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Why your YouTube Shorts aren't getting views (and how to fix it)

If your Shorts are stuck at 0-200 views, the problem is almost always one of seven things, and none of them are 'the algorithm hates you'. Most are hook problems. Here's the diagnostic.

The first 1.5 seconds are weak

Shorts decides whether to push you in under 2 seconds. If retention drops there, the video never leaves limbo.

No pattern interrupt in the first frame

Static talking head on frame 1 is the #1 reason Shorts die. Add motion, text, or a visual shift.

Wrong aspect ratio or vertical crop

Reposted landscape video gets suppressed. Native 9:16 only.

Frequently asked

How long until a Short starts getting views?

Healthy Shorts get their first 1,000 views within 24 hours. After 72 hours of flatline, the video is unlikely to recover — repost it as a fresh upload with a better hook.

Does Shorts shadowban new accounts?

No, but new accounts get smaller initial test audiences. Consistent uploads with strong hooks expand the audience pool fast.

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