Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday in the US, and a hugely important occasion for friends and family to come together to indulge in food, fun, gratitude, and football. Hundreds of thousands of creators have already been publishing content around the topic on YouTube, but there are still big opportunities to create new videos around the tentpole event or rank again for content created in previous years. 

In the video above, we take a deep dive into our Keyword tool, so be sure to check it out! Now, let's take a look at the top keywords that YouTube viewers have been searching for in the last 30 days.

If you plan on publishing Thanksgiving content, you need to know what keywords YouTube viewers are searching for right now. It is just as important when they are searching for that content so you can maximize your ability to rank on YouTube. Running the keyword 'Thanksgiving' through the invaluable 

, we can confirm that the following are the most searched-for Thanksgiving keywords and phrases on YouTube in 2025:

Related keywords for the term "Thanksgiving" on vidIQ tool

When Are Viewers Searching for Thanksgiving Content on YouTube?

Over the past few years, YouTube has become one of the go-to resources for almost any and every topic you can think of. However, viewer interest in that content is often seasonal, particularly when it comes to annual events.

, interest from YouTube viewers in Thanksgiving starts to peak about a week before Halloween and lasts right through to the end of December. No big surprises there of course but a good strategy would be to publish ahead of November 27th to attract those views and engagements.

Don’t forget that engaging tentpole content is typically evergreen so if you’ve published any Thanksgiving clips on YouTube in the past, and you believe the videos are still relevant, 

update your titles and custom thumbnails to see if they can leverage the interest in the content that always comes this way this time of year.

Google trends result on the term "thanksgiving"

Finding Opportunities to Create Thanksgiving Content on YouTube

When viewers are searching for content on YouTube, it’s usually with a clear intent to get an answer to a particular query. Those searching will often use a baseline keyword to start and then build off that search to find the best videos.

Top 5 Thanksgiving Food Keywords on YouTube

A look at the topmost searched-for keywords for Thanksgiving shows that users are most interested in content around traditional Thanksgiving food, especially the old favorites, turkey & stuffing. Let’s take a deeper dive into what viewers are interested in around this category:

Related keywords for "thanksgiving food" in vidIQ tool

Top 5 Thanksgiving Decor Keywords on YouTube

Apart from the glorious food, Thanksgiving is also a time when homes and offices are decked out in a wonderful array of festive decor. Video content around table decorations, and Thanksgiving DIY decor is incredibly popular with viewers as they turn to YouTube for inspiration. Here are the top 5 keywords in this category:

Related keywords for "thanksgiving decor" on vidIQ tool

So, get your Thanksgiving vibes up and start preparing your content with the help of these ideas and suggestions. If you're set on your upload but still struggling with the perfect thumbnail for your video, 

Decorative pumpkins, corn, and autumn leaves with warm string lights background

It's nearly Thanksgiving time again in the US, and here are the most searched keywords on YouTube in 2025 around this national holiday.

Top 10 Thanksgiving Keywords on YouTube

In 2024, sales made on Black Friday and Cyber Monday generated $13.3 Billion in revenue 

for online retailers, an increase of 7.25% from the previous year. As e-commerce consumers are eager for bargains and deals with a similar intent to spend even more than last year, they are turning to platforms like YouTube to scope out reviews on products that want to snap up in the sale.

How to Find YouTube Keywords that Grow Your Channel

While hundreds of thousands of creators have already been publishing content on YouTube about the topic, particularly tech and other consumer electronics, there are still gaps in the market for creating new videos around the tentpole event. Let's take a look at the top 10 keywords that YouTube viewers have been searching for on YouTube:

If you're a YouTube creator and are scheduling posts around Black Friday 2025 you need to be up to speed on which keywords viewers are searching for on YouTube right now. 

vidIQ related keywords tool search results for "Black Friday"

Running the keyword 'Black Friday' through the invaluable 

, confirms that the following are the most searched for Black Friday keywords and phrases on YouTube for 2025:

When are Viewers Searching for Black Friday Content on YouTube?

Black Friday happens once a year in the US (and increasingly in other countries for the past few years). Hence, creators need to know when to publish content around the tentpole event to leverage ranking and visibility on YouTube.

, interest from YouTube viewers in the US in Black Friday starts to peak around mid-November and lasts around a month.

Google Trends graph on "Black Friday" over 5 years

With any tentpole or seasonal event, it pays to remember that any video content you've uploaded before on the topic can still be maximized for extra views and engagement. 

Evergreen content is the key to more views on YouTube

revisit past Black Friday videos and update your titles and custom thumbnails to see if you can leverage the seasonal interest in the content.

Right after the Black Friday weekend comes another period of commerce and sales in the calendar year, that is, Cyber Monday. Creators who might feel lost in the high volume of videos under the Black Friday keyword can look at this one as an area of opportunity.

vidIQ related keywords tool search results for "Cyber Monday"

, we see that the following are the most searched for Cyber Monday keywords and phrases on YouTube for 2025:

Finding Opportunities to Create Black Friday Content on YouTube

Viewers searching for Black Friday on YouTube do so with a particular aim in mind. They may be searching for the best deals retailers have to offer, or reviews for a piece of tech or gadget they have their eye on. Your focus should be on answering those queries with your content, and for an event like this, you can do so in a number of ways.

Keyword research is vital for this, as we talked about before. Starting with the keyword set above, plus an eye on the focus of your channel, start thinking of ideas for your Black Friday uploads.

, you can get customized ideas for your channel to capitalize on this seasonal event. And, if you're still unsure of the ideas, you can use the 

 to turn a successful Black Friday video into your niche!

Black Friday neon sign on brick wall with shopping icons and sale symbols background.

No. In fact, last year, brick-and-mortar stores

Although it originally is an American celebration of consumption, 

Black Friday discounts are being observed increasingly more by countries around the world!

Are you planning to publish video content about Black Friday? We found the most searched keywords on YouTube around this annual shopping bonanza.

Top 10 Black Friday Keywords on YouTube

Halloween is right around the corner, and one of the biggest and most celebrated tentpole events of the year. Thousands of creators have already been publishing content around the topic on YouTube, like every other year. But, like always, there are still major opportunities to create videos about the holiday.

halloween keyword search volume on YouTube

If you plan on a Halloween-inspired video, you need to know what keywords YouTube viewers search for. You should also know when they are searching for that content so you can maximize your video’s viewing potential. 

vidIQ Keyword tool results for matching keywords with halloween

, we can confirm that the following are the most searched Halloween keywords and phrases on YouTube right now:

When Are Viewers Searching for Halloween Content on YouTube?

YouTube is an extraordinary place to find content on almost any subject under the sun. However, interest in that content is often seasonal, especially when it comes to tentpole or holiday events.

, interest from YouTube viewers in Halloween has risen steadily over the past five years. Interest starts to peak around the end of August and lasts right through to the beginning of November. Of course, there are no big surprises there, but a good strategy would be to publish a couple of weeks ahead of October 31st to attract those views and engagements.

Don’t forget that tentpole content is evergreen, so if you’ve published any Halloween clips on YouTube in the past, and you believe the videos are still relevant, 

 to see if you can leverage the interest in the content that always comes this way this time of year.

Halloween search volume over 5 years on Google Trends

When viewers search for content on YouTube, they usually have a question or an intent in mind. They want an answer on a particular topic or a query with this topical interest around Halloween. 

Having said that, there are broadly three categories under which most of these highly searched terms fall under. These are the kinds of videos viewers look for the most, so as a creator, you'd want to give special attention to them. Let's break them down below:

Top 10 Halloween Costume Keywords: YouTube

A look at the topmost searched-for keywords brings up a lot of search intent around costumes for Halloween, so let’s take a deeper dive into what viewers are interested in around this category:

matching terms for "halloween costumes" on vidIQ keyword tool

Most of the keywords in this category have a medium difficulty for an opportunity to rank on search, as indicated by the number denoted beside them.

If you want an idea of the type of Halloween costume videos that YouTube viewers love, the search results will give you one. It seems like tutorial-type videos perform the best

Top 10 Halloween Music Keywords on YouTube

Another big winner in this topic is music. Content on this search term generates great interest. Here are the top keywords in this category:

matching terms for "halloween music" on vidIQ keyword tool

With high search volumes, coupled with heavy competition, Halloween music content has a lot of potential. On YouTube, viewers love compilations, playlists of popular songs and tutorials. 

Top 10 Halloween Makeup Keywords on YouTube

Halloween is perhaps the one time of the year when anyone, young or old, male or female, can go to town with a painted face. Makeup tutorials are big business on YouTube, and those how-to’s that focus on Halloween are wildly popular. The most searched for keywords are:

matching terms for "halloween makeup" on vidIQ keyword tool

"Halloween makeup" related searches on YouTube are more specific than the other major terms which is understandable given that any given viewer would want makeup that is congruent with their costumes. So, any content that is educational and simplifies the process is the absolute king here.

Jumping on trending and topical content on YouTube is one of the best ways to invite a large number of new viewers to your channel while also giving engaging content to your faithful audience. 

And, if you want to know the secret to standing out as a small channel, here's your answer!

Halloween pumpkins with YouTube and vidIQ icons illustrating content growth trends.

Halloween is just around the corner! Here are the most searched keywords on YouTube around this spooky event.

Top 15 Halloween Keywords on YouTube

YouTube has officially unveiled its evolving stance on AI-generated content, ushering in what may be the most significant shift in platform policy since monetization itself. Speaking at the 

 laid out the platform’s strategy to navigate, and even embrace, the rise of artificial intelligence in video creation.

Rather than shunning AI, YouTube is building a framework that accepts it as an inevitable part of the future. In doing so, the platform is redefining what it means to be a creator, while simultaneously developing tools to 

 in a world of synthetic voices and digital doppelgängers.

“With the growth of these AI enablement tools,” Mohan said, “you’re going to see that the distinction between ‘completely AI-generated’ and ‘AI-assisted’ is going to be a continuum.”

This statement captures the essence of YouTube’s direction: 

AI is not a threat to be fought, but a reality to coexist with. 

YouTube Automation: Get AI-Powered Titles, Thumbnails, Descriptions, and Video Ideas

What does it mean for us human creators then? Our very own Rob Wilson has broken it all down in the video above. So, if you were still on the fence about the acceptance of AI in the YouTube ecosystem, it's time to rethink.

 on AI-generated content. No sweeping purges. No platform-wide crackdowns reminiscent of “Skynet-like” shutdowns.

Instead, YouTube is creating what Mohan calls “guardrails”. These include policy transparency, technological enforcement tools, and most surprisingly, 

This starkly contrasts with the fearmongering that has surrounded AI’s use in media production. From Hollywood strikes to deepfake scandals, the conversation around AI has largely revolved around fear, theft, and job displacement.

Mohan’s central thesis is that AI-generated content cannot be neatly categorized as “real” or “fake.” Instead, YouTube acknowledges a spectrum of AI involvement:

Some creators use AI merely as a tool: helping edit videos, writing scripts, generating thumbnails, or improving SEO.

Others go full AI: producing entire videos using synthetic voices, faces, and even personalities.

Altered content labeling on YouTube studio

This spectrum-based model mirrors the evolution of other creative technologies. Think of the photography world’s shift from film to digital to AI editing. In each case, the tool didn’t kill creativity, instead redefined it.

By treating AI as a creative layer, rather than a danger zone, YouTube is positioning itself as a platform that grows with creators, not against them.

One of YouTube’s first major steps in this direction is the implementation of 

. Creators are now required to label videos that include AI-generated elements. This is not a penalty. There’s no demonetization or viewer warning attached to it. It's a form of viewer advisory, similar to a “contains strong language” tag.

“We will literally put [the AI label] on the video,” Mohan explained, “and in some cases, it’ll be in the metadata.”

Altered or synthetic content label on YouTube videos

While it's still imperfect and nascent right now, this is a clear indication that YouTube wants to define the degree of AI usage on videos. For example, if you want to us the 

 to create your video's image, it's not the same as a fully AI-generated video from a text prompt.

. YouTube doesn’t want to hide AI—it wants to 

With AI tools like Sora, Pika, Runway, and many more on the way, making it easier than ever to generate lifelike videos of real people, the risk of identity misuse has skyrocketed. Imagine someone making a video that looks like you’re:

Promoting a political agenda you don’t support

This is arguably the most crucial problem to deal with for YouTube concerning the AI boom. The Likeness Detection Tool allows creators to 

 of videos that use their face (and potentially voice) without permission—especially when those appearances have been synthetically generated or altered using AI. Here's how it works:

Onboarding process to setup likeness detection

, YouTube requires you to verify who you are. You will have to upload a selfie style video to the Google database which will be used as reference for your face and voice. You are also required to upload a photo ID to verify your date of birth and other important details.

 to this process and may withdraw access at any time.

Videos where your face was detected using AI

Channel info, upload date, views, and subscribers of the uploader

Filing a Removal Request for likeness detection on YouTube

The table below will give you an idea of the likely scenarios where each of these actions are relevant:

 event in September, and after testing it with a small group of creators, YouTube is now rolling it out gradually to all creators in the YouTube Partner Program. This video by Creator Insider will give you all the necessary information:

Not only is YouTube pressing forward to implement ethical and fair use of AI, but with this tool, you'll also be able to monetize AI remixes and reuse of your content, possibly opening a brand new way to sustainably earn on YouTube. For creators, these are exciting times!

25 YouTube Updates that Will Affect Your Channel in 2025

graphic representation of AI content policy update on YouTube

Learn all about YouTube's stance on AI and the new features introduced to protect and help creators!

YouTube Updates Policy on AI Content

We often hear the question "How much does YouTube pay?" and the truth is it depends on 3 major factors - your niche, audience location, and average watch time.

But to start earning money from your videos, you need to reach the highest milestones for YouTube monetization: 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 watch hours or 10 million YouTube Shorts views. Then, you can join the YouTube Partner Program and earn money from fan-funding and advertising revenue.

It sure sounds exciting, but many new creators wonder how much money do you make on YouTube with 1,000 subscribers? The reality is that the amount varies a lot and depends on several factors.

A handful of factors will influence your earnings on YouTube, and in the video above, we discussed the big three. So, fellow content creators, let's take a look at what those are.

YouTube hosts many different niches, which can affect how much you earn. Channels about finance or tech tend to bring in more income compared to lifestyle or entertainment channels. Advertisers in these areas are often willing to spend more money.

Tech YouTuber creating content - high-paying YouTube niche

, VloggerPro talks about the most profitable YouTube niches in 2025. If you don't know what kind of content to make or want to spice things up, check it out. You'll get an understanding of what works on YouTube. 

Plus, here are some YouTube niche ideas that viewers like!

The 54 Best YouTube Niches, According to Viewers

Knowing the basics about your audience can make a big difference. Information like age, gender, and language offers clues about who is watching. This data helps you create content that resonates with your fans and can bring in higher earnings.

But, when it comes to revenue, the only relevant data here is the geographical location of your viewers. Channels with a majority of viewers from the 

United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom

YouTube audience geography analytics showing top viewer locations - impacts earnings

YouTube rewards videos that keep viewers watching for long stretches. If your content encourages people to watch more videos one after another, you’re in a good place. More watch time often means more ad opportunities and higher income.

Engaged YouTube viewer watching content - high engagement increases creator earnings

Highly engaging videos that keep viewers watching for longer periods can result in more ad placements, thereby increasing your earnings. This usually results in improved video engagement metrics, such as an increased number of likes, comments, views, and watch time.

YouTube monetization concept with phone showing YouTube logo on money pile

YouTube earnings are usually measured with RPM, which shows how much you earn for every 1,000 views after YouTube takes its fee (usually 45%). RPM covers income from ads, 

 support, and other sources, giving you a clearer idea of your real earnings.

For instance, if you have an RPM of $5, it means you get around $5 for every 1,000 views across your videos. This number includes income from both ads and features like Super Thanks, Super Chats, and Channel Memberships. A channel with 20,000 views a month would earn roughly $100 at that rate, while a higher RPM can boost your revenue significantly.

Based on numbers reported from creators, the average RPM generally stays between $3 and $7. In certain niches with higher ad rates, it can reach $15-25 or more.

Finance and tech channels typically earn $15-25 RPM (revenue per thousand views)

Gaming channels average $4-8 RPM, making them less lucrative but easier to grow

Viewers from the US, UK, and Canada generate 3-5x more revenue than viewers from developing countries

Videos longer than 8 minutes can include mid-roll ads, significantly increasing revenue potential

Channels with 1,000 subscribers typically earn between $50-$700 monthly depending on niche and audience

YouTube Shorts vs. Long-Form: Which Pays More?

Earnings from YouTube Shorts work differently from long-form videos. Long-form content uses standard ad placements, which means you get paid directly from ad views. Shorts use a revenue sharing model where creators earn a portion of ad revenue from the Shorts feed.

In 2025, the average YouTube RPM for Shorts is around 

. So if you’re wondering how much YouTube pays overall, long-form content typically earns more per view, but Shorts can drive faster audience growth and help you hit the 1,000-subscriber monetization requirement faster.

Curious what top creators actually earn? Check out our 

 for real-world examples of estimated earnings, subscriber counts, and views from some of the biggest channels. It’s an easy way to see how different niches and content styles perform in 2025.

Real YouTube Earnings with 1,000 Subscribers

In our detailed analysis video, we highlight creators who shared their actual earnings on YouTube after getting 1,000 subscribers. As we just learned, the 1k subscribers on YouTube salary can have a large range. And, by the way, these earnings represent one month of uploading on YouTube!

Real YouTube earnings with 1K subscribers

Channel topic: personal finance/side hustles

 has 8,690 subscribers — a small channel by most creators' standards. But this hasn't stopped them from making hundreds of dollars with just 1,000 subscribers. This goes to show that hot niches like finance are more valuable in the market and can result in higher RPMs.

Watch the video below to hear their story:

Irina Dee - Personal Growth Niche ($536.66)

Channel topic: personal growth, real estate, content creation

has a few focuses on YouTube, from housing to personal growth to teaching content creation. We typically advise creators to focus on one niche, but it looks like Irina is earning more money through experimentation!

gaming channel, and this topic is pretty popular on YouTube. But it looks like companies aren't paying a lot of money to advertise on gaming videos — at least, not like finance or real estate ones. This channel's YouTube RPM of $4.93 is among the lowest on the list, but it's more realistic for most creators.

Additional Revenue Streams Beyond AdSense

Setting realistic expectations for making money on YouTube is crucial from the get-go. While reaching 1,000 subscribers is a significant milestone, it's just the beginning. And it'll likely be a while before you see significant numbers on your paycheck, especially if you're limited to ad revenue.

In the video above, Rob also highlights the importance of diversifying your income on YouTube. Affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and merchandise sales are excellent ways to supplement your YouTube earnings.

, YouTube has opened up the game for smaller creators. All you need is 500 subscribers to access Super Chats, Super Thanks, and Super Stickers, and earn money directly from the people who love and support your content.

How to Reach Monetization Requirements Faster

By following the tips we've mentioned above, you can enter the YPP by meeting the monetization requirements in as fast as 28 days. You may find it hard to believe, but many creators have done it recently across a wide range of niches. Our YouTube expert, Dan, will teach you how to do it in the video below.

YouTube Monetization Requirements Explained

Before you start earning money on YouTube, you need to know how many subscribers to monetize YouTube. You need 1,000 subscribers along with either 4,000 watch hours in the past year or 10 million Shorts views over 90 days. Once you reach these marks, you can join the Partner Program and start earning.

Remember, subscribers do not pay you directly. They simply help you qualify for the money-making features. Your income comes from ad views, Super Chats, Super Thanks, channel memberships, and other features YouTube offers.

Hitting 1,000 subscribers is just the starting point. Your earnings tend to grow with your audience. Here’s a rough idea:

These are estimates based on ad revenue alone. Many creators earn extra through sponsorships, merchandise, and other deals. For instance, a finance channel with 100,000 subscribers might pull in $5,000 from ads and another $10,000 from sponsored work and partnerships.

When looking to see your YouTube payment per view, you will see the terms CPM and RPM. Here’s what they mean:

 This is the amount advertisers pay per 1,000 ad views. The average sits around $9.63, though it can change based on your niche, where your viewers live, and the time of year.

 This is what you actually earn after YouTube takes its portion. Your RPM reflects earnings for every 1,000 video views.

For example, if your CPM is $10, your RPM might be about $5.50 after YouTube’s cut. That’s why channels in higher-paying niches can see better earnings even if they have the same number of views.

What Determines Your YouTube Earnings with 1K Subscribers

Understanding how much YouTubers make can help set realistic goals, but as we mentioned before, the answer isn't straightforward because your niche, geography, and video performance play a significant role. Be prepared to accept that this takes time to build, and it's best to think of your channel as a long-term business. 

Phone showing YouTube logo on top of money

Smartphone with YouTube logo on screen, Russian rubles, coins, and financial documents.

Discover what YouTube creators actually earn with 1,000 subscribers. See how much YouTubers make from real channels across different niches and maximize your earnings.

How Much Does YouTube Pay For 1,000 Subscribers in 2025?

When you think of making big money on YouTube, podcasts probably don't come to mind — especially now that many creators are starting their own shows. 

 The format allows any and every niche to have its own space, and that's rare!

The hard part, however, is building up consistent views if you’re just starting out. After all, that’s the best way to 

 to monetize your podcast, and not just rely on advertising revenue?

Everything You Need to Know About Starting a YouTube Podcast

For example, have you noticed that some podcast hosts are reading advertisements aloud instead of sticking to YouTube's automated ones? Sometimes these ads come from small local businesses that aren't using Google ads to get noticed. They get more business by 

 to talk about their products and services, and these agreements are called brand deals (or sponsorships).

Before we get into roping in the sponsors and promotions, let's talk about how most podcasts increase their revenue and visibility right now. Vertical videos and clips are the best way to maximize your podcast's potential across all platforms. The downside, however, is that it can be tedious and complicated, especially for new creators.

 chooses the best moments from your podcasts with the help of viewer data and turns them into viral clips. No video editing required. And it's optimized for TikTok, Reels and Shorts. Try it out now!


So, how can you hop on the sponsorship wave? Keep reading to learn all about it, and earn a living from your YouTube podcast!

Understand the Basics: The Sponsor's Wishlist

, 62% of U.S. consumers listen to podcasts, and that number has risen over the last 8 years. But sponsors aren't looking to advertise to just anyone. They want to support podcasts that reach their customers and have thousands of engaged listeners. So, certain markers of success will give you the edge when it comes to landing sponsorships for your podcast. Here's what brands are looking for.

The specifics of who is listening to a podcast — age brackets, geographical locations, and overall interests — can help sponsors determine if your audience mirrors their target market.

Do you have a YouTube podcast? Are you ready to get monetized? This guide will teach you how to secure brand deals and sponsorships for your audio show!

Uttaran Samaddar

Posts Written By Uttaran Samaddar

Top 10 Thanksgiving Keywords on YouTube

Top 10 Black Friday Keywords on YouTube

Top 15 Halloween Keywords on YouTube

YouTube Updates Policy on AI Content

How Much Does YouTube Pay For 1,000 Subscribers in 2025?

How to Monetize a YouTube Podcast: Brand Deals and Sponsorships

Are Viewbots Ruining Fair Discovery on YouTube?

54 YouTube Niches for 2025: How to Pick the Best Niche for YouTube Success

YouTube's 'Suggested Videos' Algorithm: How to Crack It

YouTube vs Instagram: Who Pays Creators More?

How to Get More Views on YouTube: 12 Powerful Tips

How Does Clip Farming Work?