When it comes to creating content for Youtube, creators can choose to make either long videos or short videos. Both types of videos can be effective at conveying a message or entertaining an audience, but they each have their own set of pros and cons.
So, YouTube long videos vs. shorts videos which is better? Generally, short videos have higher engagement rates than longer videos, particularly videos under 15 seconds do well on platforms like Instagram, making short videos a better way to connect with your audience and create brand awareness.
Read on to explore the advantages and disadvantages of Youtube’s long videos and short videos and have a better understanding of which type of video may be best for you and your audience. Check out this article if you wonder what is the best YouTube video length for monetization.
Pros Of Long Videos
Longer videos on Youtube typically range from 10 minutes to an hour or more in length. Here are the pros of long videos:
- Long videos allow creators to dive deeper into a topic and provide more valuable insights to their audience: Long-form video content provides creators with a platform to dive deep into a particular topic, providing their audience with an in-depth and comprehensive understanding. For example, creators can explore various nuances, ideas, and details within a particular subject which isn’t possible in shorter formats.
- Long videos also help build a stronger connection between the creator and their audience: Longer videos can also help build a stronger connection between the creator and their audience, as viewers who watch the entire video are more likely to become dedicated fans.
- Longer videos tend to perform better in Youtube’s algorithms: In addition, longer videos tend to perform better in Youtube’s algorithms, as they prioritize watch time over views.
- Usually, long-form content tends to be more engaging and has a higher retention rate among viewers.
Cons Of Long Videos
However, long videos also have their downsides. Here are the cons of long videos:
- Editing and uploading long videos can be time-consuming and expensive.
- Creators may also struggle to keep their audience engaged for the entirety of the video, leading to a high drop-off rate.
- Also, some viewers are looking for quick information or entertainment and may not have the time or patience to sit through a long video.
- Longer videos also require more time and effort to research, create, edit, and promote.
Pros Of Short Videos
Short videos are typically under 5 minutes in length. Here are the pros of short videos:
- Short videos are great for viewers looking to consume quick, entertaining, and easy-to-digest content.
- Short videos are also typically more shareable and popular on social media platforms, as the content is easily digestible and can be quickly viewed on a phone or tablet.
- Short-form videos are gaining immense popularity on YouTube, thanks to platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.
- Short videos are also great for creators as they require a lower investment of time and effort but can go viral quickly.
Cons Of Short Videos
However, short videos also have their drawbacks. Here are the cons of shorts videos:
- Creators may struggle to convey a complete message or dive deep into a topic in such a short amount of time.
- Also, short videos tend to prioritize views over watch time, meaning they may not perform as well in Youtube’s algorithm as longer videos.
- With short videos, viewers may not understand the topic in-depth.
- Short YouTube videos can also be challenging to monetize as advertisements usually don’t play on videos shorter than ten minutes.
YouTube Long Videos Vs. Shorts Videos Which Is Better?
Both short-form and long-form videos have their pros and cons. Both serve different purposes and choosing which one to use depends solely on the creators’ goals. For instance:
- If a creator wants to demonstrate their knowledge and authority in a subject and has ample time and resources, creating long videos may be the best option.
- On the other hand, if a creator wants to reach a broader audience and go viral quickly, short-form videos are a great option.
When choosing the right video length, I encourage you to consider your target audience, the message you want to convey, and the potential engagement of your videos. I also recommend you experiment with different video lengths to see what works best for you and your audience.
Ultimately, the quality of content is more important than the length of the video; hence I suggest you focus on creating engaging, informative, and entertaining content that aligns with your audience’s interests and needs.
What to read next:
- YouTube Vs. Instagram: Which is the Ideal Video Marketing Platform for Small Businesses?
- What is an Instagram Brand Ambassador? And How to Be One.
- Can You Make Money by Making Instagram Filters?
Wrapping Up
YouTube is a dynamic platform, and it is continuously changing; for optimal results, it is recommended to tailor your content based on your target audience and your goals.
Longer videos can provide more valuable insights, build stronger connections with viewers, and perform better in Youtube’s algorithm. However, long videos can also be time-consuming and struggle to keep the audience engaged.
Short videos, on the other hand, are easy to consume, shareable, and prioritize views overwatch time. However, they may struggle to convey a complete message and not perform as well in Youtube’s algorithm.
Ultimately, you should consider your audience and goals when deciding on the length of your videos and experiment to find what works best.