Even as a small creator, there's a good chance you've seen all the tips and tricks for 

. So today, we're sharing a different perspective. Instead of telling you how to build watch more hours, we're going to reveal the types of videos that get watched 

Why does this matter? We know most creators want to reach 3,000-4,000 hours of watch time on their channels. Achieving this milestone puts you in the running to join the 

 and make money from your content. After all, who doesn't want some extra cash on the side?

These 10, highly-watched videos will help you do just that!

Podcasts are the unsung heroes of YouTube. They're mostly listened to rather than viewed, which means you don't have to worry about keeping viewers' attention 

. If the topic is interesting and the conversation flows, podcasting is a powerful way to rack up those watch time minutes.

Plus, YouTube is the number one place to listen to podcasts, according to a 

 of 3,000 U.S. listeners. The same report lists true crime, comedy, news, and politics as the top genres. Perhaps that's why the 

a leading show, has been popular for so long; it explores a mix of topics and interests!

Kids can't get enough of YouTube, and they're known for watching videos on repeat. Whether it's nursery rhymes or educational content, children's videos are a goldmine for collecting YouTube watch hours. 

Need an example of just how dominant a kids channel can be? Look no further the viral song, "Baby Shark" by Pinkfong. It's the most-watched video in YouTube history, and it's the first video to hit 

"How-to" videos aim to guide viewers through a process, so they can potentially gain higher watch time on YouTube. 

But many minutes and hours can one expect in the education space? That depends on what you're teaching and 

For example, a how-to guide on making friends is useful, but whether you need a 

 for that is debatable. Technically, you could read a short article and get all the information you need.

Fixing a car engine is more complex and time consuming. That might require a visual guide, written instructions, 

 audio cues to make the task a bit easier. So, starting a how-to channel is smart if you're teaching something few people understand!

YouTube pranks, parodies, and goofy skits have a lot going for themselves. They keep viewers engaged and watching until the end, which is the best way to stack more watch hours. Plus, comedic videos are relatable enough to get shared across internet and even 

. This is especially true if the punchline is worth the wait and there's a storyline to follow.

And besides, who doesn't love a good laugh? Google lists comedy as one of the 

 alongside music videos, how-to content, and pop culture. Check out 

to see what people love about this genre.

Music videos (or even audio tracks) collect a lot of watch time on YouTube, especially if they're catchy. Just think of all the "internet songs" inspired by viral memes. Some are still getting 

 today and building extra watch time by the minute!

For example, have you listened to the meme-ified song 

by Songify This, Tariq, and Recess Therapy? The YouTube video has 34 million views and counting, which is impressive for just one year of viewership. The trend may die, but the song lives on forever!

So, here's the real question: Are you musically inclined? Use your talents to songify a meme, and you might get more watch time!

Documentaries explore one topic topic in depth through a mix of education, entertainment, and sometimes 

 So, don't think of them as long, boring YouTube videos. If there's some controversy or tension driving the story forward, you have the perfect recipe for keeping viewers' attention.

The Genius Within: Extraordinary Gifted People

Live content allows for real-time interaction between creators and their viewers. These broadcasts 

 short, either; many streams will range from a few minutes to

 on YouTube. Considering that, it's no wonder streaming pulls in so much watch time!

Not only that, it's easy to convert livestreams to regular YouTube content when the broadcast is over. So you'll gain watch hours during the livestream 

One example is the rise of Fortnite livestreams. They're popular, engaging, and lengthy, all of which leads to more viewing minutes.

ASMR stands for autonomous sensory meridian response. It refers to the tingling sensation running from scalp to spine that a listener feels in response to soothing noises.

 ASMR videos on YouTube? We'll never know for sure. What we 

 is that videos with great audio get tons of watch time on YouTube.

Like podcasts, viewers don't have to see the screen to enjoy ASMR. It's an auditory experience, so they're listening to rain sounds, gentle wind, cooking noises, and more. Check out this ASMR cooking video from Men With The Pot to see what we mean!

 Viewers are there to see someone beat a tricky level, build something complicated, explore glitches in a game, and countless other quests. They're learning something new while also being entertained, and that's a sure-fire way to get anyone's attention!

11 Killer Tips for Starting a YouTube Gaming Channel in 2023



It's one of the reasons Minecraft is so popular on YouTube and why viewers show up to watch those videos!

Compilation videos offer a variety of content in one package, keeping viewers engaged for a long time. Best of all, there's a compilation video for almost anything you can think of — funny pet moments, gaming fails, spooky pranks,  silly bloopers, and more. The more entertaining the content, the more watch time you can earn!

If you need some inspiration, check out FailArmy to see how addicting these videos can be!

From the list above, it's easy to see what leads to more watch time on YouTube. Many of these videos seem to have:

A desire to teach, entertain, and satisfy all at once

Take a look at these qualities and try to add them your next batch of videos. Before you know it, you'll have enough watch time to get monetized on YouTube.

By the way, here's your official guide to monetizing a YouTube channel

Red YouTube-themed digital clock displaying 09:45 on a reflective surface indoors.

Do you need more watch hours for your channel? Here are 10 types of videos that attract high watch time on YouTube!

10 Types of Videos that Attract More YouTube Watch Time

There's nothing like starting a YouTube channel with 

 views and magically climbing your way to 

It's one of the hardest things to do, and yet, the journey couldn't be more exhilarating! 

To prove how 

 this is, we're celebrating 10 creators who hit 100K subs in just 30 days. They're all in the vidIQ community, so we're taking time to say congratulations and welcome to 

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

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

Top Channels Passing 100,000 Subscribers in October

 inspires people to network, become leaders, and pursue entrepreneurship by highlighting the achievements of successful people.

 makes videos to test viewers' knowledge and share interesting facts about life.

 mixes natural footage with 3D effects to make videos that stand out!

 makes thoughtful videos about how to care for others and cultivate a positive mindset.

 makes quick, entertaining videos for children.

 shares the importance of having love and compassion for animals.

 is a family channel that shares various moments from their daily life.

 explains the "why" behind everything, from animal behavior to color theory to building construction.

 makes creative skits about relationships and relatable moments in life.

 re-creates the challenges one would find in a video game using cartoon animation.

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

Reaching 100,000 subscribers is no cake walk, and yet, 10 creators did it in a flash! Discover who they are and how quickly they grew!

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

Is your subscriber count on YouTube rising while views on new videos seem to be falling? If so, your channel may be going through 

. Ideally, you want thousands of views from subscribers 

A percentage breakdown of viewers from subscribers vs. non subscribers on a youtube channel

It's a dilemma many YouTubers face, so today, we're sharing tips and tricks to help you overcome it.

The Double-Edged Sword of Views: Subscribers vs. Non-Subscribers

First off, it's important to say that both types of views — those from subscribers and new viewers — are important. However, you need these views to be in sync 

. You want new viewers to discover you, watch a few videos, and return to see even 

If that's not happening on your channel, the cycle is broken somewhere. You might be getting views from newcomers, meanwhile, loyal subscribers are moving on. Or, you might be getting all of your views from subscribers only. The best scenario is to have both

 types of viewers invested in your channel

 so that loyal fans stay and new viewers arrive.

Subscriber vs. Non-Subscriber Views: Why You Need Both

By now, you know that every channel needs views from subscribers and non-subscribers. And there are plenty of benefits to achieving this balance!

 Subscribers are your cheerleaders. They're more likely to like, comment, and share your videos, which can help your content reach new heights.

 Your subs are here for the long haul. They tend to watch your videos for longer, which is a positive signal for 

: More views from your subscribers means they're loyal and tune in often.

What you gain from "non-subscriber views":

 These are your future fans. Attracting views from non-subscribers helps you break out of your bubble and reach a broader audience.

 YouTube loves it when non-subscribers watch your content. It's like a signal to the algorithm that your videos have broader appeal.

 Don't underestimate the power of non-subscriber views. They also add to your watch time, helping you meet those monetization goals faster.

How to Get Subscribers to Watch Your Videos

Now that you have some background knowledge, we can tackle the big question. Why do some subscribers avoid returning to a creator's channel? It could be a range of issues, from posting sporadically to not making the type of content that attracted viewers in the first place.

Either way, we have a few tips to fix the problem!

1. Audit Your Content to See What's Wrong

First, identify the disconnect between what you're posting and what viewers want to see. Take a look at your recent videos and compare them with your older, more popular ones. What's changed? Is it the content, the style, or maybe even the video length?

 to identify high-performing videos among your subscribers.

Conduct a poll or ask for feedback directly from your audience.

The number one rule of growing any audience is, "don't be a stranger!"

Engage with your subscribers both on and off YouTube. 

, ask for their opinions, and make them feel valued.

Dedicate time each week to engage with commenters.

 to spark meaningful conversations and keep everyone updated.

Consider hosting live Q&A sessions to directly interact with your subscribers.

It's okay to try new things, but don't stray too far from what your audience loves about your channel.

 that capture your viewers' core desires and interests.

Always keep an eye on analytics to measure success.

 that have a mix of your new and top-performing videos. This encourages people to binge-watch your content and leads to more views and watch time.

Promote playlists at the end of your videos and in your video descriptions.

Update playlists regularly to include new content.

Viewers decide to hit that big, white "subscribe" button on your channel for a good reason. They want to keep up with your channel and its content, so give the people what they want!

Use reminders and teasers to keep your audience in the loop about upcoming videos.

Master the Cycle of New Versus Returning Viewers

When it comes to channel growth, we can summarize everything in this post with one YouTube metric: new versus returning viewers.

, you're doing great on YouTube and growing at a steady rate. But you can reach new viewers by experimenting with other video topics or storytelling formats.

, this is where things get tricky. It's good to attract new audiences, but you must retain their viewership to grow your channel.

a graphic explaining new versus returning viewers on youtube

Ideally, you want to see the trend highlighted below. This criss-cross pattern of new and returning viewers means you're attracting more people 

 convincing them to come back. This is the balance you need to skyrocket your views.

new and returning viewers graph shows positive balance between the two

But if you need more help, click here to learn the secret formula for gaining and retaining YouTube subscribers

Frustrated man sitting on couch, confused by something on his smartphone screen.

Are you struggling to keep your YouTube subscribers engaged? Learn how to revive your viewership in five easy steps!

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

Do you want to skyrocket your YouTube views and become a leading influencer? Breaking through as a small creator can be tough, but we've got your back with a curated list of hot YouTube topics.

Yes, you heard it right — we're serving up 10 trending keywords that are not only popular but also have low competition. This means you won't have to go head-to-head with major channels to get noticed, making it easier to rack up those views on YouTube.

By the way, these keywords come from a new tool called 

. It shows you rising topics on YouTube, their monthly search volume, competition scores, and so much more. 

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

As you explore these topics, keep an eye on the

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

Hey, manga enthusiasts! Have you heard about 

 This manga is making waves on YouTube, and creators are pulling in thousands of views just by reacting to the TV episodes. Focused on the life of an elven mage after defeating the demon king, it's a fresh take on fantasy that has people calling it 

vidIQ shows a keyword score of 82 for Frieren Reaction

 and how it's speeding across YouTube. It blends the nostalgia of classic 8- and 16-bit games with modern elements like car customization and multiplayer modes.

vidIQ shows a high keyword score of 82 for the topic Horizon Chase 2

 is a simulator that's blowing up on YouTube, and creators are all over it. The game lets you battle with anime characters from shows like 

vidIQ shows a high keyword score of 81 for the topic Anime Champions Simulator

4. How to Create a WhatsApp Channel (mobile app)

If you're a tech creator, this is the perfect topic for you. Viewers want to know how to start a WhatsApp channel, and they're searching YouTube for guidance. Could you be the next creator to solve their problem?

Keyword stats for How to Create a WhatsApp Channel:

vidIQ shows a high keyword score of 76 for the topic How to Create a WhatsApp Channel

how to create WhatsApp channel on Android phone

This new film is lighting up YouTube with reviews and discussions. Directed by Gareth Edwards (

 explores a future where AI and humans coexist. While it has its critics, the consensus is that it's a must-watch for anyone intrigued by the future of AI and humanity.

vidIQ shows a high keyword score of 74 for The Creator review

? If so, you probably know that the character Jax received a visual update. YouTube is buzzing with gameplay spotlights and guides that break down his new abilities too. Whether you're a Jax fan or just curious about the changes, there's a lot to explore for this topic.

vidIQ shows a keyword score of 71 for jax rework

 for a spin yet? After a six-year hiatus, the game is back and seems to be better than ever. Whether you're a sim-racer fanatic or just love the thrill of the track, creators are saying this is a must-play. From its stunning graphics to its realistic gameplay, don't miss out on what could be the racing game of the year!

Keyword stats for Forza Motorsport Review:

vidIQ shows a keyword score of 68 for the topic Forza Motorsport

 is a smartwatch with an OLED display, Google Wear integration, and 65 hours of battery life. If you're a tech creator with a love for watches, this one is trending and has plenty of exciting features.

A graphic lots of small, physical YouTube logos

Red 3D play button icons stacked, representing video streaming and YouTube platform.

Discover the best trending topics to grow a small YouTube channel in record time!

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

Hitting that 10,000-subscriber milestone is like climbing a YouTube mountain, especially with the avalanche of new content dropping every second. 

That's why we're celebrating 10 creators who pushed through! They used creativity, relentlessness, and vidIQ tools to reach 10,000 YouTube subscribers. To all those amazing 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 October

 makes entertaining videos for kids featuring toys, animals, and animated sing-alongs.

 makes satirical videos about gaming culture.

DM Garib Vlogs displays the "village lifestyle" through planting, harvesting, cooking, and more.

 makes videos about artificial intelligence, content creation, and online marketing.

 creates playlists filled with lo-fi music.


6. かまぼこ屋の娘 (Kamaboko shop's daughter)

 shares what it's like to work at a family business.

 makes funny videos about gaming culture.

8. Живой организм (Living Organism)

 educates viewers about how their organs respond to different foods.

 shares insightful talks, interviews, case studies, and guides about how to succeed at product management.

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 AI, gaming culture, health, and more.

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

 make thousands of dollars using other people’s content? It seems impossible now that YouTube is dishing out copyright notices, and yet, creators are still getting monetized.

careful when starting a YouTube automation channel, especially with copyrighted material. That's because YouTube automation — the process of using AI or freelancers to create, edit, and publish videos — is hard to accomplish without referencing 

Who is Noah and how does he know any of this, 

great question! Noah isn’t a legal expert, but he’s a genius at running automated YouTube channels. In fact, he oversees 20 of them. They pull in six figures each month, so Noah has seen his fair share of claims, disputes, and lawyers. 

The Truth About AI: Can YouTube Automation Ruin Your Channel?

Our goal is to help you avoid any hiccups, so here’s how to dodge copyright claims on a faceless channel.

Person holding up a sign showing the copyright symbol

Before we dive into the deep stuff, let’s cover the basics. 

 gives the owner of a creative work the exclusive right to use, distribute, and monetize their intellectual property. That could be a song, image, movie, book, TV show, or countless other creations.

YouTube doesn’t like creators using copyrighted material in their videos unless they have permission from the owner. If they don’t have permission, YouTube issues a 

 when it detects “stolen” content in a video.

Creators can dispute these claims, but a 

 is more serious. A strike occurs when a creator notifies YouTube that their content has been used without their permission. The copyright owner can request that the video be removed, or they can choose to monetize it for their benefit. But after three strikes, YouTube can delete your channel permanently — a devastating consequence for any creator.

Copyright Claims vs. Copyright Strikes: Here's the Difference

Making automated content is tricky, but it gets easier when you understand 

When there's a copyright case, U.S. law examines:

The source of the copyrighted work (movie, TV show, song, etc.)

How the copyrighted work is used (commercial, non-commercial, educational, etc.)

The amount of copyrighted material used in a work

Now that you know what copyright law examines, we can answer the burning question. How do creators make money using other people’s work? This typically happens through 

In U.S. copyright law, you can sometimes use small parts of someone else's work for things like reviews, news, teaching, or research without asking for permission or paying the owner. This is called fair use, but it isn't a guaranteed way to make money from YouTube automation.

“What does transformative mean? You have to add value to the original copyrighted work. This means educational value. You have to give commentary, a different perspective, a parody, perhaps. That is what transformative means,” Noah says.

How to Dodge Copyright Issues with an Automated Channel

Using other people’s content is frowned upon, but somehow, automated channels are still getting monetized on YouTube. Here's how they do it.

Lydia Sweatt

Posts Written By Lydia Sweatt

10 Types of Videos that Attract More YouTube Watch Time

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]

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

YouTube Automation: How to Avoid Copyright Claims on Faceless Channels

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

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

Coming Soon: YouTube Announces New AI Tools for Video Creation

How to Start a YouTube Automation Channel (Earn up to $500K in 90 Days!)

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

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

YouTube Unveils 'Related Links' to Connect Shorts and Long-Form Videos