It wasn't JUST a tape measure test: The insane effect of YouTube Shorts.

Shorts version: • I snapped a tape measu...
Full video: • I need to get a life
Script:
I recently posted a video on my main channel that I thought was really fun: testing a tape measure to see if letting it snap back into its case would ruin it. What you didn’t know is that I was also testing something else, comparing the performance of a #shorts version of the same video.
It’s been a couple weeks now and I want to share my results of the shorts vs longs test and some interesting discoveries I made.
I posted the full video on March 8th. As of today, April 2nd, it has 85,000 views. That's really low.
After posting that video, 3 days later on March 11, I posted the Shorts version. Today it has about 5 million views.
The day I posted the long video was the most viewed day. 35,000 views in those first 24 hours. 87% of those came from subscribers. That's less than 2% of my subscribers. If you were one of those, thank you! This was ranked as the worst performing of the previous 10 videos.
But it was only downhill from there. In the video’s first three days it had dropped to 5700 views a day. And since then, it has flatlined. This is essentially a dead video.
Keep in mind, this was a passion project…a video I made just for the fun of making it and I'm proud of it. I love the story, my filming, my editing…it's one of my favorite videos in the past decade.
The low view count wasn't really unexpected. This falls in line with my Halloween videos. They are passion projects that I love making, but they don’t appeal to very many viewers, especially new viewers, and they confuse the KZbin algorithm since they aren’t really about woodworking.
To be fair, I don’t think KZbin knows who to recommend them to. “Top 5 woodworking mistakes you need to STOP doing” will always perform the best. And of course, these are way easier to make. It’s why we’re seeing fewer and fewer people making actual projects on KZbin these days, but I talked about that in another video.
Now let’s look at the Shorts version. In this version, I edited out all the commentary and only kept the high speed snapping of the tape measure and the final breaking. There is absolutely zero context to this video: who I am, why I was doing this, or what all I was testing. It’s just released into the wild with no explanation.
In its first 24 hours, it got 15,000 views, making it by far the worst performing Short out of the past 10.
On day three, it received about 3,000 views, which made the video statistically irrelevant. I could probably post a static video of a sheet of plywood and get that many views.
And this video stayed like that until day 12, when suddenly KZbin started recommending it. Overnight, it went from number 10 out of 10 to number 1.
But here’s the most interesting thing. The majority of these views are from returning visitors. You get that? Not subscribers, returning viewers. These are people who have seen my videos previously and were shown this one.
Basically, these ARE Shorts subscribers. They haven’t officially subscribed to anything, but KZbin is feeding them more of what they enjoy watching.
And this illustrates the irrelevance of the subscriber button or subscriber counts in general across KZbin. Clicking the subscribe button on any channel is just one tiny data point KZbin uses to determine what to show you. It is essentially a like button.
Ironically, this short has driven about 7000 subscribers to my channel. Subscribers that will most likely watch nothing else. Except my shorts which they'll get fed anyway.
The full version, the one I put so much effort into, inspired about 45 people to subscribe.
At the moment, the only thing holding Shorts back from completely dominating KZbin is monetization. There is still no method in place for creators to earn any real income from Shorts. This is something that KZbin is working on and they're suggesting to creators that a solution is in the works for later this year.
The question is, Is it better to produce videos for a few people or for many people? Or more importantly, Is producing free content for a small audience sustainable, especially with the amount of video creators increasing exponentially?
"Just make quality content and people will find you" is no longer the best advice. I present my tape measure short as exhibit A. Let's face it…that's far from quality content. It simply triggered thousands of data points that appeal to a large mass of people. A robot could have made that video…and who knows, someday it may.
If making shorts ever becomes a viable income source, I would imagine the woodworking and maker space will look a lot different. The most viewed, followed, and recommended channels will be producing predominantly Shorts content.
I still think there’s value in producing quality how-to content for very small audiences. As creators, we need to define what success means beyond followers and views.

[@cleanmyspace]

I still believe in long form content. It may fall out of style for awhile, but it always comes back :)

[@popsixsquishable]

I didn't expect to see you here! Two of my favorites

[@tehtonym]

Same, good for you! At this point I'll regularly watch anyone in this space that defies the TikTok add trend

[@nickkropat8857]

This is just everybody trying to jump on the TicTok bandwagon. And further evidence that the people who run youtube have no idea what youtube is.

[@DCgamer723]

I really hope this prediction doesn't come true. I watch all of the wwmm videos not just for learning, but steve is an interesting person. I like the quirkiness that he brings to his videos, it makes them more fun than "hey watch me build this thing" videos that other channels do.

[@DougPalumbo]

If KZbin goes full shorts, I’ll probably find another service. Although I initially disliked shorts, channels (like WWMM) that I regularly check in with, I now see the value and purpose. Shorts for channels I don’t subscribe to I usually ignore.

[@FilamentFriday]

$429.50 vs $30.41 is a huge difference. If KZbin finds a way to close that gap, shorts could take over. Sad but probably true.

[@user-sk4nt5bm5r]

As an adult with a family, kids and a business, I have money to spend. And based of youtube videos I spend thousands of Euros over the years (cars, machines, movies, subscriptions, etc.), I bought lots of stuff suggested by this channel as well. FYI I have a youtube premium sub for my family. The generation that likes TikTok and shorts, I feel like they don't have that much money to spend, plus how effective are this short ads in short videos? I wonder what the actual return on investment is for ads on shorts. The other annoying thing about shorts is that they are made for mobile. If you get older you eyes get worse, I personally do no like to watch video on my mobile for that reason. Even the TikTok generation will get old and get bad eyes. So some service must jump in that gap.

[@ryanbecker6584]

@@user-sk4nt5bm5r they have a lot of money to spend, but not on woodworking equipment. Teenagers (particularly girls) drive a relatively significant portion of the economy, though that money goes to very specific industries (fashion, tech, etc).

[@justindavidson6917]

I would never ever buy KZbin premium subscription. To further feed the monster that KZbin has become. Also chep it is sad. They’re turning KZbin into you TikTok

[@squirrelness]

The most important thing is that YOU enjoy what you are doing. I was specifically looking for wood working videos when I came across your channel. They are fun and informative!

[@nathanlucas6465]

**eagerly awaiting the video of a static sheet of plywood

[@SteveRamseyPlus]

Lol...somebody's gonna do it!

[@jhoodfysh]

Interesting and very thoughtful commentary Steve. Personally, I like the longer videos (okay, not much more that 30 minutes depending on the topic) and I often will watch subject matter videos that interest me multiple times (as I have done with yours). Shorts seemed to be aimed at the attention span of the viewers. Even commercials on television are getting shorter. I sincerely hope you will continue with the more detailed content, but I certainly understand that is really tough to spend hours creating content and only getting a handful of views.

[@henryskinner1092]

Steve, I miss you doing woodworking projects and I don't think I am alone. I learn something every time I watch you. I do not do tic tock. Even if you do short video, I watch. God Bless.

[@joeyjune3122]

AMEN! I have learned so much from Steve over the years.

[@wilnavanschalkwyk2401]

Absolutely! I miss those project videos 😔

[@TheSMEAC]

Absolutely… I’m watching projects and skill content. I’ll still watch what Steve makes and appreciate he’s trying to pay the bills. I really don’t think WWMM would hit my algorithm too often these days, but because I’m long time subscriber/viewer I get the notification. My search and view history would probably only rarely pick up things from WWMM in the last 24 months.

[@peterkjrgaard7890]

This just show how INCREDIBLY important your courses are! No one is posting educational videos in woodworking anymore - so glad I have access to all of your plans and projects to make in my wwmm weekend workshop!😊👍

[@velcroman11]

Mate don’t ever change how you are doing it. Yours are the first of the subs I look at when you post. Never seen a video of yours that I thought was not interesting. Albeit, some are really, really crazy.

[@morganhurst_redridge]

From my experiences, shorts have mostly had no effect on helping me build up my channel. I mainly make videos about my projects and for the most part, those videos do pretty good, with around 200 views in the first few days. When I post a short it usually gets very few views in the first couple of days then spikes to 1k and goes back to nothing. The big problem with shorts is that they bring in a lot of fake subscribers or subscribers who don't care about your normal content. If I post a short then a few days later post a normal video, I get to watch my sub count go back down which is really painful.

[@jlhartness]

My son, who has no interest in woodworking saw the Shorts on his feed. I was using a tape and he says " There's a guy on KZbin who snapped a tape measure 1000 times to test letting it go" I'm not a fan of shorts, personally but if it drives people to your page, I get it.

[@DenisRyan]

Fantastic insight. I'm one of those subscribers that watched the original video on the first day it went up, if not in the first hour or so, depending on what I was doing that day. I also watched the short when it popped into my feed. Keep making my laugh, and I'll keep watching.

[@marcobucci]

The results are really something. After listening to you and Marc Spagnuolo discuss this on your podcast, I decided to try some shorts on my own (art) channel. I had the exact same results, with two shorts I made becoming far and away my most popular videos (and just like your analytics, it took several days for KZbin to decide to push them.) I don't necessarily love that, as like many others here, I will always prefer making and watching longer-form content for the educational value. I appreciate your insights, Steve!

[@jasondalton6111]

Over the years I've found so many great creators and had the opportunity to learn so much from the various communities I enjoy. I really hate how we have to fight AGAINST the algorithm to get new creative content. KZbin recommends shorts like crazy, an addictive timewaster, and repeatedly recommends videos I don't want to watch, until I inevitably relent and watch it just to get YT to stop recommending it. Somehow the economics, quality, and enjoyment are all misaligned. I hope YT can work it out. I started watching YT many years ago with you, Diresta, Jay Bates, John Highz, Pask, and others and now almost never see you in my recommended feed. I always scroll my subscribed channels to get the latest.

[@rlwing]

I still look for the long build videos. One reason I haven't watched much on your channel. I still re-watch old videos, when there is something I want to refresh my memory on. Most of the time, though, I'm looking at other channels now, all for full builds and technique. Sorry that this is not a big money maker for you anymore. Still love you Steve, and YES, I did just subscribe to this channel.

[@bjolley8686]

I think in many ways, shorts are a flash in the pan. Long format is the best way to share in depth content. Shorts are really something to watch when you have no time. I usually pick videos for content in the realm of my interests. Thanks for your efforts in both formats. And we do enjoy build videos here and there although it is logical that finding unique/new projects gets more challenging as time marches on. Cudos to Steve for sticking with equipment that is affordable. Not like some channels whose shops cost more than the average income much less the average hobby budget. GO STEVE

[@JJMcCullough]

Fascinating insights as always Steve. What would monetization look like? I don’t know much about how TikTok does it.

[@Muldrr]

Hey Steve, the short actually kept me from watching your long form video. I'm a pretty loyal subscriber since a few years now and mostly watch all your videos (and even enjoy your Halloween ones), but I had seen the short of this before getting the chance to watch the full video and actually thought: "oh, I guess I don't need to watch the 8minute version of Steve Snapping Stuff now".... So the short actually kept me from watching the full version, kinda like a bad trailer for a movie... Thought I'd put that out there too... Might go watch the full version anyway now :-)

[@chriskhall]

When I watch a long project video, I feel better at the end than when I watch a short. Shorts are mindless entertainment.

[@MsBlacklightBlue]

Thanks for making content like this! I'm one of the subscribers who watched the long format day 1. The short was shown to me not very long ago. I really liked seeing both! As someone who has started to view more shorts, I have noticed that I have less patience for filler in videos. Yours are always super entertaining. But, sometimes with other channels, I end up skipping through a ten minute video thinking "this would have been fun to watch if it were only five minutes." You do such a great job of editing videos to be the length they need to be for the content. It's amazing that you even found a way to make two versions of this, and both were great. Excellent work 👍

[@Jayxster]

Shorts are a hot mess. I watched both versions of the tape measure video, because (as you explained) KZbin recommends it; the problem with shorts is that it doesn’t matter if you scroll past a short video, it counts as a view even if you only “watched” a split second of it. This clutters my history with content I didn’t absorb and, based on that interaction, I am now recommended more, similar content which I am not interested in. A subscription, to me, is like a bookmark - I don’t have to add your latest video to a list to remember to watch it later, I know where to find it already 🤷‍♂️ Keep the good stuff coming 👍

[@GCrocker662]

Personally I like both formats, I watched both. I'm also a subscriber.

[@rickwaddell4962]

I watch you off and on and wanted to comment on this vid. You are so right about KZbin and how they are changing. It is nearly impossible to find someone building furniture. One of the best still posting full builds is Sawyer Design. A true artist and engineer. I appreciate your effort especially with people posting who know very little about building. I'm sick and tired of people giving advice on how to work and use tools in a shop especially when I see the guy sitting on his tablesaw talking something I would never do. I'm also sick and tired of CNC and river tables which seem to be taking over. I stop watching vids when I see pocket holes, screws, or nuts and bolts. Thanks again for your effort.

[@SpideyScott72]

You said something towards the end that I think is very important which is essentially as a content creator, who do you want to reach. Originally it seemed to be aimed at the beginning woodworker. I don't feel like that is your target any longer. You do often mention to viewers about getting started for under $1000 by checking on your free tool list, which is clearly aimed at the newer woodworker, BUT not much else is catered to the newbie as it used to be. What drew me in was how you used to do your videos. What keeps me is I continue to enjoy your humor and get references to older videos, projects, and the shop talk even though your approach has changed considerably. Having been around on KZbin for awhile, has YOUR "mission" changed in terms of what you want to give your audience or who you want as your audience? In terms of being a KZbin personality, when someone hears your name, what would you like to be known for (or does it even matter)‽

[@joeleonetti8976]

Really enjoyed this video. I was talking to my family this weekend about making KZbin videos for my woodworking. I've concluded that the time involved is more than my interest in making them based on how much extra time it adds to the woodworking I enjoy the woodworking, don't mind taking photos for my blog, but dislike the hassle of videoing (and I haven't even gotten to the editing process). I've concluded that the videos I make (and its success as you aptly discuss) will be for close friends and family. After doing the full video (since I filmed it), future videos will likely be a slideshow format. Unlikely to have any wide appeal but minimal effort to make. Close friends and family would likely watch them in slide show format and that in my mind would mean success.

[@Joulespersecond]

I recently got into woodworking, and your channel has been one of the best resources and enjoyable things to watch on youtube for a long time. I really don't see how pushing shorts can be good for the health of youtube as a platform - it incentivises the creation of crappy content, which lowers the average quality of content available.

[@OU81TWO]

Content isn't what KZbin is looking for. They're looking for viewership and advertising dollars from companies.

[@Joulespersecond]

@@OU81TWO In the very short term this is true, but the long-term survival of the business is put in jeopardy if the average quality dips low enough.

[@OU81TWO]

@@Joulespersecond "Quality" is subjective. What you might find as utter garbage may be fantastic to a teenager. There's more of them than there are of you and the views will pour in. Cases in point...Jake Paul, Logan Paul, Pewdiepie, etc.

[@FernandaFoertter]

When YT started rewarding creators for long content things got way too long. YT is responding to TikTok and ironically TT is adding longer 10min formats. I personally prefer

[@orthwineroherdihon3965]

Success measure beyond views and subscribers. More of this thinking is needed. Thank you for all your videos!

[@fetchingphotos]

I just watched that long version yesterday. I was surprised to see it when I went to your channel to find a specific older video, because I had missed it when you released it. Although I subscribe, I did not see it when it came out and YT did not recommend it, or the short video, to me. Usually when a channel that I subscribe to puts out new content it will appear on my Home list as well. I guess I still have a long attention span, I prefer longer videos related to things I want to build. in this case I watched the tape snapping video because I am always up for a good experiment, and I couldn't believe you did 10k snaps for a video! But thanks to YT not recommending it I didn't stumble upon it for a couple weeks.

[@justpaul899]

So funny how the algorithms work. I have to confess most of the videos of yours that I have watched the most lately are not about woodworking, but about KZbin trends and general interest topics! :) no matter what you're talking about, I find your videos enjoyable!

[@JesperMakes]

Hi Steve, I'm a long time subscriber of your main channel and I'm one of those who only saw the short and not the long. I wasn't aware of the long version until I saw this video. I have all the bells and whistles turned on for your channel and have a track record of watching at least 100 videos on your channel so it's really weird. At the same time of your prediction one of my own long videos have exploded and are about to surpass my most viewed short and bringing in thousands of subscribers, so from my perspective longs and shorts will be living together on my channel for a long time to come.

[@sr9094]

I appreciate you pulling back the curtain a bit to help us make sense of the direction things are pointed. As disheartening as it is for people like me who enjoy the experience of a long form experience, it at least helps contextualize the shift. In my mind, this feels very akin to the problem podcasters have had for more than a decade. There is a small, passionate following of people who want to hear a 26hr, five part series on WW1. But we alone don’t pay the bills. For what it’s worth, I think the artisanal element of the woodworking you and others do is what draws me to it. I like sinking into a video, getting a feel for how things work and why you’re doing the things you do in a project. Maybe something like moving away from ad-based revenue and really for more true subscription would give more freedom. I’d happily pay a few dollars a month to my favorite creators, you included. Your expertise is valuable to me and inspired me to take the leap to start building things in my garage. Your work helps me operate my table saw safely, helps me learn Sketch Up, helps me avoid wasting money on gadgets I don’t need. The least I could do is help support you making the stuff I most enjoy. Thanks for what you do, I am proud to be in the 2% who watched the full tape measure video and I loved it.

[@webweikle]

I LOVE the project (how to) videos. I don’t like watching a video that indicates it’s going to tell or show me how to make something and then it’s a short. Please don’t stop making your how to’s.

[@karl_alan]

I really enjoyed the tape measure video. I think I watched it on the 1st day, but I didn't bother watching the short since I already saw it.

[@jeffreyallen2778]

I hope the shorts don't end up taking over. the stats might be skewed a little by people scrolling up and ending up in one they weren't planning on watching. I love your content and you are one of the few channels that I will watch shorts from

[@michaelclark2458]

I personally prefer longer quality videos like the project videos. But you are right our society has such a short attention span now that 5-10 seconds is all most people can pay attention without needing new visual stimulation. It’s a constant dopamine hit world now because of social media. Sadly this change is both necessary for the platform and content creators to survive and at the same time making it no different than TikTok, Facebook, Instagram. I personally got off all social media except KZbin on June 6th last year and I feel like my attention span has slowly improved. I also happen to be a subscriber of both channels and watched both when they came out.

[@rafalmag]

Please do not stop producing the: long, how-to, project content. It is really hard to find a good video like that these days...

[@arbyars.chicksawdust]

I like the long version videos. Not saying I will not watch the "Shorts", but most of the time no. They are now showing (and have for a while) Shorts on FB, IG, etc... I am looking for ideas and how to to watch. Steve, my favorite video is the Woodsmith / ShopNotes router lift. Thanks Steve. I hope for you the best!

[@DCgamer723]

I like shorts when I'm just browsing KZbin before bed and don't want to watch a 20 min video, just a couple of, oh that was neat vids.

[@craigbourne575]

I don't hate shorts. I think there is value in both styles of content. I watch both and enjoy both, although I prefer more details than less. If enough details for a tip or a project can be provided in a shorts video, I don't mind it being in the shorts video format. I think you have done a good job in determining what to use the shorts for. Overall, I think content creators are going to eventually have to go with what is most successful for their channel. One thing I have seen on other channels that I also like is when creators will post a shorts video about a project they have done in the past, such as projects they did 2 or more years ago. I will see a shorts video of a project, and it sparks an interest, then I search for the long, detailed version of that project.

[@Nishijin75]

Long videos : I learn something, I have time to enjoy a story... Short videos : I keep watching one after the other. After a long time, I got nothing, just time wasted. After a few evenings wasting time on shorts, I nearly stoped watching them. I watched yours, though, because of you. Not because of the format. I think I missed the long version, though I don't understand why I missed it (I am actually interested in the experiment!)

[@Nishijin75]

Oh, I have zero interest in TikTok. I don't follow KZbinrs on TikTok. Good length for me : 10 to 20 minutes. Enough to have time to enjoy and tell a story. Short enough I can find time to watch it. 30 minutes needs to be interesting enough for me to remember to come back to it when I have time. Over 30ish, I almost never watch.

[@Wordsnwood]

Your "long" earned about $400 more than the short.... 5 million views is nice, but so is $400. Also, what about sponsorship? Are people finding a way to get sponsorship for shorts?

[@SteveRamseyPlus]

$400 for the time and effort to make that video is far less than minimum wage. I would definitely expect larger KZbinrs to land sponsored Shorts videos eventually (if not already) like they do in TikTok and Reels.

[@JB501USA]

I hate the way that works I planned to watch that video but it sounds like the most benefit to you is watching it as soon as it comes out, I tend to binge watch channels I like and regularly am months behind the content they put out. I just finished Watching the full length video, loved it don’t stop being you. Definitely one of the best channels on youtube.

[@danielfingerberlin]

For the record: I watched the long form tape measure test soon after it was released. I believe, YT is mainly pushing shorts to compete with Instagram. Ironically, the Instagram creators I know hate their new algorithms and get very few views anymore. I do not believe a short format based platform to be economically viable. What would the ratio be?Watch two shorts, watch one commercial? And: I would not be watching any woodworking (or tool) videos at all if you and orhers had not done suc a great form with long formats. Heck, I would never even have picked up a tool in the first place. Thank you, nice experiment, though! 👏

[@LivingMyBestLifeIAm]

I’ve created several of the projects you’ve posted and that won’t happen with shorts. I am not a fan of shorts in general because I like to watch to learn and learn to do. I typically looking for longer videos when selecting what to watch. Keep doing you and we will keep doing us. ❤️🇨🇦

[@simoneboxler1065]

Strange fact. I've just discovered your channel because of this video. And i really enjoy your other content!

[@wittworks]

I watched your full version and passed on the shorts version. Clearly I’m a unicorn.

[@WayneTheBoatGuy]

Interesting observations. As a smaller channel, when I hear hear you say that a video got 48k views in a day, and not considering that to be good - I am hoping to someday get 40-50k views on a new video in its first week!

[@auralsonicwaves7170]

I definitely like the how-to content as it provides educational material. I can't say that I have learned anything useful that stays with me long term from any shorts that I have watched. I hope you can continue to provide the educational content in long form and still make a living doing it.

[@1NewEggFan]

I don't consistently watch, but I often binge. Sorry if this hurts your growth, but I like your openness, honesty, and how your happiness translates over the air waves!

[@MarceloFreitas70]

Hi, Steve. Thanks for keep producing larger videos. I enjoy the content and hear from you too. I like your short videos too. They're perfect to watch between my shifts. Thank you for sharing. Marcelo.

[@jbkibs]

i'd say it depends on the video. talking at length about testing a tape measure is probably going to be pretty boring. one of first videos that i saw from you is the nail through wood video, with "what did you learn in school today" in the background. i loved the song so much that i picked up my guitar and learned it immediately. the video was perfect in every way. simple and effective. it made me subscribe and watch all your other videos. like a trailer, the shorts will reel in new people and the longer videos will keep them involved in the whole series.

[@michaelgegoski3288]

I like your long videos because I learned the details in your build, that is more important than just watching you build something. Please keep making them, they are that important. Stay safe and enjoy life.

[@rjsiii3]

Great experiment. Long time subscriber and have bought 2 of your courses. Starting my own channel and love your insight. Especially the experimental speech approach to shorts

[@Tinkery]

I watched both the full video and the short. Not gonna lie, I liked them both. The full version was much more informative but the short was also entertaining. They fit different niches for me and I think there is room for both types of content.

[@MrJozza65]

I do hope that Shorts don't end up taking over. One of the main reasons I now watch KZbin instead of traditional TV programmes is the depth and detail of content provided,. particularly from the Maker community, and the personality of the presenters. Shorts are just a quick gratification, and don't have time to convey anything really useful, just a brief snippet of entertainment before you jump to the next one and forget the one you just watched 5 seconds ago. Sadly, the short attention span of TikTok and Shorts seems to be getting more popular nowadays than actually paying attention and learning something.

[@edo2406]

In the last few years i stopped subscribing to channels, i no longer use the subascribtion section but i only watch what is in the home dashboard and i like it. It's a good mix of channels that i follow and topics that i like. So i watched your reel but the video never showed in my home so i didn't notice it

[@oldfreddyfrenchfry1]

While shorts get more views, I don’t see them as a better quality experience between creator and viewer. They get more views because it’s easy to mindlessly scroll through shorts on the toilet, and appeal better to short attention spans and procrastination. But a better viewership experience is when you take time to listen to a “real video” and have a better learning experience. Love your videos!

[@Quentyn73]

I rarely get you on shorts, but yt recommended pretty much all regular vids to me. Imo, there are two type of viewings, entertainment and learning.

[@TheSmithomatic]

Great video steve, I always wanted to make youtube maker videos but felt like I missed the original golden age ( I was there over 10 years ago when it all began). For whatever reason I have found the confidence to make videos now and I feel like I am at the start of a new golden age that will be shorts. I have done a bunch of experiments with shorts over the past few months and learned loads from the statistics. I have been doing something where I post a video daily for 30 days on a chosen topic or with a particular theme then swap for another 30 days. You can really see big changes in the stats by doing this I feel like the information I have would be a marketers wet dream 😅 thanks for super content and 10 years of quality woodworking!

[@jameshopkins1919]

Always enjoy your videos. Me personally, don’t hate shorts, they can be a useful time filler, distracting, but I come to KZbin for full length videos. And I generally only go to my subscriptions feed and look through for new content from the creators In have chosen to subscribe to. It’s pretty rare that I go to the “home” and see what KZbin serves up to me. I’m pretty sure I’m a minority though. I am also the kind of person that pretty much left facebook when they stopped serving content from my friends in chronological order and started just jumbling it all up (and filling my feed with over 30% of scroll space as adds).

[@leroyj9044]

I think en mass, people like quality shorts because they often times cover the point of the content without nearly as many KZbin ads or raid shadow legends sponsor bits.

[@ShaneShepherd]

What sucks for me is that your long video which receipt so few views was never in my recommendation screen even though I am a subscriber. However, this video showed of my screen and because I hadn't seen you in so long I watched it. Now that I know about the other one I will go watch it as well.

[@alberttibbets6567]

I'm reminded of the advice from KZbin Marketing Consultant Bart Simpson, "Eat my shorts!"

[@jessec8562]

Thanks for all the content, I actively seek out longer videos while I work a production job and always have things playing so I’m working and learning at the same time

[@clintrannebeck9838]

Another reason for more views on the short videos is because people's attention spans have been destroyed by social media such as Tiktok and people now get bored after just a few seconds. I watched a video where they did a study about this. I personally prefer the longer videos so I can learn more.

[@eklectiktoni]

I was one Steve! I watched the long video the day it came out. I'm pretty sure I left a comment too. I noticed that the short one was posted later and I watched it too. I thought it was like a recap video, lol. The point about the subscribers is interesting and does apply to me. There are quite a few channels I follow that I'm not subscribed to. Even when I do subscribe, I've usually been watching a channel for a while before I take that step (commitment phobic I guess, lol). Steve, since you're so open with us about metrics and stuff (which I appreciate), does liking a video really make a difference? I never like videos since it clutters up my liked videos playlist. But if it makes a difference for creators, I'll start liking videos. I do let ads run on all the channels I'm subscribed to though (as long as the ad isn't longer than 2+ mins).

[@Metroid-rg9pn]

This is super interesting. KZbin seems to be competing with TikTok, meanwhile TikTok just extended their video lengths to 10 minutes. I agree that shorts are much easier to consume while the long videos (for any channel) I think, "That looks interesting! Let me add it to my ever extending 'Watch Later' playlist"

[@seigeengine]

Personally I feel my willingness to watch something is sort of a combination of length and what the video appears to be offering. That is, too long content is a no, but so is too short content, because I do not buy the idea you can communicate anything of substance to me in such a short amount of time, and to opt into a short piece of content, I need to put in the same effort as a longer piece of content. So I could choose a video to watch once and have content for ten minutes, or have to do ten times as much decision-making and busy-work to watch, say, 5 minutes of content in those same 10 minutes.

[@matthewfroese3889]

This is an interesting experiment. As a guy who likes 15-20min KZbin videos, I saw your tape measure video pop up as both the ‘long’ and ‘short’ version, and honestly, this one just wasn’t an exciting enough concept to watch multiple minutes of. I felt like I got what I needed from the short, and didn’t ever watch the long version. If it was a build video of something I might be interested in building, I’d prefer the long version.

[@dogbots159]

Produce long form and cut bits for shorts. Easiest solution that works well. I like both.

[@scottjacoby2594]

I think it’s been shown, that a shorts version of a longer video statistically underperforms as was the case with your tape measure video. That is until the KZbin algorithm intervened and began recommending it. But without that intervention, I think that makes your experiment flawed. I would try the same experiment using two separate video ideas so that way you have a fresh audience for each video. I also believe that the best method of combining shorts and regular videos under the same topic is to use the shorts as a trailer or an abstract to the longer video and release it 7-14 days prior to the longer video’s release. EDIT: On 2nd thought, I’d redo the experiment on two videos of the same topic but one video being an antithesis of the other and post them at the same time. That way the topics are similar enough to avoid the variable of one being stronger content wise than the other.

[@w9jim]

I'm one of those non-subscribers, but regular viewers. Anyway, I wanted to throw in my two-cents' worth on this. I like both types on content. Sometimes I don't feel like watching a 30 minute video on woodworking (or any other topic, for that matter). Shorts are entertaining, and, hopefully packed with good content. What I don't like are videos that are intended to grab attention and don't really go anywhere - like your mentioned 10 mistakes topic. There are way too many of those on KZbin. Another dislike is that fact that many creators have moved away from actually making a project, and, instead, feel like they have to post yet another pointless video about "the best this-or-that", "the top ten things in need to buy at Harbor Freight", a shop tour or "hey, look at this cool new tool I bought, but you can't afford." Thanks for keeping it real. Maybe I better subscribe.

[@lindyblades1913]

I loved the long vid it was weird and quirky. It was a video i didnt know i needed haha excellent editing

[@williamlorenzen9113]

The length of the video should fit the complexity of the topic. Five minutes instead of thirty for "don't let the tape snap back" and 30 minutes instead of five for "fitting a new drawer into an old case". Really long projects should be serialized.

[@MrJimme2003]

I think shorts have an appeal for people just browsing and their short nature means people can watch more of them and so more are watched. I'm curious how the views per minute compare on your test. I also think shorts would be, in the maker space at least, more of a marketing tool than anything. See a short showing off a cool project and then link to the full project video to see how it was done.

[@schoo9256]

Random passerby here. Honestly, i dont seek out shorts deliberately but given the choice between the two right now, I'd watch the short. I don't trust creators at the moment to not artificially stretch out 3 minutes of actual content into a 15 minute video. I don't even trust them not to stretch out 30 seconds of content into a 5 minute video. But it'll change again. I used to love ten minute videos when they became the norm, and then 30 min videos, but now everyone does them I'm just burnt out, even from creators i love. You can't tell how much effort someone has put into a video just by the time anymore, and I do not have enough time to just watch it all to see what is good, nor do i want to. Even to catch up on my favourite creators now takes four times as long as it used to. This shorts popularity is probably a reaction of more casual watchers to the overwhelming deluge of 20+ minute content out there now, produced to game the algorithm. Give it enough time and shorts will start getting longer because people will be frustrated with the brevity and how much you can't say, plus low effort accounts will be drawn to this format like moths to a flame. Expect 1-2 mins to become the norm shortly, then people will abandon shorts entirely for 5 minute videos and so on. And the whole cycle will repeat again, ad infinitum. And i will change my mind too :)

[@bobbybyrne1899]

I think KZbin should treat shorts like a thumbnail for the long content. There are obviously a lot of people just looking for a quick fix and a short fills that role. But that doesn't mean a short shouldn't also be the "preview" for the long content. If the short is interesting enough it should act as a gateway to the long content. But then you'd have to make long content to go with the short, so I doubt KZbin will go that route. They would rather more people just churn out shorts faster and in larger quantities.

[@johnrice6793]

How to for “a very small audience” is why I subscribed and purchased a t shirt. Had no idea it was a “small audience” but hey - for me your “small audience” videos are very inspiring, very good. You’ve come a long way. 👍👍

[@stegra5960]

Shorts can be a great way to up your sub count if you find a topic that catches the audience. At the start of March, Scott Strosahl was thinking about what to do if he reached 1k subs on his puzzle channel by the end of the month. By the 1st of April he had 66k subs thanks mostly to Wordle shorts. Now his regular videos are viewed by more folk than he could possibly have imagined.

[@underourrock]

I like good videos regardless of whether they are short or long. There are a lot of people that I don't subscribe to that I'm glad KZbin makes popup in my feed. Subscription lists become pointless the longer they get. I'll gladly use the like button and leave a comment though as those don't have a down side for me as the viewer and I recognize how engagement helps to. Either way, thank you for sharing your projects, thoughts, and even these kinds of tangents. It's interesting and appreciated. For the record: I didn't see either of your tape measure videos, but I saw this and if I had been more interested in tape measure wear and tear I would gladly go watch either of them. So even your follow up video is getting views that your experiment didn't initially get.

[@diether2423]

I loved the long video. Keep'em coming!

[@ObsessiveAboutCats]

I knew some woodworking when I found your channel, but your patient explanations of how to do basic things have been by far the best resource I found. You have helped me to create a lot of cool stuff. My mother in particular appreciates an endless source of picture frames! Shorts are fun to watch (well, yours are), but for those of us who have a serious desire to learn, the longer videos are necessary. The fact that you take the time to spell out basic facts (especially safety related stuff) is SO useful, because a lot of the other "big" channels assume everybody knows that, even if they title the videos as 'for beginners'. tl;dr I appreciate you.

[@BradsWorkbench]

I love when steve discusses his low views being dead videos then looking at my avg views 🤣

[@jasonb1189]

Produce for the few! The few are the ones who take the time to sit there and watch the video to learn something valuable. You're sharing knowledge, experience. They're the ones who NEED the long version so that they don't make mistakes or hurt themselves with a new hobby. Shorts are meant to be glazed over and forgotten.

[@dbnoho]

People who watch long versions finish builds. People who watch shorts hit their thumbs with a hammer. There is a great use for shorts. Such as, 2 minute Tuesday, here’s a quick tip etc.

[@wildpat03]

So interesting! Thank you for putting up the experiment long vs short. I'd say I much prefer project-based content, which would be longer in duration. Hoping still FB does not go this way though.

[@doylemade6387]

I'm not a fan of shorts, not because they are "bad", but because they are lacking. Or maybe the makers are lacking. The ones I have seen tend to fall into one of three categories: should have been a picture, but this way they get to move the object/pan the camera and play loud music; a semi-complex project turned into an uninformative time lapse with loud music; or a snippet of a project that is supposed to highlight part of a project or a process, but misses core moments because it has to be a moving still image or too timelapsed to be useful...and with loud music.

[@riuphane]

It's sad that so many people rely fully on "the algorithm", it almost feels like people don't know what they really like or believe the Google knows well enough. I'm not saying I never browse the home page or recommended videos, but I spend a ton of time in my subscriptions feed and very little time on the home page...

[@coreyms]

Wait wait wait wait wait… You don’t like Star Wars?!

[@b4ux1t3-tech]

This is interesting and very well thought out. I myself have been on KZbin since the early days, and I used to keep a nice, curated subscription list (including your main channel). These days, I rarely remember to hit subscribe, but still follow a lot of channels that I would have previously subscribed to. Anyway, I hope this doesn't kill off long-form woodworking (or other) content. I actually don't have an inherent problem with short videos; they're their own thing, and can be interesting and fun, and even educational.

[@MikeyMakey]

I'm definitely not the "normal" type of user because I prefer to watch YT on my TV and prefer longer content because I get sick of surfing for the next thing to click on. Often I pick a video and then when it's over I watch whatever YT serves up next (usually from the same channel). But I like that, I find channels I enjoy and watch all of its content until I get bored. I also listen to albums rather than singles. One thought about the Shorts version of the tape measure vid: you did create a weirdly compelling version by removing all of the context. Someone who doesn't know your channel or anything about you might see it and watch, because: who's this guy? Why's he doing that? What's the point? Is it leading to some kind of climax? (And btw how disappointing would the short have been if the tape hadn't broken?) All im fumbling to say is that it keeps you watching to the end to see how it turns out. I see videos on Facebook that are designed to he completely pointless but drive long views because it seems like something's *about* to happen but never does. I think your tape measure short provides a similar compulsion to keep watching, except that it actually does have a point by the end.

[@thomasmcmahan2014]

KZbin just wants to try and keep up with tiktok and Instagram. It sucks that the only thing they care about is money and clicks, plain and simple. I can’t stand shorts unless it’s from the people I like watching and they show something they wouldn’t normally show in a regular, large video. Keep up the great content Steve, no matter how it comes I’ll still be here.

[@Daniel-yg9sf]

I would be so happy if I could just disable shorts in the official YT app like I can in a non-official one. I find them very distracting.

[@TeachEvans]

I was wondering why you released a video and a short on the same thing. Interesting what KZbin changes are effecting.

[@donwilburn2470]

Really hope it doesn't turn to all shorts. I love the 10 to 15 minute build videos. Even when there's numerous part videos.

[@zillaquazar]

I never seen your short but I was recommended this

[@ShinryuZensen]

I look at shorts sometimes, but when I need information about something, the short are useless. For most technical and practical projects, shorts are irrelevant.

[@scottc4321]

Interesting is I never had your long form show on my home page… I would have watched it.. and will likely go find it

[@ChadStrawinski]

Oh man, I see your points here... it's really unfortunate cause those old project videos is what brought me here. I loved the long form tape snapping video, btw. I'm one of those few subscribers that watched it soon after you released it ;) I also had to share it with my Dad cause I remember him telling me not to snap the tape measure when I was a kid (after he watched it, he still holds to his claim though...stubborn!). Anyway, my thoughts from the peanut gallery here is... I think if you want to strike some kind of balance, you do what the masses want for the $$ (mostly) and let the passion projects trickle out. I think you're more or less doing that though. I get people will be upset, but you can't please everyone, right? And when you do the real passion projects, you give the wink and nod like "this is for the real fans" :)

[@solomon4332]

Half way through this video, I realised this isn't the main channel. I didn't even know this channel was on KZbin at all.