We often talk about having certain goals through different stages of your YouTube journey which drives your motivation to create newer, better content. But what goals do you hope to achieve through every video?

Whether it is liking a video, subscribing to your channel, or purchasing a product, you want the viewer to engage with your content through an action. A Call to Action (CTA) is pivotal in turning passive viewers into active subscribers, loyal followers, and even paying customers.

When done right, they guide your audience to take the next logical and effective step. Let's dive into actionable strategies for integrating CTAs effectively within your YouTube content.

How to Increase Audience Retention on Every YouTube Video

A well-placed CTA is more than just a directive—it’s a crucial touchpoint that nudges viewers closer to your goals. Whether you're building a community or driving sales, your CTAs need to be clear, strategic, and aligned with your objectives. Without them, you're leaving potential engagement on the table.

Graphic reading "Thanks for watching subscribe"

Understanding how to add CTAs on YouTube effectively is not just about pushing buttons or asking for favors; it’s about guiding viewers through a seamless journey from content consumer to brand advocate.

Types of YouTube CTAs and Where to Use Them

The effectiveness of YouTube CTAs hinges on not just what you say but how and where you say it. Below are the key types of CTAs and the contexts in which they work best:

The most natural way to integrate a CTA is through spoken prompts during the video. Simple statements like “If you found value in this content, consider subscribing” or “Hit the like button if this tip helped you” should be strategically placed at instances when engagement is most likely. Typically, creators introduce these CTAs at the beginning of the video (to capture early engagement), the middle (where viewer interest is peaking), or the end (when summarizing and encouraging a final action).

Visual reinforcement of verbal CTAs enhances their impact. Animations, like a "Subscribe" button or an arrow pointing toward the like button, can subtly remind viewers to take action without breaking the flow of your content. These visual cues should be tastefully done, complementing rather than distracting from the main message. 

When considering how to add CTAs on YouTube effectively, consistent branding and appealing design play a critical role in ensuring your graphics align with your video’s overall aesthetic.

YouTube’s built-in features like end screens and cards offer powerful ways to direct viewer actions. End screens can be used to promote related videos, and playlists, or direct users to specific links such as your website or a lead magnet. 

Cards, on the other hand, provide clickable prompts at key moments in your video. For example, while discussing a relevant topic, a card can pop up offering additional information or a related video. However, use cards sparingly and time them carefully—too many or poorly placed cards can distract viewers and even lower retention rates.

YouTube End Screens: How to Make Cool Video Outros

Often overlooked, the video description and pinned comments are persistent CTAs that remain visible regardless of when someone watches your content. This space can be used to direct viewers to external resources, product pages, or community discussions.

Here, CTAs need clarity and conciseness—ensure that your message is direct and that your links are easy to find. Additionally, using pinned comments as a CTA hub allows you to engage with your audience directly while reiterating your primary message.

While all this may sound simple enough, crafting an effective YouTube CTA involves more than just a catchy phrase; it requires strategy. Here are some key considerations when optimizing your CTAs for maximum engagement.

Clarity is key when encouraging viewers to take action. A vague statement like “Check out my website” is far less effective than “Visit my website for a free eBook on mastering YouTube analytics.” The more specific and actionable your CTA, the easier it becomes for your audience to follow through. Provide a clear benefit or value proposition that directly aligns with the content they just consumed.

For time-sensitive offers or limited-time events, adding a sense of urgency can push viewers to act quickly. Phrases like “Join now before it’s too late” or “Subscribe today for early access” tap into the fear of missing out (FOMO), encouraging immediate action. However, use urgency sparingly; if overdone, it can feel disingenuous and lead to viewer fatigue.

One of the biggest mistakes creators make is overwhelming viewers with too many CTAs at once. When faced with multiple options, viewers are likely to face choice paralysis. Instead, focus on one primary action per video that aligns most closely with your goals. 

For instance, if you aim to grow your subscriber base, prioritize the “Subscribe” prompt over secondary actions like following on social media or downloading a guide. Consistency in your messaging will also reinforce this single focus throughout your content.

Your CTA should feel like a natural extension of the content, not a forced add-on. For example, a video tutorial on video editing might naturally lead to a CTA like, "Download my free preset pack," rather than an unrelated prompt like "Subscribe to the channel." The more seamless the integration, the higher the likelihood of conversion. This alignment also boosts viewer trust since your recommendations feel relevant and timely.

Implementing CTAs is only half the battle; monitoring their performance is crucial for refining your approach. YouTube Analytics is your best friend in this regard, providing data on click-through rates (CTRs) for cards, end screens, and links. Regularly reviewing this data allows you to pinpoint what’s working and what isn’t. Experiment with different placements, wording, and designs until you find the combination that consistently drives results.

Getting a Good Click-Through Rate on YouTube: 6 Powerful Tips

For example, you might consider reallocating your CTA focus if you notice higher CTRs on end screens than on cards. Similarly, if certain phrases or prompts show better engagement, incorporate those into future content. Optimizing your strategy is an ongoing process that evolves as you gather more data and insights.


When used methodically, YouTube CTAs can be the catalyst that transforms passive viewers into active participants in your community. By adding clear, contextually relevant prompts at key moments, you can give your audience what they want the most and also do what matters most to your channel's growth.

The key is to remain consistent, test new approaches, and refine them based on what your analytics tell you. Keep testing, keep refining, and remember: a great CTA isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how, when, and where you say it.

How to Grow Your YouTube Channel in 2024: The Ultimate Guide

Graphic with YouTube logo with vidIQ inscribed

Master YouTube CTA techniques to boost engagement in 2024. Learn the best strategies to encourage subscribers, likes, and comments with effective calls to action.

How to Effectively Write a YouTube CTA

Thumbnails are one of the biggest pain points for new creators, and an important one to solve. Thumbnails are the "book cover" of your video—something that needs to grab attention in just a fraction of a second. 

There are so many elements that go into making that winning thumbnail for your content, and it's simply not possible to address all of that here. So, 

 with expert, John Scott, to get all your thumbnail queries answered.

In this post, we'll walk you through the ideal 

, some key best practices for creating thumbnails that stand out!

12 Types of YouTube Thumbnails People Love to Click On

First impressions are critical in the endless ocean of YouTube content. The thumbnail plays a massive role in getting viewers to click on your video over countless others. For new YouTubers trying to gain traction, getting your thumbnail right can be the difference between a low-performing video and that ever-alluring viral hit. With the 

, you'll get high-performing thumbnails for your YouTube videos in just a few seconds, so check it out!

: YouTube thumbnails appear across a wide range of devices—desktops, tablets, and, most importantly, mobile phones. Therefore, you need a thumbnail that remains sharp and eye-catching across all these platforms.

: Thumbnails with the correct size and dimensions ensure a polished, professional look. Low-quality, blurry images won’t just make your video less appealing—they’ll make it look amateurish.

 Faster Than Ever: 6 Ways to Make YouTube Thumbnails in Record Time

The Best Size for YouTube Thumbnails in 2025

When designing your thumbnail, the recommended size is 

 with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This size works across devices and ensures your thumbnail looks pleasing to the eye. Additionally, the minimum width YouTube accepts is 640 pixels but going lower than the recommended size is probably not a good idea. To keep things simple, here's what you need to follow.

: 16:9 (standard YouTube video aspect ratio)

https://www.oberlo.com/blog/youtube-thumbnail-size

Using the optimal size guarantees that your thumbnail will look crisp, regardless of the screen size it's being viewed on. It also helps your video stand out in YouTube search results and suggested video sections, making it an essential element of your overall video SEO strategy.

Best Practices for Creating YouTube Thumbnails

Creating a well-designed thumbnail is more than just getting the size right. It’s about crafting something that resonates with your audience and drives them to click. Let’s break down some important design strategies that’ll help your thumbnails pop in 2024:

Your thumbnail needs to deliver a clear message in a split second. Overloading it with too many details, colors, or text can be overwhelming, especially when viewed on smaller screens like mobile phones. Stick to one focal point and keep the design clean.

Text on thumbnails can be incredibly effective—if done right. Use 

 that stand out against the background. Avoid cramming too many words; instead, aim for short, snappy phrases that intrigue viewers. Also, contrast is essential. If your background is dark, make sure your text is light, and vice versa.

Your thumbnail should immediately grab attention, even when it’s displayed alongside hundreds of others. Using high-contrast colors can help your image stand out. Consider using colors that are complementary or that contrast sharply with YouTube’s default red, black, and white color scheme.

Thumbnails that feature human faces—especially ones that show strong emotions—tend to get higher engagement. Whether it’s excitement, surprise, or curiosity, showing a human expression can create an instant connection with potential viewers.

One great trick for building brand recognition is to use a consistent style for all your thumbnails. This could include specific color schemes, text placement, or the use of your logo in a corner. Over time, viewers will come to recognize your videos at a glance, making it more likely they’ll click on your content.

For example, this is how the vidIQ channel home page looks at first glance. As you can see, there is homogeneity in the way we use our creators faces and other graphical elements across videos./

While designing thumbnails can be fun, it’s wise to avoid a few traps. Here are some common mistakes that you should avoid at all costs:

: Never use clickbait or misleading images that have nothing to do with your video’s content. This will only frustrate viewers, hurt your channel’s reputation, and lead to a high bounce rate—something YouTube’s algorithm won’t like.

: You don’t want to clutter your thumbnail with unnecessary text. Keep it short and to the point. Let the title of your video do the talking, and use text on your thumbnail sparingly.

: More than half of YouTube’s traffic comes from mobile devices, so always ensure your thumbnails are legible on small screens. If you’re adding text, make sure it’s large and bold enough to read easily on a smartphone.

: A blurry or pixelated thumbnail can significantly reduce your video’s chances of getting clicked. Always use high-resolution images, and if you’re unsure, err on the side of larger file sizes (

Tips for Testing and Optimizing Thumbnails

If you’re not sure which thumbnail design will work best, don’t be afraid to experiment. YouTube allows you to change thumbnails even after your video has been published. Here are some tips for testing and optimizing your thumbnails over time:

: Try switching between different thumbnails on the same video and track their performance in 

. This way, you can identify which design drives more clicks.

 of your videos. A higher CTR means more people are engaging with your content, which helps boost your visibility in YouTube’s algorithm.

: Beyond the CTR, also look at how long people are watching your video. If your audience is dropping off quickly after clicking, your thumbnail might not accurately represent your content. 

 for optimizing, testing, and comparing different thumbnail options for the same video by using the above metrics. 

According to YouTube, 90% of the best-performing videos use custom thumbnails.

 In 2025, making it on YouTube involves more than just creating great content—you need to package it well, starting with your thumbnail. Understanding the 

 and following design best practices will set you on the path to success. 

Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up your YouTube game, getting your thumbnail right is a crucial step to increasing your views, engagement, and subscriber count. 

Now it’s time to create that killer thumbnail

Learn the correct YouTube thumbnail measurements for 2025 and how to optimize them for the best quality and viewer engagement!

YouTube Thumbnail Measurements: The Right Size for 2025

"Why are my YouTube Shorts not getting views?"

If you find yourself thinking this often, you're not alone. Getting views on a YouTube Short — millions of views, for that matter — is a challenging goal. It seems like everyone is making shorts now and creating more competition as they do.

But there are other reasons you might struggle to get views. Your Shorts could be lacking any of these elements:

A superb "hook" in the first three seconds

Storytelling that takes viewers on a journey

Making viewers feel something — happy, amused, surprised, etc.

In the video above, our Boost creators Travis and Jenn discuss why your Shorts might not be getting views. Two signs you might need to click on that video right now are:

 This means that viewers are not sticking until the end of your Shorts.

If too many viewers swipe away quickly, it signals that your content isn't engaging enough.

When a short is posted, the YouTube algorithm pushes it out to as many viewers as it can. Some of these viewers might not be interested in your niche, or style. But following our methods helps you cast as wide a net as possible to catch the most viewers!

Entertaining your viewers is a powerful way to make better YouTube Shorts. If you can show something interesting, funny, or action-packed right off the bat in the first three seconds, there's a chance viewers will stick around for the next 30 (give or take).

If you don't know what entertains your viewers, start by asking some basic questions. 

Which videos have the most views on your channel right now? What are they about, and what makes them so intriguing?

How can you pack those elements into a YouTube Short?

This video is incredibly entertaining for three reasons:

 There's no "intro" to endure before things take off.

. Every time the group bounces on the trampoline, the person in the middle flips higher into the sky.

An inspirational, upbeat tune accompanies a wild stunt.

 would make the video go viral with 13 million views? Our guess: He noticed what worked on his channel versus what didn't.

Here are some of Jesse's most popular videos:

, especially on a trampoline. That's what they find entertaining and choose to watch on Jesse's channel.

Revealing something shocking or unexpected is another way to get YouTube Shorts views. This works because sometimes, as humans, we're exposed to the same things every day. That could be our jobs, where we live, the restaurants in our neighborhood, etc.

I'll admit that before I watched a Short about 3D billboards, I had no idea they existed. So I was amazed to see what they look like in 

 video, "These 3D Billboards Stop Everyone on the Street." The Short has 38 million views and counting, so I know I'm not alone in my amazement.

Plus, Dylan makes the video 10 times better by explaining what's happening:

"These 3D billboards look so real when they show 3D animations, like a lion breaking through the glass and jumping onto the street, which even had this lady scared…. So many of these have gone viral for how incredible they look and immediately stop everyone on the street," he says.

You may have noticed that with emotional videos, people don't just watch them and leave. They take the time to leave comments, like the content, or share it with friends and family — because the videos make them 

. In "Dad Will Do Everything for His Daughter to Win," a father lets his daughter win at every game. It's a heartwarming experience because you get to see her dad cheat (in the best way possible) as the daughter giggles after each "win."

If you want to make emotional content (and boost your engagement rate), create a psychological profile of your viewers. You can start by answering these questions:

With this information, you can make Shorts that resonate with people and encourage them to engage. All of those engagements (likes, comments, and shares) let the YouTube algorithm know the video is worth recommending to more people.

Watch this tutorial for more ways to add emotion, entertainment, and education to your Shorts:

Extra Ways to Get Views on YouTube Shorts

Want to go the extra mile? Use these tips to get 

Want to help viewers find your YouTube Shorts? According to YouTube, 

 to your video title helps people do just that.

But that's not the only hashtag you should use. You can also add 

 related to your video, like this Short using the hashtag #Encanto (from the popular Disney movie).

When viewers tap a hashtag (like the one above), YouTube takes them to the official 

 for that topic. There, they can explore dozens of videos covering the same subject. This is where you want your video featured, just in case viewers are searching for Shorts similar to yours.

A YouTube Short that "loops" doesn't have a recognizable beginning or end. Because viewers have no idea where the story concludes or starts, they watch the video several times before realizing it's on repeat. This works because YouTube replays the same Short until you swipe to the next one.

As such, it's the perfect way to get YouTube Shorts views.

Here's an example of a looped YouTube Short from 

Want to loop your Shorts? Read this post to learn how it's done.

With YouTube Shorts, one of the first things viewers see is the title.

If you want viewers to watch (instead of swiping away), make sure the words tell an engaging story about your video.

Have relevant keywords (both for viewers and YouTube's algorithm).

For more tips, read this guide about writing better video titles.

Make Your YouTube Shorts the Right Length

You have almost 60 seconds to get your point across in a YouTube Short. But if you can tell your story in less time, you probably should. People consume short videos faster than they do longer ones, so you have to make every second count — and cut dead scenes.

So once you have the whole story packed into your Short, try not to add anything else. People will have fewer chances to get bored and swipe away.

For a long time, going viral with YouTube Shorts didn't equal more money for creators.

Now there are three reasons to create better Shorts and get as many views as possible:

Earning a bonus each month ($100-$10,000) from the YouTube Shorts Fund

Linking your Shorts to related long-form videos

Becoming eligible for the YouTube Partner Program after getting 10 million Shorts views in 90 days (plus having 1,000 subscribers)

Get a head start with this monetization guide for YouTube Shorts. 

Person opening the YouTube Shorts app on mobile

Want to get more YouTube Shorts views? This guide will help you attract viewers with the three E’s: entertainment, education, and emotion.

How to Get More YouTube Shorts Views on Your Channel

Starting a YouTube channel without showing your face in 2024 is not only possible but increasingly popular. Whether it’s for privacy reasons, access to quality automation, discomfort in front of the camera, or simply because the content doesn’t require a visible host, faceless YouTube channels offer creators a path to success.

With consistent content creation and effective monetization strategies like ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing, faceless creators can generate significant and sustainable income. Here, we’ll understand how you can do it for your channel!

40 Awesome YouTube Channel Ideas (Without Showing Your Face)

A faceless YouTube channel is a type of channel where the content creators don’t appear on camera. These channels focus on delivering value through other means like voiceovers, stock footage, animations, or simply visuals that don’t require the creator’s presence.

There could be many reasons why creators choose this path. Some content is better delivered without a visual personality, such as channels focused on commentary, documentaries, or storytelling. Including a face might take away from the actual focus of the content that the creators want to put out.

We also know that not everyone is comfortable being on camera, and many creators prefer to remain anonymous. It could be because they want to protect themselves from online bullying or refrain from letting people know in real life.

Whatever the reason may be, faceless channels can be a profitable venture in many lucrative niches on YouTube and help you build a sustainable presence on the platform.

From what we’ve seen so far, there are two broad categories of faceless channels:

These are channels where the creator chooses not to show their face but still uses their voice or other unique elements to engage viewers.

These channels rely heavily on AI tools, stock footage, and outsourcing. Many automated channels use AI-generated voices and pre-existing visuals to create content quickly and at scale.

How to Start a Faceless YouTube Channel: Step-by-Step Guide

To help creators like you get started with their faceless YouTube journey, our in-house expert Rob Wilson made an intensive guide. Watch the video below:

So, let’s break this content creation process down:

Choosing a niche is crucial. You want a topic that has a large audience but isn’t overly saturated. Popular niches for faceless channels include:

How-to videos, tutorials, and explainer videos.

Research existing channels in your chosen niche and note which topics consistently get high views. This will guide your content strategy.

The list is not all-inclusive by any means but it provides an idea of what works among faceless and automated channels. You can use this information to

 that’ll give you a deeper understanding of these niches and find you topics with high search volume and lower competition.

This tip equally applies to creators who have regular channels. Modeling after channels that have already achieved success in your niche can fast-track your growth. By understanding what works, you can build a channel that is both original and effective. Try to learn the reasoning behind the important elements like title and thumbnail. Identify what grabs your attention and learn how they’ve kept their viewers engaged.

On YouTube, nothing beats the practical experience of going through the video creation process. You need to learn how to write scripts, the basics of editing, and other related skills. Here’s why:

Your script is the backbone of your video. Write engaging, informative scripts that keep your audience hooked.

Even if you plan to eventually outsource or automate it, understanding the basics of video editing will help you maintain quality control.

If you choose to use your voice, practice delivering it clearly and with the right tone for your content.

Multiple lenses covering camera person's face

Once you feel comfortable, you can then start experimenting with more automated methods.

 can help you get started with the creative process. Jot down your rough ideas, feed them in the tool, and watch the magic happen!

By focusing on content rather than personality, creators can use AI tools and automation to churn out more videos.

Certain niches, like educational content or motivational videos, don’t require a face but thrive on well-researched, high-quality content.

Spending money on lights and camera equipment becomes unnecessary which might be easy on many new creators.

Starting a faceless channel comes with its challenges that might sometimes cause serious harm. A lot of channels get demonetized, or worse, terminated, as they fail to adhere to certain responsibilities as creators. Some of these problems are:

Ensure all content, whether it’s footage, music, or images, falls under “fair use” or is royalty-free. Always transform the content sufficiently, by providing your ideas and impact on the original content, to avoid copyright strikes.

YouTube’s strict policy on reused content means you must add significant value or transformation to content that isn’t originally yours.

The rise of AI tools means more competition, so maintaining high production quality, and authenticity is key.

Regularly uploading videos helps build your audience and gain the trust of YouTube’s algorithm.

YouTube Automation: How to Avoid Copyright Claims on Faceless Channels

When we mentioned before that faceless channels can make bank, we were not kidding! In the video, Rob mentioned many such channels that are piling up views and subscribers with their faceless channels. A few months back, 

 who is managing over 25 automated channels, earning over $200,000 a month.

While there’s fierce competition, the space is also riddled with opportunities. So, use this guide as your first point of reference and 

Beginner's guide to faceless YouTube channels

Starting a faceless YouTube channel might seem like a lot of hassle, but the potential benefits are endless. Read this blog to know how it's done!

How to Start a Faceless Channel on YouTube

Of all the milestones you can achieve as a YouTube creator, reaching 100k is among the most significant, second only to meeting YPP requirements. On reaching 100k subs, the dream of being a full-time creator over the long run feels more like a reality.

Although it’s not imperative to reach this milestone within some time frame, a few creators from our community have achieved this incredible feat over just the last 30 days. So, let's take a look at who they are and join in celebrating their achievement!

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 July

 creates content and vlogs around motorcycles.

uploads entertaining and creative Shorts based on the racing game BeamNG.

 provides tips and insights on laws that are useful in everyday life.

 are a Swiss couple who document their travels across the world

is a food reviewer and critic from Indonesia.

 makes entertaining content based on Roblox games and characters.

 does interview-style videos about strange and funny events from America’s history.

 showcases the most incredible sights from around the world through “best of” style Shorts

 covers paranormal activities and eerie encounters caught on camera.

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.

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

Reaching 100,000 subscribers is no cakewalk, 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! [July]

As a creator, only a few experiences can match the thrill of gaining 10,000 YouTube subscribers. It's even more astounding when this happens within a mere 30 days. Therefore, we are honoring the creators who have reached this incredible milestone! To all these gifted and hardworking channels, a warm welcome to the 10K elites!

As always, we define the vidIQ community as anyone using our growth tools to reach 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 10,000 Subscribers in April

is a professional gymnast who teaches Yoga and flexibility.

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.

Posts Written By Uttaran Samaddar

How to Effectively Write a YouTube CTA

YouTube Thumbnail Measurements: The Right Size for 2025

How to Get More YouTube Shorts Views on Your Channel

How to Start a Faceless Channel on YouTube

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

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

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

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

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

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

Understanding the YouTube Algorithm in 2024

YouTube Algorithm Hack: Chase Watch Time and Engagement — Not Views