Scroll-Stopping YouTube Shorts Ideas for Brands (with examples)
YouTube Shorts is an opportunity for businesses to get more eyes on their businesses. Here are some YouTube Shorts ideas to get you rolling.
Published January 29, 2025.
YouTube Shorts get 70 billion views every day, from no less than 1.5 billion users looking for their next piece of entertainment, recipe, business advice, or story. One of these people could be your next customer -- so if you're not tapping into YouTube Shorts (just yet), it's time to roll up your sleeves and kick in the full gear in 2025.
Already decided to roll with it, but looking for ideas on what to share on your YouTube Shorts channel (or on the channel of your client if you're a YouTube channel manager?)
We have gathered no less than 25 ideas to give you a good kick-start -- so keep reading if you want to get inspired.
What makes a YouTube Short perform?
We (or anyone else, for that matter) may not fully understand how YouTube's algorithm pushes videos into users' feeds -- but we have a very good grasp of what are some of the qualities that make some Shorts perform better than others.
Here's what you should aim for if you want a short-form videos to perform:
Make sure it’s highly engaging
Content needs to grab attention quickly and hold it. In today’s fast-paced digital world, people scroll through endless posts and videos, so your content must stand out. Start strong with a compelling hook, whether it’s a striking visual, an intriguing question, or a bold statement. Keep the pace lively and ensure the message stays interesting throughout to maintain viewer interest.
To make it engaging, focus on what resonates most with your audience. Understand their pain points, interests, and desires, and tailor your content to address them. Add value by entertaining, educating, or inspiring your viewers, so they feel a connection to your brand or message.
Visuals & audio are top-shelf
High-quality visuals and audio make a big difference in how your audience perceives your content. Blurry images or distorted sound can make your efforts appear unprofessional and lose credibility with your viewers. Invest in good lighting, clear sound, and sharp visuals to ensure your content looks and sounds polished.
Consistency in branding across visuals and audio is also key. Use your brand colors, fonts, and tone to create a cohesive identity that sticks in viewers’ minds. High production value doesn’t always mean expensive—focus on clarity, creativity, and attention to detail to make an impact.
Keep it relatable and authentic
Relatable and authentic content builds trust and connection. People are more likely to engage with messages they see as genuine and reflective of their own experiences. Avoid overly polished or scripted content that feels robotic. Instead, show the human side of your brand by being honest and approachable.
Use stories, testimonials, or behind-the-scenes moments to create a deeper connection. Speak in a tone and language your audience understands, making your message feel personal. When people feel like they can relate to your content, they’re more likely to remember and share it.
Include a clear CTA (call-to-action)
A clear call-to-action (CTA) is essential to guide your audience on what to do next. Whether it’s subscribing, purchasing, or learning more, make sure the desired action is obvious and easy to follow. Use direct and persuasive language like “Sign up now” or “Get started for free” to create urgency or excitement.
Place your CTA strategically, like at the end of a video or within the last few seconds of an ad. Make it visually distinct with bold text, buttons, or clickable links to draw attention. A strong CTA ensures your audience doesn’t just consume your content but takes meaningful action afterward.
25 YouTube Shorts ideas you should try in 2025
Not sure where to get started with your YouTube Shorts? Here are some of the most popular ideas to try:
Repurpose content
Take your existing content and give it a second life in new formats. Turn blog posts into bite-sized social media updates, transform videos into engaging infographics, or convert podcasts into comprehensive articles. This approach helps you reach different audiences and maximize your content's impact.
Split your long-form content
Break down lengthy articles, guides, or videos into smaller, more digestible pieces. Shorter content is easier for your audience to consume, engage with, and share, making your message more accessible.
Record the behind-the-scenes
Show your audience what happens behind closed doors. Whether it’s the creation of a product or the daily workflow of your team, these glimpses into your process make your brand more relatable and authentic.
Showcase a before & after
Highlight transformations that demonstrate the value of your product or service. Before-and-after comparisons are visually compelling and provide tangible proof of the impact you can make.
Reveal your best tips
Share actionable advice or insider knowledge that your audience can benefit from. Helpful tips build your credibility as an expert and keep your followers coming back for more valuable insights.
Shoot motivational videos
Create uplifting, inspirational content to encourage your audience to take action or stay positive. Motivational videos resonate deeply, are highly shareable, and create a strong emotional connection with your brand.
Create tutorials
Teach your audience how to use your product or service with step-by-step guides. Tutorials are practical, empowering, and help establish trust with potential customers.
Share fun facts about your business or industry
Post interesting trivia or little-known facts about your industry or company. This type of content is both educational and entertaining, making it easy to engage your audience.
Show your workspace
Give your followers a peek into the environment where the magic happens. Whether it’s a cozy office, a creative studio, or a bustling shop, sharing your workspace helps humanize your brand.
Talk about your tool stack
Share the tools and technologies that power your business. Offering insights into your toolset not only provides value to others in your industry but also showcases the expertise behind your brand.
Do an AMA or answer FAQs
Host a live "Ask Me Anything" session or answer frequently asked questions. This is a great way to connect with your audience, address common concerns, and build trust.
Share a day in the life
Give your audience a glimpse into your daily routine or business operations. Authentic content like this strengthens the connection between your brand and your audience by making you more relatable.
Disseminate user-generated content
Highlight reviews, photos, or videos created by your customers. Sharing user-generated content builds community, creates trust, and shows appreciation for your audience’s contributions.
Ride the waves of trends
Tap into trending topics, memes, or challenges that align with your brand’s values. Staying relevant by engaging with trends helps you connect with a wider audience and boosts engagement.
Shoot unboxing videos
Film the process of opening a package for your product or others in your industry. Unboxing videos are visually engaging, exciting, and popular with audiences of all kinds.
Show your employees
Introduce your team by sharing their achievements, fun moments, or day-to-day activities. Highlighting your employees humanizes your brand and builds stronger relationships with your audience.
Talk about upcoming discounts
Announce any sales, special offers, or promotions to give your audience something to look forward to. This kind of content can drive engagement and encourage conversions -- and it gives you a good opportunity to create some buzz for your special campaigns before you even fully launch them.
Create trailers for long-form videos
Make short teaser videos to promote your longer content. These trailers spark curiosity and encourage your audience to dive deeper into the full version.
Share industry news
Keep your audience up to date by sharing the latest trends, innovations, or updates in your industry. This positions your brand as a knowledgeable and trusted source, as this kind of videos are great for building your authority in the field.
Organize a bring-your-pet-to-work day
Showcase the lighter, more personal side of your brand by sharing pictures or videos of pets in the workplace. It’s a fun and relatable way to engage your audience.
Create seasonal or holiday videos
Celebrate the spirit of different seasons or holidays with themed content. Tapping into seasonal trends helps keep your brand relevant and aligned with your audience’s interests.
Shoot a timelapse video
Capture a timelapse of an interesting process, such as setting up an event or creating a product. These videos are visually captivating and provide a quick yet engaging peek into your work.
Record a reaction video
Share your authentic reactions to trending topics, news, or user-generated content. Reaction videos are engaging, relatable, and can spark meaningful conversations with your audience.
Bust some myths
Address common misconceptions in your industry and set the record straight. Myth-busting content positions your brand as an expert and helps build trust with your audience. Make sure you pick the most relevant and controversial myths to bust in order to increase engagement!
Show some humor
Inject personality into your content by sharing jokes, memes, or funny moments. Humor is a powerful way to engage your audience, making your brand more approachable and memorable -- and YouTube Shorts is the perfect channel for this kind of content.
Conclusion
Like every other online channel, YouTube Shorts is all about providing valuable and engaging content to your audience. It's not an easy, one-size-fits-all formula, but by experimenting with different types of content, you can find what resonates best with your audience and keep them coming back for more. R
Remember to stay true to your brand and have fun while creating content -- it shows and that is exactly what users on this platform value most!
And if you need help with your YouTube channel, do not hesitate to reach out -- we have vetted the best YouTube marketers in the world and we'll match you with the one that fits you best!
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