So you want to repurpose your blog posts into YouTube Shorts?
Smart move. Let’s dive into how to transform your written wisdom into snackable video content that could explode your reach.
Back in 2018, I had this detailed blog post about the Zettelkasten note-taking method that got decent traffic but nothing extraordinary.
Then, I repurposed that same content into short-form videos.
The blog didn’t take off, but those bite-sized videos on the same information actually did and helped me launch a profitable course and added almost 3,000 new subscribers to my email list in 4 months.
This difference is due to various factors such as the audience, the algorithm, the timing, and so on…
Why you should repurpose from Blog Posts to YouTube Shorts
Your blog content represents hours (sometimes days) of research, thinking, and crafting. It’s a goldmine of value sitting there, being seen by only a fraction of your potential audience.
By transforming these posts into YouTube Shorts, you’re:
- Meeting audiences where they are (increasingly on short-form video)
- Leveraging YouTube’s massive user base (over 2 billion monthly active users)
- Creating multiple touchpoints for your expertise
- Testing which format resonates best with your audience
- Building your brand across platforms with minimal extra effort
Plus, the YouTube Shorts algorithm is still relatively young compared to the main YouTube feed, meaning there’s opportunity for faster growth.
The main differences between Blog Posts and YouTube Shorts
Length and Format
- Blog posts: 1,000+ words, detail-oriented, can include multiple points
- YouTube Shorts: 60 seconds max, hyper-focused, typically covers ONE point well
Consumption Style
- Blog posts: Deliberate, searchable, people seek them out
- YouTube Shorts: Passive, scrollable, people discover them
Call-to-Action
- Blog posts: Can have multiple CTAs throughout
- YouTube Shorts: Need one crystal-clear CTA, preferably verbalized
Lead Generation
- Blog posts: SEO-driven, slower build, longer-term traffic
- YouTube Shorts: Algorithm-dependent, can go viral quickly, potentially fleeting
Why you should post on YouTube Shorts
The platform is exploding. YouTube is pushing Shorts hard to compete with TikTok, meaning they’re giving preferential algorithmic treatment to creators who use this format.
YouTube Shorts get over 15 billion daily views globally. That’s billion with a “b.”
And unlike TikTok or Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts has a powerful advantage: content discovery over time. Your Shorts don’t just disappear after 24 hours in the algorithm – they can continue to work for you for months or even years.
Plus, you can directly monetize Shorts through the YouTube Partner Program, something not as straightforward on other platforms.
Build Your Swipe File Of Winning YouTube Shorts Content
Okay, so the best way to actually find or actually write for YouTube Shorts is to find content that is already performing well. The reason is because each platform has its own rules.
For instance, Shorts that start with a controversial statement, show a surprising fact, or pose a problem tend to retain viewers better than those that start with lengthy introductions.
So you want to find specific examples to understand what exactly to extract and rewrite.
PRO TIP: One of the best ways is to always find creators who are new to the platform and actually get a lot of traction. The reason why you don’t want to model the gurus is because they already have traction so they can actually get away by doing things that might not necessarily work for you as a small account.
Yes, this requires a bit of upfront work. But it will be well worth it.
And in case you want a shortcut…
There’s a free social media swipe file that you can grab here. (yup, it’s free.)
Set up an automation to turn Blog Posts to YouTube Shorts
Okay, so now that you’ve have these laid out, what you can do is use AI and automation tools to make this process as smooth as butter.
As soon as you post on your blog, it will then actually perform and actually use this for YouTube Shorts.
You can start creating automations by utilizing specific prompts to save your time.
Here’s a simple workflow using Zapier:
1. When a new blog post is published (trigger)
2. Use Zapier’s AI to extract the key points
3. Create a script for a YouTube Short using this prompt:
Take the following blog excerpt and transform it into a 45-second YouTube Shorts script. Focus on the most surprising or valuable point. Include a clear hook in the first 3 seconds, and end with a call-to-action to visit my blog for the full post. Format as a conversational script with [VISUAL CUES] for what to show on screen:
4. Send the script to your phone via email or Slack
5. Record using just your smartphone and basic editing tools
Tools like n8n, Make, or Zapier can all handle this type of workflow. The key is creating templates and processes that make repurposing almost automatic.
For instance, if you’re teaching something technical, you could use a tool like Descript to automatically create captions from your blog content, then overlay those on simple background footage or animations.
For more tips on how to repurpose your content and grow your audience with less work, sign up for my free emails below: