- YouTube monetization
- Long video views on YouTube
- YouTube Shorts vs Long Videos
- Increase YouTube revenue
- YouTube algorithm
Introduction
After reaching YouTube monetization, I took a break from uploading. Upon returning, I felt lazy and decided to focus only on shorts, believing they would quickly bring views and revive my channel.
Initially, the views on shorts were encouraging, but earnings remained very low compared to expectations. When I started uploading long videos to increase revenue, I was shocked to see almost zero views!
This experience showed me that YouTube’s algorithm quickly adapts to the type of content you post, and relying solely on shorts can harm long video performance and sustainable earnings.
In this article, I will share my personal experience, explain why this happens, and provide strategies for other creators to avoid the same mistake.
1. Why Shorts Alone Are Not Enough
Shorts are excellent for quick views, but they come with limitations:
- They don’t build a loyal audience: Viewers often look for quick content and rarely watch long videos.
- Limited revenue: Ads on shorts are minimal, so they cannot replace long videos as a primary income source.
- Algorithm adaptation: After posting shorts consistently, the system begins distributing views based on short-form content, reducing exposure for long videos.
In my experience, focusing on shorts for two months brought good views, but the first long video I uploaded got almost zero views. This proves that relying solely on shorts can harm revenue and long-term growth.
Practical tip: Use shorts as a gateway to long videos. Check out this YouTube SEO guide to improve long video distribution.
2. My Experience with Long Video View
Drops
After focusing on shorts, I planned to upload long videos regularly to increase revenue. I expected views to grow gradually, but reality was disappointing: most long videos got almost zero views.
Analysis revealed several reasons:
- Algorithm adapted to shorts: YouTube distributes views according to what the audience is accustomed to.
- Shorts audience rarely watches long videos: People watching 30-second clips rarely spend 10 minutes on long content.
- Low engagement on long videos: Previous engagement came only from shorts, so long videos lacked support.
Lesson: success with shorts doesn’t replace long videos, which are critical for earnings and building a loyal audience.
3. Strategies to Recover Long Video Views
You can recover long video views using these strategies:
- Link shorts to long videos: Add links in short descriptions or end screens to guide viewers to long content.
- Optimize titles and descriptions: Use keywords that connect shorts and long videos to help the algorithm link them.
- Consistency is key: Keep posting long videos; the algorithm gradually restores distribution.
- Encourage viewers to transition: Use cards and end screens to guide shorts viewers to long videos.
These strategies helped me gradually improve long video views after focusing on shorts.
4. Practical Tips to Avoid Losing Revenue and Views
- Maintain a balanced upload schedule between shorts and long videos.
- Don’t expect instant growth after a shorts-focused period; patience is key.
- Optimize SEO: clear titles, keyword-rich descriptions, and relevant hashtags.
- Engage regularly with viewers on both types of videos.
- Analyze performance weekly, not daily, to assess progress objectively.
Useful link: Sustainable growth after a long break on YouTube
Conclusion )
Shorts are great for fast views, but they cannot replace long videos for revenue and audience building. Maintaining balance between shorts and long videos, optimizing SEO, and posting consistently gradually restores views, engagement, and sustainable growth. Patience and planning are essential after a shorts-only period.
