Why YouTube Shorts is the Easiest Way to Get 100K Subscribers
Want to grow a YouTube channel fast? Forget long-form videos the quickest path to 100K subscribers in 2024 is YouTube Shorts.
With over 2 billion logged-in monthly users, YouTube is pushing Shorts harder than ever. Channels are gaining 10,000+ subscribers in weeks some even hitting 100K in just 30 days thanks to Shorts’ explosive reach.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✅ Why Shorts get 10x more views than regular videos
✅ The exact Shorts strategy top creators use to go viral
✅ How to monetize Shorts (even without 1,000 subs)
✅ 7 proven tips to turn Shorts viewers into loyal subscribers
Let’s break down why YouTube Shorts is the easiest way to hit 100K subs and how you can do it too.
Why YouTube Shorts = Faster Growth Than Long-Form Videos
1. The Algorithm Favors Shorts (For Now)
YouTube is prioritizing Shorts to compete with TikTok. This means:
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Higher reach: Shorts appear in the “Shorts Feed” (like TikTok’s FYP).
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Lower competition: Fewer creators are fully leveraging Shorts.
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Free promotion: YouTube pushes Shorts to new viewers aggressively.
2. Shorts Get 10x More Views (With Less Effort)
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A long-form video might get 1,000 views in a week.
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A viral Short can hit 100,000+ views in 24 hours.
Example:
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@FitTuber grew from 0 to 500K subs in 3 months using only Shorts.
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@RecipeReels hit 100K subs in 30 days with cooking Shorts.
3. Shorts Can Convert Viewers Into Subscribers Faster
Unlike TikTok (where followers don’t always translate to YouTube subs), Shorts viewers often subscribe if they like your content.
Pro Tip: Use a strong CTA (“Subscribe for more!”) at the end of each Short.
The Exact Strategy to Get 100K Subscribers With Shorts
Step 1: Niche Down for Maximum Virality
Shorts work best in high-engagement niches:
✔ Hacks & Tips (fitness, money, life advice)
✔ Trending Challenges (dances, pranks, experiments)
✔ Before/After (transformation clips)
✔ Quick Tutorials (cooking, tech, DIY)
Avoid: Overly broad topics (e.g., “vlogging”).
Step 2: Steal Viral Trends (But Make Them Unique)
YouTube Shorts rewards trends. Here’s how to find them:
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Browse the Shorts Feed – See what’s popping off.
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Use YouTube’s “Trending” Tab – Filter by “Shorts.”
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Check TikTok Trends – Many trends cross over.
Example:
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If “5-minute crafts” are trending, make a faster, funnier version.
Step 3: Hook Viewers in the First 2 Seconds
You have under 3 seconds to grab attention. Use:
🔥 Shocking statements (“Stop doing pushups wrong!”)
🔥 Curiosity gaps (“This $1 trick made me $10K…”)
🔥 Fast-paced action (no slow intros!)
Step 4: Post Consistently (3-5 Shorts Per Day)
The more you post, the faster you grow. Top Shorts creators post:
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3-5x/day (minimum)
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Same niche (don’t jump between topics)
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At peak times (12-3 PM & 7-10 PM EST)
Pro Tip: Batch-create Shorts (film 10 in one day).
Step 5: Turn Viewers Into Subscribers
Getting views is great but subscribers pay the bills. Convert viewers by:
✔ Ending with a CTA (“Subscribe for part 2!”)
✔ Using a “Subscribe” watermark (in YouTube Studio)
✔ Creating a “Series” (e.g., “Day 1 of 30” challenges)
How to Monetize YouTube Shorts (Before 1,000 Subs!)
Yes, you can make money from Shorts even without 1,000 subscribers.
1. YouTube Shorts Fund ($$$ for Viral Views)
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YouTube pays $100-$10,000/month for top Shorts creators.
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Requirements:
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10M+ Shorts views in 90 days
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Original content (no reposts)
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2. Affiliate Marketing (Promote Products)
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Add affiliate links in your bio (Amazon, ClickBank).
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Example: A fitness Shorts channel promotes protein powder.
3. Sell Digital Products (Courses, Ebooks, Templates)
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Use Shorts to tease a product (“Get my free ebook in bio!”).
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Convert viewers into buyers.
4. Sponsorships (Brand Deals)
At 10K+ subs, brands will pay you $100-$1,000 per sponsored Short.
7 Proven Tips to Make Your Shorts Go Viral
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Use Trending Sounds (YouTube’s music library).
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Add Text Captions (many watch without sound).
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Keep It Under 15 Seconds (shorter = more replays).
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Post at Least 3x/Day (consistency = algorithm love).
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Engage in the First Hour (reply to comments fast).
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Use Hashtags (#shorts #viral #fyp).
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Remix Other Viral Shorts (add your twist).
Case Study: How @GymShorts Hit 100K in 60 Days
Niche: Fitness tips
Strategy:
✅ Posted 5 Shorts/day (quick workout hacks).
✅ Used trending sounds & hooks.
✅ Turned viewers into subs with “Follow for Day 2!” CTAs.
Results:
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1M+ views per week
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100K subscribers in 2 months
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$3,000/month from sponsorships
Common Shorts Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Posting inconsistently (algorithm hates this).
❌ Ignoring trends (virality requires trends).
❌ No CTA (missing free subscribers).
❌ Low energy (boring = skipped).