We’re finally in the new year, and for many of you, that means setting bigger goals for your YouTube channel. While it’s nice to collect more views or even monetize your videos, we know you want something else too: more YouTube subscribers.

No matter what number you’re striving for, you’ll reach it faster if you set a 

. The SMART method is a proven way to set meaningful goals, and it stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. These are the five key elements of a wise goal — one that’s realistic and more likely to be achieved.

Not to mention, a SMART goal brings more focus to your YouTube journey. It helps you understand 

 you need to make it happen. So whether you’re looking to hit 1,000; 10,000; or even 100,000 subscribers, here’s how to set a SMART goal.

First up, your goal needs to be as specific as possible. Instead of saying you want to get more subscribers, which is a bit vague, name a real number. It’s not just about having a figure to chase; setting a clear goal helps you understand what you need to bring your dreams to life.

Why is this goal important? Will it help me 

, secure bigger brand deals, sell products to my audience?, etc.

For example, you might say, "I need 10,000 subscribers to attract more lucrative brand deals and grow my content creation business. To increase my subscribers, I’ll have to learn community building, storytelling, thumbnail creation, and YouTube SEO. I can learn these skills myself or enroll in a 

Now the goal is well-defined with clear action steps!

Tracking your progress helps you stay focused, especially when chasing an intimidating goal. In the YouTube space, “intimidating” could be anything over 100,000 subscribers. For some creators, 

Balloons surrounding a huge number 1 and a small letter m

No matter what your goal is, don’t make the mistake of only tracking subscriber count. 

Measure the underlying process that grows your channel

. After all, it’s the months of acquiring new skills or posting new content that truly moves the needle.

In that case, “measuring your progress” could mean:

Posting a specific number of videos to understand which ideas succeed or fail.

Choosing one YouTube skill to learn over the course of each month.

 and track important metrics, including subscribers.

Watching a specific number of YouTube education videos, such as the ones from vidIQ.

For any goal to work, it has to be realistic. You might be able to gain 3,000 subscribers in a month, but 30,000 might be a stretch!

Be honest with yourself and set a goal that feels achievable. Look at how fast your channel is growing, then pick a number that builds upon your current trajectory.

 a graph showing youtube subscriber growth over time for a channel

For example, you might say, “My channel gains 100 subscribers each month. With the resources I have, and the skills I’m gaining, I can reasonably grow that number to 300. That means I could reach 1,800 subscribers in the next six months.”

How to Get More YouTube Subscribers on a Small Channel

When a goal is relevant, it aligns with everything on your YouTube channel, from the content you make to the audience you target. But it goes even deeper than that.

Sometimes, setting a relevant goal is vowing to never make content that repeatedly fails to grow your subscribers. So, spend some time looking at the 

 metric in the YouTube Studio. It will show you which videos bring in the most subscribers so you can keep making relevant content.

Subscribers gained by content filter in the youtube studio

How to Get Subscriber Feedback from a YouTube Analytics Deep Dive

Lastly, set a deadline to achieve your goal. This helps you envision what's on the horizon for your channel and makes the journey feel 

A good deadline creates a sense of urgency and order, pushing you to make detailed plans. It might inspire you to build a content strategy or stick to a 

. But remember, a SMART goal is always realistic, so choose your deadline wisely!

For example, you might say, “My channel has 50 subscribers, and I want to 

A SMART goal is just that — an incredibly smart way to grow your YouTube channel faster. But that doesn’t mean life won’t throw you a curveball. As you gain more subscribers, you may have to adjust your plans when there's an unexpected hiccup. That could be a new work schedule, complications at school, or just having more important obligations!

No matter what happens, don’t give up. 2025 can be your year on YouTube, but only if you keep going.

If you haven’t already, read this guide to help you prepare for more YouTube growth in 2024!

"100K" in yellow and surrounded by balloons.

3D golden 100k text with orange balloons on blue background celebrating milestone.

Want more YouTube subscribers in 2025? Don't skip the most crucial step in the creator journey: setting a SMART goal to achieve your dreams!

Kickstarting 2025: How to Set the Perfect YouTube Subscriber Goal

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 available 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 G7 has everything you need to create aesthetically pleasing videos. It offers 4K recording, at 30 fps, with a maximum focal length of 84mm. If you have to film in various conditions, you'll also love the weather-resistant design. With a 3D Lens with a 16 micro four-thirds system, you'll never miss a shot in action! Overall, the Lumix G7 is a point-and-shoot camera that goes above and beyond.

Featuring a powerful 24.1 MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ image processor, this DSLR delivers sharp, vibrant photos and Full HD videos. Its 18-55mm lens offers versatility for everyday shooting, while built-in Wi-Fi makes sharing your creations seamless. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts, the Rebel T7 combines quality, ease of use, and connectivity in one sleek package.

Action cameras pack a lot of power in a small package, and the Osmo Action 4 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 HERO13 is an action camera with 5K recording and 27-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 Hero12 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.

Compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, and Mac, the HyperX Quad Cast features four selectable polar patterns for versatile recording, an anti-vibration shock mount, and an internal pop filter for crystal-clear audio. With built-in gain control, a stunning red LED indicator, and seamless performance on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Discord, the QuadCast elevates your voice to the next level.

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 bi-color 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

DSLR camera with lens and photography accessories on a flat surface in black and white.

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

YouTube Shorts are opening new doors for content discovery and driving viewer engagement in ways that are reshaping the YouTube game. And as these vertical videos continue to be pushed to the forefront, creators have a unique opportunity to ride the wave and grow their channels.

 but the challenging part is keeping the momentum going. And with many updates over the years, you may have to think differently about how you create Shorts. 

Shorts are appearing in search results, so you should absolutely create them.

If you focus on making unique Shorts that go viral, subscribers will find you eventually.

Every Short needs a pinned comment that recommends 

Musical Shorts may contain trends or dance challenges, so research those topics before you press record.

Now that you have some background knowledge, here are four tips to grow your channel with YouTube Shorts.

1. YouTube Shorts are More Discoverable; Don’t Hesitate to Post Them!

Getting discovered with YouTube Shorts is a sound strategy, especially as search-based Shorts are getting more views. That means you should absolutely start posting them to 

How Viewers ‘Search’ for YouTube Shorts

Viewers can find your Shorts via YouTube search just like traditional, topic-based videos. Want to learn how? Follow these steps:

Open YouTube on your desktop or mobile app.

Next to your profile icon, click the magnifying glass at the top right corner of the screen.

Type your desired keywords into the search bar and tap the appropriate result when it pops up.

Scroll down past the first few results — the regular, horizontal videos — until you see the Shorts shelf. Here you'll find Shorts related to your search term.

When we search for vidIQ, a shelf filled with 

 called "Latest Shorts from vidIQ" appears in the results. This may contain Shorts we’ve posted as well as those from other creators who talk about vidIQ. So just by posting Shorts, you've created one more way for viewers to 

If you're on the mobile app, you can also simply click the Shorts icon at the bottom and watch a stream of endless Shorts!

What About Topic-Based Searches for YouTube Shorts on Google?

If you're a long-form creator making search-based videos, you know the struggle of trying to rank for a search term, especially a popular one. It's a popular strategy, but long-form videos are almost oversaturated with it.

With the rise of search-based Shorts, you can find new ways to dominate a search term. That’s because although long-form videos show up on Google search pages, there are little to no Shorts. If you’re anything like us, you’d probably want to click on a 40-second Short explaining the search term instead of an 8-minute “how to” tutorial.

YouTube Shorts from Google Search results

For example, do a Google search on "how to make a YouTube Short." You'll notice a Short from vidIQ appears 

which creates more exposure for our channel. So always do 

 so you can make discoverable videos.

Watch Rob explain this in more detail below:

2. Accept That Views, Not Subscribers, Are the Immediate Benefit of Creating Shorts

If you’ve struggled to gain subscribers from Shorts, that might intensify in the future. YouTube made some layout changes to the Shorts player, and the subscribe button is less prominent than it used to be.

In the old layout, the subscribe button was red and higher up on the player. Now the button is gray and very close to the bottom of the screen.

It seems like YouTube wants to take the emphasis off of subscribers, at least for Shorts. We’re not sure why. What we do know is that views, not subscribers, have always been the biggest reward for posting Shorts. Some creators get millions of subscribers, but that’s usually because they’re posting unique content that’s hard to duplicate — like 

Jake Fellman’s animated Among Us Shorts

. Those videos attract millions of subscribers.

For now, create the best Shorts you can possibly make. Make them so entertaining that people deliberately search for the subscribe button, even if it’s harder to see.

18 Viral Video Hooks for YouTube Shorts [Proven Hacks]

3. Use Pinned Comments to Drive Viewers From a Short to Additional Content

Shorts are similar to TikTok videos; viewers watch them quickly, swipe to the next video, and repeat the process as they cycle through content. It’s hard to get people to slow down, but when they do, you should give them something to look at.

The comment section is a good place to do this. Because subscribers are harder to gain with Shorts, you should 

make sure each video has a pinned comment.

 You can highlight additional content — a playlist, a Short that serves as a part two, whatever you like — and encourage people to explore your channel. If people like what they see, they may hit subscribe.

The pinned comment is your best tool because Shorts don’t have info cards or end screens for suggesting content. Even the video description is hidden behind a two-tap journey.

4. Do Some Research to Make Unique, Music-Driven Shorts

 That’s what’s been happening on TikTok and even older platforms like Triller and the unforgettable sensation that was Vine.

Now YouTube wants to create the same appeal on its mobile app. On March 18, 2021, the platform unveiled a feature for 

, and it's been working great. The best part? You won’t be penalized for violating copyright rules.

Not to mention, YouTube is one of the biggest platforms for music listeners and is preferred by many. If you can add music with a high search volume or something that's trending online, your Short might get recommended when people search for the song!

Recommended shorts with song search on YouTube

With more creators using music, it's easy to find out which songs appear in certain videos. Then you can 

 after seeing what others posted, hopefully making your content stand out.

To start researching, look for the icon below. If you see it, that means the creator added a song from the Shorts camera tool.

Tap the icon to see more Shorts using that song. This is where your research will really take off as you discover how the song is being used, if there’s a challenge associated with it, and more. At the top of the page, you can also see the original YouTube video for the song.

YouTube Shorts Are Getting Longer: Is This an Opportunity or a Problem?

Starting October 15th, YouTube will classify any vertical or square videos up to 3 minutes in length as YouTube Shorts. This is a significant shift from the current format, which only allows Shorts to be a maximum of 60 seconds. Watch Rob explain this update in detail below:

There are some challenges to consider with this update. Here's a concise version of what to expect:

 Longer Shorts might not display correctly on your channel at first, and YouTube has acknowledged that traffic sources could be inconsistent for a while.

 Shorts over 60 seconds containing copyrighted material will be automatically blocked, a tougher policy compared to the previous claim system.

 While longer Shorts offer more content space, they won’t count towards the watch time needed for monetization. Creators still need 10 million views from Shorts to qualify.

While these changes might not seem as amazing for new creators, this format might open up a pool of audience that could gravitate towards it. It marks a significant shift in the platform's strategy, and while it may seem daunting, there are ways for aspiring creators to navigate these updates successfully. 

By understanding the new guidelines and preparing for potential challenges, creators can continue to grow their channels while delivering quality content that resonates with audiences. How. you ask? Well, here's a 

90-day plan to get you started on your way to 10 million YouTube Shorts views!

Yellow play button icon with vidIQ logo surrounded by cameras, film strip, and plants.

YouTube Shorts are more popular than ever, and now you can use them to grow your channel in exciting ways. Learn how below!

4 Tips to Grow Your Channel with YouTube Shorts

What does every YouTuber want? You'll hear a lot of responses to this question, but one sticks out more than the others:

Well, this week we're celebrating 10 creators who did just that! These talented individuals are in the vidIQ community, and they used a healthy dose of imagination, skill, and consistency to grow their channels fast.

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 August

Football Diaries makes creative cartoons of popular football players.

 makes exciting videos on cars and car modifications.

 makes entertaining videos over mobile gameplay.

 makes humorous reaction videos and gameplay live streams.

 makes your day a little better with relaxing and calming Shorts.

 is a Spanish creator who makes original videos based on Roblox characters.

 streams video games and humorous Shorts.

 creates engaging Shorts based on Minecraft characters.

 makes unique Shorts about tractors and off-road vehicles.

does reaction videos and hilarious challenges.

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 

Red badge with white text celebrating 100K subscribers and fireworks on black background

Can you imagine getting 100,000 subscribers in just 30 days? These talented YouTubers did just that, so let's celebrate their success (and gain inspiration)!

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

Getting 10,000 subscribers is difficult, especially when 

 of videos are uploaded daily on YouTube. Nonetheless, several creators — specifically those in the vidIQ community — managed to pull it off in just 30 days! These talented YouTubers used imagination, skill, and a healthy dose of consistency to grow their channels quickly.

Because you've worked so hard and achieved so much, we're here to say it before anyone else: 

Top Channels Passing 10,000 Subscribers in August

 makes entertaining explainer videos featuring an animated cloud as the main character.

 makes video essays on popular creators over original gameplay content.

 makes edited Shorts based on popular anime shows.

 makes fun and engaging Shorts on popular video games.

 does livestreams and live Shorts on popular games.

HRK Studio makes comprehensive video essays on popular YouTube creators.

A graphic showing the words 10,000 subscribers 

10,000 subscribers milestone badge with stars on dark background celebrating growth

The creators featured in the post skyrocketed past 

 gained tens of thousands of subscribers through highly engaging 

: Each channel stuck to a well-defined niche, whether it was 

: Posting frequently and consistently helped the algorithm notice them.

: These creators used vidIQ’s suite of tools to find 

To be featured in a future post like this, you need to be part of the 

 within a month. Here's how to get on the radar:

Use vidIQ to optimize your channel: keywords, SEO, video ideas, and performance tracking.

Grow consistently and let vidIQ track your stats.

Subscribe to the vidIQ blog or follow them on 

 for updates on featured channels and success stories.

 are vertical, short-form videos (under 60 seconds) designed to be consumed quickly on mobile devices. They are incredibly effective for channel growth because:

) primarily used Shorts to gain visibility fast.

Can you imagine getting 10,000 subscribers in just 30 days? These talented YouTubers did just that, so let's celebrate their success (and gain inspiration)!

6 Small YouTube Channels that Hit 10K Subs [August]

Woohoo! 🎉 Let's give a high-five to 10 creators who skyrocketed to 

 in just a month! From gaming to movies to random street interviews, these channels are crushing it and racking up subscribers like nobody's business.

 to level up your YouTube game — this celebration is all about you. Ready to see who's leading the pack? Here are last month's YouTube all-stars! 🌟

Top Channels Passing 1,000 Subscribers in the Last 30 Days

 creates entertaining videos based on Minecraft.

3. Вселенское пробуждение (Universal Awakening)

Вселенское пробуждение

 explores the world through spiritual awakening and enlightenment.

 uploads popular clips from different events in Cricket. 

 creates memes and commentary based on the game Countryballs.

 talks about ancient wisdom and spiritual learnings.

 simplifies the science and art behind astrology and numerology.

 shares information and in-depth knowledge on the use of cannabis and related products.

9. Top Saúde e Fitness (Top Health and Fitness)

 makes videos about healthy living, from disease prevention to exercise to proper nutrition.

10. Histórias para el Alma (Stories for the Soul)

 tells fascinating stories that reflect life through tales of animals.

Celebration graphic showing 1000 subscribers with stars and fireworks background

Which small YouTube channels grew the fastest in August? Get to know 10 rising creators who make videos about movies, gaming, fitness, and more.

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

, but their channels don't always pass the "content test." This is where YouTube looks at everything on a channel — the titles, the thumbnails, the popular videos, and more — to decide if it's a fit for the YouTube Partner Program. If it is, the creator can monetize videos with advertisements 

So, what stops creators from doing this? Most of the time, it happens when they violate a serious rule on YouTube that can't be ignored. So, here are three channels that never make it past YouTube security!

One of the quickest ways to get demonetized (or not monetized at all) is by reusing other people's content on YouTube. Today, many creators repost viral clips without transforming them at all, such as adding original commentary, new visuals, or compelling edits. And that's what YouTube doesn't want to monetize — videos that are carbon copies of something else.

: "The spirit of this policy is to make sure we’re rewarding creators for original and authentic content that adds value to viewers.... We allow reused content if viewers can tell that there’s a meaningful difference between the original video and your video." — 

Calling all creators: Avoid these 3 types of YouTube channels if you want to get monetized quickly!

Lydia Sweatt

Posts Written By Lydia Sweatt

Kickstarting 2025: How to Set the Perfect YouTube Subscriber Goal

11 Pieces of YouTube Equipment on Sale for Black Friday

4 Tips to Grow Your Channel with YouTube Shorts

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

6 Small YouTube Channels that Hit 10K Subs [August]

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

3 Types of YouTube Channels that Never Get Monetized

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

When to Delete Those Old, Embarrassing Videos on Your YouTube Channel

How to Make YouTube Reaction Videos

12 YouTube Myths that Distract You from Getting More Views

4 Mistakes to Avoid if You Have a Small YouTube Channel