Darryl Rentz

Marketing Manager

Darryl covers YouTube growth and creator tools at vidIQ, helping creators understand how to grow their channels. When not writing, he’s tending to his farm surrounded by horses, chickens, dogs, and somehow cramming more plants into his garden than it could ever reasonably hold.

Posts Written By Darryl Rentz

Person using laptop keyboard with search bar overlay and digital pen in hand

Updated May 27, 2026

9 min read

YouTube SEO in 2026: How to Rank Higher and Get More Views

YouTube SEO: a guide to keyword research, on-page optimization, thumbnails, hashtags, chapters, captions, and Shorts. Rank higher in search and Suggested.
Smartphone showing YouTube Official Blog article about introducing handles for channels.

Updated May 14, 2026

4 min read

What Is a YouTube Handle? How to Find and Change Yours

A YouTube handle is your channel's @username (youtube.com/@yourhandle). Learn how to find, change, and pick a strong YouTube handle in 2026.

Updated Jun 17, 2026

6 min read

Why Are My YouTube Videos Not Getting Views?

Not getting views on YouTube? Learn what counts as a view, how impressions turn into views, and the 4 most common culprits, with a fix for each.
Young woman with headphones using smartphone outdoors, casual urban setting background

Updated Jun 29, 2026

8 min read

YouTube Audience Retention: What's a Good Rate and How to Improve It?

A good YouTube retention rate is about 30% average percentage viewed, or 60% past the first 30 seconds. See vidIQ’s channel benchmark and how to lift yours.
Gamer with braided hair wearing headphones celebrating victory while holding controller indoors

Updated May 20, 2026

5 min read

How to Get Full YouTube Monetization for Gaming Videos

Gaming creators face extra YouTube monetization rules. Learn how publisher policies, in-game music copyright, loot boxes, and M-rated content affect ad revenue.
Pattern of red YouTube play button logos and black YouTube text on white background

Updated May 11, 2026

8 min read

What Is YouTube AdSense? How It Works & How to Earn

YouTube AdSense pays creators 55% of ad revenue. Learn how Google AdSense works on YouTube, how to set it up, and how much you can earn per 1,000 views.
Checkbox for mid-roll video ads set to 8 minutes with vidIQ and YouTube logos.

Updated May 11, 2026

8 min read

YouTube Mid-Roll Ads: The 8-Minute Minimum and How to Use Them

YouTube videos need to be 8 minutes or longer for mid-roll ads. Learn placement rules, how many to add, and the manual vs automatic settings that boost revenue.
YouTube logo with gaming controller and dollar signs representing making money gaming

Updated Apr 29, 2026

9 min read

How to Make Money with a Gaming Channel on YouTube

Gaming channels can earn through AdSense, sponsors, affiliates, memberships, and Super Chats. See CPM benchmarks and earning ranges by subscriber tier.
Close-up of a fluffy tabby cat with green eyes looking upward in natural light

Updated May 12, 2026

8 min read

How Pet Creators Make Money on YouTube

How pet YouTubers make money in 2026: CPMs, pet brand sponsorships, affiliate programs, Shorts growth strategy, and the full pet channel monetization stack.
Flat lay of art supplies, stationery, and headphones on wooden desk background.

Updated May 8, 2026

7 min read

How Arts & Crafts Creators Make Money on YouTube

Learn how arts & crafts YouTubers make money in 2026: CPM benchmarks, affiliate strategies, product sales, Shorts growth tactics, and sponsorship rates.
Hand mixing egg whites to stiff peaks with electric beater in a glass bowl on blue surface

Updated May 12, 2026

7 min read

How Cooking Creators Make Money on YouTube

Learn how cooking YouTubers make money in 2026: CPMs, sponsorship rates, affiliate strategies, cookbook sales, Shorts tactics, and the full monetization stack.
Set of makeup brushes with powder residue on a dark textured surface.

Updated May 8, 2026

6 min read

How to Make Money on YouTube as a Beauty Creator

How beauty YouTubers make money in 2026: CPM by sub-niche, brand sponsorship rates, affiliate programs, YouTube Shopping, and Shorts strategy.