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YouTube Shorts VS Long Form Real Estate Videos

By
Real Estate Agent with MOOERS REALTY ME Broker License 106759

YouTube shorts vs long form real estate videos.

youtube real estate video

The long and short of it is the two real estate video formats application for is not the same.

Different format, not the same application means different approach in your real estate marketing.

Just as the SEO strategies not quite the same either for YouTube Shorts and long-form videos.

Why?

Because of variations in their format, viewer behavior, and algorithm preferences. The length of each YouTube video format production means short and sweet. Or settle back, make it detailed and lengthy for increased watch time engagement.

Here's how SEO differs for each to help in your real estate video marketing.

YouTube Shorts

  1. Keywords and Titles:

    • You should keep titles short and engaging to grab attention quickly.
    • Including "#Shorts" in the title or description to signal the format to YouTube's algorithm used to be a must. Not now although it can help with discoverability.
    • Make sure to focus on trending, niche-specific keywords that capture immediate interest.
  2. Descriptions:

    • Betters use concise descriptions; viewers of Shorts spend less time reading.
    • Prioritize your hooks and essential keywords near the beginning of the real estate video description.
  3. Thumbnails:

    • While YouTube auto-generates thumbnails for Shorts, you can customize them for viewers. For both, it is critical for an eye-catching interesting thumbnail using short or long-form videos.
  4. Hashtags:

    • Use relevant real estate hashtags, niche-specific tags to enhance discoverability.
    • Trending hashtags can help reach a broader audience.
  5. Content Optimization:

    • Focus on engaging real estate viewers within the first few seconds.
    • Create local community content that's shareable and has a clear value. Produce quick real estate buying, selling tips or property listing highlights.
  6. Algorithm Behavior:

    • Shorts are featured on the Shorts shelf and are pushed to broader audiences regardless of subscriber count than long form videos.
    • Engagement metrics like likes and comments are vital for Shorts' success.

Long-Form Videos

  1. Keywords and Titles:

    • Use more detailed, keyword-rich real estate titles aimed at search engine optimization and long-tail searches.
    • Titles should reflect the depth of the real estate content.
  2. Descriptions:

    • Write comprehensive real estate descriptions with multiple keywords to help rank in YouTube search and Google.
    • Include detailed timestamps, links, and call-to-actions (CTAs).
  3. Thumbnails:

    • Custom thumbnails are critical for attracting clicks from your real estate audience. Design high-quality, engaging thumbnails tailored to the topic.
  4. Hashtags:

    • Use a mix of niche, trending, and general hashtags, but they’re less central than detailed metadata and titles.
  5. Content Optimization:

    • Create in-depth, value-driven content with clear structure and chapters.
    • Retention rates and watch time are key for algorithm performance.
  6. Algorithm Behavior:

    • Long-form videos thrive on organic search and recommendations based on viewer history.
    • The algorithm rewards higher watch times and consistent viewer engagement. Study your real estate video analytics.

Key Differences in Strategy

Feature YouTube Shorts SEO Long-Form Video SEO
Length of Content Focused on concise, immediate engagement. Emphasis on in-depth, value-rich content.
Discovery Leveraging trending hashtags and Shorts feed SEO, Google search, and YouTube recommendations.
Viewer Intent Casual scrolling; high replay potential. Intentional searching; deeper engagement.
Algorithm Priorities Fast engagement metrics (views, likes). High retention rates and watch time.

The approach is way different for how to shape your real estate video SEO strategy between YouTube shorts or long form.

You can maximize the visibility and impact of both shorts and long-form videos on YouTube with consistent effort and staying current with changes in the YouTube algorithm.

Trial and error and discovering what works in your own real estate video marketing efforts is key too. Good luck with your short and long form YouTube video real estate marketing.

I'm Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker

Comments(18)

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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Andrew - a real estate practitioner, a somewhat casual lookie-loo or a well-prepared, ready now focused buyer will likely have different answers.  Yes, once again, "it depends".  

Dec 09, 2024 04:33 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

Thank you Michael Jacobs !

Dec 09, 2024 08:39 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Excellent information for those considering, or currently using, videos in their business. Thanks for sharing!

Dec 09, 2024 04:56 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

Thank you Kat Palmiotti ! Trying to stock the shelves with worthwhile content surrounding real estate video marketing. More at the YouTube Thursday AR group to delve into too !

Dec 09, 2024 08:40 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Andrew. As a retired guy with no real use for video, I find your posts interesting as you explore the attention to detail in a way I can follow. Thanks! Enjoy your day.

Dec 09, 2024 05:13 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

Thank you Wayne Martin. We all have something to offer.

Dec 09, 2024 08:41 AM
GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

This is very helpful information, to improve my YT channel, great information. Thanks for sharing it.

Have a super fantastic week!

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

Dec 09, 2024 06:56 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

Good luck Bill Salvatore - East Valley !

Dec 09, 2024 08:41 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Andrew,

You really have this down and all very helpful information. Thank you so much for sharing with us, you are a wealth of knowledge and so professional with all your videos! 

Dec 09, 2024 08:25 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

Thank you Dorie Dillard Austin TX ! More short videos playlist to sample for ideas.

Dec 09, 2024 08:41 AM
Alan Brown
Coldwell Banker Realty - Davenport, FL
35 Years of Real Estate Experience .

Good Information for You Tube Channels. Congratulations on having 22,000 + subscribers to you channel and over 1500 videos. I am a little way behind you on both counts.

Dec 09, 2024 08:51 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

Just like hiking, climb the hill.. one foot er video ahead of the next Alan Brown ! Ten million views the next plateau so close now. The ME Real Estate Video Channel. More real estate video help at the YouTube Thursday Active Rain Group.

join youtube thursday active rain real estate group

Dec 09, 2024 08:54 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Andrew and what great information that you have in your blog for us today.  Make it a great week.

 

Dec 09, 2024 09:40 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

Thank you Will Hamm. Same back at you!

Dec 09, 2024 10:26 AM
Andrea Bedard
Thompson Company, REALTORS® 240.593.2860 - Silver Spring, MD
Fluent in Real Estate & German, M.A. ABR ASP CIPS

It took me a bit to figure out that I could customize the thumbnail! That is a welcome feature since the one YouTube randomly selects is usually not a good one. I haven't gotten around to creating a long video, but publishing shorts is better than not publishing, isn't it?!

Dec 09, 2024 10:52 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

Video, you are in the arena using short video is what counts Andrea Bedard. Once you hear the phone ring, witness the email server glowing red hot from video, those long forms will fall into place. They get easier, the results get stronger. 

Dec 09, 2024 12:20 PM
Toby Barnett
KW North Sound - Marysville, WA
Toby Barnett

Another great, informative YouTube video Andrew. I've noticed shorts have helped increase our reach and subscribers even when content is 100% related to buying / selling homes and/or about an area.

Dec 09, 2024 11:15 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

Like marketing tools in the arsenal, #shorts are not the same weapon and the approach to using them is not the same Toby Barnett. Glad you are getting video channel traction! 

Dec 09, 2024 12:19 PM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Great advice, do you find a difference between shorts and long form in using a vertical format to a horizontal one as well?

Dec 09, 2024 11:36 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

     You always think of the UX and the audience member's delivery device. Someone with ear buds holding a phone vertical on the subway. Or in their jammies watching just before bedtime on their lap top. Or at work on a desktop scrolling down through your channel Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543.

     The long form on your phone turned sideways to display like a movie theatre does a good job in show and tell. The "difference" is how much time they have and the purpose, what they are after. So how you prepare and the approach is very different when talking under 60 secs or a 15 minute total tour from A to Z.

     I find shorts are ideal for travel channel community flavor of a local event, place to eat, things to do for fun where you live around the property listings for sale.

Dec 09, 2024 01:52 PM
Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD
http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com - Vail, CO
Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D

Very thorough and concise post that is very helpful!!! Very much appreciated!!

Dec 09, 2024 08:57 PM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

Thank you Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD . What you serve up for video better be what the youtube channel visitor wants and needs. Just like blogging or anything you upload online if in business to make a living.

Dec 10, 2024 03:01 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
Lot of people that like a lot of the YouTube Video essays these days and real estate definitely has a place…
Dec 09, 2024 10:12 PM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

Sure does Laura Cerrano. Happy Holidays.

Dec 10, 2024 03:01 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

When I think of YouTube expertise, I think of you!  If I wanted to do videos, I would certainly study your posts before getting into it seriously, and if I were mentoring someone who wanted to do videos, I would direct them to read through your blog posts first.

Dec 10, 2024 03:57 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

Thank you Brian England! The YouTube Thursdays Active Rain Video group is loaded with helpful tips. Nothing works better than trial and error and learning from your own experience too. 

Dec 10, 2024 05:32 AM
John Wieland
Exp Realty - Delray Beach, FL
Mr Downtown Delray

Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573 Bingo! That's it! Whether short or longterm video content, the BIG thing to propell your channel to success is once again - CONSISTENCY. Consumers love video content. They consume it in big chunks. Short or long. Great essay on this subject that's super relevant in todays real estate world.. 

Dec 10, 2024 10:25 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

Consumers are over booked, crazy busy. And content, worthwhile content that helps them save money and time hassle is what they seek. They are on the hunt at all hours of the day and night. Feed them that John Wieland. The more you produce videos, the better they get from trial and error John Wieland!

Dec 10, 2024 03:25 PM
John Wieland
Exp Realty - Delray Beach, FL
Mr Downtown Delray

Yup! I have almost 150 YT videos now and it's the BEST marketing modality by far. 

Dec 10, 2024 05:36 PM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

Liked your how we built our pool video John Wieland

Jan 12, 2025 04:19 AM
Doug Rogers
RE/MAX Coastal Properties - Destin, FL
Your Real Estate Resource!

I'm starting to do more on Youtube. Your post helped a bunch!

Dec 11, 2024 05:09 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

Good for you Doug Rogers. The channel has to be more than talking heads thrown together videos. Low viewings happen when that is all a real estate agent/broker/REALTOR serves up. Where's the beef? Turn the camera around to capture what your audience really wants.

Dec 11, 2024 05:50 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Thanks for some terrific video education, Andrew! It's a lot to absorb. You are the YouTude and video master!

Jeff

Dec 12, 2024 11:33 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

Thank you Jeff Dowler, CRS for stopping by! 

Dec 12, 2024 02:35 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573 You never cease to amaze me. I could watch your videos for hours, and I have. I bookmarked this post as it is so full of knowledge I will have to revert to it. I loved your video tour of the waterfront property. You rinse and repeat while you never miss a beat.   

Dec 12, 2024 01:23 PM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

Thank you Hannah Williams! Videos save everyone time. Agents can "show" hundreds, thousands at a time. When you upload a video and see the next morning 20K views and rising fast, you know why the phone is ringing, emails increase. No more long, one at a time physical rinse and repeat. It's more than bring them in from the curb one at a time for showings using round the clock video!  

Dec 12, 2024 02:35 PM