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.

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 10,000 subscribers 

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

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 vertical format is essential for maximum impact on YouTube Shorts. While the basic rules are straightforward — keep the video under 60 seconds and make it vertical — there's more to the equation.

For example, what exactly defines a 'vertical' video in today's mobile-first viewing environment? Which specific aspect ratio does YouTube require for optimum Shorts performance?

YouTube Shorts Monetization: How to Profit from Short Videos

Understanding the Ideal YouTube Shorts Size

The optimal resolution for YouTube Shorts is 1080x1920 pixels with a strict 9:16 aspect ratio to ensure full-screen mobile display. 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 video platforms. 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.

Square vs Vertical – Which Format Wins?

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 

This means you may also experiment with 1:1 (square) formats, though they typically result in black bars that may affect engagement. 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.

 have consistently confirmed that these technical specifications yield the best performance. 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.

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: Avoid creating videos with dimensions less than those naturally captured on a smartphone to maintain optimal display quality. 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.

For a comprehensive overview of our testing results and to learn why maintaining proper dimensions is crucial, view the detailed explainer below:

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.

Considerations for Narrower Ratios (4:5, 1:1)

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.

Technical Challenges When Filming Vertical Videos

Filming vertical videos introduces a unique set of technical challenges that require adjustments in both production and post-production. Traditional filming techniques and equipment are often designed for horizontal formats, so adapting your composition to a 9:16 aspect ratio can feel limiting. Proper framing is crucial, as key visual elements might be cropped or lost if not carefully positioned. 

Additionally, maintaining a stable shot can be more challenging due to the narrower field of view, often necessitating the use of specialized stabilizers or tripods. Lighting and background composition also need to be rethought for vertical framing, making it essential to plan each shot with the mobile viewer in mind. Overcoming these challenges is key to delivering high-quality content that meets YouTube Shorts’ standards and keeps your audience engaged.

Maximizing Audience Engagement with YouTube Shorts

To capture and retain viewers on YouTube Shorts, creators must focus on content that resonates quickly and effectively. Here are some strategies to boost engagement:

Start with a compelling visual or question within the first few seconds.

Deliver your message quickly to maintain viewer interest throughout the short format.

Use calls-to-action that prompt likes, comments, or shares.

 Design eye-catching thumbnails that stand out on mobile screens.

 Leverage trending sounds and topics to increase discoverability.

By integrating these tactics, you can create content that not only entertains but also drives active viewer participation, helping your Shorts perform better within the platform’s algorithm.

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

Young woman recording fitness video at home kitchen using smartphone on tripod.

Discover the ideal YouTube shorts dimensions and resolution for perfect vertical videos. Learn essential tips for mobile optimization and boosting engagement.

YouTube Shorts Dimensions: Perfect Vertical Videos

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.

So, can nostalgia truly bring more YouTube views? The answer is yes! And to prove it, here are two videos that went viral using 

5. Avoid Vlogmas — Create a Holiday Series Instead

Vlogmas is a popular YouTube trend where creators post one video per day until Christmas (or the end of the year). It's holiday-themed, so topics revolve around decorations, shopping, and winter events.

Vlogmas is fun, but there are better ways to make a YouTube video go viral. Instead of doing a general Vlogmas, choose a topic that interests your viewers and use it to build a series.

For example, a crafting channel might pursue a series called "12 Days of Christmas Crafting: Fun DIY Projects.” A health channel might go with "12 Days of Christmas Fitness: Easy Fat-Burning Workouts." Both ideas use the popular 12 Days of Christmas theme plus the holiday to attract more viewers.

Lastly, don't rely on YouTube to blast your video content. Real channel growth happens when you share your Shorts and long-form videos across the internet!

To start, post your content on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and other platforms. This will kickstart 

 will realize that people love your content and attempt to share it with even more viewers.


Remember, going viral is 100% possible this season if you know your audience, cling to the holiday theme, and keep your content brief and engaging. 



If you need more tips, this guide will help you make a viral YouTube video!

A camera wearing a christmas hat in a thanksgiving themed room

DSLR camera with Santa hat on wooden table surrounded by autumn leaves and pumpkins

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.

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

You might have a small YouTube channel today, but this list of trending keywords will help you grow exponentially. That's right — we used our new tool, global rising keywords, to dig up the 

 in motion right now. If you use them well (and fast!), you can break through the wall of competition to skyrocket your views.

Creating Viral YouTube Videos: 10 Tips for Small Channels

vidIQ's rising keywords tool with search volume, volume change, and competition

 that aren't oversaturated on YouTube yet. So, instead of getting overshadowed by large, established channels, you have a real shot at going viral!

As you explore these topics, keep an eye on the

. The higher it is, the more views you can get!

 is a game that turns sports fanatics into real bosses, letting them manage the best teams in the world. Now that the 2024 version is here, creators are sharing their honest reviews, reacting to the trailer, and discussing gameplay tactics.

vidIQ sets a high keyword score of 79 for football manager

Check out this trending video for the topic:

 glitch that allows you to get free experience points (XP)? Viewers are looking for tips, maps, and guides on how to exploit the glitch, so if you know the answer, start filming!

vidIQ shows a high keyword score of 81 for "fortnite XP"

21 Savage is a Grammy-award-winning rapper with several hits under his belt. And now, he's trending for instrumentals and beats inspired by his music. It's clear that artists want to emulate his style, so this is a great topic for music producers!

vidIQ shows a high keyword score of 70 for '21 savage type beat'

21 Savage x Drake x Metro Boomin type beat savage beats

, a new advancement in AI, is trending for its innovative applications. However, the most popular videos use FlowGPT to mimic artists' voices — particularly Bad Bunny's — to create remixes.

vidIQ gives a score of 79 to the keyword 'flow gpt'

 is a square-shaped smartphone that clips onto the body. The makers of this device want to keep humans " engaged in the moment" by removing distractions like screens, social media, and internet browsing. Instead, the phone uses AI voice functions, gestures, a touchpad, and less intrusive interactions.

vidIQ gives a high score of 71 to the keyword 'humane ai pin'

 is a highly anticipated release, partly due to its maximum shutter speed of 

and its ability to capture images at up to 

. This may be the topic for you if you have a tech channel!

vidIQ gives a score of 80 to the keyword 'sony A9iii'

 puts 15 musicians in a mansion for one week. It's a vlog-style series, but it follows the format of reality TV. This is the type of content that fuels reaction channels, so if you have one, get ready to grow your views.

vidIQ shows a high score of 72 for the keyword 'musician mansion'

A graphic lots of small, physical YouTube logos

Pile of red YouTube play button icons on a red background for video streaming concept

Discover the best trending topics to grow a small YouTube channel in record time! Today's list covers racing, gaming, music, artificial intelligence, and more.

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

Nothing hurts more than spending hours on a YouTube video only to get 

 views in return. It’s discouraging for any creator, but the sting of failure hits some people harder

Unfortunately, it's the creators running small YouTube channels (and struggling to get noticed) who tend to feel the burn the most.

This raises an important question: How do you go viral on YouTube? 

To get the answer, we interviewed three small creators about how they did it and their advice for fellow YouTubers. We spoke with 

, a basketball enthusiast (1.68K subscribers); 

, a documentary-style creator (9.8K subscribers); and 

, a Minecraft gamer who's into storytelling (16.6K subscribers). 

Collectively, they earned over 1 million views without the luxury of having anything close to a million subscribers. So, in their own words, here's how to make your YouTube videos go viral!

1. Experiment Until You Have a Clear Passion/Expertise

It’s best to have a clear niche lined up for your YouTube channel, but it’s not a big deal if you’re still searching for the right fit. After all, there’s no rush to grow your channel. You can try different things until a topic resonates with you, your audience, and the goals you've set as a creator.

Esiar, who went viral with a few thousand subscribers, explored many ideas before settling on one. He went from gaming videos to YouTube growth advice to documentaries about online personalities. It was his final idea — documenting the rise of famous YouTubers — that birthed the viral video below. It has over 

2. Choose a Topic You Know Well or Love Deeply

Whether you stumble upon a topic or develop it over time, one thing is true on YouTube. It's easier to go viral when you understand the ins and outs of what you're posting. The more you know, the faster you grow.

And truthfully, you’ll need plenty of time to brainstorm new ideas and test them on your channel. That’s why creators like NuHoops find it easier to film what they know or showcase hobbies they already enjoy. In his case, covering the NBA was the perfect fit.

“During the season, I would already spend a couple of hours each night just watching the games. And so for me, it was a no-brainer. If I’m already invested so heavily in the NBA, why not double down on that and create a channel about it?” he says.

3. Figure Out What’s Not Going Viral Yet

Now that you’ve found your niche, the next step is crafting a video that truly stands out. It sounds impossible in theory, but don’t be discouraged by the sheer size of this challenge. Your competitors are a great resource for 

Here’s a strategy you’ll find useful:

1. Go to a channel that explores the same topic you’re interested in.

The videos tab on a youtube channel, with popular videos selected

Now, look at the viral videos on this channel. What do they have in common? Better yet, can you make something in the same genre but with 

“In the NBA niche, for example, videos about masks have done really well,” NuHoops explains. “There are countless videos on masks, and so I’m thinking to myself, what about another accessory? I searched ‘arm sleeve’, and there were 

Shortly after this realizing this, NuHoops made a video about arm sleeves (below) and went insanely viral with over 

And that brings us to our next tip: Steer clear of YouTube videos that are “too general” or aimed at a broad swath of viewers. That creates an unfair level of competition, especially for a small channel looking for big opportunities. But, one workaround is to find a topic within a topic.

In NuHoop’s case, he created two levels of separation within his content. He covered sports, but not just any sport: Basketball was his focus. And he didn’t limit himself to the competitive aspect of the game, either. He narrowed his vision again to discover the world of basketball

So, if you're wondering how to make a YouTube video go viral, start with a popular topic, identify its viral videos, then expose something people are overlooking in the conversation.

5. Don’t Just Film an Idea — Tell a Gripping Story

It’s easy to believe that most videos go viral because the creator decided to chase the perfect idea. There’s some truth to the concept, but it’s missing a vital ingredient, and that’s 

. A viral video is just a popular concept that was turned into a story! It has emotion, conflict, and a sweet resolution that leaves viewers feeling inspired.

ImJustJR took this advice to heart. He filmed a 20-minute story about 

 players can use in Minecraft, and the video attracted over 

“I went from just highlighting content and funny moments, when you’re recording with friends, to telling more of a story,” he says. “I feel like storytelling on YouTube is taking this huge wave on the platform.”

6. Create a Thumbnail Anyone Can Understand in Seconds

Did you know that visitors can assess a website’s visual appeal within 

? That happens in the blink of an eye! Now, imagine how quickly they'll judge something simple, like 

. These quick perceptions are why you need an uncluttered yet appealing image for your video.

“I don’t want to crowd the thumbnail, and I don’t want to put too much copy on the thumbnail,” NuHoops says. “I want to make sure that the packaging — the title and thumbnail — are very clear, and people know what they’re clicking on.”

After all, it sets off a bad chain reaction when people can't find a reason to click. They avoid the video, which ruins any chance of it being watched, shared, or even going viral.

7. Gain Viewers’ Trust in the First 30 Seconds

Getting your first viral video is about more than collecting millions of clicks. Once a person is on the watch page, you have to convince them to stay there! A study posted by Harvard Business Review says that 

 is what makes it go viral; and viewers must watch enough of a video to be moved toward that action.

“I feel like something that’s overlooked is trust,” Esiar says. “A lot of creators don’t make you trust them. But [it’s good] to have someone you can trust to say the right information in the first couple of seconds or minutes.”

So, how do you gain viewers' trust on YouTube? You can start by:

 Get to point quickly so viewers won’t have a reason to question your videos.

For example, saying something like, “I'm a car mechanic of 15 years, and this is why I never buy Ford trucks,” is a fascinating way to 

One piece of advice that’s always floating around is to “keep making videos because you'll slowly get better at it." But how helpful is it to pump out content without knowing 

Or the mistakes you’re making on YouTube?

Do small channels go viral on YouTube? Absolutely! Here are 10 tips to get millions of views on your videos, even if you have a few hundred subscribers.

Lydia Sweatt

Posts Written By Lydia Sweatt

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

YouTube Shorts Dimensions: Perfect Vertical Videos

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 Faceless YouTube Channel Ideas That Actually Work in 2025

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

10 Types of Videos that Attract More YouTube Watch Time

11 Ways to Write Exciting YouTube Titles for Your Videos

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

Why Subscribers Aren't Watching Your YouTube Videos (And How to Fix It)

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