November was a great month for small creators in the vidIQ community. Not surprisingly, many of you grew your channels from zero subs to 1,000 YouTube subscribers — again!

We're here to say 

and share your success with other creators!

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 

Ready to see who got the most subscribers? These were the fastest-growing YouTube channels last month.

Top Channels Passing 1,000 Subscribers in November

 makes short stories based on the video game 

 challenges viewers to do hard things, like watching a video with one eye or staying silent throughout an entire video.

3. Curiosidades da Historia (Curiosities of History)

 is a channel exploring secrets, adventures, and interesting moments in history.

 has one long-form video so far, but it's an epic prank where he convinces people he's running for parliament.

 teaches viewers how to read, speak, listen, and write in English.

 promotes up-and-coming artists in the music industry.

 shares practical advice, daily routines, and habits to make life easier.

 explains the subject of global economics and how it affects the world.

 is a channel that tests viewers' knowledge through interactive quizzes.

Congrats to everyone who grew their channels quickly last month! 🥳 

A graphic showing the words 1,000 subscriber with celebratory sparks and stars

Which small YouTube channels grew the fastest in November? In this roundup, get to know rising creators who post about music, pranks, history, and more.

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

 is, you've taken the longest break from YouTube in recorded history. Because seriously — this Shorts creator has been pulling in millions of views since 2022.

Jenny is in the finance niche, so she loves to film extreme budgeting challenges: making $1 meals, giving $5 gifts, and other cool stunts. Her viewers love it, and all the praise has lifted her channel to 1.69 million subscribers and 954 million views. But her most impressive feat is getting over 10 million views per YouTube Short.

gaining 10 million Shorts views in 90 days

 is one way to enter the YouTube Partner Program. And once you're in, you can monetize your Shorts with YouTube ad revenue.

If that's your main goal as a creator, keep scrolling or check out the video below. We interviewed Jenny to learn how she goes viral with short-form content dozens of times each month!

1. Find a Unique Niche (Blue Ocean Strategy)

Finding the right target audience for your content is more complicated than most creators know. You have to go deeper than deep, avoiding the crowded niches if you want a real shot at standing out. Or in Jenny's own words, you need to look for a blue ocean — not a red one.

Red ocean = Bloody waters. Creators don't survive because hundreds of "sharks" go after the same video topics and angles.

Blue ocean = Smooth sailing. You have room to explore many video topics and stand out within your niche.

So, how do you avoid a red ocean and find those crystal, blue waters? It's all about finding a 

"At first, I was actually copying Graham Stephan.... That's a red ocean because everyone's trying to be him. But then I looked at the money/finance industry and realized nobody's doing it for kids," Jenny says.

A hook is a three-second introduction that reels people in and compels them to keep watching. According to Jenny, the best hooks are concise, visually compelling, and tell the gist of the story within seconds. This gets people to stop scrolling and increases the odds of earning millions of views.

"It needs to be so good that you can be watching the video on mute and still know what it's about," Jenny says.

For example, pay attention to the first three seconds of the video below, where Jenny recreates a chicken sandwich (at Chik-fil-A) for $1.

The first words you hear are "$1 chicken sandwich." She wastes no time getting to the point, and she shows 

 Give a sneak peek of what happens at the end of your video.

Some phrases grab attention much better than others. Experiment with intros like "Did you know about this...?" or “I never do THIS, and here’s why…”

 Starting a video with someone laughing or crying makes viewers curious about what led up to those moments.

Storytelling has taken over on YouTube. The days of giving information without having unique characters, scenes, and conflicts are long gone! Today, YouTube videos are more like 

That may sound intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. According to Jenny, you just need three key elements, which involve:

You can bring this to life by using the words "but" and "so," Jenny says.

 I followed him for a few miles. He led me to a dark tunnel, 

 I saw a bunch of abandoned puppies at the rim of the opening.

Each "but" stops the viewer from scrolling away as conflict rises.

Setting a good pace for any story is crucial, and Shorts are no exception to the rule. But the real challenge is figuring out 

 to pace a short video. After all, you only have 60 seconds to make your point.

Make your initial hook brief (fast-paced).

Make the middle a bit slower (medium-paced).

Make the peak of your story memorable and sharp (fast-paced).

Make the resolution a bit slower (medium-paced).

A graphic showing the peak end rule using a simple line graph of peaks and valleys

"There are multiple theories to back this up. One that I want to get into is the Peak-End Theory. It's this theory that people only remember their favorite part of a movie and the ending," Jenny says."

Take your viewers on a rollercoaster of fast and medium-paced scenes. That way, important moments have more room to stand out.

5. Entice Returning Viewers with 'Content Buckets'

Did you know that viral Shorts aren't created in a vacuum? Successful creators have a strategy for each video 

 the collection of videos surrounding that one masterpiece. That's why Jenny prefers to create "content buckets", or themes that viewers can easily recognize.

"Buckets are repeatable formats, and I try to build mine around very similar titles. For example, my bucket would be '$1 fast food item versus restaurant'.... All the videos are [metadata-linked using that title]. YouTube will say, "Oh, the viewer liked when she made '$1 pizza.' They're going to like it when she makes a $1 sandwich or $1 burger too," Jenny explains.

Creating content buckets (based on what worked in the past) is the fastest way to get returning viewers and increase your Shorts views.

YouTube Shorts Monetization: It's Easy When You're Going Viral

Compared to long-form content, YouTube Shorts don't bring in as much ad revenue. Going viral helps in that department, but many creators make as low as $100 for a Short with millions of views. It's a common problem that pushes Shorts creators into making long-form videos.

But what if you have no desire for that? What if you love making Shorts and nothing else on YouTube? 

"If you have products, courses, and sponsorships, that's where the money is made. I know a couple of creators who literally make a million dollars per sponsored Short," Jenny says.

Of course, going viral is the best way to get lucrative sponsorships or sell the right number of products to support yourself.

So, if you haven't already, learn how to boost the YouTube Shorts views on your channel!

Jenny Hoyos pointing to the words 10 million views formula

Are you still working your way toward 10 million YouTube Shorts views? Learn how Jenny Hoyos, a viral creator, reaches this milestone with each video!

How Jenny Hoyos Gets 10M Views Per YouTube Short

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 

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]

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.

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.

Posts Written By Lydia Sweatt

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

How Jenny Hoyos Gets 10M Views Per YouTube Short

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]

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]