The many faces of YouTube Shorts: How 60 seconds can change the way we connect – CNBC TV18
| Company | Value | Change | %Change |
|---|
With over 70 billion daily views globally, YouTube Shorts is a big part of that storytelling pie. That’s understandable, given that YouTube democratised video storytelling by making it accessible to everyone. If you had a compelling story to tell, with a little practice on your camera and your editing tools, you could create your own following doing what you love. Many creators did, and each day, we discover more storytellers who we like, follow and subscribe to.
With YouTube Shorts, storytelling gets sharper. Forcing creators to fill the unforgiving minute with 60 seconds worth of distance run, YouTube Shorts has birthed a new era of storytelling, social commentary, news, views, and everything in between.
From fanboys to educators, Rubik’s Cube art to the magic of make-up, ‘expert’ commentary on every cultural moment to warm and comforting life advice set to cooking visuals, YouTube Shorts serves up the scratch to your itch. As 2024 draws to a close, we’re looking back at YouTube trends that reached most of us this year.
Comedy Shorts: Laugh Out Loud, Anytime
Laughter is considered a social lubricant, the beginning of connection, and even the cure to all ills. It’s only fitting then, that when we got left behind in our race for Coldplay tickets, that we turned to vent our collective grief and frustration on YouTube Shorts through comedy. Creator Sarorahere nailed the sentiment perfectly. This was us. All of us. Well, except for those who landed tickets, or, like Nadeesh Bhambi, watched a friend snag one. His freestyle shayari skit captured the bittersweet humor of the moment, cutting close to the bone, but that’s what made it so relatable – and hilarious.
But it isn’t just the fails that bring us to comedy, it’s the wins too! Manish Kharage turned his lens to the post-World Cup excitement, delivering a skit that hit home for all Indians – whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or one of those who “suffer” through it thanks to the cricket-crazed people in your life. On the other hand, creator Niraj Vangani hilariously embodied the regret of those who preempted their disappointment and skipped what turned out to be one of the most emotionally charged moments in TV history.
And let’s not forget how YouTube Shorts elevates quirky cultural humor. The phenomenon we now know as India’s Got Latent has delivered many a snort laugh, and several viral videos. This Short, however, captures the essence of what makes the show incredible – great stand up, lightning fast comebacks from a jury that was born to make us laugh out loud. For those of us who can’t get enough of Samay Raina’s quick comebacks, there’s a whole library to explore.
Citizen Journalists: News in a Minute
While breaking news is always just a swipe away, YouTube Shorts has empowered everyday people to become storytellers of the moment. Citizen journalists on the platform aren’t just observers – they’re participants, shedding light on stories that traditional media might miss.
Take the Olympics, for example. Insiders with Isha delivered a sharp critique of India’s opening ceremony outfits, sparking conversation and debate. On the other hand, BrutIndia highlighted a different side of the Games, uncovering the subpar meals served to our athletes and that they were suffering through a scorching 40C heat wave without air conditioning – stories that deserved attention.
As the medals began to trickle in, we were hungry for more. Creators like Abhay Sachdeva, who is known for his encyclopedic profiles, gave us everything we needed to know about Manu Bhaker, in under a minute. Now that’s a great ROI – the ability to knowledgeably talk about what’s trending, after spending a mere minute on content that truly delivers.
And let’s not forget the poignant tributes to Ratan Tata. Creator Finance With Sharan, who’s on a mission to improve India’s financial literacy, broke the mould to deliver this insightful tribute to Ratan Tata. While creator Nishant.Mehta.Speaks made a brilliant comparison between Ratan Tata and other CEOs and billionaires, KalaKar SANU Art’s stunning shadow art to King of Cubers’ portrait crafted entirely from Rubik’s cubes reminded us of the power of creativity in celebrating legacies.
Thought Leaders and Decoders: Making Sense of the Moment
Not all stories are simple. Some require a little unpacking – and that’s where YouTube Shorts’ thought leaders and decoders shine. When Nishant.Mehta.Speaks broke down the stratospheric ticket prices for Coldplay concerts, he didn’t just talk numbers; he dug into the psychology of FOMO and scalping.
TheQuint celebrated cultural phenomena like Hanumankind’s “Big Dawgs,” giving us an insider’s view on why it resonated globally. And if you’re someone who loves a little behind-the-scenes magic, Radio One International’s interview with Hanumankind offered a peek into the creative process behind the hit track. These creators take us deeper, helping us understand not just what’s happening, but why it matters.
Positive Pops of Joy: Little Moments of Sunshine
Sometimes, you don’t need a deep dive. Sometimes, you just need something to brighten your day. That’s where the joyful trends on YouTube Shorts come in.
Take the infectious energy of “Tauba Tauba,” a trend that had creators like Nritya Nation Official lighting up our screens with fire choreography. Or the hilariously relatable “Moye Moye” trend, which taught us all to laugh at life’s little disasters. These short bursts of happiness remind us of the simple joy of connecting over shared moments – and keep us coming back for more.
Skill Builders: Learn Something New, Fast
YouTube has long been the go-to platform for tutorials, but with Shorts, skill-building gets a makeover. The Asoka Makeup Trend, for instance, became a masterclass in dramatic beauty. Creators Ria Sehgal, Tanvi Karekar and others showed off multiple looks in a single video, while other creators like young couture created a step-by-step video to build one stunning look – all while moving to the music, and all in under 60 seconds.
However, given its large creator base, YouTube has something to cater to every niche and every type of learner – even for those preparing for the UPSC exams. Creator Manuj Jindal IAS delivers targeted advice on specific topics and subjects, while creator Shashank Sajwan addresses the more psychological aspects of the gruelling prep – how to avoid distractions, time management, when and even where to prepare.
Calming Content: A Haven for the Soul
Sometimes, we all need a little quiet. A little corner of YouTube Shorts has become a sanctuary for those seeking it.
There’s something inherently soothing about watching someone cook with love. Creator Sahini Banerjee does this particularly well – soothing music, easy to follow and much beloved recipes, and cute interactions between herself and her hubby creates content that is compelling, and always brings a smile. The Terrace Kitchen serves up visual delights, while Anjali Harikumar, aka Beextravegant, creates vegan delicacies that cue hunger pangs, no matter when you watch.
Stories Will Always Bring Us Together
We are Homo Fictus: we have always been storytellers. From the earliest cave paintings to the latest YouTube Shorts, our stories define us, connect us, and help us make sense of the world.
What makes YouTube Shorts so special is how it brings these stories to life in a way that’s accessible to everyone. Whether it’s a laugh-out-loud skit, a powerful tribute, or a calming piece of content, you always get more with YouTube Shorts.
As 2024 comes to a close, one thing is clear: it’s never been easier, or more exciting, to feel connected to the larger human family. With just 60 seconds, creators on YouTube Shorts are proving that sometimes, a little story can go a long way.
To know more click https://yt.be/global-trends-2024-IN
This is a partnered post.
