 after months of researching how to become a content creator. You followed all the practical advice, like using the right keywords, designing great thumbnails, and focusing on storytelling. But two weeks into the journey, you have a troubling realization: No one is watching your videos.

The solution? Don't wait for YouTube to notice your content. Share your videos on apps like Instagram and Snapchat to gain initial views and get the algorithm's attention! Then you can start 

, all from sharing high-quality video content.

Ready to get your channel promoted? These apps are fantastic for boosting video views on YouTube.

dozens of square chips with the instagram logo

 place to share dynamic photos and videos, but of course, we'll focus on videos for now. You can use the app to show snippets of your YouTube content, tease your latest video, or even share behind-the-scenes footage.

: Photos and videos shared to a user's story that disappear after 24 hours.

Clickable bio links in Instagram profiles.

 Create a series of Instagram Stories that build anticipation for your upcoming YouTube video. Start with a teaser Story, revealing just enough to pique your followers' interest. After that, follow up with a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of your video. When the video is live on YouTube, post one last teaser as an IG Story, offering a link to the watch page.

Snapchat is a messaging app with short-lived content, including photos and videos. It's the perfect place to offer a glimpse into your daily life and build a relationship with viewers.

: Snaps that play in chronological order and can be viewed for 24 hours.

 Scannable images that prompt different functions, like adding new friends, unlocking filters, linking to websites (YouTube!), etc.

Clickable links in individual Snaps and user profiles.

 Use Snapchat's Story feature to create a narrative around your YouTube video. Post the most engaging clips throughout the day, building excitement for the story. In one last Snap, direct viewers to your YouTube video (with a link) so they can enjoy the full production.

TikTok is for creating, sharing, and discovering short videos that are sound-driven (music, soundbites, natural noises, etc.). The algorithm favors engaging content, so this is the place to make quirky videos related to your YouTube channel.

 Collaborate with other TikTokers by posting two videos in one that play side-by-side simultaneously.

 Combine your video with another TikTok to share a response or a new perspective.

 Find a popular TikTok trend that's related to your niche. For example, imagine that "'90s video games" is a trending hashtag. If you're a gamer, you could make a TikTok about the best game from that era 

 a YouTube video exploring the game in detail. Mention the YouTube video in the caption of your TikTok, letting viewers know that the link to watch is in your bio.

Twitch is a livestreaming app with a large gaming presence, but it attracts other niches too. It's a great place to host live Q&A sessions, gaming streams, or real-time discussions about your YouTube content.

 A collection of custom panels below your stream, where you can add links and other assets. This makes it easy for viewers to find and subscribe to your YouTube channel.

 Twitch lets you save past broadcasts as VODs, which you can use to guide viewers to your YouTube content.

Create Twitch streams that complement your YouTube videos. For instance, if you post gaming compilations on YouTube, you could stream the full gameplay sessions on Twitch. This creates a seamless experience for viewers who follow you on both platforms. Don't forget to direct Twitch viewers to your YouTube channel for exclusive yet relevant content!

Traditionally, X is a microblogging app for text conversations, although videos and images are popular too. The app is filled with breaking news, discussion threads, memes, and more. Ultimately, you can use X to tease new content, share clips, and link back to your YouTube videos.

: A series of connected posts that tell one story.

Pinned posts: Important posts or threads highlighted at the top of a user's profile.

 Start a thread that covers a topic related to your video. Each post should offer valuable information and build up to a final post that carries the link to your YouTube video. Engage with users who reply to your thread, and pin the thread to your profile to maximize visibility. Use relevant hashtags to reach a broader audience.

Pinterest is a visual discovery engine for new ideas. People use it to explore recipes, fashion, DIY projects, cities, and more. Pinterest users are hungry for knowledge, so it's a great option for expanding your YouTube reach.

: Pins that contain video content (uploaded to the app natively).

: An area for displaying saved Pins by category.

 Create Pinterest boards dedicated to the topics on your YouTube channel. Inside these boards, add Video Pins that tease your YouTube content while providing a link to the full video. Write compelling pin descriptions and use keywords for better discoverability.

As you can see, these are the best apps to get your videos noticed outside of YouTube. But did you know that YouTube has a social network of its own, and you can use it to promote your channel millions of times over?

Here's how to use the YouTube Community Tab!

A group of blocks with social media icons on them

Cubes with popular social media logos like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok on blue background

Which social media platforms are best for promoting a YouTube channel? Here are six apps that always get the job done!

6 Popular Apps to Promote Your YouTube Channel

Reaching 10,000 subscribers on YouTube in just a few weeks is a remarkable achievement! We're excited to honor 10 creators who reached this goal in record time, because honestly, 

. The creators on this list are making unique content, sharpening their storytelling skills, and uploading consistently — three skills everyone needs to grow a massive channel.

So, congratulations to these skilled YouTubers. You've officially joined 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 December

Trust Me Bro makes comedic videos exploring the darker side of history.

Life with Zainab teaches Pakistani viewers how to move to the UK, from getting a visa to creating new income streams.

Dimensional World shows viewers what everyday products look like when magnified hundreds of times.

Goofi-Toofi Kids Songs is a channel that helps children develop motor skills, coordination, and a sense of rhythm through musical song and dance.

Kim Funny makes endearing skits to promote joy, optimism, and the deeper meaning of life.

Human Body shares valuable advice for understanding major organs and adopting healthy habits.

The Style Story shares the latest fashion trends, from makeup to clothing to hairstyles.

Telugu_Vlogs1 posts mini vlogs centered around motorcycles.

Dr. Prabhakar is a dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon who educates viewers about hair transplant surgeries.

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 the human body, fashion, motorcycles, and more.

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

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

Celebration graphic showing 1000 subscribers with stars and fireworks background

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

Person pointing at text reading "10M Views Formula" in a bright yellow and black graphic.

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!

SET India YouTube channel page on phone with subscriber and video count visible.

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.

A graphic showing the words 100,000 subscribers 

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

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 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!

Lydia Sweatt

Posts Written By Lydia Sweatt

6 Popular Apps to Promote Your YouTube Channel

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

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]

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

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

10 Types of Videos that Attract More YouTube Watch Time