There’s a reason you keep watching short videos long after you told yourself, “Just one more.” They’re quick, addictive, and if they’re good, they leave you with either a laugh, a “how did they do that?” moment, or a sudden urge to make your own.
But making content that pops – like, actually pops – is harder than it looks.
Anyone can post a 15-second clip. The challenge is getting people to watch it, care about it, and maybe even hit replay. Whether you’re posting your first short, trying to build a channel, or just filmed a mystery box opening you’re irrationally proud of, the real magic happens in the details.
And most of the generic advice? You’ve heard it already.
So let’s skip the usual “use trending sounds” spiel and get into what actually works – the stuff people aren’t telling you.
Skip the Intro, Start with the Twist
Nobody has time for buildup. You have maybe two seconds to prove you’re not boring.
So instead of saying “Hey guys, today I’m opening a box,” cut straight to the best part. Tease the weirdest item first. Show your shocked reaction. Let people know right away that something unexpected is coming. Even better? Open with a question or challenge, like “Guess how much this ugly sweater cost.”
Treat your short like it’s already mid-conversation. That’s how you hook a scroller.
Tell a Story – Even if it’s Only 12 Seconds
Shorts that get traction usually follow a basic structure: setup, payoff, reaction.
It doesn’t have to be deep. Even something as simple as:
- “I bought a mystery box from a sketchy website.”
- “Here’s what was inside.”
- “And… I regret everything.”
That mini arc gives people a reason to stick around. It also makes your content way more satisfying.
Break Expectations with Sound
Here’s something fun: take something totally ordinary and pair it with a song that feels completely wrong.
Opening a luxury watch? Try lo-fi elevator music. Revealing fast food items? Use dramatic classical strings. The contrast makes people pay attention. It also makes them laugh, which is a win.
Turn Your Viewers Into Participants
Don’t just tell people what you did – pull them in.
If you’re unboxing something, ask viewers to guess what’s inside first. If you’re trying out a new product, get opinions. “Would you pay $100 for this?” “Should I return it or wear it proudly in public?”
This turns your video from a passive watch into an interactive one. That kind of engagement helps you grow, especially on TikTok and Instagram where the algorithm loves comments and shares.
Show Behind the Scenes (Especially the Messy Parts)
You’d be shocked how many people love watching the process more than the final product. So if your ring light fell mid-shot or your cat jumped into frame while you were filming, keep it.
Flawed is relatable. And being relatable is way more powerful than being polished.
Collaborate Outside Your Bubble
Everyone says “collab more,” but here’s the better twist: don’t just collab with people doing what you do. Cross into another niche.
If you make a mystery box opening, team up with someone who does streetwear hauls. If you’re into beauty, work with a gamer and do a “makeup look inspired by their loadout.” That’s how you find new audiences who didn’t know they’d be into your content until they saw it paired with something else they love.
Learn the Platforms, But Don’t Worship Them
TikTok likes fast cuts and chaotic energy. YouTube Shorts leans more into info-driven or storytime stuff. Instagram… well, it’s still figuring itself out. Point is, study what works, but don’t let trends dictate everything you post.
Find your voice, test formats, and let people follow you, not just your sound selection.
Make Content that Feels Like You – Just in Fast-forward
Shorts are weird. That’s the beauty of them. You don’t need a $2,000 setup or a background in film to make something people will watch. You just need something interesting to say, a way to say it fast, and the guts to hit post.
So if you’ve got an idea – go film it. If you’ve got a wild mystery box opening – share it. If you messed up your first five takes – post the sixth and make a joke about the rest.
Because what makes your shorts pop isn’t some secret trick. It’s you, with a little less filler and a little more fun.
