This graph shows how YouTube shorts have become more searched for than Instagram reels on Google.Source: Falkon Digital
This graph shows how YouTube shorts have become more searched for than Instagram reels on Google.YouTube Shorts primarily serve as an audience acquisition and discovery tool. They are YouTube's response to the attention economy and the competition from platforms like TikTok.
Long-Form Videos are the engine of deep engagement and high-value monetization. They are where YouTube truly differentiates itself. Long-form content builds brand authority, fosters a loyal and committed community, and generates the significant ad revenue that sustains creators and, by extension, the platform's business model.
The amount of viewers and live channels on YouTube fluctuates depending on the time of day, but is generally around 6 million concurrent viewers and 34,000 live channels.Live Content increases user engagement, providing unique monetization opportunities, attracts new audiences, boosts overall watch time, and helps the platform's algorithm to prioritize content. These real-time interactive streams foster a strong sense of community, save creators time, and generate consistent traffic, contributing to the platform's growth and a healthy creator ecosystem.
According to Statista, 25% of views come from the Entertainment category, while 22% come from the "Other" category. Interestingly, 7% go to Film & Animation and Gaming each,
meaning if they were counted with Entertainment, 39% of total views would come from Entertainment.The most popular genres on YouTube include Entertainment, Music, Gaming, Blogs/Vlogs, and Educational Content. Music and entertainment, especially within YouTube Shorts, account for a massive share of views. "How-to" and educational videos are also highly popular, as they provide practical knowledge and solve viewers' problems.
"YouTube made $36.1 billion from advertising in 2024, a 14.6% increase on the previous year." - TafradzhiyskiOver the past 10 years, YouTube's advertising revenue has continued to grow, indicating that its business model has shown great success. Tapping into this source of wealth is crucial for any content creator seeking to turn this hobby into a job.
The above data is in constant flux. Those who want to grow a successful YouTube channel should continue to analyze data, especially that from "Stream Charts" and "Business of Apps", to see when there are more live viewers, how YouTube is generating more revenue, and what categories and content format is trending.
For example, if one is passionate about Minecraft, they could look into starting a Minecraft gaming channel and uploading long-form content to create community and generate revenue, while also uploading short-form content to boost discovery. Given that most viewers are on around 2pm, that would be a great time to upload. Finally, uploading on both Instagram and YouTube could help with increasing impressions.
