YouTube is owned by Google—the second largest search engine in the world. Treating Shorts like throwaway content is a mistake. They can rank in Google Search and generate views for years.
Titles > Hashtags
On TikTok, hashtags drive discovery. On YouTube, titles drive discovery. Your title should match exactly what a user would type into search.
Bad Title: "Lol look at this"
Good Title: "How to fix a broken zipper in 30 seconds #shorts"
The Description Box
Most creators leave this blank. Don't. Write a 2-3 sentence summary using your keywords. This helps Google index your Short for web searches.
Tags and Categories
YouTube tags still matter for Shorts. Include relevant keyword tags that describe your content. Choose the appropriate category to help YouTube understand where your content fits.
Searchable Content Ideas
- How-to tutorials
- Quick tips and hacks
- Answers to common questions
- Product reviews and comparisons
Key Takeaways
- Shorts can rank in Google Search for years
- Titles are the primary discovery tool on YouTube
- Always fill in the description with keywords
- Create content around searchable topics
ReelRise Editorial Team
Expert insights on short-form video growth strategies, backed by AI analysis of millions of viral videos.