Amidst the hustle of YouTube, we often forget to take a step back from the grind and relish what we've achieved. And today, we’re celebrating creators who have recently completed as big a milestone as it gets—the silver play button. Our heartiest congratulations to all these creators from the vidIQ community for reaching 100,000 subscribers in the last 30 days!

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 your wins.

Top Channels Passing 100,000 Subscribers in May

 makes entertaining, animated fictional Shorts with popular football players.

 shares innovative and delicious recipes.

 makes creative roleplay and gameplay videos on Roblox games.

 uploads AI-generated content on animals.

 uploads calming and relaxing music to ease listeners.

 makes entertaining and informational Shorts on Rubik's cube tricks.

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.

Reaching 100,000 subscribers is no easy feat, but these 10 creators did it in a flash! Discover who they are and how quickly they grew!

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

As budding creators, producing high-quality content is one of the biggest challenges we face while starting. While content that impacts viewers is what you should aim for, factors like lighting and audio can make or break your story! And getting the perfect setup might hurt your bank- a lot.

But what if you already have the tools to begin your journey towards producing high-end content? With a little creativity and innovation, you can achieve beyond what you believe, that too for little to no additional cost. In the video above, John has instructed how to do this in great detail, so check it out if you want to do it yourself.

For now, let us see how we can get those clickworthy videos under the minimum budget.

The Secret to Standing Out as a Small YouTube Creator

Your smartphone is your best friend in the journey to becoming a YouTube pro. Most modern smartphones are equipped with cameras and microphones that are perfect for starting your YouTube channel. This is probably the only major gadget you would need to begin your content creation journey, in case you don’t have dedicated gadgets.

The two primary requirements for making YouTube videos are proper video and audio–both of which are fulfilled by a smartphone, whether it’s an Android or iOS.

To transform your smartphone into a professional camera setup you need to use a recording and streaming application on your device. Download software like 

 This plugin allows you to use your smartphone camera as a webcam in OBS, whether you’re using an iPhone or an Android device.

Using smartphone as primary camera source

On your smartphone, you can download apps like 

 that allow you to connect with the OBS software. You can now use your phone as your primary video source.

If you have more than one smartphone, you can set up multiple "cameras" to capture different angles. This adds a dynamic element to your videos, making them more engaging and adding more perspective to your storytelling. You can use OBS to switch between these angles seamlessly during editing or live streaming.

 How to Live Stream on YouTube with Streamlabs OBS - Beginner's Setup Guide

Apart from using the correct technology, it is also essential to set up your filming space in a way that appears nicely in the frame. Don’t forget to keep your background clean and place yourself centrally in the frame. A good rule of thumb to follow is also placing your lenses at eye level!

If you don't own a separate microphone, no worries! Your smartphone's built-in mic can suffice. Like your phone’s camera, DroidCam can also detect your phone’s microphone.

For improved audio quality, ensure the room is quiet and minimize echo by padding hard surfaces with soft materials like pillows or blankets.

The next important thing is using light effectively. Proper lighting can dramatically enhance the quality of your videos. Sometimes it’s as simple as sitting in front of a window to allow natural light to do its trick. 

But that might not be possible in some cases. This is why, John has demonstrated in the video how you can get great lighting if you’re resourceful enough! Here’s what you need to do:

Create your softbox using a cardboard box, white paper (to line the inside of the box), and a standard desk lamp with an LED bulb (to avoid heat issues).

Cut the box to create a directional light, and cover the front with baking paper to soften the light.

Position your DIY softbox in front of you while recording to illuminate your face evenly and professionally.

Once you’ve captured your video, editing is the next step. You can use free editing software like DaVinci Resolve or HitFilm Express. These programs offer robust editing tools that rival many paid options, allowing you to cut, splice, add transitions, and much more. 

4 Editing Hacks to Make Any YouTube Video Go Viral

The consensus among creators is clear: begin with the equipment you already own. Whether it's a smartphone or a simple camera, the key is to start creating. The quality of your content will not be significantly hampered by not having the latest camera or microphone.

Starting a YouTube channel doesn’t require high-tech equipment. With a smartphone, some creativity, and a focus on creating engaging content, anyone can become a successful YouTuber. Remember, the journey of content creation is about connecting with your audience and sharing your passion, not about having the best gear on the market.

respond to comments, ask for feedback, and interact with your viewers.

 This builds a community around your channel and helps increase viewer retention and loyalty.

Beyond the technical aspects, the quality of your content is crucial. After all, storytelling is more important than high-resolution video. Engaging and relevant content will keep your audience coming back, regardless of your video's technical perfection.

For those interested in learning more about optimizing their YouTube strategy with the help of the most effective tools, check out vidIQ. If you've already made your first video but are still unsure about uploading,

In this blog, we're diving into how to create professional-looking YouTube content using just the gadgets you already own, and some household items. Get ready to turn your YouTube dreams into reality without breaking the bank!


How To Win on YouTube Without Fancy Equipment

It's a new month with a new list of achievers, but the road to success remains the same! These creators have demonstrated that success on YouTube is not just about viral videos but consistency, innovation, and authenticity.

Reaching this milestone of 10,000 subscribers in 30 days comes with its challenges. It requires relentless effort, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of one's audience. As these relish in this achievement, we offer our heartfelt congratulations and eagerly anticipate the continued inspiration they will bring!

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

Top Channels Passing 10,000 Subscribers in May

 gives tips to aspiring entrepreneurs through his podcast Made It.

 uploads anything and everything related to the military.

 documents their daily life through engaging Shorts.

 covers every aspect related to pregnancy through informative and entertaining Shorts.

 shares valuable marketing strategies for viewers.

 makes funny and entertaining videos and challenges.

 is a compassionate trauma expert who helps people recover with her content.

 makes re-animations of existing popular game characters.

 posts health and wellness tips through informative content.

Plus, check out these top YouTube channels to discover even more creators:

These phenomenal YouTubers got 10,000 subs in just 30 days! Meet 10 rising creators who talk about the human body, games, personal betterment, and more.

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

One of the most exciting milestones for any YouTuber is getting to 100K subscribers and receiving the silver button in the mail. It’s the number that makes people believe you’re a credible content creator and a significant voice in your niche. Finding the right balance of niche, endless hard work, and content that works for you is hard, but everyone can do it.

The following ten creators have demonstrated it incredibly, all achieving it within 30 days. As the vidIQ family, we wanted to give them all a massive shoutout as a welcome to the 100K Subs Club! 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 

 makes entertaining video essays and gameplay videos.

 creates entertaining gameplay and reaction videos.

makes entertaining videos with cartoons and animated characters.

 shares advice and motivation to succeed in life.

 uploads intriguing brain teasers and quizzes.

 creates story-based content on Roblox games.

 uploads content about Aura, a female Indian pariah dog.

 makes engaging shorts and Fortnite montages.


Congrats to everyone who had amazing subscriber growth last month! 🥳 If you want to see your channel grow, don't forget to 

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

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

Many factors determine our success on YouTube. If you're a new creator, most of those might seem almost unattainable sometimes. But some are really within our control. Choosing the best time to publish your video on YouTube is one of them and could have a considerable impact on your video's performance.

As with most things in YouTube video creation, there isn't a straightforward answer. But we've covered two main ways to answer this question.

What is the Best Time of the Day to Post on YouTube?

While this data is not set in stone, certain timings are better than others on YouTube, mostly for two main reasons.

 These recommended times coincide with typical leisure periods when users are actively seeking entertainment, making them more likely to engage deeply with new content.

 For channels with a broad audience, these times can help bridge various time zones, hitting North American viewers in their evening peaks and Europeans in their early active hours.

We've gathered information from credible websites across the internet and can broadly ascertain these time ranges as effective across channels across the world.

It's safe to assume that weekdays are not the best option when it comes to posting content since people are mostly away from their screens. But using the week wisely can make a big difference to your video's performance. 

Overall, it's better to post in the evenings. 

, any time between 6 PM and 9 PM is desirable, although the middle of the week, i.e. Wednesdays and Thursdays aren't generally rewarding.  However, 

 details different time ranges for each day of the week and also claims that Friday is the best day to post according to their study which is based on a million uploads!

For weekends, the earlier the upload, the better the chances. This period captures a relaxed audience who are scrolling through their feeds over morning coffee, ready to start their leisurely weekend.

According to a report by Influencer Marketing Hub

, early afternoon is the way to go on weekends, whereas others may recommend uploading earlier in the morning. 

If you're a new channel that is just starting, following this schedule roughly might bring good results. With time and uploading more content, YouTube can help you make better decisions informed by your audience's behavior. Let's understand how that works.

, you can find a more concrete and realistic answer regarding the best time to upload your videos. Here is Rob explaining how in 35 seconds!

First, let’s start with the YouTube feature that will let you know the best times to publish your video content. To access this tool:

Click on your YouTube profile image in the top right-hand corner of any desktop screen.

From the Studio dashboard screen, click on the ‘Analytics’ tab from the left-hand navigation bar.

From the main analytics screen, click on the ‘Audience’ tab at the top

On this dashboard, you'll see a new module labeled ‘

’. Now, to be clear, this isn't specifically about your viewers watching just your content. It's when viewers who watch your content are on YouTube watching any video.

Think of it like this. There may be somebody at home, sat on a sofa, watching Friends because they're a huge fan of sitcoms. Chances are, they're probably going to also enjoy The Big Bang Theory, so programming logic suggests that The Big Bang Theory should come on straight after Friends.

If you know when your audience is on YouTube you can schedule your videos to be published at that time.

In this visual representation, the deeper the color shade, the higher volume of viewers there are. For example, many of our viewers are on YouTube at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time Wednesday mornings while fewer viewers are online at 8:00 p.m. on a Friday evening.

You can also use our tool to determine when to upload on YouTube to get even more personalized data based on your content. 

Choose the right time to upload your YouTube videos by considering when your audience is most active, similar to setting up a hotdog stand at lunch rather than at 3:00 a.m. Although YouTube suggests that publish time doesn’t usually affect long-term video performance, immediate timing can be crucial, especially with time-sensitive content. For instance, if there's breaking news like an iPhone launch or a movie trailer release, delay could mean losing viewer interest.

Avoid uploading during the busiest times, such as the start or half of the hour, when competition for viewer attention spikes. Instead, try posting slightly before or after these periods. Think of your video timing like stock trading: aim for times when audience interest is growing but not yet at its peak. Remember, preparing your video, including adding titles, tags, and thumbnails, takes time, especially for high-quality 4K videos. Plan to upload early enough to ensure everything is polished and ready for viewers.

So, now that you know the best time to upload your content on YouTube, let's start racking that watch time up! Speaking of watch time, 

graphic showing YouTube logo with a clock and calendar

Maximize your YouTube views by updating your posting strategy. Discover the best times to upload your videos!

How to Find Out the Best Time to Publish a Video on YouTube

In the vidIQ community, creativity flourishes in every corner, and this month is nothing different! Today, we spotlight the creators who have captivated an audience of over 10,000 subscribers, across a variety of YouTube niches. This significant milestone is not merely a number—it's a celebration of passion, perseverance, and the unique connections each creator has cultivated with their audience.

These creators have enriched our community with their innovative ideas and engaging content. As they reach this remarkable achievement, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and look forward to the continued inspiration they will surely provide.

Top Channels Passing 10,000 Subscribers in April

do survival challenges and tutorials in the wilderness.

 uploads creative and engaging roleplaying content on games.

 makes educational videos on different methods of drawing.

 creates AI-based content to help motivate viewers through various inspirations.

 uploads engaging Shorts content based on GTA V.

 explores ideas that can make viewers financially wiser.

 makes quizzes and challenges for everyone to enjoy.

 provides educational information about medicine.

 posts gaming and coding-related content.

We're thrilled to celebrate the standout creators of our community who have just soared past the 10,000 subscriber mark! This milestone is a testament to their hard work, creativity, and connection with their audience.

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

Royalty-free music isn’t a perk reserved for large creators. YouTubers of all sizes need 

 to make better content and attract more viewers.

Think about it: Have you watched a video that seemed OK, but everything improved once the music kicked in? At that moment, you probably felt the “cinematic mood” as the music paced the story.

Well, viewers can feel that, too. They might not leave a comment saying so, but there’s a reason polished videos get significant views. And that reason alone is why you should 

find royalty-free music for YouTube content

If a song is royalty-free, you don't need to pay 

 it's used in a video.  At most, you'd pay a one-time fee to use the song if it's not free already.

By doing this, you'll skip the hassle of dealing with copyright holders and reduce copyright claims and strikes on your channel.

What's the Difference Between a Copyright Claim and a Copyright Strike?

If that sounds good to you, here’s your guide for finding high-quality stock music.

 This resource is from YouTube itself and pretty much guarantees you won’t use copyrighted music. Every sound in the collection is copyright-free and ready to download.

3. Here you can see Paid and Free options for the music you want. You can also choose to split your revenue with the original artist!

Ways to use music from YouTube Audio Library


4. Use the Browse tab to search for music by title, genre, mood, artist name, duration, and attribution requirements.


5. Hover over the icon for the music file and click the play button to hear what a track sounds like.

Ready to download from the YouTube audio library? Hover your mouse over any track and click 

As a creator, you’re allowed to use these tracks and continue 

There’s a good selection of music, too: jazz, rock, reggae, pop, folk, country music, and other genres. Just make sure you don't distribute the music yourself or use it in illegal content.

Best Royalty-Free Music Sites for YouTube

The music library on YouTube is helpful, but some people just need 

They might want royalty-free background music that sounds better, uses different instruments, or creates a specific vibe.

If that sounds like you, it’s time to find a music website and pay for original tracks. This isn’t the same as paying for 

Here are the best royalty-free music sites:

The sites above require a little cash, but that’s better than going to risky sites to find free music.

Technically, an artist offering royalty-free music (for free) could change their mind in the future. After that, what’s stopping them from slapping a copyright claim on your video?

It’s not a common situation, and people usually aren’t that sneaky. But there’s a slight chance it could happen. In that case, it's best to reach out to the individual artist and offer a mutual agreement that benefits both parties. In such a case, you need to make sure that you have a written contract that lays out the details to avoid conflict in the future.

Now that you have some royalty-free jams, learn how to 

Do you want to add royalty-free music to your YouTube videos? Here’s how to find the perfect tunes and take your channel to the next level.

How to Get Royalty Free Music for Your YouTube Videos

Welcome to our celebration of the fastest-growing small channels in the vidIQ community! Last month, 10 creators brought the 

 with energetic dance tracks, soothing sounds, and bass that shook the walls.

And oh, yeah: They all passed 1,000 subscribers in the last 30 days! We're here to say 

and share your success with other vidIQ-ers!

Ready to see who got the most subscribers? These were the fastest-growing channels last month.

Top Channels Passing 1,000 Subscribers in April

PokiNewbTCG does deep dives into the world of Pokémon trading cards.

 helps you live a more holistic life by improving your lifestyle.

 uploads engaging Shorts on choice-based games like "Would You Rather."

 creates engaging and entertaining shorts that tell different stories.

 gives reviews and tutorials on beauty products.

gives you helpful tips for your business, in terms of online marketing, software, tools, membership systems, video hosting, etc.

 tells us stories about the highest achievers throughout history with the help of AI.

 Music is using music therapy as a powerful tool to promote mental wellness.

Which small YouTube channels grew the fastest in April? Click here to discover these rising creators! 

10 Small YouTube Channels that Hit 1,000 Subs FAST [April 2024]

As one of the highest-paying social media platforms in the world

, YouTube has always been lucrative for potentially earning big paychecks. Making money through Google AdSense is also pretty straightforward; if your viewers watch ads on your video, you get paid based on that!

Almost every creator who starts out on YouTube has the same goal, which is reaching monetization status. And most of the time, creators look at CPM (cost per 1,000 impressions), to understand how profitable their channel is. However, there’s a better way to see the monetary value of your content! In the video below, Rob shows us how much YouTube pays per 1000 views to the creators and what goes on behind that. Watch it here!

, which is pretty outdated, RPM takes into account the various ways a monetized channel can generate income. Let's understand the difference better.

RPM vs CPM: The Two Metrics Of Monetization

First off, RPM is not to be confused with its close relative, CPM (cost per mille). While CPM focuses solely on ad revenue, RPM (revenue per mille) is the all-encompassing metric. It includes not just ads but channel memberships, Super Chats, and even YouTube Premium revenue. So while CPM shows you what advertisers are paying, RPM estimates what you'd earn after YouTube takes its cut.

And, by the way, YouTube receives 45% of your ad revenue and 30% of your fan-funding revenue.

Notably, RPMs do not show what you've actually earned

, but they're closer to reality than CPMs.

Like every other metric, you can look at the numbers on your YouTube Studio to find your RPM. Follow these steps:

1. Head over to the YouTube Studio and click on the 

Analytics option on the YouTube Studio menu

 tab in the top navigation bar and click on 

The YouTube revenue tab and the see more option below it

4. Take a look at your overall RPM for a specific date range. Notice how the vidIQ channel has an RPM of $2.73 and a CPM of $15.74 (for the month of August). CPM is typically the higher number, while RPM is more realistic.

The overall RPM for the vidIQ channel in August

If you want to calculate RPM for yourself, it's not too difficult. Take your total revenue for a given period, divide it by the total number of views you received, and then multiply by 1,000. Here's the formula to make it even simpler:

RPM = (Total Views/Total Revenue) × 1000

Fun fact, the average in RPM in 2023 is between $1.25 to $2.5.

Certain factors influence the behavior of your channel’s RPM. They are as follows:

Advertiser spending varies significantly across different regions. For instance, advertisers are willing to pay more for viewers in economic hubs like New York and London than in areas with a weaker economic landscape. This discrepancy is because the economic conditions, cost of living, and local purchasing power in each region affect how much advertisers are willing to invest.

YouTube allows the inclusion of more ads in videos longer than 8 minutes, potentially increasing revenue. However, longer videos risk losing viewer engagement, balancing the benefits of additional ad spots with the need to maintain viewers' interest.

Different niches have varying RPM rates due to advertiser preferences and audience demographics. For example, finance and digital marketing channels often enjoy higher RPM rates because of the lucrative nature of their content and their audience's potential for higher disposable income. Yet, anomalies exist, such as gaming channels and music channels, which can sometimes outperform the average earnings in their category.

The 47 Best YouTube Niches, According to Viewers

Ready to give your RPM a facelift? Here's how:

Make sure you’ve turned on all ad formats and at every eligible position on your videos.

 The more likes and shares you get, the more YouTube's algorithm favors you. And guess what? A favored video equals more views, and, possibly, a higher RPM.

 Don't rely solely on ad revenue. Explore channel memberships and Super Chats to give your RPM a boost.

These actions will bring about a holistic change to your channel for the better and your improved RPM will reflect that!

Smart creators diversify their income streams beyond YouTube ad revenue. They engage in brand partnerships, sell merchandise, offer online courses, or use fan funding options available on YouTube. This diversification helps creators maximize their earnings potential and not solely rely on the fluctuating ad revenue model.

RPM may be the go-to metric for a snapshot of your channel's financial health,

 but it's not the all-knowing oracle. So, what's missing from the RPM narrative?

 If you're rocking that merch shelf and raking in sales, RPM doesn't factor that in.

 Cashing in on brand collabs? Awesome, but RPM won't include this (unless it's through YouTube BrandConnect).

 Offering consulting services or hitting the speaking circuit? RPM turns a blind eye to these income avenues.

Here's where it gets tricky. RPM lumps together various revenue sources, making it a bit of a mystery box. You might see your RPM dip even when your views are soaring—why? Because not all those views are ad-enabled. On the flip side, your RPM could be climbing even if your view count hasn't budged, thanks to new Channel Memberships.

RPM, CPM — what do these strange abbreviations mean on YouTube? In this post, we'll explain what RPM is (and isn't) regarding your channel's revenue.

Posts Written By Uttaran Samaddar

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

How To Win on YouTube Without Fancy Equipment

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

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

How to Find Out the Best Time to Publish a Video on YouTube

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

How to Get Royalty Free Music for Your YouTube Videos

10 Small YouTube Channels that Hit 1,000 Subs FAST [April 2024]

Understanding YouTube RPM and Your Channel's Real Revenue

How Does the YouTube Shorts Algorithm Work?

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

20 YouTube Updates that Will Affect Your Channel in 2024