Why Your YouTube Shorts Aren’t Getting Views
You put in the time, filmed your Short, added music, maybe even followed a trend—and still, your views are stuck at double digits. Sound familiar?
Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many creators face the same issue. But here’s the good news: there are real, fixable reasons behind it.
In this blog, you’ll learn exactly why your YouTube Shorts might not be hitting and how to fix each issue step-by-step. Whether you’re brand new or already growing, these tips can help unlock the algorithm and get more eyes on your content.
Let’s dive in.
1. Your View-to-Swipe Ratio Is Too Low
What is it?
The view-to-swipe ratio measures how many people stop to watch your Short versus those who instantly swipe away. If this number is below 70%, YouTube sees it as a negative signal and may suppress your video in the feed.
How to fix it:
- Make your Shorts under 20 seconds. Shorter videos are easier to finish, which helps your average watch time.
- Use a powerful hook in the first 2 seconds. Ask a question, show something unexpected, or use fast cuts to grab attention.
- Avoid slow builds. Your opening scene should be the strongest moment.
Pro tip: Aim for at least a 70% view-to-swipe ratio. If you hit 80%+, you’re likely to go viral.
2. You’re Using a Brand-New Account
Why it matters: New accounts often look suspicious to YouTube’s system. If you start posting Shorts immediately, YouTube may treat you like a bot and limit your reach.
How to fix it:
- Use an account that’s at least a few weeks old.
- Engage on YouTube before uploading (like videos, leave comments, subscribe to channels).
- If you must start fresh, spend 2–3 weeks just watching and interacting with content to “warm up” the account.
Personal insight: I tested this with two new channels. The one I warmed up first performed far better in its early uploads.
3. The Algorithm Missed Your Short
What’s going on? YouTube Shorts algorithm is still maturing. Sometimes, good content just doesn’t get picked up. Even established creators experience this.
What to do:
- Wait 48 hours. If the video is stuck under 100 views, delete it.
- Change the title and re-upload the same video.
- Post it at a different time or day.
4. You’re Using the Wrong Tags
Why tags matter: Tags help YouTube understand who to show your content to. Bad or unrelated tags confuse the algorithm and hurt your reach.
Use this tag strategy:
- Post-Specific Tags – Tags that describe exactly what the video is about. Example:
bicep workout,best tricep routine - Niche-Specific Tags – Tags that reflect your channel’s topic. Example:
fitness,bodybuilding,nutrition - Broad/Viral Tags – General tags for discoverability. Example:
viral shorts,foryoupage,trending now
Apply 3-4 tags from each category. It gives YouTube Shorts a well-rounded understanding of your content.
5. You’re Uploading Too Often
Why less can be more: If you’re not yet monetized or under 100k subs, uploading multiple Shorts a day can confuse the algorithm. It spreads your audience too thin.
Best practice:
- Post once per day, especially when starting out.
- Let each video “breathe” and collect data before pushing the next one.
Why this works: If you post too many Shorts, YouTube may not know which one to prioritize. A good Short might get buried by others that underperform.
6. You’re Putting Hashtags in the Title
This is a mistake. Hashtags in titles take up valuable space and don’t help your reach. The title should spark curiosity and get people to click, not look like a string of tags.
What to do instead:
- Use no hashtags in your title.
- Add 2–3 relevant hashtags in your description instead.
- Look at top Shorts creators like MrBeast—they never put hashtags in titles.
Final Thoughts
Getting views on YouTube Shorts isn’t just about posting a quick video — it’s about knowing how the platform works. If your Shorts aren’t getting views, don’t get discouraged. Small changes, like improving your hook, choosing better tags, and giving your videos time to breathe, can make a huge difference.
Remember: every creator starts somewhere. The ones who grow are the ones who learn, tweak, and keep going.
Now it’s your turn!
Try a few of the tips from this blog on your next Short and watch what happens. Stay patient, keep improving, and your breakthrough will come.
You’ve got this — keep creating!