Are you ready to take your brand’s YouTube content marketing strategy to the next level? Well, get ready because YouTube has just unveiled three game-changing updates that will revolutionize how you engage with your audience. In this blog, we will explore the exciting new features of YouTube Shorts and discuss how you can leverage them to maximize your brand’s reach and engagement. From bidding farewell to clickable links to introducing channel profile links and content links for Shorts, we have all the insights you need to navigate these updates seamlessly.
Goodbye Clickable Links: The Reason Behind It
YouTube has decided to bid farewell to clickable links in YouTube Shorts, and while this may initially seem like a setback, there’s a good reason behind it. Sneaky spammers and members who redirect viewers to unrelated websites have been a constant nuisance. In their commitment to protect users and your brand, YouTube has taken the necessary step of eliminating off-site links in Shorts.
Channel Profile Links: Your Digital Storefront
Rather than leaving creators and brands in the dark with the removal of clickable links, YouTube has introduced channel profile links. These links will be prominently displayed on your channel page, giving you ample opportunity to showcase your offerings. With a generous capacity of 12 links, you now have the chance to promote your products, services, and affiliate marketing deals directly to viewers. Your channel becomes a digital storefront, allowing viewers to explore and engage with all the content you have to offer.
Content Links for YouTube Shorts: Driving Traffic to Your Long-Form Content
The grand finale of these game-changing updates is the introduction of content links for YouTube Shorts. Although we can no longer include clickable links, we can strategically direct viewers to any of our long-form content, live streams, premiers, and even other Shorts. By seamlessly guiding viewers from your Shorts to your epic long-form videos, you can build longer watch sessions and boost engagement on your channel.
But wait, there’s more. If you have a money video, affiliate deals, or a fantastic sponsorship opportunity, you can leverage Shorts to drive traffic to these golden content pieces or sponsors. Imagine the possibilities for expanding your reach and monetizing your YouTube presence.
Strategic Applications and Case Studies
Now that you understand the new YouTube Shorts features, let’s explore some strategic applications and case studies to inspire your content marketing strategy:
- Cross-Promotion: Use channel profile links to cross-promote related content, products, and services, strategically linking them to boost engagement.
- Spotlighting your Best Content: Utilize channel profile links to highlight your most popular or important videos, ensuring they’re easily accessible to your audience.
- Sponsored Content: With the inclusion of channel profile links, sponsored content can now share the spotlight, enhancing overall brand visibility.
- Driving Traffic: Use Shorts to strategically direct viewers to your long-form content, maximizing watch time and building a loyal audience.
- Affiliate Marketing: Take advantage of channel profile links to promote affiliate marketing deals, enticing viewers to explore and make purchases.
Take it for a spin
With YouTube’s latest updates to Shorts, content creators and brands now have more power than ever to engage with their audience and drive traffic to their best content. Bidding farewell to clickable links may seem like a hindrance, but the introduction of channel profile links and content links for Shorts offers a new world of possibilities. By strategically utilizing these features, you can create a digital storefront, direct viewers to your long-form content, and maximize engagement and monetization opportunities. It’s time to put on your thinking caps, brainstorm, and strategize how to make the most of these exciting new features. So, gear up and start revolutionizing your content marketing strategy with YouTube Shorts today!
