Story of the Week
The Short-Form Experiment
Last year, I decided to go against my own advice and try something new: short-form video. I started posting daily on TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts. Why? Because I kept hearing how quickly people were finding audiences through short-form video — but I’d always been about the “long game,” so to speak.
Still, everything is worth an experiment, right? I didn’t expect much, honestly, but I knew it would be a learning experience.
Fast forward to today: my short-form series “Should I open it or should I keep it sealed?” has racked up over 5 billion views. It’s become the #1 thing I’m known for. And the best part? It’s brought in a whole new audience, new revenue streams, and a surge of creative energy.
I even released a new merch line of “Should I Open it or Keep it Sealed Shirts”, and sold over 1,000 of them in just 48 hours. It’s insane.
I tell the full story on episode 901 of the podcast here, but here’s a quick breakdown of what I learned.
What I Learned (And What You Can Steal)
1. Consistency Beats Perfection
I posted a video every single day for over a year. Not every video was a hit, but showing up daily made all the difference. Don’t wait for the perfect idea — just start creating.
2. Short Form Builds Real Relationships
I used to think you needed an hour-long podcast to build trust. Turns out, you can build real relationships 60 seconds at a time — if you show up consistently and authentically.
3. You Don’t Need Fancy Gear
Most of my viral videos were shot on my phone, in my home office, with minimal editing. What matters is the story, not the production value.
4. The Algorithm Loves Action
Short-form platforms reward creators who post often and keep viewers engaged. The more you post, the more you learn what works — and the faster you grow.
5. It’s Not Too Late
I started my short-form journey after years of long-form content. If you’re feeling behind, you’re not. The best time to start is now.
Quick Tips to Get Started
- Pick a simple format you can repeat (series work!)
- Batch record your videos so you’re not scrambling every day
- Don’t overthink it — your first videos will be your worst, and that’s okay
- Engage with your audience in the comments — real connection happens there
- Track uploads, not likes — focus on showing up, not going viral
What’s Next: Join the Challenge!
I’m so excited about what short-form video has done for my business and community that we’re making it our next big focus in SPI.
Coming soon:
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally take short-form video seriously, this is it. Keep an eye out for more details soon.
Remember: sometimes the best thing you can do is go against your own advice, try something new, and see what happens. You might just surprise yourself.
Here’s to your next experiment!
And if you want to hear the full story of how I went from skeptic to short-form believer, check out episode 901 of The Smart Passive Income Podcast.
