This post was originally written June 15, 2021 and has been updated with newer information.

Getting a good click-through rate (CTR) on YouTube is a big deal. That helps you solve a major problem, which is getting YouTube to recommend your videos to viewers. 

If you’ve been on YouTube for a while, you know the algorithm won’t suggest any old video. It serves 

 with proven success. Creators who supply such content are likely to get more views and grow their channels.

Click-through rate is still one of the most important signals on YouTube. It tells the algorithm: 

. The higher your CTR, the more likely YouTube is to recommend your video to new audiences.

But here’s the nuance: CTR alone won’t get you growth. YouTube weighs CTR alongside 

watch time, retention, and satisfaction metrics

. In other words, getting the click is step one, keeping the viewer matters even more.

CTR is defined as “how often viewers watch video after seeing its thumbnail.”

Here’s the click-through rate formula: 

Number of clicks / Number of impressions x 100 = CTR

So if 1,000 people saw the thumbnail but only 30 people clicked on the video, you’d have a click-through rate of 3%.

How to See Your Click-Through Rate In the YouTube Studio

Before you try to increase your CTR, figure out what your current percentage is.

Next, you’ll see a graph showing impressions, impressions click-through rate, views, and unique viewers. Select 

Adjust the period selector (seven days, one month, three months, one year, or the lifetime of your channel).

Here’s what the CTR graph looks like. It shows your rate over time, and you can hover over the play buttons to see which videos produced certain rates:

The graph above is from the vidIQ channel. As you can see, our CTR is 5.1% for the last 28 days. 

Scrolling down further reveals a chart showing how many impressions we received in that period.

At one point, YouTube stated that “half of all channels and videos on YouTube have an impressions CTR that can range between 2% and 10%.” 

Is your CTR within this range? If so, don't set wild expectations for yourself. YouTube's general range for CTR is just extra information; if you're at 2%, don't fall in love with the idea of reaching 10% anytime soon. Slow and steady improvements will take you where you need to be.

Also, be careful about how you interpret YouTube's general CTR range. If you’re a small creator getting 100 impressions per video, it only takes a consistent 20 viewers for a 20% click-through rate. Compare that to a large channel with 150,000 impressions and 10,000 views. That’s a 6.6% click-through rate.

No matter what the numbers say, put your CTR into perspective:

 because YouTube is showing your content to 

 viewers? That could mean you have more impressions but fewer clicks as you reach a new audience. New viewers will need more convincing before they click.

Ready to get more video clicks? Here are six ways to boost your CTR on YouTube:

 (so YouTube can give you a realistic CTR).

 based on your current or all-time CTR. This is your starting point from which you'll slowly increase over time.

 YouTube is counting thumbnail views as impressions, but getting an actual “click” is important for your CTR. Make the thumbnail simple but interesting, with text that quickly explains the video’s value. Test with 

 Your video’s title is right next to the thumbnail, which gives you another chance to elicit a click. 

 to add relevant or trending phrases to your title. 

makes suggestions for you based on what is relevant and trending.

 Make sure it’s relevant and reinforces the title for search pages; descriptions are highly visible in this area.

 In some areas of YouTube, viewers can see the length of a video overlaid on its thumbnail. Imagine a viewer coming to YouTube for a quick answer to one question. Will they click your video if it's an hour long?

What Every YouTube Creator Needs to Know About Custom Thumbnails and Click Through Rate

A “good” CTR depends on your niche, audience size, and video type. The real growth lever in 2025 is 

, YouTube will do the heavy lifting of recommending your videos

A good click-through rate is ideal, but it’s not the only signal YouTube uses to grade your videos. Here’s a handy guide on 

how YouTube recommends your content to viewers.

Man using smartphone with finger tapping screen, holding phone in hand close-up

Wondering what is a good click through rate YouTube creators should aim for? Here’s how impressions click-through rate works, what counts as a “good” number in 2025, and six proven ways to boost your CTR in YouTube.

Getting a Good Click-Through Rate on YouTube: 6 Proven Tips

So, you have an idea for your next YouTube video but don't know how to

You're overthinking the title, second-guessing your script, and unsure what the thumbnail should look like.

You're not alone. Plenty of creators face this problem, and it's easy to think yourself into a corner by asking question after question. 

Which keywords should I use? Does the script sound OK?

But instead of trying to solve everything yourself, you can use artificial intelligence to speed up your creative process and get unstuck without sacrificing quality.

That’s where vidIQ’s YouTube suite of tools come in.

The Truth About AI - Can YouTube Automation Ruin Your Channel?

 — and not just any old blueprint. The generator will give you assets to carry out your vision, including:

Screenshot of a generated title, description, and video script for YouTube

So when it comes to automating your YouTube channel, this nifty little tool is your best friend. It lets you speed-ip the planning phase and dive into content creation faster.

How Does vidIQ's AI Content Generator Work?

The words 'vegan cauliflower buffalo wings' typed into the text field of the AI Content Generator

3. To use any text asset, such as a title, description, or keywords, click the 

 to the right, then paste the text into the appropriate section as you upload the video.

The copy icon is shown to the right of the generated title and video description

 in order to use the advanced features like thumbnails and voiceovers. 

Getting Started with Our Content Generator

Think of this content generator as your free gateway to a smarter workflow.

It’s your chance to test what’s possible when you streamline the tedious parts of video creation, things like titles, descriptions, and thumbnails, so you can spend more time focusing on what matters most: making great content.


Full Access to Generate with a vidIQ Account

, you’ll unlock even more powerful features inside Generate:

 – Easily refine your video titles, descriptions, and scripts until they’re just right.

 – Keep all your past generations in one place, and mark your favorites to revisit or use anytime.

 – Get downloadable thumbnails, script outlines, and full voiceovers to bring your video to life faster.

These upgrades are designed to help you move quicker, stay organized, and create higher-quality content with less friction.

You don't need to do it all manually. With Content Generator, you’ll spend less time planning and more time creating. Whether it’s outlining scripts, crafting thumbnail ideas, or generating titles that rank, our AI gives you a serious edge, especially when you're juggling a million creator tasks.

 a try today. It’s free to start and built to save you time.

But if you need more help (like finding AI tools that edit YouTube videos), this guide is for you.

Hologram of the YouTube logo shining out of a smartphone screen

YouTube logo glowing above a smartphone on a blue surface with dark background

Do you want to create YouTube videos faster? With vidIQ's AI Content Generator, you’ll get video outlines, thumbnail concepts, and more with the click of a button.

Create More, Stress Less: Streamline Your YouTube Workflow with AI

Did you know that the right video introduction can 

? It’s true. We call these "hooks" in the YouTube world, and they have the power to grab viewers' attention in the first three seconds.

The reason you'd want to grab someone's attention, especially with a Short, is to 

 to the next video. Swiping away has a negative effect on your content and stops you from going explosively viral.

There isn't much research about Shorts and their performance, but one study adds some clarity. Paddy Galloway discovered that the best-performing Shorts have 70% of people viewing them versus swiping away from them.

The Psychology Behind Effective YouTube Shorts Hooks

Many YouTube shorts hooks work because they tap into our natural responses. Our minds naturally react to hints and signals that catch our eye. Creators who use these ideas see more viewers stick around.

The best hooks use simple triggers that connect with people:

 - We want to know the missing details when something is left unsaid

 - A feeling that you might miss out on something cool

 - When a video surprises you by breaking the usual flow

 - People tend to follow what others find interesting

Many top creators use strategies like these to set up their YouTube shorts hooks. For instance, saying "Have you heard about..." makes viewers want to learn more. Similarly, phrases like "They don't want you to know this secret" mix curiosity and a sense of rarity, increasing viewer interest.

When you create your YouTube shorts intro ideas, think about which trigger fits your content best. A step-by-step guide might use a clear, useful hook, while fun videos might lean on curiosity or surprise.

As an opening line, “have you heard about” creates a healthy dose of FOMO on YouTube, which stands for "fear of missing out." No one likes to be excluded, so this hook summons a viewer’s natural curiosity.

 (see what we did there? 😉) In the Short below, he immediately asks, “Have you heard about the world’s loneliest toilet?” Most people would say no, and that alone propels them to watch the video. It has over 

2. “They Don’t Want You to Know This Secret…”

This hook has enticing qualities, all of which can make a Short go viral in no time. It's got conspiracy, intrigue, and an “us versus them” dynamic happening all at once. As long as you don't use bad clickbait, this hook should get you more YouTube views.

 after claiming that “Apple doesn’t want people to know” about this password hack for iPhones:

3. “You’ve Never Seen Anything Like This…”

This hook is a straight-up challenge for your audience. You’re asking them to prove whether they know a random fact or not, which sort of feels like a game! It's as if they've been called out, and now they have to answer the call by watching your video.

 with this hook. He claims that viewers have “never seen a pair of headphones like the HHOGene GPods,” and he may be right. Millions of people stuck around to see what all the hype was about.

4. “I Never Do THIS, and Here’s Why…”

 do something, they’re about to share an unpopular opinion. This can be intriguing on YouTube, as many creators repeat the same ideas and beliefs they've heard elsewhere!

 has a popular Short using this magic phrase. In it, 

 says, “I never buy silk, and this is the strange reason why.” The intro must have worked because the video has over 

“Do’s and don’ts when it comes to [topic]..."

5. “This Is the Best Product I’ve Ever Used…”

In just a few words, this hook tells us a valuable recommendation is on the way — maybe even for a life-changing product. But viewers have to keep watching until the product is revealed, making this excellent hook for 

Here’s another example from Mrwhosetheboss. He opens the video by saying, “This is the most powerful charger I’ve ever laid hands on.” Instinctively, you want to keep watching to see which charger he’s talking about. The video has 

6. “I Was ‘Today Years Old’ When I Found This Out…”

"I was today years old" is a humorous way to reveal something you just learned. Maybe you didn’t know a drink tote from Chik-fil-a 

. Perhaps you just realized Ritz crackers have 

Starting a video with this phrase helps you establish common ground and shows that you’re learning alongside the viewer. It’s no wonder a creator like 

 explaining that “news” is an acronym (Notable Events, Weather and Sport).

Do viewers ask you the same questions repeatedly? The next time you make a Short, kick off the video by saying, “Questions I get asked a lot." This implies that you have something relevant to say, and viewers should stick around to hear it.

 answering questions about his experience as a male nurse.

This phrase should catch anyone's attention because most people use Google in 2025. Plus, the phrase “I asked Google” brings so many questions to mind. What did the person search for? What did the results say? Did they learn something funny, shocking, or interesting?

 on a long-jumping video. He asked Google “what the longest jump in history is,” and then attempted to break the long-jump record.

Sometimes, you just can’t beat practicality. If you have a how-to channel, “three things I do before” is the hook you need to provide value and solve problems for your audience.

 “Quick Travel Tips.” She starts out by saying, “Here are three things I do before every flight, coming from a lawyer who travels six months out of the year.” She speaks 

 to travelers and builds credibility by saying how often she travels.

10. “Try This to [Accomplish Goal]...”

“Try this” is a typical call to action on YouTube. It catches a viewer’s attention because the phrase empowers them to learn something new.

 by simply saying, “Try this to get more views on your next YouTube Short.” It’s quick, simple, and works wonders for grabbing attention.

This hook has an element of surprise, which works well for captivating viewers in the first three seconds. But more than that, it promises a rare piece of knowledge you can’t get if you swipe away!

This intro worked well for Nas Daily, who asked a simple question: “Did you know this book is poisonous?” The Short was so intriguing that it got over 

Don’t worry, we’re not talking about math here. “X versus Y” refers to a “this or that” scenario, where you compare two things to see which one is better. Viewers love this intro because it sparks competition.

Again, Mrwhosetheboss sets a great example here. He asks, “The thickest phone case or the thinnest phone case: Which is actually better?” 

 couldn’t resist this two-second experiment!

The value of this hook just can’t be overstated! With three little words, you convince viewers you’re about to solve a problem, teach a skill, and empower them to accomplish their goals.

If you think “how to” content is severely overdone on YouTube, think again. Creators like 

 with openers like “how to create festive outfits.” 

Another variation of this hook is “how to do [virtually anything]...”

14. “I’m Trying This So You Don’t Have To…”

Who doesn’t love a little risk and adventure on YouTube? When you try something bold (so others don't have to), that pretty much makes you a hero! It’s also entertaining to watch a creator set up a challenge, react to it, and share the results.

Once again, Sean Andrew got people’s attention with this creative hook. He tried to survive Chinese water torture and ended up getting 

“Today we’re gonna see if it’s possible to…”

You guessed it: This hook is a variation of the almighty listicle video. Use it to recommend the best vacation spot, indoor vacuum, dog breed, or whatever’s close to your heart! People love this hook because they know they’re about to get 

And here’s a vidIQ example for you: “top three YouTube mistakes.”

Typically, this hook is reserved for serious pursuits, like becoming a fisherman or a doctor. But if you want, you can be a complete goofball and turn this hook into comedic gold.

 did in the Short below. She opens it up with “how to become a mermaid in three steps,” and then 

 watched her take the most ridiculous journey to the sea.

17. “How to Have the Best [Activity/Idea] of Your Life…”

Most people want to do something better, faster, or easier in their daily lives. So opening your Short with “here’s how to have the best [insert common goal]” makes people pay attention to what you’re saying.

 telling people how to have the best sleep ever. The Short has over 

This hook is similar to the previous one, except it’s even better. While you can show someone how to do something thoroughly, providing a shortcut really gets their attention.

We used a variation of this hook recently, stating, “This could get your YouTube Shorts a lot more views.”

 Just don’t give away the juicy part too soon!

How to Test Different Hooks for Your Shorts

Finding the best hooks for YouTube shorts can take some trial and error. What works for one video may not work for another. The secret is in testing and looking at results.

18 YouTube Shorts hooks that help creators get more views and engagement

YouTube mobile app menu showing Home, Explore, and Shorts tabs on a smartphone screen

A strong intro is your secret weapon for getting more views with YouTube Shorts. Try these 18 viral video hooks for instant success!

18 Powerful YouTube Shorts Hooks That Go Viral [2025 Guide]

 is a pleasant boost from working alone. It feels good to have a partner share fresh ideas. A friend in your videos might say, "What about trying 

." Such suggestions can bring new life to your content.

Overall, it’s nice to work with someone who loves filming, editing, and posting on YouTube too.

Two YouTube creators collaborating on a video project

Have we inspired you to find collab partners, collect email addresses, and pitch a themed YouTube video?

Before you send a flurry of emails, learn 

Audience size is the first thing to consider when planning great collabs. Don't worry: You don’t need thousands of subscribers for a video project. You just need a collaborator whose channel size is close to your own.

YouTube creators with similar audience sizes collaborating effectively

 for a video collab. His largest channel has more than 80 million subscribers, and even if you have 1 million, that’s not an equivalent partnership. You would gain millions of views and subscribers, but MrBeast wouldn’t get much from the deal. He’s already 

So if you have 1,000 subscribers, for example, look for creators who have between 500 and 5,000. That levels the playing field so you both benefit from a collab.

How to Find Small YouTubers to Collab With

If you're just starting out on YouTube, teaming up with others can help you grow. Early collabs might give you a boost. First, know your 

 well and build a steady collection of videos that show your style.

 is another option. Creators gather there to network and learn YouTube tips, so you’re bound to find YouTubers looking to collab.

2. Collaborate with Creators in Your YouTube Niche

Before you start sending collaboration requests, take time to define your 

. Your niche isn’t just a topic; it’s the specific audience you serve and the style, tone, and value you bring to them. When you know this, it’s easier to identify creators with similar ideas and audiences.

YouTube creators from the same niche collaborating on content

Working with someone outside your niche may confuse viewers and cause unsubscribes. For example, a personal finance channel partnering with a salsa dancer could leave both audiences scratching their heads.

Once you understand your niche and subscriber range, search for creators who share similar topics and audiences. Staying within your niche ensures that both audiences care about the content and are more likely to subscribe after watching. Use tools like vidIQ’s 

 to find small YouTubers looking to collaborate!

3. Brainstorm Video Ideas Before You Send Collab Emails

Many YouTubers are looking for partners, but they don’t have unlimited time to search for one. People are busy filming, editing, and spending extra time on their YouTube thumbnails. The worst thing anyone could do is ask for a collab without sharing YouTube collab ideas.

7 Tips to Craft Irresistible Video Ideas on YouTube

Before you email creators, come up with three to five video ideas. Explain how the partnership would benefit their channel, and overall, just make it easy for the person to say 

. To help you craft those ideas with the help of AI, you can use the

 agree to collaborate with you, the next step is nailing a video style.

There are four ways to do a YouTube collab:

 and film two different videos. The first video will go on creator A’s channel, and the second video will go on creator B’s channel. However, both creators appear in each video.

Both creators film their scenes separately

 and send clips back and forth to create a single video.

 on each other’s channels. So, for example, creator A makes a video that 

 include creator B, but the video gets published on creator B’s channel. Then they do the same thing for creator A. This is best for popular YouTube channels of 500,00 or more subscribers.

. For this idea, creator A appears in the first half of the video, and creator B appears in the second half. For example, in a video titled “6 Ways to Get Free Airline Tickets,” the creators each present three tips within the same video.

5. Set a Realistic Date to Publish Video Collabs

YouTube collaborations are fun, but they take time to plan and execute. That’s why you need realistic deadlines for everything: when to film collabs, when to edit them, and when to push them live.

YouTube creators planning collaboration publishing schedule

While filming and editing times are flexible, planning your release schedule is important. Syncing your posting time can boost shared promotion and make for a smoother viewer experience on both channels.

If you’re doing a collab where separate videos go on each partner’s channel, 

 That way, you can ask viewers to watch part one or part two at the end of whichever video they’re watching. It only works if both videos are available from the start.

A YouTube collaboration isn't done when the content is published. The next step is promoting the video on social media to a wider audience.

 infographic summarizing the 6 tips for YouTube calls

View counts are just one part of a successful YouTube collab. Check how long viewers watch your joint video compared to your solo work. When viewers stick around, it is a good sign.

Watch for a rise in subscribers after your video goes live. A strong collab brings in more fans from both sides. Look at comments to see if people want more videos together.

 to track how many viewers click on end screens, cards, or description links. Ask your partner to share their data, too. This shared look at the numbers helps both channels learn what works best.

Common YouTube Collaboration Mistakes to Avoid

Even with good planning, mistakes can happen in YouTube collaborations. One error is making videos that do not suit both channels. When a collab feels off, viewers from both sides may lose interest. It is important to talk about who will host the video, who edits, and how each side will help with promotion before filming begins.

Clear calls-to-action also matter. Let your viewers know whether they should subscribe to both channels, watch another video, or comment below. Lastly, choose partners who fit your channel instead of focusing just on subscriber counts. Often, a smaller channel that matches your style leads to more successful YouTube collabs.

That's about it. Follow these steps to find your next successful YouTube collab and solidify your presence!

Struggling to get noticed? Grow your channel with

. Find out what your audience is searching for.

YouTube collaborations can be a fast track to growth. Discover tips for finding collab partners, pitching ideas, and creating content that benefits both creators.

Lydia Sweatt

Posts Written By Lydia Sweatt

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