Have you ever chanced upon a YouTube channel with a large subscriber count struggling to pull in barely hundreds of views from most uploaded content? Well, chances are that particular channel may have bought subscribers.

While the ethical path to getting free subscribers on YouTube is definitely the best one, creators still fall prey to sensational promises of getting their subscribers boosted. A decision like that can have fatal consequences.

Why Buying Subscribers Will Ruin Your Channel

Maybe you’ve got a knack for storytelling, a skill you’re dying to teach, or a message you want the world to hear. But let’s be honest—when you’re starting, growing your subscriber count feels like climbing a mountain, and the temptation to take shortcuts is real.

quick ways to get free subscribers on YouTube

” are everywhere, offering what seems like a magical solution. But beneath the shiny promises lies a harsh reality: these shortcuts can wreck your channel, your reputation, and your chances of long-term success.

On the flip side, earning free subscribers the legitimate way is safer and sets the foundation for a thriving, loyal community that will support your content in the long run. In this blog, we’re diving deep into why buying subscribers and other unethical practices are bad for your channel and how you can avoid falling into these traps.

When you buy YouTube subscribers, you’re not gaining real viewers who care about your content. Instead, you’re paying for empty accounts, often created by bots or inactive users. While your subscriber count might look impressive at first glance, these fake accounts don’t watch your videos, leave comments, or build your channel as a whole.

Why is this a problem? YouTube’s algorithm thrives on real engagement. If your subscribers aren’t leaving the likes, YouTube will deprioritize your channel, making it harder for your videos to reach real viewers.

2. Violation of YouTube’s Terms of Service

 against artificially inflating your subscriber count or engagement metrics. Buying subscribers is a direct violation of these terms, and the consequences can be severe:

Google support doc on fake engagement policy on YouTube

 Your channel could receive strikes, limiting your ability to upload, livestream, or monetize.

 YouTube doesn’t hesitate to ban channels caught engaging in prohibited activities like buying subscribers or views.

 Once flagged, your channel could face long-term penalties, such as reduced visibility in search results or recommendations.

When you invest time and energy into creating content, the last thing you want is to lose everything over a risky shortcut.

Trust is everything on YouTube. When viewers sense that your subscriber count is inflated, their confidence in your authenticity takes a hit. Imagine stumbling upon a channel with 50,000 subscribers but only a few hundred views per video—something doesn’t add up, right?

A bloated subscriber count for the sake of social proof without corresponding engagement sends a clear message to your audience: you’re prioritizing numbers over genuine connections. This can turn off potential subscribers and even make brands hesitant to work with you.

One of the biggest misconceptions about buying subscribers is that it will kickstart your channel’s growth. Unfortunately, it does the opposite. YouTube’s algorithm evaluates your content based on viewer behavior—how long people watch, how often they interact, and whether they subscribe after viewing. Fake subscribers disrupt your channel’s metrics in several ways, such as:

Fake subscribers don’t click on your videos, so your CTR plummets.

These accounts don’t watch your videos, causing low retention rates.

As engagement metrics drop, YouTube stops recommending your videos to real users.

Instead of helping you grow, fake subscribers create a vicious cycle that pushes your content further into obscurity.

Buying subscribers isn’t cheap, and what do you get in return? Nothing of value. You’re essentially paying for a number on your channel that doesn’t translate into views, watch time, or meaningful interactions.

If you’re serious about investing in your channel, that money would be far better spent on tools, equipment, or education to improve your content. For example:

Subscribing to editing software to enhance video quality.

Learning SEO strategies to optimize your video titles, tags, and descriptions.

Every dollar spent on buying subscribers is a missed opportunity to build your channel in a legitimate and impactful way.

When you focus on shortcuts like buying subscribers, you miss out on learning the skills and strategies needed to grow organically. Building a channel takes time and effort, but it’s in that process that you develop the ability to create content people love, engage with your audience, and build a strong community.

Subscribers who genuinely love your content will watch every upload, leave thoughtful comments, and even share your videos with others.

Higher watch time and engagement signal to YouTube’s algorithm that your content deserves more visibility.

Instead of relying on short-term fixes, you’re setting yourself up for sustainable growth and opportunities, such as brand partnerships or monetization.

How to Grow Your YouTube Channel in 2025: The Ultimate Guide

How To Get Free Subscribers on YouTube the Right Way

If you’re serious about growing your YouTube channel, ditch the shortcuts and focus on strategies that work. These methods will help you attract real people and turn them into engaged subscribers who genuinely care about your content.

Focus on a specific topic or niche that serves a clear purpose (e.g., “Easy Vegan Dinner Recipes” instead of general cooking tips).

Offer unique value by sharing actionable steps, tutorials, or fresh perspectives.

Hook your audience in the first 10 seconds with a compelling intro that promises a solution or benefit.

Reply to every comment—this shows viewers you value their input.

Ask questions in your videos or polls to spark interaction. Example: “What topic should I cover next?”

Highlight loyal viewers by pinning their comments or shouting them out in future videos.

Use specific, keyword-rich titles that reflect what people are searching for

Write detailed video descriptions, including relevant keywords and timestamps to make your content searchable and accessible.

Create visually striking thumbnails with bold text and vibrant images to increase click-through rates.

YouTube SEO: How to Optimize Your Videos for Maximum Views

 Link to relevant videos to keep viewers on your channel longer.

Group videos by topic to encourage binge-watching.

Share polls, updates, or behind-the-scenes content to engage your audience outside of videos.

Set a regular upload schedule (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly) and stick to it.

Plan content in advance to avoid rushing or missing uploads.

Experiment with formats to see what resonates but always deliver quality.

Now, we get it. Doing all of this sounds like a monumental task and the allure of buying subscribers instead seems like such a better way to start instead on paper. But it almost always leads to long-term regret. So, focus on getting better at 

developing your skills and getting your channel monetized!

Hand holding remote pointed at TV screen displaying YouTube logo on dark wall background

Getting free subscribers might be difficult, but buying subscribers can permanently damage your channel. Read to know more!

The Free Subscribers Formula: Why Malpractices Harm Your Channel

In the endless world of YouTube where there is a channel for every niche, few creators succeed in combining education, entertainment, and storytelling. 

, has done exactly that. In just the last 12 months, they've gained more than

, becoming one of the fastest growing channels on the whole platform!

Luke started from humble beginnings and became a full-time YouTuber with a channel which combines family adventures, survival challenges, and real storytelling. In the video above, Dan talks about what makes them so popular and how they got there. Here, we'll take a deep dive into the phenomenal rise of the Outdoor boys.

, a lawyer by trade and a passionate outdoorsman by heart. Born and raised in the rugged wilderness of Alaska, Luke grew up surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and the art of wilderness survival. Fishing trips with his father and grandfather planted the seeds of his lifelong love for the outdoors. While he pursued a career in law, his deep-rooted connection to nature never faded.

From Viewer to YouTube Creator: How to Make the Switch

In 2013, Luke started sharing his outdoor adventures on YouTube. His first channel was called 

" and focused mostly on fishing tips and tutorials. As the channel grew, so did his ambition, and he got his first silver play button within just a few years of starting.

, a channel where he could expand beyond fishing to explore family adventures, survival challenges, and creative projects that resonated with a broader audience.

The idea was simple yet powerful: merge his love for the outdoors with family bonding and share it with the world.

It's not all about passion either when it comes to success for Luke and his channel. The views and subscriber stats on this channel are absolutely staggering.

Estimated monthly earnings: $234.5K - $703.4K

What Makes Outdoor Boys Universally Appealing?

Success on YouTube is never accidental. Behind the scenes, Luke Nichols worked tirelessly to grow Outdoor Boys into the juggernaut it is today. Unlike niche YouTube channels that cater to specific demographics, Outdoor Boys strikes a perfect balance between educational and entertaining content that appeals to every viewer.

Luke’s rise as a YouTube creator is a masterclass in balancing passion with discipline. For nearly a decade, he juggled weekly video uploads while managing his law career and family responsibilities. His unwavering commitment to his audience not only built trust but also fostered a loyal community. 

Recently, he's been uploading once every other week. But the videos remain equally interesting and engaging and views haven't slowed down at all either!

At its core, "Outdoor Boys" is about more than outdoor adventures—it’s about family. Luke frequently features his sons, adding an authentic, heartwarming layer to the content.

Their survival challenges, fort-building, and fishing trips show the strong bond between Luke and his kids. These moments are extremely relatable for viewers. In fact, their most viewed video isn't about an intense day out in the wild, it's just the family having some nerf gun fun!

This family-first approach sets "Outdoor Boys" apart from other outdoor YouTube channels. By making his children an integral part of the content, Luke creates a sense of authenticity and warmth that resonates with viewers on a personal level.

Storytelling is the backbone of "Outdoor Boys." Every video follows a clear narrative arc with a 

, giving it the feel of a mini episode. Whether it’s surviving in the Alaskan wilderness or taking on a DIY project, Luke’s ability to weave a compelling story keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.

The result? Content that feels immersive, memorable, and binge-worthy.

Luke’s ability to adapt has been crucial to the channel’s growth. During the pandemic, as viewers began consuming longer YouTube videos on TV, Luke leaned into creating more in-depth content. 

The Future of Video Creation: 9 YouTube Trends to Watch in 2025

In December 2023, a viral TikTok trend featuring Outdoor Boys brought a surge of 

, proving the importance of leveraging unexpected opportunities and staying attuned to audience behavior.

Who doesn’t love a good challenge? From camping in extreme weather to building a bunker out of scratch, Luke’s survival adventures combine 

. Viewers walk away with new knowledge while enjoying the thrill of the challenge.

While the channel is undeniably entertaining, it also provides valuable lessons in outdoor survival, fishing, and DIY skills. This educational element adds depth to the content, making it as informative as it is enjoyable.

Lessons From Luke Nichols' YouTube Journey

Luke Nichols’ journey from a lawyer to a YouTube star offers valuable insights for aspiring creators. Here are the key takeaways:

: Uploading content regularly builds trust and keeps your audience engaged.

: Stay true to your passions and values—audiences can tell when content is genuine.

: A strong narrative can transform even the simplest ideas into compelling content.

: Be ready to evolve and seize unexpected opportunities, just as Luke did with the TikTok trend.

As the channel continues to grow, Luke Nichols shows no signs of slowing down. With millions of subscribers and a thriving community, Outdoor Boys is not just any other YouTube channel. By inspiring families to connect with nature and embrace adventure, Luke is leaving a lasting impact far beyond the screen.

Whether he’s teaching survival skills, building a new project, or sharing heartfelt moments with his sons, Luke’s content reminds us of the beauty of the outdoors and the power of family. As viewers, we’re not just watching his journey—we’re part of it.

If you want to follow in his footsteps, stay true to your passions. Tell great stories because you can never underestimate how important it is to connect with your audience. Want to find your voice as a creator? Then, 

Outdoor Boys logo with mountains, trees, lake, and birds in a circular orange frame

The Outdoor Boys have become a YouTube phenomenon over the past few years with incredible success. Get to know how they did it right here!

Outdoor Boys: Turning Passion into a Global Phenomenon

Writing a description for your YouTube video is never a bad idea. It helps people understand your content and the value it holds, which leads to a better viewing experience. You can even place keywords in your description and possibly get featured on search pages. 

The only problem? Writing descriptions from scratch is time-consuming. And besides a basic summary of the video, what else goes in that big, empty box?

To answer that question, here's how to write descriptions for YouTube videos.

1. Get Ideas from a YouTube Description Generator

If you want to come up with descriptions fast and easy,  vidIQ has some tools to help you out. The AI description generator allows you to type in keywords that describe your video, see a few description options, and choose the right one for your content. Best of all, you get three free descriptions each month when you 

In the video above, Dan explains the benefits of the AI description generator by vidIQ, and the many ways it can help you! Here's how to get (and use) the AI Description Generator:

3. Give your video a title. If you have vidIQ installed, use our AI title generator to get a few suggestions.

4. Scroll down to the description box and find the AI Description Generator. Type in a few keywords that describe your video and click Generate.

5. Review the AI-generated descriptions (there are three). When you find a description you like, click Insert to add it to the video.

Once you've signed up to vidIQ, you'll see the 

 on the left-hand side of the webapp screen and you can use that to flesh out your ideas.

The Generate tab will help you with other aspects of the video as well like a catchy title, tags, 

, and a fully recordable script--all from a single prompt search! And, of course, you'll also get a relevant YouTube video description for your content.

2. Use the Right Keywords for YouTube's Search Engine

Do you know which keywords people will use to find your video? If so, add those terms to your video description. That will help YouTube determine what your video is about and display it on the right search pages. Your videos might even rank higher when keywords are in the title 

 into your summary, not poured. It's best to write like a human speaking to another human and add keywords sparingly to fall in favor of the YouTube algorithm.

YouTube video description for vidIQ channel

We used two keywords in the example above: "small channel on YouTube" and "more YouTube views." The summary sounds natural, and 

If you don't know where to start, read this guide to discover the best YouTube keywords.

YouTube never shows the full video description — at least not automatically. You could spend 30 minutes writing hundreds of words, but no matter what, viewers will only see the first few sentences. After that, a "show more" link allows them to keep reading.

Unfortunately, some viewers don't click on that. That's why it's a good idea to  put vital information in the first 100 characters, such as:

Example: On a search page, YouTube shows the first 90 characters of our video description.

But below the video itself, viewers see the first 160 characters.

To optimize your description in both areas, write an interesting 100 characters!

Did you know that the YouTube description box holds 5,000 characters? It's unlikely you'll need that much space, and no viewer wants to read paragraphs of text. After all, they came to watch a video.

That begs the question: What's the ideal YouTube video description length? There isn't an answer that fits all scenarios, but you can stop writing as soon as you've covered:

What viewers need to know about the video

Information related to the video (research you used, downloadable resources, etc.)

Have you ever read a YouTube description that didn't explain the video? You probably had no idea what to expect before pressing play, especially if the creator was trying to be funny, random, or aloof.

That approach may work with subscribers who already know you, but what about new viewers? They should be able to understand a video just by reading the title or description.

 You can be funny and authentic, but try to write descriptions that build upon the video title.

6. Use Timestamps to Make Your Video Skimmable

If your video is longer than 20 minutes, some viewers will need extra encouragement to watch it. Luckily, YouTube creates automatic video chapters that let viewers skip around and find different scenes.

But if someone moves away from the video to read the description, you might consider adding timestamps to that area.

When someone clicks a timestamp, the video jumps to the chapter that's available in that time frame. To make this work in your description, type the exact time you want viewers to skip to, and bam — the timestamp becomes clickable.

7. Add Links to Your YouTube Video Description

After you've written the bulk of your description, it's time to add a few links. These should direct people to videos or websites that add more value to the experience while also boosting your channel's authority.

Research links that support your video content, such as studies or surveys

Affiliate links that allow viewers to buy products mentioned in the video

Viewers need a good reason to click on the links in your description box. So when you have a few links in mind, add a CTA nearby explaining why they should click something and what happens when they do.

Check out the example below. Two of our CTAs clearly explain the value behind the links we're pushing. With the first CTA, we want to help viewers 

 by watching another video on our channel. The second CTA expresses that if you want more YouTube guidance, it's wise to hit subscribe!

9. Put Hashtags in Your YouTube Description

Adding two or three hashtags to your video description is a fantastic idea. If you create content people love — and relevant hashtags are attached — you might see your videos at the top of a hashtag page.

Out of 63,000 videos and 11,000 channels, we managed to get two videos at the top of YouTube's #growyourchannel page. So don't skip this vital step!

Most people strive to make original content on YouTube, but that rule applies to more than just videos. If you're copying descriptions from one video to the next, that becomes repetitious — and entirely unhelpful.

 with repetitive content will be hard. YouTube checks everything when you apply to the 

11. Avoid Profanity, Hate Speech, and Spammy Links

Now that you know YouTube checks your video descriptions, try to write words that make people feel safe. You can start by following the 

, which denounce profanity, hate speech, spam, and more.

If the idea of writing descriptions from scratch sounds daunting, we have good news: You don't have to.

Here's the video description template we use for the vidIQ channel:

Section 1: Describe your video (don't forget to add keywords).

Section 2: Tell viewers what to watch next on your channel (add video link).

Section 4: Add other important links (website, social media, affiliate, etc.).

Section 5: Create a list of video timestamps.

And now, here's a written example of a video description. We paired it with the video, "If I Started a YouTube Channel in 2025."

DOWNLOAD THE WORKSHEET HERE 👉 https://vidiq.ink/YouTubeSuccessRoadMap 

START USING vidIQ TOOLS NOW 👉 https://vidiq.ink/grow 

In this video we look at how to start a YouTube channel and win on YouTube in 2025 to get more views, grow your channel and monetize your YouTube channel in 2025!

Close-up of hand writing with pen on blank spiral notebook on wooden desk

What goes in the description box for a YouTube video? You need the right links, trending hashtags, and an awesome summary of your video content. Read to know more!

YouTube Video Descriptions: How to Write Them Better In 2025

After years of hard work, nothing comes close to the feeling of 

 It makes the journey a thousand times more meaningful, especially when that labor includes hundreds of videos, thumbnails, and YouTube titles.

If you aren’t monetized yet, can we propose a new year’s resolution? Sharpen your video skills, expedite your path to the YouTube Partner Program, and get paid!

Basic Requirements for Joining the YouTube Partner Program (YPP):

The YPP allows creators to monetize their videos with advertisements and fan funding revenue, such as Super Chats and Stickers, Super Thanks, and Channel Memberships. YouTube doesn’t let 

 into the program, so there are plenty of requirements to meet.

To get monetized quickly, you need to focus on two things:

These milestones matter because they represent the various paths into the YPP.

If you want to make money through fan funding, here are the minimum requirements to join the YPP:

3,000 public watch hours in the previous 12 months or 3 million public YouTube Shorts views in the last 90 days

If you want to make money with video advertisements, here are the minimum requirements do that:

 of public watch time within a 12-month period or 

youtube requirements ad revenue partner program

Tips for Building 3,000-4,000 Watch Hours

On YouTube, watch time is the cumulative duration that individuals spend watching a video. These hours add up to reflect your channel's overall count, and, consequently, your ability to join the YPP. Here, we’ll explain how to quickly get the 3,000 to 4,000 hours you need.

1. Make Videos with High Watch Time Potential

red youtube themed clock with 9 minutes and 45 seconds displayed

Did you know that some videos get more watch time than others? It’s not that they're special or amazingly different; they’re simply formatted in a way that supports 

10 Types of Videos that Attract More YouTube Watch Time

So, if you’re starting a new YouTube channel, try your hand at these watch time collectors:

 Audio-based content that accumulates high watch time if the topic is engaging.

 Videos that kids watch repeatedly (like nursery rhymes and baby songs), which produce more watch hours.

: Videos that explore topics in-depth, often with a mix of education and entertainment.

 Live videos that are typically lengthy and earn high watch time.

 Sound-driven videos that can play in the background and rack up watch hours.

 A collection of entertaining videos that play back-to-back and keep viewers engaged.

Before anything else, YouTube is an entertainment platform for billions of people. So, the more interesting and innovative you are, the easier it is to earn watch time. Of course, you’ll have to be 

 innovative than thousands of creators, which is easier said than done. 

But it’s possible. You just have to be 90% better than your competition. This typically means 

creating something people haven’t seen before

In other words, what makes your content special?

For example, we can guarantee you’ve never seen a dog stomping on its hind legs enthusiastically, wobbling from left to right between its owner’s knees. Most people love pet videos, but that’s not something you see every day.

However, the dog is real and represents a YouTube channel (Adventuring With Nala) that’s about to hit 600,000 subscribers! It’s fresh and fascinating, especially in the pet space.

Do you show your face in YouTube videos? If so, one way to delight your audience (and boost watch time) is to be more engaging. Use your voice, personality, and facial expressions to make viewers feel at home when watching your content. This, by far, is an underrated way to keep their attention.

How to Become a Pro at Speaking on Camera

Start by figuring out how long you need to speak instead of rambling or freestyling. Then, vary your speaking patterns (volume and speed) to create vocal variety and keep viewers engaged. Create warmth in your video by maintaining eye contact, changing your facial expressions, and using welcoming body language.

4. Don’t Just Make Videos — Tell Stories

A man telling a story with animated expression

In 2020, we would have told you to edit your videos so there are 

. But four years later, videos are getting longer and less polished as creators prioritize story times and intimate vlogs. And it’s working.

, Dry Creek Wrangler School, and Phil Cofer making videos that feel like “life discussions” between friends.

Looking for ways to reach YouTube monetization faster? Use these 8 powerful tips to accelerate the journey in 2025.

Uttaran Samaddar

Posts Written By Uttaran Samaddar

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YouTube Video Descriptions: How to Write Them Better In 2025

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The Future of Video Creation: 9 YouTube Trends to Watch in 2025

25 YouTube Updates that Will Affect Your Channel in 2025

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