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. 

Live streaming global market report by the business company

And with nearly one-third of the world actively watching these platforms, the scope is huge!

As we navigate through 2025, two giants continue to dominate the streaming ecosystem: YouTube and Twitch. While both platforms offer powerful tools for creators, they serve distinctly different purposes and audiences.

6 Things to Do Before Your First YouTube Live Stream

The core distinction between YouTube and Twitch lies in their approach to content visibility and audience engagement. In the video below, Dan breaks down exactly how that manifests on the specific websites, so be sue to check it out!

Twitch thrives on real-time interaction. It’s where your community shows up for you 

 you’re live. The energy is immediate, the audience is engaged, and the experience is immersive. But the downside? When you’re not live, your presence fades fast. Even with new tools like tags and clips, Twitch is still a platform that demands consistent, live availability to stay relevant.

If your strength lies in live performance and community engagement, Twitch makes sense. But know this: you’ll need to be present to stay seen.

YouTube flips the model. Live streams live on as searchable content, feeding an algorithm that keeps pushing your content to new viewers long after you hit "end stream." A strong video or stream on YouTube can keep paying dividends for months. You’re not just building for the now; you’re investing in content that grows legs.

This difference makes YouTube especially valuable if you want your content to be found organically, on viewers’ terms, not just while you're live.

YouTube wins hands down when it comes to accessibility. It’s everywhere—smart TVs, consoles, phones, browsers. Viewers stumble across content casually, which is gold for discovery. Livestreams appear right next to regular videos, so users don’t need to dig for them.

Creator live streaming video games on computer

Twitch, by contrast, is still a niche hub. You go there 

 you want to watch a stream. It’s less integrated into casual media consumption, which limits passive discovery.

YouTube's ubiquity gives it a significant edge in terms of accessibility. The platform is seamlessly integrated into virtually every digital device, from smart TVs and gaming consoles to smartphones and tablets. This universal presence means your content can reach viewers wherever they consume media.

The financial aspect of streaming represents another crucial differentiator between these platforms, with each offering distinct approaches to creator compensation.

different monetization models of YouTube and Twitch

YouTube has lowered its barriers to early monetization

, creating more accessible entry points for emerging creators:

Initial features like Super Chats and Channel Memberships unlock at just 500 subscribers and 3,000 watch hours

Full partnership requires 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 watch hours or 10 million Shorts views in the past 12 months

Content continues generating income long after publication

Perhaps most importantly, YouTube's monetization strength lies in the extended lifecycle of content. Streams that performed well live can continue generating ad revenue indefinitely as VODs, creating a compounding effect that builds sustainable income over time. Major creators like 

 have reported YouTube ad revenue exceeding Twitch earnings by factors of 10x or more for identical content.

Twitch offers a more immediate path to initial monetization but with less favorable terms:

Affiliate status requires just 50 followers and an average of 3 concurrent viewers

Revenue splits are less generous at 50/50 for subscriptions

Income generation effectively stops when streams end

Bits (virtual currency for tipping) and direct donations supplement subscription income

The platform's advantage lies in its audience behavior. Twitch viewers are culturally conditioned to financially support creators through subscriptions, bits, and 

 benefits. This creates a more predictable income stream for established streamers with loyal communities.

Going Live on YouTube: 8 Genius Hacks for Monetizing Your Streams

The Multi-streaming Solution: Combining Platform Strengths

For many creators, the YouTube vs Twitch debate has evolved beyond choosing one platform over another. Multi-streaming, which is broadcasting simultaneously to both platforms, has emerged as a powerful strategy that leverages the strengths of each ecosystem while mitigating their weaknesses.

multi-streaming on different platforms simultaneously

Tools like Restream and Stream Yard have simplified the technical challenges of broadcasting to multiple destinations, allowing creators to:

Maintain their interactive Twitch community while gaining YouTube's discoverability

Let audiences choose their preferred platform without forcing migration

Increase overall reach by existing in multiple content ecosystems

Build platform-specific audience engagement strategies

However, multi-streaming comes with potential drawbacks. Attention divided between multiple chat feeds can dilute engagement quality, and analytics become more complex to track and optimize. The strategy works best when creators have sufficient bandwidth—both technical and attentional—to manage multiple platforms effectively.

Twitch maintains a significant advantage in terms of creator tools and interactive features. The platform's open API has fostered a rich ecosystem of third-party applications and extensions that enhance the streaming experience. This allows for advanced interactivity, including:

Channel point redemptions that trigger on-stream events

These tools facilitate a deeply immersive and participatory viewing experience that keeps audiences engaged throughout longer broadcasts.

YouTube, on the other hand, has made considerable strides in upgrading interactive capabilities too. They now offer:

Fundraising goals for charity streams or creator milestones

Gifted memberships to promote community support

Enhanced chat functionality with improved moderation tools

While these features have narrowed the gap with Twitch, YouTube still lacks the deeply embedded interactivity that makes Twitch streams feel like communal events rather than passive viewing experiences.

Understanding the unique growth mechanics of each platform allows creators to optimize their approach whether choosing one platform or pursuing a multiplatform strategy.

Consistent scheduling to build viewing habits

Heavy emphasis on chat interaction and community building

Strategic use of collaborative streams to tap into established audiences

Leveraging Twitch's newer discoverability features like tags and clips

Creating memorable stream moments that encourage clip sharing

Creating searchable, keyword-optimized titles and descriptions

Developing content that works both live and as VODs

Repurposing stream highlights into shorter, algorithm-friendly clips

Maintaining a regular publishing cadence beyond just livestreams

Utilizing YouTube Shorts as a discovery funnel for your main content

The YouTube vs Twitch debate doesn’t end with a clear winner; it ends with 

. Your style, goals, and bandwidth all factor into the right call. Some creators go all in on one platform. Others multi-stream or even explore YouTube vs Twitch alternatives like 

Adaptability is the name of the game in 2025. The most successful creators don’t just ride trends they stay nimble, explore streaming platforms

Twitch, and meet their audiences wherever they are.

check out these 5 tools that can improve your stream

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

YouTube vs Twitch: The Best Choice in 2025

The creator economy is experiencing a technological transformation. AI tools with automated features and simplicity of use have democratized thumbnail creation, allowing anyone to produce professional-looking images in seconds. You don’t need to be a design expert to become a thumbnail maker anymore!

creator working with AI thumbnail generator

This is great news for creators of all sizes, but particularly new ones. With minimal input, creators can generate eye-catching graphics complete with bold text, vibrant colors, and visual elements that these tools conjure platform-ready thumbnails within minutes. So, it is no surprise that YouTube is quickly getting filled up with them in all corners.

How To Make Attention Grabbing Custom Thumbnails on YouTube with vidIQ

As OpenAI brought an update on image generation earlier this year

, creating high-quality graphics has become more achievable for every creator. Our creator and thumbnail wizard, John, discusses what all of that would mean in the video below.

But here's the catch: as these AI-generated thumbnails proliferate across YouTube, they're creating a sea of sameness, professionally designed yet strangely hollow. So, the most crucial question here is, how do you retain your identity while using thumbnail generators?

Beyond Pretty Pictures: What Makes Thumbnails Work

A successful YouTube thumbnail isn't just aesthetically pleasing; it's strategically crafted. The best thumbnails consist of what John calls the "Three Cs" in the video:

Does your thumbnail create a question in the viewer's mind? Does it make them want to discover more?

Can someone understand your video's value proposition at a single glance?

Does your thumbnail stand out when placed alongside competitors?

AI may excel at creating visually appealing images, but it often falls short on the first two elements. AI-generated thumbnails catch the eye momentarily, but they rarely tell a story or create emotional resonance. They look good without saying anything meaningful.

That's precisely where human creativity maintains its edge. Effective thumbnail creation isn't just about arranging visual elements—it's about understanding psychology, crafting compelling messages, and thinking like a storyteller.

How to Choose a Winning Thumbnail Style for Your YouTube Channe

The Counter-Intuitive Power of "Anti-Trending"

Here's where things get interesting: in a YouTube landscape increasingly dominated by AI-enhanced perfection, imperfection is becoming a powerful differentiator.

Consider these counter-intuitive approaches:

A simple, unedited screenshot instead of an over-processed image

A minimalist thumbnail with sparse text rather than information overload

An authentic, unfiltered photo instead of an AI-smoothed portrait

These "anti-trend" approaches are gaining traction not because they're easier to produce, but because they signal authenticity in a feed saturated with artificial polish. When everything looks the same—slick, hyper-optimized, and AI-enhanced—different wins the click.

AI can only remix what already exists. Human creativity can innovate, surprise, and connect on a deeper level.

The Platform Response: How YouTube Might Adapt

YouTube's algorithm has always evolved in response to creator behavior. As AI-generated thumbnails flood the system, we might see significant shifts in how YouTube evaluates and promotes content:

Decreased emphasis on CTR (Click-Through Rate): 

YouTube could start prioritizing metrics like watch time or audience retention over raw clicks, especially if flashy thumbnails consistently lead to disappointing content.

 Platforms may eventually implement systems to identify and potentially penalize content using AI in misleading ways.

Returns to automatic thumbnail selection: 

YouTube might revive aspects of its original approach, where the platform selected video frames automatically rather than relying on creator-designed thumbnails.

In essence, the platform could begin rewarding authentic representation over pure aesthetics—a shift that would favor genuine creators over automation.

If you're a content creator feeling the pressure of AI competition, remember that adaptation doesn't mean surrender. Here's how to maintain your edge:

 Approach thumbnails as communication tools, not just pretty pictures. Every thumbnail is essentially a pitch for your video—make it tell a compelling story.

Experiment with "anti-trend" approaches: 

Try using simple screenshots, hand-drawn elements, or authentic candid moments. Test what resonates with your specific audience.

Directly ask your viewers which thumbnails caught their attention or felt most authentic to your brand. Real human feedback trumps algorithmic suggestions.

Leverage AI thumbnail makers for ideation or drafting, but let your creative judgment make the final decisions. AI should enhance your process, not replace your perspective.

Look, AI thumbnail makers aren't villains. They're incredibly useful tools that have given many creators without design skills a fighting chance. But relying entirely on AI is like using a dating app to write your wedding vows—it might look good at first glance, but it misses the personal connection that matters.

As more creators lean on these tools, the ones who stand out will be those who know when to use AI and when to let their human creativity shine through.

Before you publish your next video, try this: Show your thumbnail to someone who knows nothing about your channel and ask, "What do you think this video is about? Would you click on it?" Their answer will tell you more than any AI feedback ever could.

Because at the end of the day, no matter how advanced these tools become, they're still just that—tools. Your unique perspective, your genuine connection with your audience, and your creative vision are what truly matter.

In a world of AI-generated sameness, being unmistakably you isn't just an option, it's your superpower. If you're looking for inspiration, 

use these 12 thumbnail ideas that people love to click on!

Adult man enters text prompt in artificial intelligence to generate image

Learn strategic approaches to combat the sameness produced by AI thumbnail generators and how to leverage these tools as a thumbnail maker without sacrificing your unique creative edge.

Are AI Thumbnail Makers Destroying YouTube?

The repeated extensions of the TikTok ban deadline highlight the platform's uncertain future in the U.S. While the immediate threat of a ban has lessened, creators should not become complacent. The ongoing negotiations and geopolitical tensions suggest that the situation remains fluid.

 President Donald Trump extended the deadline by an additional 75 days, citing the need for further negotiations to secure all necessary approvals. This extension follows China's hesitation to approve a deal for selling TikTok's U.S. operations, a response to the U.S. imposing significant tariffs on Chinese goods.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed a historic foreign aid bill

 that stated TikTok would be removed from app stores and blocked by internet service providers because of their ties to Chinese owners, ByteDance. Unless action is taken by the Supreme Court, 

the TikTok ban is scheduled to go into effect on January 19th.

Lawmakers in the U.S. are concerned about TikTok’s ties to China and the security of user data. They’ve questioned whether ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, could be forced to share information with the Chinese government. This has sparked bipartisan support for a ban in 2025.

This isn’t the first time TikTok has been under scrutiny. Remember when the 

Trump administration tried to ban it in 2020?

 Back then, the effort fizzled out in court, but it hinted that the administration might have lifted the ban if ByteDance agreed to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations to an American company. Oracle and Walmart were considered potential buyers, and although no deal was finalized, it showed us that diplomatic and business negotiations could influence the platform’s fate.

Previously, the Biden administration initially focused on privacy regulations rather than an outright ban, pressure has increased due to heightened tensions between the US and China. With many states banning TikTok on government devices and renewed momentum in Congress, the pressure is mounting.

Now, the latest delay underscores the intricate link between international trade policies and technology operations. Creators should remain vigilant, as the evolving political landscape continues to influence the platform's accessibility and future in the U.S.

If TikTok gets banned in the U.S., creators relying on the platform for their income and audience growth face a critical turning point. Not only does this threaten revenue streams, but it also disrupts communities built over the years. Many creators are now asking, "What will replace TikTok if it's banned?" and "Where are people going instead of TikTok?"

The impending TikTok ban presents both challenges and opportunities for content creators who have built their following on the platform. If the platform disappears, here are some ways it could impact your creator journey:

TikTok might be your main platform, and if it goes, so does your audience. That’s a very tough pill to swallow. Losing your existing audience base might affect your current monetization strategies and brand partnerships.

 Those live gifts, brand partnerships, and the Creator Fund payouts? They’re tied to TikTok’s existence, and losing them could hurt your bottom line. Many creators have reported earning between $1,000 to $10,000 monthly through TikTok's Creator Fund and brand collaborations, making this a significant financial consideration.

A lot of brands focus heavily on TikTok campaigns for marketing purposes. If the ban happens, they’ll pivot, leaving creators in limbo. This means interruption of existing marketing strategies and campaigns, especially for those who have scheduled content or ongoing brand partnerships extending into 2025. Many creators have already begun receiving revised contract terms from brands they’re tied to.

Beyond finances, there’s the stress of potentially losing years of work and personal investment.

Short-form content has the highest return on investment,

 with 57% of GenZ users calling it the content of their choice. The format is here to stay, whether TikTok gets banned or not. So, as a creator, it's time to prepare.

Forward-thinking TikTok content creators aren't waiting for the ban to take effect – they're already implementing strategic changes to protect and grow their digital presence. So, it’s time to not panic and take action, before you have to compete with the rest. Here is what you need to do:

If TikTok shuts down, the years of content you have uploaded on the app face massive risk. Don’t leave your best work stranded on TikTok. Try to develop a comprehensive content backup strategy to preserve your existing work. Download all your TikTok content and organize it in a way that makes it easy to repurpose for other platforms. You may also consider using content management tools to streamline this process.

It’s all about reducing your dependency on TikTok. Think of this as your chance to spread your wings. There are a few behemoths that pose as great TikTok alternatives, no matter what your style of content is.

YouTube has a strong algorithm and monetization options, making it a great home for your content.

 Instagram’s established user base gives you a chance to reach a broader audience.

Platforms like Clapper and Triller might not have TikTok’s reach yet, but they’re gaining traction

TikTok creators are diversifying their social media presence across multiple platforms, with Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and a few others emerging as primary alternatives. These platforms offer similar short-form video capabilities and have been actively courting TikTok creators with attractive creator funds and monetization opportunities.

Do you want to make sure your followers stick with you? Then, start building a more direct connection. Create a newsletter, launch a Discord server, or try platforms like Patreon. These tools let you maintain control over your community and income, no matter what happens to TikTok. This way, successful creators are focusing on building platform-agnostic personal brands that can thrive regardless of the specific social media environment.

If TikTok goes away, so do its monetization features. But you can still thrive by exploring new revenue streams. Think online courses, merch, or affiliate marketing. The key is not putting all your eggs in one basket and diversifying your monetization opportunities so that they are not platform-specific.

If you’ve been a TikTok-only creator so far, you might need to learn new skills that could heavily upgrade your content game as a whole. Optimizing your videos for YouTube search and other platforms will become very important with the influx of so many creators. We have a couple of 

tools at vidIQ that could help you with all that!

Content repurposing strategies have become increasingly important too, with creators making relevant content for multiple platforms simultaneously. This approach not only hedges against platform-specific risks but also maximizes the return on your content creation efforts.

The Future of Content Creation Without TikTok

While you still have time before the TikTok ban date is finally here, make sure you use this time wisely. You can leverage your bio to redirect followers to the new social media giants you’re thinking of migrating to. Stay informed about the latest developments regarding the ban and potential alternatives and keep updating your strategies as and when required.

The TikTok ban doesn’t have to mean the end of your creative journey-- it’s quite the opposite. The 

creator economy is supposed to roughly double in size over the next five years 

to $480 billion by 2027 from $250 billion today, and that only means newer and better opportunities! It is an exciting time for creators willing to adapt and explore the potential of their content across other platforms on the internet.

As the TikTok ban date approaches rapidly, discover how to adapt and overcome the situation and stay ahead as a creator.

The TikTok Ban Date is Coming: Are You Prepared?

Have you been feeling like your Shorts have suddenly stopped getting views? You're certainly not alone here! Most creators have seen their Shorts behave very differently from other forms of content, and it's almost baffling!

while others barely see the light of day? Keep reading, and we'll explain how the YouTube Shorts algorithm works!

Forget traditional metrics like impressions and click-through rates; in the world of Shorts, 

. Compared to the traditional route of using impressions to test your content, the YouTube Shorts algorithm is more straightforward. So, if some of your Shorts look like the graph below, and you’re convinced that YouTube is out to limit your Shorts reach, we have good news! There is a reason why.

First, the Shorts algorithm operates in two distinct phases: 

 Initially, your Short is exposed to a small, targeted, “seed audience”. If this group engages well with your content, your Short gets promoted to a broader audience. That initial audience is crucial, because if they're not engaged, your views may become stagnant.

, Todd Sherman, the product lead for YouTube Shorts, explains why this is the case. Unlike long-form videos, Shorts views mostly seem to come from the feed itself, and the element of a conscious choice on the part of the viewer is missing. So, the algorithm tests the Shorts for hundreds of thousands of views to determine its value. We can see the effect of this under the “

The YouTube shorts algorithm pays close attention to each viewer's habits. And these habits can be rightly evaluated from the Analytics tab. A recent update from YouTube has changed how views will work on Shorts, and Rob will tell you all about it.

Master the YouTube Shorts algorithm in 2025! Learn how the explore and exploit system works, why viewer retention matters, and proven strategies to boost your Shorts performance.

Uttaran Samaddar

Posts Written By Uttaran Samaddar

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

The Rise of YouTube on TV

How to Get More Views on YouTube: 12 Powerful Tips

YouTube Communities: Connect with Creators