YouTube Shorts are vertical videos under 60 seconds designed to be discovered quickly. They have become the fastest way to get views and subscribers because the shorts algorithm sends content to non-subscribers instantly. When you combine YouTube Shorts SEO with strong storytelling, the algorithm can send your video to thousands of people in just a few hours.
What Is YouTube Shorts SEO?
YouTube Shorts SEO means optimising your title, description and hashtags so YouTube can understand who the shorts are for. While shorts are spread through feed recommendations more than search, metadata is still important. This helps YouTube categorise your content, match audience interests and improve your chances of going viral. In simple words: Better SEO = better algorithm visibility.
How the YouTube Shorts Algorithm Works in 2026
The Shorts algorithm focuses not only on keywords but also on behavioural signals. It ranks shorts based on:
- viewing time
- audience retention
- looks again
- Like, comment, share
- Thumbnail CTR (when visible in feed)
Shorts typically go viral when retention exceeds 70-90% and users rewatch or share your content.
How to Get More Shorts Views
- Hook Viewers in the First 2 Seconds
Your opening seconds determine whether viewers stay or not. Strong hooks include: bold statements, surprising images or quick introductions.
- Use Relevant Keywords for YouTube Shorts SEO
Use your main keywords to:
- Title
- first line of description
- Hashtag
Keyword alignment increases visibility and helps you match your short with the right audience.
- Create Rewatchable Content
Use tight editing, satisfying loops, quick changes and visual payments. The more people rewatch, the more the algorithm will increase your ephemerality.
- Use Trending Sounds & Niches
Trends help you push your shorts into active traffic streams. Identify new themes and sounds, then adapt them to your area.
- Consistency = More Views
Posting 1-2 shorts daily indicates credibility. If you post frequently, YouTube will know that your channel is active and ready for an audience.
Best 1-Minute Video Ideas for Higher Views
If you want engaging 1-minute video ideas, try:
- Inspiration: You can start with a “1 Minute Mindset Change”.
- Facts: Quick, specific facts or myths are the things which make a great video.
- Reviews: Gadget reviews in under 60 seconds can get you authentic views.
- Technical tips: Shortcuts, such tips can attract viewers more easily.
- Tutorial: A one-step tutorial helps many viewers and gets more views for your video as well.
- Behind the scenes: Workflow processes can enhance your video quality and content.
How to Optimise Titles, Tags & Descriptions for Shorts SEO
- Title Optimization
Including keywords for your short videos on YouTube with SEO requires a good and simple word which can be recognised by the search engine and get you views.
- Description Optimization
Primary and secondary keywords should be added naturally for a good content flow.
- Hashtags for Shorts
3 to 5 hashtags can be added to your video that combine both the topic and trend. For example- #YouTubeShorts # YouTubeSEO #ViralShorts.
Perfect Short Structure for Viral Views
Hook → Value → Quick CTA → Loop End.
The above structure grabs the attention of viewers and the user’s intention, which helps to increase the storage.
Posting Time & Frequency: What Works in 2025
The best time to post YouTube shorts for a good number of views is evening and at weekends. If you post without timing, it can give you lower views and a slower reach to the audience.
Why Your Shorts Aren’t Getting Views
Common problems include weak hooks, missing keywords, poor formatting, long introductions, and inconsistency. How to Get More Short Views When Optimising Use of Keywords.
If your shorts are not getting a lot of attention and views, that can include a common problem like weak hooks, missing strong keywords, a fault in formatting the video, long, boring introductions, and inconsistency in uploading shorts. Use a strong keyword when you are optimising your video, how to get more shorts views.
Case Study: How Some Creators Hit 100K Views
The creators who get viral in small time all follow the same pattern- strong hook, topics that are getting hyped and trending and strong and smart SEO. Their metadata augments the content they create, which helps the algorithms rank it further.
Conclusion
The strong combination of YouTube Shorts SEO can help you grow fast, with strong hooks, tight loops, and consistency in posting the videos can help you grow high in ranking. To understand the YouTube shorts algorithm, you need to optimise all the shorts which you prefer and keep testing. Using these steps can lead you to get 100K views easily.
FAQs
How to get 100k views on YouTube?
To get 100K views on YouTube, you need to follow the shorts algorithm specifically.
What is the 7 second rule on YouTube?
The 7 second rule on YouTube relates to that your shorts or video should hook the audience within the starting 7 seconds of your video.
How much is 100k views on YT Shorts?
100K views on YT shorts mostly are about only views, not monetisation.
How to do SEO of YouTube Shorts?
Use of strong and relevant keywords in your video’s title, description and hashtags can help you to do SEO for YouTube shorts.