If you’ve been treating YouTube Shorts as just another TikTok copy, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Shorts are quickly becoming one of the most powerful tools in the content marketing world — and if you’re not using them yet, you could be missing out on massive reach.
We’ve seen this first-hand at Naked Marketing, a leading content creation agency in Auckland. By simply repurposing the short-form videos we were already creating for platforms like Instagram and Facebook, we’ve tapped into a whole new level of discoverability on YouTube. In fact, in the last few months, YouTube Shorts have outperformed TikTok for us in terms of both reach and engagement.
What Exactly Are YouTube Shorts?
YouTube Shorts are short, vertical videos that run for 60 seconds or less. They’re designed to be quick, snackable content — perfect for mobile viewing. And YouTube is giving them serious algorithm love, making it easier than ever for creators and brands to get discovered.
Unlike TikTok, where your content can spike and disappear within hours, Shorts on YouTube have staying power. The platform continues to push your content to new viewers over time, even days or weeks after you post it. That means more eyes, more engagement, and more opportunity to grow your subscriber base with a strong YouTube Shorts strategy in 2025.
What We Did (and Why It Worked)
We decided to start uploading every short-form video we created to YouTube Shorts — no additional editing, no fancy transitions, just smart, consistent repurposing of the same content we were already using on Instagram Reels, Facebook, and TikTok.
We made the process easy: we stuck to a consistent posting schedule, optimised for vertical video, and made sure each clip had a clear message.
And the results spoke for themselves.
The Results We’ve Seen
Since leaning into Shorts, we’ve seen significant growth on our YouTube channel — more views, more watch time, and a more engaged audience overall. What’s especially interesting is that our Shorts content now outperforms our TikTok videos in terms of both views and longevity.
One of the biggest surprises? Shorts don’t just spike and vanish. Instead, we’re seeing steady, compounding viewership, even weeks after publishing. That kind of shelf life is exactly what makes Shorts such a valuable channel for long-term growth, especially for those researching the best video channels for small brands.
Why Shorts Work So Well
There’s a reason Shorts are taking off. YouTube already has a massive built-in audience, and its algorithm is finely tuned to recommend content that people want to see. That means even smaller brands or newer accounts have a chance to get noticed, which is why so many content creation services in Auckland are now leaning into Shorts.
Shorts are also incredibly easy to repurpose. If you’re already creating Reels or TikTok videos, you’ve got everything you need to start. No need to reinvent the wheel — just upload, optimise, and let the algorithm do its thing.
And because YouTube supports both Shorts and long-form content, you’re not just growing short-term engagement — you’re also building a base of long-form subscribers who may want to watch more in-depth content later.
Tips for Winning with Shorts in 2025
If you’re ready to jump into YouTube Shorts, here are a few things we’ve learned along the way:
- Focus on vertical, mobile-first design. YouTube Shorts are made to be watched on a phone, so framing matters.
- Use a strong hook in the first one to two seconds. That opening moment decides whether someone keeps watching or scrolls on.
- Add clear captions or text overlays. Many people watch without sound, so make your message easy to follow either way.
- Keep it short and sharp. The best Shorts are either highly valuable or highly entertaining — ideally both.
And finally, repurpose smartly. If you’ve already created content for Instagram or Facebook, don’t let it go to waste. A single clip can drive results across multiple platforms with very little extra work.
YouTube Shorts Is Where It’s At
At Naked Marketing, we’ve seen the impact of Shorts, and it’s a genuine growth opportunity for brands of all sizes. As a trusted content creation agency in Auckland, we help clients unlock their potential through smart short-form video marketing.
If you’re already creating short-form content and not uploading to Shorts, you’re leaving reach on the table. And if you’re not creating video content at all yet, now’s the time to start — with the right strategy, even a small team can punch well above their weight.
Want to see what’s possible? Check out our YouTube channel and see the kinds of videos that are helping us grow. Or better yet, sign up for our email newsletter and get platform insights, repurposing tips, and video strategy ideas straight to your inbox.
FAQs: YouTube Shorts Strategy 2025
Q: What’s the difference between YouTube Shorts and TikTok?
A: TikTok is great for quick, viral spikes, but YouTube Shorts tend to have a longer shelf life and can continue gaining views over time. YouTube also has a broader user base and stronger long-form content support, making YouTube Shorts vs TikTok a crucial comparison for brands choosing their primary short-form platform.
Q: Do I need new videos just for Shorts?
A: Not at all. We’ve had great results by simply repurposing content we already made for Reels and TikTok. Just make sure it’s vertical and under 60 seconds.
Q: How often should I post Shorts?
A: Consistency is more important than frequency. Even two to three Shorts a week can drive strong results if they’re engaging and aligned with your brand.
