Your first ten seconds on YouTube aren’t just important—they’re everything.

In a world where viewers abandon videos faster than you can say “like and subscribe,” your 

 is the gatekeeper to your entire channel’s success. Nail it, and you’ve got an engaged audience. Miss, and you’re yelling into the void.

Here’s the hard truth: most creators lose 

20% of their viewers in the first 15 seconds

. Not because the content suck, but because the intro does.

But the good news? Great intros aren’t magic. Watch our very own John Scott tell you why in his creative ways below:

 that grabs people by the brain and won’t let go, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down the nine best intro techniques the top creators use to stop scrolls and build loyal audiences.

Improving Engagement: How to Strategically Edit YouTube Videos After Upload

1. The Curiosity Hook: Ask a Question That Demands an Answer

Humans hate open loops. It’s why we binge Netflix and fall down Wikipedia rabbit holes at 2am. Drop an intriguing question in your intro, and you’re hijacking your viewer’s brain.

“Today I’m going to show you how to grow on YouTube.”

“One video changed everything for me—but it wasn’t the one I expected.”

 to stick around. Which video? What happened? Why?

The best intros spark curiosity and make it specific. “Why did a video about my biggest failure get more views than my best tutorial?” That’s not just interesting—it’s impossible to ignore.

Nobody has time for long-winded intros anymore. Drop your viewers into the middle of the moment like they’ve walked into a movie halfway through—and they’ll want to stay to figure out what’s happening.

“It’s 2am. I just lost 43 subscribers in one hour. I made a huge mistake.”

This produces instant intrigue. What happened at 2 am? What mistake? Why the subscriber loss? The drama doesn’t need to be huge—it just needs to matter. The key is to start 

3. The Audience-Centric Hook: It’s About Them, Not You

Viewers are self-serving for the most part. And that’s not a bad thing, but just reality. You’re not the hero of your video. 

“Your YouTube intros are putting people to sleep. Here’s why.”

This hits because it’s direct, a little provocative, and immediately valuable. You’re pointing out a problem they didn’t know they had—and promising to fix it.

Forget vague advice. Call out a real issue with sharp clarity:

“You’re losing 40% of viewers in the first 30 seconds because your intros are too slow.”

4. The Time-Promise Hook: Deliver Fast, Deliver Real

Attention is currency. And people only spend it when they know they’re getting something in return

“In the next 60 seconds, I’ll show you the thumbnail strategy that doubled my click-through rate.”

That’s not hype. That’s a contract. And if you keep that promise, you’ve earned their trust.

The best intros don’t just say “I’ll teach you something.” They say 

If your intro has something on the line for your viewer, they have a reason to care.

“If this video doesn’t hit 10,000 views, I’m quitting YouTube.”

Now it’s not just a video. It’s a turning point. A risk. A moment of truth.

But stakes don’t have to be extreme. Even personal stakes build investment:

“This is the advice I wish I had before wasting two years on YouTube.”

It’s real. It’s emotional. And it makes people lean in.

6. The Contrarian Hook: Say What No One Else Will

The best intros often flip the script. They challenge what people think they know and make them want to hear your reasoning.

Contrarian hooks work because they disrupt expectations. But they only work if you back them up with logic and proof. Find the sacred elements in your niche—and ask if they’re really helping your audience.

7. The Visual Hook: Show Something They Can’t Ignore

Words are optional when the visuals say it all.

A creator in a wedding dress talking business. A serious tutorial that opens with a cat in a suit. An otherwise polished YouTuber looking like they haven’t slept in a week.

. It sparks curiosity before you say a word. But here’s the rule: 

. Your visual must tie into your message—or it’s just noise.

Numbers hit different. They carry weight, authority, and curiosity in one punch.

“Only 6.6% of YouTube channels ever reach 1,000 subscribers.”

Boom. Now your viewer wants to know: How do I get into that 6.6%?

Make sure the stat is relevant, surprising, and tied directly to a viewer pain point. Then immediately follow up with the 

9. The Unanswered Question: Spark Self-Reflection

Sometimes the best intro doesn’t need to give an answer. It just has to plant a thought.

“What if everything you know about success is wrong?”

“When was the last time you were actually proud of something you made?”

These intros make people pause—not just to keep watching, but to think. You’re not just making content. You’re starting a conversation inside their head.

 combine multiple techniques. A stat. A story. A visual. A question. They hit from different angles—and hit fast.

Because the job of your intro isn’t just to 

So, the next time you’re prepping a video, spend as much time crafting your first 30 seconds as you do scripting the rest. Without a killer intro, nobody sticks around to see how great your content really is.

 is more than an opening. It’s the handshake, the hook, the first impression. 

Master 9 proven YouTube intro techniques that grab attention in seconds and keep viewers watching.

9 YouTube Intros That Keep Viewers Watching

n 2025, President Donald Trump declared April 2 as "Liberation Day,"

 unveiling sweeping tariffs that have since sent shockwaves through the global economy.

As YouTube creators, we often focus on algorithm changes, monetization policies, and content trends - but rarely do we consider how broader economic policies like tariffs might affect our livelihoods. 

While tariffs are often discussed in the context of manufacturing and international trade, their ripple effects extend far beyond traditional industries. YouTube creators, who operate at the intersection of digital content and physical goods, are now grappling with the unforeseen consequences of these policy shifts.

Before we can understand the impact on creators, let's clarify what a tariff actually is. Simply put, a tariff is a tax imposed on imported goods or services. 

When the United States places a tariff on products coming in from other countries, it effectively increases the cost of those items once they reach American shores. Tariffs have been used throughout history as tools for economic and political leverage, protecting domestic industries, raising revenue, and applying pressure in international negotiations.

President Trump's recent tariff announcements represent a continuation of his economic philosophy from his previous term, emphasizing what he describes as "America First" trade policies. These new tariffs target a wide range of products, many of which are directly relevant to the tools and equipment that YouTube creators rely on daily.

This is perhaps one of the most misunderstood aspects of tariff policy - and it's crucial for YouTube creators to understand. Despite common misconceptions, when the United States imposes tariffs on imported goods, the foreign government doesn't directly pay these taxes. Instead, the immediate cost falls on the American companies importing those products.

These businesses then face a choice: absorb the additional costs (reducing their profit margins) or pass them along to consumers through higher prices. In most cases, 

at least some portion of the tariff cost gets passed on to the end consumer

 - which includes YouTube creators purchasing equipment.

So, when asking "who pays the tariff?" the answer is complex but ultimately leads back to American businesses and consumers. This economic reality plays out in the creator economy just as it does elsewhere.

How are Tariffs Affecting the Creator Economy?

So far, we've theory crafted some ideas on how these policies could impact the lives of YouTube creators. In reality, tariffs are already influencing certain YouTube channels in the US. 

In the video above, Dan points to specific channels which are facing a direct effect of the tariff. Let's discuss the problems they might face as a result:

YouTube creators rely heavily on equipment like cameras, microphones, lighting, and editing software—many of which are imported.With the new tariffs, the prices of these essential tools have surged. For instance, tariffs on electronics from China have increased landscaping equipment costs from 

 making it significantly more expensive for creators to upgrade or replace their gear.

Many creators supplement their income by selling merchandise. However, the materials used—such as fabrics, inks, and packaging—are often imported. The increased tariffs have raised production costs, forcing creators to either absorb the expenses or pass them on to consumers, potentially reducing sales.

Content Creation in Niche Markets Suffers

Creators who focus on reviewing imported products, like toys, board games, or tech gadgets, face a unique dilemma. With tariffs making these products more expensive or harder to obtain, the content pipeline dries up. For example, board game reviewers are impacted by tariffs that have spiked 

 threatening the viability of their channels.

The 54 Best YouTube Niches, According to Viewers

Strategies for YouTube Creators in the Tariff Era

Despite these challenges, resourceful creators can adapt and even find opportunities in this changing landscape. Here are some practical strategies to consider:

Relying too heavily on any single income source - whether AdSense, sponsorships, or physical products - leaves creators vulnerable to tariff-related disruptions. Consider exploring:

Digital products (courses, templates, presets) which aren't subject to tariffs

Community-based revenue models like memberships

Licensing content to platforms and brands

Beyond AdSense: Using Brand Promotion as Your YouTube Monetization Strategy

With equipment costs rising, creators should:

Consider buying used equipment when appropriate

Explore rental options for gears used occasionally

Research domestic alternatives to imported equipment

Plan purchases well in advance to account for potential supply chain delays

Pool resources with other creators for expensive equipment

3. Lean Into the Creator Economy's Digital Nature

One advantage creators have is that our primary product, content, crosses borders digitally without being subject to tariffs. Emphasizing digital delivery over physical products can provide some insulation from tariff impacts.

For creators with merchandise lines, working with domestic manufacturers may become more cost competitive as tariffs increase the price of imported alternatives. This shift also creates content opportunities, as audiences often appreciate behind-the-scenes looks at local production.

Transparency about how economic conditions is affecting your creator business can strengthen audience relationships. Consider creating content that explains these challenges, perhaps even using your experience to help viewers understand broader economic concepts like tariffs.

Historically, internet-based businesses have operated somewhat independently from traditional economic policy levers. The digital economy grew in an environment of relatively free trade and minimal regulation. 

As the creator economy matures and becomes a more significant economic force (

now estimated at over $100 billion globally

), it increasingly faces the same regulatory and policy environments that traditional industries navigate.

So, let's be ready to navigate treacherous waters, and keep adapting to new changes. 

image representation of increasing tariffs

Are tariffs raise costs and shrink profits for YouTube creators in surprising ways? Find out the answer here!

How Do Tariffs Impact YouTube Creators?

If you've ever been five seconds into a video and got slapped with a loud ad about toothpaste, you’ve probably wondered: Is YouTube Premium worth it? Or better yet, 

 now, and what are you getting for that price?

 and some fresh updates rolled out in 2025, YouTube Premium is trying to be more than just "YouTube without ads." In this post, we’ll dig into what YouTube Premium is offering today, how it's evolving, and whether it deserves your monthly subscription.

No ads, original content, and videos that play in the background: For video fanatics, this is just a small taste of what 

 offers to subscribers. Formerly known as 

, this rebranded service combines a variety of features for the perfect YouTube binge.

Here’s a complete list of all the exciting Premium features:

Offline video viewing (download and watch later)

Offline music listening (download and listen later)

Background play (content plays outside app/when phone is closed)

These are great perks for viewers; however, creators will appreciate Premium for a different set of reasons. While the audience can expect fewer interruptions on the app, creators are getting what they’ve always wanted from the deal: more ways to increase their revenue on YouTube.

The service also lets creators get paid through your subscription, so you're still supporting the people you watch, even if you're skipping ads.

How Creators Earn More Money With YouTube Premium

And now for the big question: How does it all work? How are creators able to make more money on top of AdSense revenue with YouTube Premium?

In a nutshell, YouTube shares some of its Premium revenue with creators. Whatever the portion may be, the platform distributes this money to creators based on much 

So, for example, if one channel receives higher Watch Time than another, it gets a larger chunk of money. In the end, YouTube takes a 45% cut of a creator’s Premium earnings, just as it does for ad-generated revenue.

Nevertheless, earning some extra cash with Premium is something to aspire to. Every video on YouTube’s free platform is available on the paid version, so no matter what, your videos will contribute to your Premium Watch Time and earnings.

Let’s talk numbers. As of 2025, YouTube Premium offers several subscription options:

: $22.99/month for up to 5 family members aged 13+ in the same household

You also get a one-month free trial, so there’s no harm in taking it for a test run.

But here’s the twist: YouTube is now testing 

, a stripped-down version that offers ad-free viewing but 

 background play, no downloads, and no YouTube Music. It's cheaper, and for many users, that might be all they need.

Premium Lite is being piloted in the U.S. after earlier tests in Germany, Australia, and Thailand. The idea? Offer more flexible price points while still keeping the ad-free experience intact.

The New Premium Tiers: More Choice, Not More Confusion

YouTube Premium has evolved into a tiered service, tailored for different needs:

: Just ad-free creator content. No bells, no whistles.

: The whole package—downloads, background play, and YouTube Music Premium.

: Special offers that tie Premium with Google One or family sharing perks.

This move makes sense. Not everyone needs the same features, and YouTube is trying to meet users where they are. Think of it like choosing your gym membership: some people want weights and cardio; others just want the pool.

 is bundled with the full version of YouTube Premium. It lets you:

Access exclusive remixes and live performances

It's a solid offering if you’re already deep into the Google ecosystem. It may not have fully replaced Spotify for some, but it’s a nice bonus.

AI Is Here: Conversational Features and Playlist Creation

Here’s where things get interesting. In 2025, YouTube Premium is diving headfirst into artificial intelligence.

: This AI-powered tool lets you build playlists by just typing what you want, like "chill beats for rainy mornings" or "high-energy indie for working out."

: Watch a video and want more info? Ask the AI directly. It can answer questions about the video content in real-time, making the experience more interactive.

This isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a way to make your time on YouTube more efficient and intuitive. It's still early days, but the tech is promising.

YouTube Premium's Beta Lab: Try New Features First

 to test experimental features before they’re released widely. Think of it like a sandbox for future tools.

One cool example is the 4x playback speed. For power users who binge tutorials or long commentary videos, that’s a time-saver.

User feedback on this platform directly shapes what YouTube rolls out next, making Premium members part of the development process.

You can also opt for specific plans according to users on your YouTube Premium account. Special categories of such plans are:

 is ideal if multiple people in your household use YouTube. Everyone gets their own Premium experience, which avoids algorithm chaos.

 is the best value. $7.99/month is hard to beat, and you still get full access, including YouTube Music.

Just remember that the student plan requires annual verification. So yes, you need to be an actual student.

YouTube Premium isn’t perfect, but it’s getting smarter and more flexible. Between the new AI tools, better tier options like Premium Lite, and a global expansion plan, the service is adapting in a way that makes sense.

If you use YouTube daily (and let’s be honest, most of us do), then yes—

 Especially if you hate ads, want smarter features, or just enjoy seamless streaming.

While we are on the subject of viewer experience, check out this 

different way of watching videos on YouTube.

YouTube logo on smartphone with blurred YouTube Premium on laptop screen in background

Discover how YouTube Premium generates revenue for creators through watch time metrics, revenue sharing, and new features that boost your channel.

YouTube Premium in 2025: How it Works

We often talk about how different aspects of the YouTube studio impact our videos, but it's equally necessary to test their impact in real time. Sure, the 

 has most of our queries solved with the charts we can already see. What about the metrics that you don't see by default?

If you're serious about YouTube and want to grow your channel (and we know you are because you’re reading this post), you should know there’s a way of ‘testing’ your content to see what's working for you. It's a feature called 

Navigate to the ‘Analytics’ dashboard

Click on either ‘Advanced Mode’ or ‘See More’ (both take you to the same screen)

On the left-hand side of this new screen, you'll see your channel name. Click that and you'll activate a new mini dashboard

This feature is a little hard to find, but it's going to allow you to test absolutely anything you want on your channel. Notes, these YouTube groups are not public, so viewers won't be able to see them as they do with 

It's not going to interrupt their watching habits, but it does allow you to test the most minute changes on your videos to see what works so that you can double down on the best content on your channel. 

How to Set Up a YouTube Group to Test Your Channel

Now that we know all about YouTube Groups, let's set one up. The first thing we need to do is to create a ‘Group.’ We're going to call this group ‘Thumbnails with Faces,’ and the feature allows us to search through our entire channel to add as many videos as we wish. Do note that you can search for videos by their ID, and the 

maximum number of videos in one single Group is 500.

In our example, we chose five videos with a ‘face only’ thumbnail and created another group of videos without faces in the thumbnail.

Once you set some Groups up, you can view all of the advanced analytics for them, which is really useful in itself. But we can take all of this one step further.

On the top-left side of the screen, there is a compare to function which allows you to compare Groups. And that's exactly what we're going to do now - 

compare the group of videos with faces in thumbnails versus those without.

YouTube video comparison showing performance of thumbnails with and without faces

In the space of just 30 seconds of effort, we've learned something incredibly valuable about our channel. Over a given period, thumbnails with faces on the vidIQ YouTube channel perform better than those without faces, on the basis of the crucial metrics like watch time, CTR, impressions, etc.

Now, once you've created these groups of videos, just be cautious of outliers. There may be a group of videos where one of the videos in that group is contributing more than 50% of the views or the impressions because it's just a viral video for you. You'll have to trim those out of your analysis.

Practical Video Testing Ideas to Boost Your Channel

There are many ways to test YouTube videos beyond just checking thumbnails. Each test can show you what your audience likes. Here are some options:

 – Some channels do better with longer videos, while others shine with shorter clips. Test groups of videos below and above a certain length to see the effect.

 – Are your viewers into tutorials, list-based videos, case studies, or stories? Group your videos by type to determine which one gains the most engagement.

 – Compare weekly uploads against twice weekly or morning uploads versus evening ones. YouTube Analytics helps identify the 

Testing like this makes your approach to YouTube

video testing clearer. It shows which content works best with your viewers.

Many creators miss the mark when they test different styles of YouTube videos. First, 

. Testing only one or two videos per style may not give you clear answers. Try using 5-10 videos per group to see a real pattern.

Next, keep outside factors steady. Things like when you upload or seasonal changes can affect how your video does. Try to keep these details the same while you test.

Be patient, too. It often takes 2-4 weeks for a video to show its true performance. Lastly, change one element at a time. If you test different thumbnails, titles, and lengths at once, you won't know which change made the difference.

YouTube offers a neat way to test videos, but vidIQ's 

 adds extra helpful details. The tool automatically sorts your videos by key performance numbers, which makes it easier to 

The Channel Audit tool quickly breaks down the success of your channel into specific groups, so if you want to know which videos gain your channel, the most subscribers, or which videos have the most engagement or the highest watch time, we can quickly tell you.

The tool shows you which videos bring in the most subscribers, get good engagement, or have long watch times. You can see the details quickly, which saves a lot of time. It also flags videos that don't do as well as your average video. This lets you know which content to adjust or drop. In addition, it points out videos that might need extra features like end screens or cards to boost viewer interest.

Pairing YouTube's Groups feature with vidIQ’s 

 turns content testing into a smart and clear process. It helps you see what works and gives ideas to improve underperforming videos.

With these insights, we hope you can make groups to test videos on whatever basis you want to. So, 

get to uploading your videos on the creator studio

Did you know YouTube Analytics has a feature that allows you to compare different types of videos on your channel to see which perform the best? Learn how to use YouTube Groups.

How to Test Videos with YouTube Groups 

The live streaming market has been steadily increasing over the years and shows no signs of slowing down. According to 

a report by the Business Research company

, it will increase from a market share of $1.76 billion to $2.11 billion this year, following a 19.7% CAGR. 

Understand the difference between the two biggest live streaming platforms on the globe and what works best for you.

Uttaran Samaddar

Posts Written By Uttaran Samaddar

9 YouTube Intros That Keep Viewers Watching

How Do Tariffs Impact YouTube Creators?

YouTube Premium in 2025: How it Works

How to Test Videos with YouTube Groups

YouTube vs Twitch: The Best Choice in 2025

Are AI Thumbnail Makers Destroying YouTube?

The TikTok Ban Date is Coming: Are You Prepared?

How Does the YouTube Shorts Algorithm Work in 2025?

How to Make a YouTube Timestamp Link (Step-by-Step Guide)

What is YouTube Frame by Frame Viewing

YouTube Monetization Update: Key Changes for Video Ads

Understanding the YouTube Algorithm in 2025