Span Dilemma”

• Why it destroys every Long-Form Youtube Channel

Introduction
In the era of viral content and dreams of YouTube stardom, many creators, including myself, have fallen into the enticing trap of YouTube Shorts.

The promise of quick fame and fortune seemed too good to resist, leading me down a path I never anticipated.

In this article, I'll share my journey, the pitfalls of mixing shorts with long-form content, and the harsh reality that many aspiring creators might be unaware of.

Lesson 1
The Grand Plan: Shorts and Long Form, a Deadly Duo
1.1 The Deceptive Lure of Numbers
At the outset, the idea seemed ingenious – upload long-form content regularly, sprinkle in some shorts, and watch the audience grow exponentially.

However, the initial excitement quickly turned into disillusionment as I delved into the world of misleading statistics.

The claim of a $41,000 monthly income from a YouTube Shorts channel sounded too good to be true, and indeed, it was.

1.2 The Monetization Mirage
The first mistake was assuming that the monetization game for YouTube Shorts paralleled that of long-form content.

The bitter truth revealed that even if the channel was monetized, the revenue would be a far cry from the inflated figures thrown around.

As a fellow shorts creator, I can attest that the actual earnings are closer to $480 per month – a reality check for those drawn in by the allure of quick riches.

Lesson 2
The Dream Shatters: A Tale of Two Audiences

2.1 The Rise and Fall of Short-Form Glory

My journey took an unexpected turn when one of my long-form videos soared to 120,000 views, bringing with it dreams of financial success. However, this success was short-lived as the true nemesis emerged – average view duration. The shorts audience, seeking quick hits of entertainment, clashed with the long-form enthusiasts, creating a schism that would define the fate of my channel.

2.2 The Attention Span Dilemma

The crucial realization hit hard – the subscribers gained through shorts had drastically shorter attention spans. Despite investing time in crafting engaging long-form content, the average view duration remained abysmal, hovering around 20%. The algorithm took notice, and my videos were left stranded on the deserted shores of the YouTube algorithm, devoid of views.

Lesson 3
Learning from Mistakes: Shorts or Long Form

3.1 The Audience Divergence

Attempting to cater to both short-form and long-form audiences became a self-sabotaging endeavor. The stark contrast in viewer expectations led to a decline in overall engagement, leaving the channel in a precarious position. The hard lesson learned – choose between building a YouTube Shorts or long-form content channel and commit to it from the start.

3.2 The Silence of YouTube Titans

Unmasking the reality led me to question the motives of channels promoting YouTube Shorts without disclosing the potential risks. Many creators, aware of the pitfalls, choose silence over transparency, driven by the universal pursuit of securing the proverbial bag.

Conclusion:
Navigating the Shorts Landscape
In conclusion, the allure of YouTube Shorts is undeniable, and for some niches, they can be a lucrative endeavor. 

However, the cautionary tale stands – tread carefully and make an informed decision based on your content goals.

Mixing shorts and long-form content can lead to unforeseen challenges that might jeopardize the very success you seek.

As a creator who has weathered the storm, I share this narrative not to discourage but to enlighten.

May this article serve as a guiding light for aspiring content creators, steering them clear of the pitfalls that await in the intricate landscape of YouTube content creation.