Best Short Video Content for Gaining Followers on YouTube: A Content Guide for 2025

As YouTube continues to grow as one of the most popular video-sharing platforms in the world, short-form content has emerged as one of the best ways to boost engagement, attract new subscribers, and increase your reach. With YouTube Shorts gaining significant traction in 2025, creators now have a unique opportunity to leverage this feature to grow their audience and strengthen their brand presence. In this guide, we’ll explore the best types of short videos to create in 2025 for attracting more followers on YouTube.

Why YouTube Shorts Are Essential in 2025

YouTube Shorts have rapidly become a powerful tool for content creators aiming to reach a wider audience. These bite-sized videos—usually 15 to 60 seconds long—are perfect for capturing the fleeting attention of viewers who are scrolling through their feeds. The format is optimized for mobile devices, making it easy for users to consume content on the go.

In 2025, YouTube’s algorithm is placing more emphasis on Shorts, which increases the likelihood of creators gaining exposure. Shorts are not only favored by YouTube’s recommendation system but also have the potential to go viral quickly, offering a great opportunity to expand your subscriber base. By creating compelling and shareable Shorts, you can attract new followers and drive traffic to your full-length videos and channel.

Best Types of Short Videos to Create for More Followers

1. Trending Challenges and Hashtags

   Participating in trending challenges or using popular hashtags is one of the best ways to gain visibility on YouTube Shorts. Whether it’s a viral dance challenge, a funny reaction, or a meme-based trend, tapping into the cultural zeitgeist allows you to connect with audiences in a way that feels authentic and timely. Creators who participate in trending challenges often see increased engagement because their videos are more likely to appear in search results and the Shorts feed, boosting their chances of gaining new followers.

   Tip: Keep an eye on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok for emerging trends, and quickly adapt them to your YouTube Shorts content.

2. Educational or "How-To" Videos

   Short, informative videos continue to thrive on YouTube Shorts. If you’re an expert in a particular niche, consider creating "how-to" videos that provide quick, digestible tips or tricks. These types of videos can range from cooking tutorials and tech hacks to beauty tutorials and language lessons. Educational content is highly shareable and often encourages viewers to come back for more, which can help you build a loyal audience over time.

   Tip: Keep it simple, clear, and visually appealing to maximize engagement. Think of it as offering a sneak peek into your broader content.

3. Behind-the-Scenes Content

   People love getting a sneak peek into the lives of their favorite creators. Short, behind-the-scenes videos can be an excellent way to humanize your brand and create a deeper connection with your audience. Whether you’re showing the process behind creating your YouTube videos, giving a glimpse into your workspace, or simply having fun off-camera, behind-the-scenes content fosters a sense of authenticity that resonates with viewers.

   Tip: Use your behind-the-scenes content to highlight unique aspects of your personality or brand that set you apart from others.

4. User-Generated Content (UGC) and Collaborations

   In 2025, building a community is essential for sustained growth. Encouraging your followers to participate in creating content or collaborating with other creators can significantly boost your visibility and increase engagement. User-generated content (UGC) often feels more relatable, and collaborations can introduce your channel to entirely new audiences. This approach is not only fun but also helps to foster a sense of community around your channel.

   Tip: Run contests or challenges that encourage your audience to create and share their own videos, featuring them in your Shorts to boost engagement.

5. Humor and Entertaining Content

   Short-form content thrives on humor. Fun, entertaining videos are highly shareable and have a great chance of going viral. Whether it’s through clever skits, amusing commentary, or surprising twists, adding humor to your YouTube Shorts can draw in viewers and encourage them to share your videos with their networks. Entertaining videos are often lighthearted, visually engaging, and can create a memorable impact on your audience.

   Tip: Keep the tone upbeat, and ensure that the content is relatable to your target audience for maximum shareability.

Maximizing Engagement for Your Shorts

Creating great content is only part of the equation—engaging your audience is crucial for turning views into followers. Here are a few tips to increase engagement with your YouTube Shorts:

• Post Consistently: Uploading new Shorts regularly keeps your channel active and increases the chances of your videos being recommended.

• Encourage Interaction: Use call-to-actions (CTAs) like “Like and Subscribe” or “Comment your thoughts below” to encourage viewers to engage.

• Optimize Thumbnails: Even though Shorts don’t require custom thumbnails, having an eye-catching thumbnail can help when your Shorts appear in search results or recommended feeds.

Conclusion

In 2025, YouTube Shorts continue to offer one of the most effective ways to grow your audience and boost your subscriber count. By creating engaging, relevant, and shareable short videos such as trending challenges, educational content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and entertaining clips, you can significantly increase your chances of gaining followers. Consistency, creativity, and community-building are the keys to success. Keep experimenting with different formats and strategies, and you’ll be well on your way to growing a strong, engaged audience on YouTube in 2025.