Bridging Attention Spans: The Role of YouTube Shorts in Driving Engagement for Long-Form Educational Content

The rise of short-form video content has transformed how educational creators engage audiences and promote learning materials. This study examines a case study of an educational YouTube channel leveraging short-form videos (Shorts) to drive engagement and viewership of its long-form lecture content. The analysis focuses on the channel's content strategy, audience interaction, and the effectiveness of Shorts in funneling viewers to extended lectures. Key metrics such as viewership trends, audience retention, and cross-content traffic are evaluated to assess the impact of Shorts on channel growth and educational outcomes. The study also explores the balance between entertainment and educational value in short-form content, as well as its role in catering to diverse audience preferences. Findings suggest that well-designed Shorts serve as effective promotional tools, enhancing visibility and accessibility of long-form content while reinforcing core educational goals. The implications of this strategy are discussed, providing actionable insights for educators and content creators aiming to optimize audience engagement in digital learning environments.