In the fast-paced world of YouTube, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends and tactics for growing your channel. However, it's important to remember that what worked in the past may not necessarily work in the future. With that in mind, here are 10 pieces of YouTube advice to ignore.

From the outside, this looks like good advice for creators of all sizes. After all, more videos mean more opportunities to get those numbers up. 

While frequent uploads can boost visibility, the 2026 algorithm prioritizes viewer satisfaction and personalized engagement over sheer volume. It's more effective to focus on quality content that resonates with your target audience than to adhere to a daily posting schedule.

Woman looking frustrated at the work desk

If you're primarily a Shorts creator and do not require long hours for each video, putting out content daily might be doable. Just don’t forget that, even when producing more content more often, it’s important to 

 and provide something relevant for your viewers.

Alright, this might sound controversial right off the bat, given that we've encouraged new creators to follow this advice in the past. And it does make sense to do so. But not everyone has the same creative style or is inspired by the same kind of content.

Instead, develop your own style and focus on creating content that reflects your passion and connects with your viewers. While this may sound like a tall order, especially for creators new to YouTube, just remember this: 

, one that you can master with the right process.

3. Starting a Separate Channel for Your YouTube Shorts

Some creators may worry that mixing long videos with shorter ones will hurt their channel.

That begs the question: If viewers support your Shorts, why would they suddenly want longs? And if they currently like your longs, why would they want Shorts?

Fortunately, that’s a problem you no longer have to worry about. In 2025, 

 effectively integrates both Shorts and long-form content. In other words, there is no need to start a separate channel for YouTube Shorts.

Maintaining a single channel allows for cohesive branding and can enhance audience retention across different content formats.



YouTube Will Recommend Long-Form Videos to Shorts Viewers [Algorithm Update]

There’s nothing wrong with saying “hello” at the start of a video, but try not to introduce yourself, your channel, and your niche every time. Once a viewer knows this information, repeating it is pointless.

Instead, lead with the value you promised viewers before they clicked on the video. That could be the main idea or storyline they saw in your title, thumbnail, or video description. After all, that’s what they came to see!

YouTube Intros - 8 Ways to Hook Viewers In the First 8 Seconds

Many people think they get more views by adding tags to a video, but that’s not how they work. Tags help people find your content, especially if the topic is frequently misspelled.

“Tomatoes” is a good example. Many people leave the E out by typing “tomatos,” so if you’re video is about growing that vegetable, you can add the common misspelling (tomatos) as a tag.

Overall, tags play a minimal role in boosting your views. The video title, description, and thumbnail are most important for video discovery, according to YouTube.

An image from YouTube's support page, which explains that tags don't lead to more views

A magnifying glass enlarges the YouTube logo on a smartphone

People discover videos in many parts of the YouTube app or website. Search pages are just one of those places, so you don’t need to prioritize them over everywhere else.

So if you’re only making search-based videos that rely on keywords, you’re missing out on tons of views. We know this because 70% of views on YouTube come from 

That means it’s better to make videos that complement the popular, viral content within your niche (so YouTube recommends your video next).

Two women filming a YouTube video on one phone

Going viral on YouTube comes with many benefits, like attracting new viewers and boosting your confidence as a creator.

But no one talks about how these benefits turn into setbacks for creators who aren’t used to going viral. They could spend months trying to chase that high again, all while targeting the wrong audience and burning out creatively.

That’s why going viral on YouTube is overrated

Going viral is addictive — a pressure you don’t need this early.

The views don't always come from your “real” audience.

Sometimes, going viral comes with criticism.

Going viral skews your perception of quantity vs. quality.

You think less about your audience and more about yourself.

Focus on building a loyal viewer base through consistent, high-quality content tailored to your niche.

8. Doing ‘Sub4Sub’ to Get More Subscribers

A person tapping the YouTube subscribe button on their phone

Sub4Sub is when two creators subscribe to one another’s channel to boost their overall subscriber count. It sounds harmless enough, but this is the worst thing you can do for two reasons:

According to YouTube, you’re not allowed to “cause or encourage any inaccurate measurements of genuine user engagement with the service, including by paying people or providing them with incentives to increase a video’s views, likes, or dislikes, or to increase a channel’s subscribers…”

 can result in penalties. Instead, engage with your audience authentically to grow your subscriber base organically.

9. Making Videos for the YouTube Algorithm and Not Your Audience

Close up of a man concentrating while analyzing data

Some creators are obsessed with beating the YouTube algorithm. They want to know all of the tips and tricks to 

Of course, there’s no “beating” the YouTube algorithm because the algorithm isn’t working against anyone or anything. Its only job is matching viewers to the right videos.

If you know your audience well, just make videos they want to see! That allows the YouTube algorithm, or more accurately, the recommendation system, to serve that content to your viewers.

5 Secrets You Didn’t Know About the YouTube Algorithm

10. Not Seeking Brand Deals as a Small Creator

There’s a misconception that small creators can’t 

, let alone get brand deals. But guess what? You don’t need millions of subscribers to show a brand you’re worth the money. Your proof is an audience that takes action when you ask them to, like when they download an ebook or smash the like button.

If you can show that type of engagement, the next step is reaching out to brands aligned with your channel’s focus. You’ll want to 

 first, then pitch some ideas around how you would advertise their latest product or service.

By aligning your content strategy with these updated insights, you can navigate YouTube's evolving landscape more effectively in 2026. But remember: YouTube is a growing, evolving platform. What may be good advice today may be dangerous tomorrow. Make sure you’re staying on top of what tactics work to grow your following!

Want more details? This video explains more about the worst YouTube advice to ignore.

YouTuber with a camera staring at the sea from a cliff

Man with camera and backpack perched on rocky cliff overlooking the ocean on cloudy day

There’s a lot of advice on how to grow a YouTube channel, but which information should you trust?

Outdated YouTube Advice You Should Ignore in 2026

vidIQ's audit and keyword tools optimize every part of your channel for discovery.

Choosing the right name sets the tone for your brand and affects how easily viewers remember you. If you’re wondering

how to choose a YouTube channel name, start by thinking about clarity, niche, and memorability.

What makes a perfect YouTube channel name in 2025? Is it something catchy and one-of-a-kind, or can it be as simple as your real name? Your choice can have a big impact on your channel's growth and how easy it is to find.

Both are good options depending on your goals, but there’s more to the equation.

A strong channel name for YouTube is a big deal because it’s how everyone will recognize you, and not just viewers. The YouTube algorithm will analyze your name for relevant keywords. Brands will look at it before they offer you a partnership deal. Every day, you want this part of your channel to shine.

If you already started, but your channel name is missing something important, you might have to change

your YouTube channel name. That’s the best way get back on track and rebrand your channel, which is very important in 2025.

Before we discuss channel names, it helps to know they're not the same as YouTube handles. 

 are a unique identifier for your channel. They look and function like the handles you've seen on other social media platforms, such as Instagram, X, and TikTok. And of course, they begin with the iconic @ symbol.

For example, @vidIQ is our YouTube handle. Viewers can use it to:

Search for our channel on YouTube (and distinguish us from duplicates).

Go directly to our channel via URL (https://www.youtube.com/

YouTube handle example showing @vidIQ as a unique channel identifier

While handles help you interact with others, your channel name is entirely distinct from that. You can use your channel name to explain your niche better and attract the right audience.

So, whether you’re choosing a name for the first time or seeking a new one, here are six ways to pick a YouTube channel name.

1. Follow YouTube’s Community Guidelines

Before you pick a channel name, make sure it’s appropriate for YouTube. You can do that by following the 

, which covers things like spam, impersonating other creators, and words you shouldn’t say (or write) on the platform.

After all, what’s the point of finally figuring out a channel name, only to have someone report it?

YouTube Community Guidelines warning screen for channel name compliance

2. Make Your Channel Name Short and Sweet

While coming up with a YouTube name, keep in mind a short channel name is always better than a long one. Why? They’re just easier to remember. When someone is searching for your channel, you don’t want them stumbling over a 50-character name. Choose something 

You should pick a YouTube channel name that's:

. You won’t have any problems typing that into YouTube’s search bar. The same goes for channels like 

Did you know it’s against YouTube’s rules to 

? Intentional or not, anyone who does that is misleading their viewers. So that’s the first reason to have an original channel name. It keeps you honest, and YouTube won’t have a reason to strike down your channel.

 is a famous YouTube creator, and someone is always trying to impersonate him. Dozens of people steal his channel name and profile icon to create bogus accounts. Take a look at all the copycat channels below.

MrBeast copycat channels showing why unique YouTube channel names are important

What’s the end goal, if not to impersonate MrBeast? And what will these users do with the influence they stole? It can’t be anything good.

4. Pick a Name That Represents Your Niche

When someone comes to your channel, they should know three things immediately:

The best YouTube channel name can express all three.

 But how do you come up with a name so powerful that people understand your channel’s worth?

It’s not as difficult as you think. Whatever your YouTube niche is, gaming, cooking, fitness, tech reviews, or anything else, start thinking about that subject. Next, challenge yourself to create a stylish name for a YouTube channel name based on your niche. Need more perspective? Look at creators in your space to see what is a good YouTube channel name that performs well.

, a channel with dozens of Microsoft Excel tutorials, is a great example. The channel name comes from combining “Excel” and “excellent.” It’s a clever way to say, “I have the best Excel tutorials on YouTube'' without  saying exactly that.

Excellent Dude YouTube channel showing niche-specific naming strategy for Excel tutorials

5. Building a Personal Brand? It’s OK to Use Your Real Name

If you’re building an online persona, your channel name doesn’t have to represent your niche. After all, the content revolves around you. Your personality is the star of the show, not tutorials and how-to advice. It seems fitting that your first and last name are what people see.

It’s tempting to do the opposite, though. You may be thinking to yourself, 

“Who clicks on a channel showing a stranger’s full name? Will I get less search traffic because I’m using my name, which no one cares about yet?”

Maybe, but don’t worry about that. If your goal is building a personal brand, have some faith and trust the process.

 your YouTube unique channel name, something that stands out precisely because it’s personal and authentic.

? This creator has a self-titled channel with more than 600,000 subscribers. And no, it didn’t take her 10 years to build that following as a personality-driven channel. After posting some popular New York videos, her subscriber count ballooned in 2019!

Stamps’ channel is about many things: minimalism, making money, traveling, and more. She could’ve named her channel something edgy and off-kilter, like Minimal Money. But even that would be too limiting for the content she creates.

OK, let’s get back to YouTube tutorials. If you’re making videos about searchable topics, like “how to change a tire,” it’s worth having a channel name that’s searchable too.

Think of all the keywords someone would use to find your content. When you have a solid list, build your YouTube channel name using a couple of those keywords. Over time, this will help you attract your target audience.

How to Find YouTube Keywords that Grow Your Channel

Here’s an example. Let’s say you have a tech channel that focuses on Apple products. You could potentially add any of these keywords to your channel name:

Some channels are using these keywords already

. They cover Apple products differently, but each channel has a keyword aligning with its purpose.

Channel Name Consistency Across Social Platforms

Your YouTube channel name goes beyond the YouTube platform. It should work well on other sites like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to create a solid identity. Consistency here makes it easier for your fans to find you.

Before settling on a name, check its availability on the most popular platforms. Even if you use them later, holding onto a consistent name avoids confusion and builds trust.

If the exact name is taken, consider adding terms like "official" or "real"

Avoid terms that tie you to one specific platform

 use nearly the same name everywhere. Consistency makes it simpler for fans and helps your brand stand out.

How to Brainstorm the Best YouTube Channel Name

The best name for your YouTube channel might be hiding in your head, and you need to solid way to pull it out. Here’s a quick brainstorming activity to get your wheels turning and build your own YouTube channel name ideas list full of creative and unique YouTube channel name options:

Write down some words associated with your content.

 Need an example? As a YouTube education channel, we’d write a list of creator-focused words: subscribers, views, channel growth, monetization, etc.

Write a list of words emphasizing your channel’s goal.

 Maybe you want to motivate, inspire, share news, or entertain. There’s no right or wrong answer as long as you’re honest.

Combine words from both lists to come up with YouTube name ideas that match your tone and style.

 Don’t put yourself under too much pressure here. Even if you fail at naming your YouTube channel, you’ll have a better idea of what it 

YouTube Channel Naming Strategies by Type

 from vidIQ to get some ideas. It's an AI tool and super easy to use.

1. Enter the type of channel you want to make in the prompt box. Here, we use "Video Essays," as an example. Click Generate.

vidIQ YouTube Channel Name Generator tool interface for creating channel name ideas

2. That's it! The AI generates a list of unique YouTube channel name ideas for you to choose from.

AI-generated YouTube channel name suggestions for content creators

More Examples of Good YouTube Channel Names

Great YouTube channel names tend to stick. Our minds remember names that bring up clear images or stir up feelings. If you're exploring YouTube channel name ideas, think about these points:

Here are some channel names that embody everything we’ve discussed:

 Reading that channel name, you know this creator shares tips to improve your charisma. Plus, “Charisma on Command” is short and catchy. We would have a hard time forgetting this channel.

 Can you craft something in five minutes? This channel says, 

. Technically, the name breaks one of our rules: Don't add a number to your YouTube channel name. But this is a rare instance where it works well and makes sense for the channel.

 If you play Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you understand what this channel is offering. “100 Percent” implies that no other games will be played – just Breath of the Wild. You might get some gameplay footage, tutorials, or how-to explainers. It’s the most accurate channel name we’ve seen and another outlier that breaks our “no numbers” rule.

 This channel shares random facts about the various blocks in Minecraft. It doesn’t have the shiniest name out there, but you know what type of content you’re getting. On top of that, “Block Facts” is easy to type without making mistakes.

 We’ve all asked our Dads how to do something, right? That’s what makes “Dad, how do I?” the perfect YouTube channel name. It’s relatable, and you know that fatherly advice is incoming.

 This channel shows viewers how to live better lives through animated storytelling. For what the channel promises, who could ask for a better name?

Picking the best YouTube channel name takes some deep reflection but so does defining your channel's ultimate purpose. 



Here's how to find your niche on YouTube and stand out from other creators

YouTube play button icon with placeholder text for a customizable channel name URL.

Struggling to name your YouTube channel? Discover 6 proven tips for choosing a memorable channel name that attracts subscribers, plus real examples that work.

How to Choose a YouTube Channel Name (6 Tips That Work in 2026)

From naming your channel to ranking your first video, vidIQ helps you start strong.

Better titles mean more clicks. vidIQ helps you write and optimize titles that convert.

Writing good YouTube titles is a tricky task. Just when you think you have the right one, you wonder, 

Will the title resonate with viewers and make them click?

How to Title YouTube Videos for More Views

A strong title for YouTube can make the difference between someone clicking your video or scrolling past. Writing one isn’t always easy, but instead of overthinking it, focus on what makes a headline work:

Imagine going out to dinner with one of your YouTube viewers. Chances are, the two of you will talk about what you have in common during the meal. You might be nervous at first, but you’ll eventually hit a groove where you’re 

If you both love dogs, for example, you might use words like:

Writing video titles is no different. The headline starts a conversation between you and viewers, and relatable dialogue is best.

“This Talking Pitbull Is Smarter Than You Can Imagine!” 

If you're familiar with pit bulls, you know how vocal they are. It’s almost as if they can speak! When the creator adds “talking pitbull” to the title, it’s a nod to people who adore the vocal nature of pitties.

2. Stay Under the YouTube Title Character Limit

Make sure you're using the right YouTube video title length before settling on a headline. It’s easy to fall in love with the words you’ve written, only to realize you have too many!

Keep in mind the YouTube title character limit of 100 characters. But even that’s too long. The best titles are around 

 and display fully on most devices. Anything longer will show up as a truncated title.

It’s true: Sensational headlines attract viewers out of sheer curiosity. Even if something looks too good to be true, viewers will investigate just to be sure.

On its support page, YouTube states that it doesn’t condone “misleading metadata or thumbnails, [such as] using the title, thumbnail, [or] description to trick users” into watching a video.

One example could be a video titled “Buying a Mansion for $1 Million.” If the creator drives around to look at expensive homes with no intention of buying, renting, or even discussing that journey, it’s clickbait.

4. Use the Right Keywords for YouTube Search

Think of your YouTube title as the headline of your content: clear, compelling, and optimized for search. SEO (search engine optimization) is 

 on YouTube. If people aren’t searching for the kind of videos you make, getting views as a new creator is tough.

create a YouTube video title with solid keywords

. Start by studying your niche to see which phrases competitors use in their videos. Then use 

The goal is to find terms with high search volume plus low to medium  competition.

7 Ways to Discover the Best YouTube Keywords for Your Channel

Adding numbers to headlines is an old marketing rule that still works today. According to an 

, people pay special attention to numbers.

“Among our discoveries was that numerals often stop the wandering eye and attract fixations, even when they're embedded within a mass of words that users otherwise ignore,” writes Jakob Nielsen, computer interaction researcher.

people love numbers because they’re associated with facts

. So if you want people to click your titles, don’t skimp on the numerals.

decide to make purchases with their subconscious mind

? Choosing to watch a YouTube video doesn’t cost money, but it’s still a subconscious 

explore what viewers feel subconsciously as they browse YouTube

. What emotions arise when they think of specific topics?

Once you know this, it’s easier to write titles that stick. You’ll know which emotive words to use, such as “lucrative” for finance geeks or “blissful” for hopeless romantics.

Here's how to tap into three emotions that make people click videos: curiosity, fear, and desire.

7. Create Harmony Between the Title and Thumbnail

When people create YouTube video titles, the thumbnail is typically an afterthought. But that’s a costly mistake. 

No title exists in a vacuum because the headline appears beside the preview image on YouTube. So it’s wise to consider how the two combine to attract viewers. 

If the title doesn’t build upon what the thumbnail shows, it's not accurate or strong enough. Do your best to create real harmony, like the thumbnails we paired with these titles.

 so your thumbnail and title work together to grab attention.

8. Add Hashtags in Your YouTube Video Title

You want hashtags in your titles because they help viewers find content similar to what they’re already watching. If your title has a hashtag like #growyourchannel, your content could show up on the 

We accomplished this feat on the vidIQ channel. Below, notice we added #growyourchannel to a video titled “YouTube Settings You Need to Know to Grow Your Channel.”

Four years later, that video is still featured on the #growyourchannel hashtag page.

Here’s how to add hashtags in a YouTube video title:

Type the # symbol in your title or description, then start typing the best terms for your topic. YouTube will suggest some popular hashtags; all you have to do is choose the best one for your video.

9. Get Inspiration from Other YouTube Videos

Did you know that seasoned creators don't always brainstorm their video titles? Many of them look at channels in their niche and pull inspiration from videos that went viral!

It takes time to research those channels, so we'll save you a bit of trouble here. We interviewed title expert Jake Thomas, who studies trends within the YouTube video space. According to him, 

these emotion-driven titles are working for creators

Viewers get curious when they see these titles, and that motivates them to click on the video!

AI can take the guesswork out of writing titles. Instead of spending hours brainstorming, try 

 for every video description you provide. Plus, the ideas are optimized for viewer engagement!

vidIQ ai title generator with the prompt "buttery biscuits grandma style"

YouTube video titles generated by vidIQ's AI Title generator 

11. Write Wholesome Video Titles for YouTube

Titles should be 60 to 70 characters, with your main keyword near the front. Use relatable, emotive words (or a number) to spark curiosity, and make your thumbnail reinforce the same promise. Avoid clickbait and draft 2 to 3 variations and pick the clearest.

11 YouTube Title Formulas That Get More Clicks and Views

vidIQ's AI title generator creates optimized, high-CTR titles based on your topic and target keywords.

Lydia Sweatt

Posts Written By Lydia Sweatt

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