Every few years, it's wise to look at your YouTube icon and see if it needs updating to better match your channel. Fortunately, it's pretty easy to make the switch, especially when using a desktop computer. 

The tricky part is attempting this on a smartphone.

 There are extra steps, more menus, and a longer process overall.

Don't worry, through: This guide will cover both methods 

 help you achieve the right size and aesthetic for your image.

How to Change Your YouTube Icon (Desktop)

1. Log in to your YouTube account. On your channel's homepage, click your current profile icon.

This will take you to the YouTube Studio, and more specifically, the branding section of the customization page.

Use your computer's file browser to choose a new photo for your channel (you might have to crop it to get the right fit).

the change button to select a new youtube icon

 in the top right corner to save the changes.

How to Change Your YouTube Icon (Mobile App)

2. Go to your YouTube channel's homepage. Click the 

a youtube channel homepage on the mobile app with pencil icon highlighted

3. Under channel settings, click the camera symbol inside of your profile icon.

4. Choose a photo from your camera or gallery. Again, you might have to crop the image to get the right fit.

Options for uploading a channel icon: camera roll or gallery

How big does a YouTube icon have to be? Fortunately, it can be pretty small compared to the rest of your channel art, like YouTube banners and thumbnails. 

, according to YouTube. You can upload a GIF, BMP, JPG, or PNG file. Just make sure the image is 4MB or less.

Also, square or round images work best. That's because YouTube displays every profile image as a tiny circle on mobile devices, desktop computers, and even TVs.

So, orient your image well before you set a YouTube channel icon. It helps to center the subject of the image, and make it large enough for viewers to see!

The best channel icons are simple enough to identify yet bold enough to 

Use bright, attention grabbing colors, such as reds, purples, yellows, and oranges. Try to minimize neutral colors, like white, black, beige, and gray. You want the image to pop!

 has the right idea. The main element of the photo, a cute teddy bear, is in the middle of the frame. The icon also has bright pinks and blues that are hard to miss.

At the same time, not every icon needs to be a 2D illustration. 

 uses a photo of himself with blue and orange colors to make his icon stand out.

Youtube channel icon for feasible creative

If you're chasing the professional look, consider a simple logo. 

 has one of the best profile icons because it's simple, colorful, and large enough to make out.

Now that you have the perfect YouTube icon, what else can you improve on your channel? 

Here's a quick guide to making a YouTube banner!

Ready to update your YouTube icon? Here's how to upload a new profile image to your channel using a smartphone or laptop.

How to Change Your YouTube Icon [Mobile and Desktop Guide]

What would you do for 100,000 YouTube subscribers? Post three videos a day for the next year? Buy the fanciest equipment money can buy?

Ten creators just proved that 

. In fact, they hit 100,000 subs the old-fashioned way: by being themselves and pursuing their passions without giving up.

They're all in the vidIQ community, so we're taking time to say congratulations and welcome to 

As always, we define the vidIQ community as anyone using our growth tools to reach YouTube success. So if you've 

 to optimize your videos, find keywords, or even get video ideas, this roundup is for you. We're celebrating 

Top Channels Passing 100,000 Subscribers in November

 helps viewers understand and take care of their dogs, from training to behavior to nutrition.

 creates a unique audio experience by eating snacks.

 makes short, creative content using 2D animation.

 specializes in crafting women's wear, such as gowns and dresses.

 creates entertaining video polls and quizzes.

 shows viewers what it's like to grow and harvest fruit.

 participates in viral meal trends, then gives the food away to people in need.

 posts gameplay footage, specifically car crashes, from the racing game 

 is a wildlife filmmaker who specializes in documentaries about snakes.

Congrats to everyone who had amazing subscriber growth last month! 🥳 If you want to see your channel grow, don't forget to 

 and get robust tools, data, and video ideas.

A graphic showing the words 100,000 subscribers 

They've done it again! 10 creators, who once had small channels, hit 100,000 subscribers on YouTube. Discover who they are (and what their channels are about).

10 YouTube Channels that Hit 100K Subs FAST! [November]

? That's what thousands of creators are asking after his YouTube channel ballooned from 8,000 subscribers to 

 this year. And, with that type of growth, it's a fair enough question: Who is this guy taking over YouTube?

Sam is a 21-year-old bodybuilder who's on a mission to grow his muscle mass while documenting the journey. Every day, he shows (or tells) viewers how to carve out a massive back, chest, set of arms, and more.

That's all he's doing, and he has millions of subscribers on YouTube? 

But Sam is not your typical fitness influencer. He doesn't come off like a drill sergeant who's lifting heavy weights to go to war; he's just filming his life. And he narrates the journey in what feels like one long conversation.

We already mentioned that Sam went from 8,000 subscribers to over 2 million. But did you know that he gained most of those subscribers 

 According to vidIQ data, Sam bagged 1.8 million subscribers between August and October.

sam sulek's youtube subscriber growth of 1.8 million from august to october

Estimated monthly earnings: $44.1K - $132.3K

Sam's authenticity is what makes him so special on YouTube. He doesn't exaggerate his personality for the camera, so his videos feel real and easy to connect with. You can see this in the rawness of his thumbnails, the minimalistic editing, and how he speaks calmly to viewers.

 is the best way to get clicks on YouTube. But sometimes the opposite is true. Sam's thumbnails aren't filled with text, emojis, glowing objects, or dramatic facial expressions, 

 They're often just screen captures from his videos, which is pretty unconventional!

A Sam Sulek thumbnail showing him flexing his biceps

Even down to his thumbnails, Sam is not photoshopping his life for social media. What you see is what you get, and viewers love how genuine he is in all aspects of YouTube.

How often do you see creators posting long YouTube videos? Sam is the type of guy to press record for 34 minutes on average, giving viewers ample time to connect with his content. In fact, his most-viewed video was 

Screenshot of a Sam Sulek video with the video duration circled

Of course, it helps that Sam is speaking for the duration. He jumps into the car, shares his workout plan, narrates his exercise routine, and offers motivation during the ride home. It's like a long, soothing podcast.

So, overall, people aren't showing up to see his workout videos 

. They value Sam's conversation and presence even more.

Sam's videos have minimal edits, but they still manage to hold his viewers' attention. You won't see lots of B-roll, jump cuts, lower thirds, special effects, or anything fancy. You're just spending time with Sam as he goes to the gym, does his workout, and returns home.

This type of content is rare on YouTube, so while it may look simple, 

. He's being real with his audience, and viewers can't get enough of it. You'll notice people in the comment section raving about his easygoing nature compared to other creators they've seen.

A youtuber commenter saying how genuine sam sulek's content is

Sam's strategy of uploading one video per day is a major factor in his success. He shows viewers that they can depend on his content and invest a good chunk of time on his channel every week. So, take notes, rising creators! If viewers know you're posting daily — and they're hooked on your content — it becomes so much easier to get views.

Have you noticed the shift on YouTube? Creators are moving away from polished, overly produced content to raw footage showing their true nature. And Sam isn't the only creator leading this movement. 

, a channel that initially focused on horses, is now sharing unedited videos filled with life lessons. Other creators are doing the same thing, shifting toward genuine content and connection.

. As you build your brand, you'll quickly realize traditional YouTube strategies like heavy editing and flashy thumbnails may not be your thing. And that's OK! Lean into what works so you can 

Have you heard of viral sensation Sam Sulek? He went from 8K YouTube subscribers to over 2 million in just a few months. Here's how he grew his channel FAST!

Sam Sulek Breaks Every YouTube Rule, Still Goes Insanely Viral

There's nothing like hitting 10,000 YouTube subscribers in just a few weeks! It's an amazing feat, and that's why we're celebrating 10 creators who hit that number through hard work, creativity, and a whole lot of 

To all those talented creators, welcome to the 10K Subs Club!

Remember, being part of the vidIQ community means you're on a journey to stardom using 

. Whether you've hopped aboard to jazz up your videos, hunt down the perfect keywords, or spark fresh video ideas, this celebration is all about you. Here's to every victory, big and small! 🎈🎊

Top Channels Passing 10,000 Subscribers in November

Medizen Healing Music posts binaural beats and tunes for meditation.

DailyRandomFacts shares the fascinating secrets of our world.

Smiling Corner is filled with funny skits and videos to you make laugh.

Paths of Prosperity and Abundance is a motivational channel bringing viewers closer to God, money, and miracles.

Wild Wonder Watchers is a channel that narrates (and edits) videos showing interesting moments between animals.

Vega Jewellers a jewelry store showcasing antique pieces, diamonds, and gold creations.

Deltа Gaming makes game-style videos that also have animations.

格蘭修行日記 (Grant's Practice Diary)

Grant's Practice Diary explains the benefits of practicing Buddhism.

English Kids teaches children about colors, sounds, counting, and more through catchy songs.

Majid Nirban is a channel where inspiration meets spirituality in the world of Islamic motivation.

A graphic showing the words 10,000 subscribers 

These phenomenal YouTubers got 10,000 subs in just 30 days! Meet 10 rising creators who talk about spirituality, wildlife, jewelry, gaming, and more.

10 Small YouTube Channels that Hit 10K Subs [November]

Are you looking for Black Friday deals this week? As a content creator, this is a great time to look at your production equipment and see if anything needs upgrading. For example, it might be time to invest in a DSLR camera if you started your YouTube channel with a smartphone. Or maybe your microphone is a bit old and worn out!

No matter where you're starting from, one thing is true: 

Some YouTube equipment is more critical than others.

 Small creators can drastically improve their videos with better audio, lighting, and visuals before most other upgrades. 

Even still, you probably don't want to pay $1,000 for a camera that was marked down from $1,200. So, here's the best YouTube equipment to buy, offered at an affordable price!

Looking for the best camera under $500? These four entry-level options will upgrade your videos by leaps and bounds! On the list, we have DSLR cameras, point-and-shoot options, and even action cams.

The Lumix FZ300 has everything you need to create aesthetically pleasing videos. It offers 4K recording, 24X optical zoom, and a quick autofocus. If you have to film in various conditions, you'll also love the weather-resistant design. It isn't an action cam (per se), but it has 5-axis image stabilization to keep your shots steady. Overall, the Lumix FZ300 is a point-and-shoot camera that goes above and beyond.

Want to enhance your video quality for less than $300? The NBD DSLR creates the most bang for your buck with 4K video, 33-megapixel resolution, and tons of accessories. You'll get two lenses, including a wide-angle and telephoto lens for capturing different angles. The deal also comes with a camera strap and bag, 32GB SD card, and LED spotlight.

Action cameras pack a lot of power in a small package, and the Osmo Action 3 is no different. You get 4K video recording, a waterproof design, and a vivid touch screen for previewing your content. The camera also comes with RockSteady stabilization. Whether you're mountain biking, skateboarding, or capturing any high-movement activity, the footage looks incredibly smooth.

The GoPro HERO9 is an action camera with 5K recording and 20-megapixel resolution. It's famously small, a huge advantage for vloggers, sports enthusiasts, or anyone who needs light-weight equipment. And, if you're into water sports, the Hero9 has you covered with waterproofing technology. The camera also has HyperSmooth stabilization to smooth out bumpy rides on motorcycles, ATVs, and other wheeled vehicles.

Black Friday Microphone Deals (Under $250)

The best microphone for YouTube is one that fits your budget and produces clear audio. Start your search here with our list of Black Friday deals on microphones.

Looking for a quality microphone that fits a tighter budget? The Blue Snowball matches that description, especially for the current sale price of $39! But don't be fooled by its affordability; this is a plug-and-play mic that doesn't compromise on sound. The Blue Snowball is incredibly user-friendly, and you can use it for voiceovers, livestreaming, or basic music recordings.

This microphone is a favorite among content creators for its crisp sound quality and ease of use. It's a USB microphone that plugs right into your computer, which is pretty convenient. Best of all, Blue Yeti has several recording options, including cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo. This means you can record just about anything, from solo podcasts to interviews, music, or even a roundtable discussion. Overall, the Blue Yeti is one of the best USB mics on the market.

Stepping up your audio has never been easier and more affordable than with the Shure MV51. This is a digital, large-diaphragm condenser microphone. It doesn't have your standard field recorders, but this mic can record audio onto an iOS device, which some might say is even cooler. It works for iPhone, iPod, and iPad! Plus, the Shure MV51 has preset recording modes for podcasting, singing, playing an acoustic instrument, and more.

The Shure MV88+ Video Kit is your ticket to quality sound, all for under $300. It features a smartphone condenser microphone, which works for Apple and Android users. The full kit includes a Manfrotto PIXI tripod, a clamp for your phone, a mount, plus iOS and USB-C cables. This is the perfect solution for hands-free recording!

What's the best lighting for YouTube videos? If you're on a budget, these four options will upgrade your visuals significantly!

The cheapest light source on our list, the Godox M1 is a compact LED panel. It features RGB color options, allowing you to choose from a spectrum of colors to set the perfect mood for your videos. The M1 also has multiple lighting modes, including standard bicolor options, such as red-green and yellow-green.

The Panel Go has a slim, lightweight design that fits into almost any camera bag. But what makes this panel stand out is the ability to adjust color temperature and brightness. With those features, you can easily tweak the lighting to match your environment. Additionally, the Panel GO comes with a built-in battery, which is rechargeable via USB-C.

The BOLING Pocket LED is an excellent pick, especially if you want to light your videos for less than $100. Like other options on the list, it offers a full spectrum of colors, the ability to adjust color temperature, and a few brightness options. But this light stands out because it's specifically for 

 and has a 360-degree mount for that purpose.

We hope you found something on this list to enhance the visuals, audio, or lighting of your YouTube videos. After all, the more quality you put into your content, the more views you'll see in return!



Speaking of views, here's how to go insanely viral at the end of the year!

Cameras, lenses, and more equipment on a table

Did you know there are tons of Black Friday deals for content creators? Here are the best YouTube cameras, mics, and lighting for a discount!

11 Pieces of YouTube Equipment on Sale for Black Friday

Creating your videos in the correct format is vital, especially if you want to make an impact with YouTube Shorts. While the basic rules are straightforward — keep the video under 60 seconds and make it vertical —  there's more to the equation.

 vertical? Which aspect ratio will YouTube accept?

Getting the Right Size for YouTube Shorts

The ideal YouTube Shorts resolution is 1080x1920 pixels and the aspect ratio is 9:16. This is the standard for most modern smartphones in portrait mode, making it the go-to choice for creators.

: 1920 pixels by 1080 pixels (standard length-by-width ratio for vertical content)

The 9:16 aspect ratio aligns perfectly with the portrait mode feature inside most smartphones. It offers a full-screen viewing experience without any black bars, making it ideal for mobile-first audiences.

Viewers are used to seeing the vertical aspect ratio on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and other short-form videos. Creating in this format ensures a seamless and engaging experience.

YouTube itself recommends the 9:16 aspect ratio for Shorts. This format is optimized for the Shorts shelf and the algorithm that  promotes short-form content.

There's a tiny caveat to YouTube's rule that Shorts need to be vertical videos. Apparently, 

Shorts don't have to be vertical as long as they're 

That means you can create Shorts with a 1:1 aspect ratio and dimensions of 1080x1080 pixels. Those videos will look like perfect squares — so, technically not vertical at all — but YouTube will categorize them as Shorts.

Check out the square format versus the vertical format below. When a Short is square (left), you'll see black bars above and below the video frame. That extra bit of artificial "length" is what helps the video qualify (probably) as a Short. Vertical videos (right) fill the entire mobile screen.

 channel years ago. And we know square videos can become YouTube Shorts because:

Our test video (a square) made it to the Shorts shelf, which 

A large percentage of video views came from the Shorts traffic source.

Here's the test video we used to confirm the results:

Even still, there are advantages and disadvantages to making square Shorts.

 The video will have an unsightly black bar at the top and bottom of the frame.

 Square videos leave the bottom of the screen empty, and viewers can easily see your channel name, the video's title, and the subscribe button.

YouTube Shorts: Can They Be ‘Wider’ or 'Narrower' Than Perfect Squares?

For our next test, we attempted to make a Short wider than a square. So, we uploaded a video that was just 10 pixels wider than it was tall, and as we expected, the video didn't appear in our featured Shorts section. That's an area YouTube auto-populates, so the results are clear: Our video was 

That means the widest Short you can make is a square video.

 If the video is wider than it is tall, it won't be considered a Short.

Here’s another rule to follow: Don’t make a video skinnier than what you’d shoot on a smartphone. We created a video with a resolution of 360x1920 pixels, and while people 

 view it on YouTube, it didn’t make it to the Shorts shelf.

To see all of our Shorts testing — and view what might be the skinniest video on Earth — check out the explainer below:

Pros and Cons of Wider Aspect Ratios (e.g., 16:9)

Traditional YouTube content creators are familiar with wide content.

Wide content is better for displaying landscapes or group scenes.

Not optimized for mobile viewing; can result in black bars on the top and bottom in portrait mode.

May not be as engaging for the mobile-first audience.

Suitable for mobile viewing, though not as optimized as 9:16.

Offers a middle ground for content that doesn’t fit well in extremely vertical formats.

Not fully utilizing the screen real estate on mobile devices.

May not be as immersive as 9:16 for viewers.

The most important thing to know? Shooting a vertical video with your phone (as intended) is the easiest way to make YouTube Shorts. You will automatically use the correct aspect ratio and completely avoid the "technical" stuff.

Now that you know the correct dimensions for vertical content, here's how the Shorts algorithm works!

What's the perfect aspect ratio for a YouTube Short? They need to be vertical in size, but what does that really mean? Keep reading to find out.

YouTube Shorts Dimensions: How to Get the Right Size for Vertical Content

Do you want to boost your chance of going viral this holiday season? The good news is that you don't need tons of 

 to grow your views. With a good strategy and the right type of content, you can snag a million or more views by Christmas!

How do I make my video go viral on YouTube?

 It helps to prioritize short videos, find trendy keywords, and share your content across social media. Keep scrolling for more ideas!

1. Research Holiday Videos that Went Viral Last Year

One underrated hack is to find videos that where popular last Christmas and Thanksgiving. This kind of research has the power to reveal themes and topics that lend themselves to viral moments. After that, it's just a matter of reverse-engineering those traits to build newer, trend-worthy videos.

1. Go to the YouTube search bar and type in the word 

the word christmas typed into the youtube search bar

r. If searching in November, this will pull videos from 2022. Then, filter by 

Instantly, we found a video called "$5 Christmas" with 60 million views. That's an intriguing idea to recreate this holiday season!

Try not to limit yourself to just YouTube as you research. Check out videos that went viral on TikTok, Instagram, and other corners of the internet too.

No matter what season it is, your YouTube channel needs a healthy dose of 

 (SEO). Fortunately, optimizing your videos to attract the most views, likes, and watch time isn't hard. Just follow these steps:

Find trending holiday keywords on YouTube.

Add the keywords to your video titles and descriptions.

That's it! But remember, this strategy works best if holiday topics blend well with the content you're already posting.

For example, let's say your channel is about interior decorating. You might be wondering if "Christmas" and "interior decorating" will combine to produce a viral video.

According to vidIQ, "Christmas decor" has a high search volume on YouTube this month. Viewers typed the keyword into the search bar 

 Best of all, the topic isn't oversaturated or plagued by competition from large, established channels.

vidIQ gives a high keyword score of 68 for 'christmas decor'

Here are more keywords (low competition, high volume) to help you out:

Christmas gift ideas 2023: 41,514 searches

Thanksgiving streusel pumpkin pie: 3,070 searches

Free Thanksgiving meal Ibotta: 2,519 searches

During the holidays, viewers have numerous distractions competing for their attention. Ads, holiday specials on TV, winter events, and other types of media will 

. That’s why it’s wise to create bite-sized content this time of the year. It’s less overwhelming, and you get to hold viewers' attention much longer.

YouTube Shorts will become your best friend if you pick this strategy. Try filming some punchy video ideas, like:

60-second tutorial for Thanksgiving turkey

Quick guide to spending less during Christmas

Micro-vlogs of almost anything (wrapping presents, cooking, etc.)

Need some help making your YouTube Short go viral? 

This guide covers 8 elements of short, viral content.

Sometimes, going viral is about giving people something to remember. For example, make a video that 

 of their favorite Christmas movie from the '90s. Transport them back to 2003, where they savored their first bite of Thanksgiving turkey.

As you do this, know that it's about more than pumpkin pie or a rainbow of Christmas lights. People are connected to the 

 they get around the holidays. Nostalgic moments bring them back to their childhood and spark the holiday spirit.

Viewers may be distracted this holiday season, but that doesn't mean you can't go viral. Here are 6 ways to grow your YouTube views at the end of the year.

Posts Written By Lydia Sweatt

How to Change Your YouTube Icon [Mobile and Desktop Guide]

10 YouTube Channels that Hit 100K Subs FAST! [November]

Sam Sulek Breaks Every YouTube Rule, Still Goes Insanely Viral

10 Small YouTube Channels that Hit 10K Subs [November]

11 Pieces of YouTube Equipment on Sale for Black Friday

YouTube Shorts Dimensions: How to Get the Right Size for Vertical Content

Holiday Hacks: How to Go Viral on YouTube at the End of the Year

10 Trending Topics to Grow a Small YouTube Channel [November]

Creating Viral YouTube Videos: 10 Tips for Small Channels

40 Awesome YouTube Channel Ideas (Without Showing Your Face)

10 Small YouTube Channels that Hit 1,000 Subs FAST [October]

10 Types of Videos that Attract More YouTube Watch Time