How to Get More Views on YouTube Shorts for Free in 2025

YouTube Shorts is a powerful tool for creators to reach new audiences quickly. If you're looking to grow your views without spending money, these 10 free strategies will help you dominate the algorithm in 2025.

1. Optimize Your Hashtags

Use a mix of trending and niche-specific hashtags to increase discoverability. Research top-performing Shorts in your category to identify the best tags.

2. Post at Peak Times

Analyze your audience's activity patterns and schedule Shorts when they're most active. Early mornings and evenings often perform best.

3. Hook Viewers in the First Second

Grab attention immediately with bold visuals, text overlays, or surprising openings to prevent scrolling.

4. Leverage Trending Sounds

Use popular music and audio clips from YouTube's library to ride trending waves and appear in more feeds.

5. Create Series Content

Develop multi-part Shorts that encourage viewers to watch your next video for continuation.

6. Engage With Comments

Respond to every comment to boost engagement signals that help your Shorts rank higher.

7. Cross-Promote on Other Platforms

Share your Shorts on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to drive traffic from multiple sources.

8. Collaborate With Other Creators

Partner with similar-sized channels for shoutouts or duets to tap into new audiences.

9. Use Eye-Catching Thumbnails

Even for Shorts, compelling thumbnails in your channel feed can increase click-through rates.

10. Analyze and Adapt

Regularly check YouTube Analytics to see what works and double down on successful formats.

By consistently applying these free techniques throughout 2025, you'll see steady growth in your YouTube Shorts views and build a loyal audience.