It’s time to quit stalling and get uploading! 

Yes, that video you have held out from putting on YouTube for so long is ready for the world to see. But how do you make sure it has the best chance of being watched?

From Viewer to YouTube Creator: How to Make the Switch

For most creators, it's hard to feel perfectly satisfied by the first attempt at making a YouTube video. If that sounds familiar or you're going through the same thing, the best thing to do is 

 Give it a fair chance on YouTube, and then simply press publish.

In the video above, our expert Dan talks about all the things he wished he had known before starting a YouTube channel. Using his experience and our expertise, we'll help you create a first video that truly stands out.

Most creators start on YouTube either with a niche or a particular type of video in mind. So, for your very first video, try to stay as close to your original point of interest as possible. Replicating what has already worked on YouTube works well as long as you have your unique input to add.

Start by exploring your interests, trends within your niche, and questions your target audience might have. Use tools like Google Trends, YouTube itself, or 

 to gather ideas and inspiration. Finding out what has worked before is necessary to remove the guesswork from this process!

Identify who your videos are for. Are they beginners in your field, or are they looking for advanced techniques? Understanding your audience's needs and preferences is crucial for creating relevant and engaging content.

For your first video, the YouTube dashboard won't help you 

 or your audience’s preferences. That will come much later when you have dozens of videos posted and a few subscribers on your channel. Today, your best bet is to make a video that 

 would like to see and that attracts your target audience.

Once you've brainstormed and researched, choose a concept that excites you and meets your audience's needs. Pick an idea that has succeeded across multiple areas, because that means it works. Tools like vidIQ's outlier marker also make finding these outliers super easy.

As important as it is to get the content right, the way it's presented is equally important, if not more. The whole point of good packaging for your video is to reel in viewers and deliver on what you promised in the title and thumbnail. There are mainly three ways to do this: by designing a stunning thumbnail, crafting a good title, and writing an effective video hook.

Every YouTube video has a thumbnail, whether you create one from scratch or let the system pick a random frame to display. But because they're so good at attracting views, you should always aim to upload a custom thumbnail.

“Your thumbnail is that first peek into your content, the make-or-break moment. A killer thumbnail could literally be the difference between getting your big break on YouTube or going completely unnoticed,” Dan says.

Use high-contrast colors, readable fonts, and a clear image that represents the video's content to grab attention. Make your image pop out so that viewers can notice them.

How to Choose a Winning Thumbnail Style for Your YouTube Channel

 should be catchy yet descriptive. Look at titles that have worked for others in your niche or category, and adapt accordingly with keywords that fit your content.

Also, think of the actual brainstorming process. You might go through dozens of titles before landing on the perfect one, but that doesn't mean you should throw out the other ideas. Save the best ones just in case they lead you to a better idea.

“Make sure you have a preferred first, second, and third title, even extra thumbnails if you can,” Dan says.

The first 30 seconds of your video can almost decide the fate of the rest of your video, because this is where retention typically starts falling. So, whatever you’ve thus far promised with your title and thumbnail, must be paid off.

“At the very beginning of the video to minimize drop off you want to assure the viewer that their expectations are being met,” Dan says.

YouTube Intros: 8 Ways to Hook Viewers In the First 8 Seconds

A script that is well-structured and snappy

 is just what you need to guide your video's flow. That doesn’t necessarily mean you can't leave space for changes and ad-libs, though. Practice your script, but remember that you don't have to memorize it verbatim. The important thing is to understand how your content generates value.

The viewer that you’re trying to attract should get their proverbial "money’s worth" from your video. Try to create loops within your script to keep them hooked for answers and information. Use intrigue and creatively work your way toward the final payoff!

Let's be real here, the first few times are going to be a little awkward, especially if you’re not used to being in front of a camera. But everybody has to go through it, and you will too! Creators have started with all kinds of equipment, so make the best of what you have.

“You already know that in concept it doesn’t really matter what equipment you use. I promise people have created pretty amazing things with just the phone in their pocket,” Dan says.

Now it’s time to edit your video and kill your remaining darlings. This is where you may have to make some of the toughest decisions about your video’s final form. But what matters is that you cut out the fluff and deliver the goods as best as you can. Sloppy editing doesn't indicate a lack of special effects and transitions; most of the time, it's a sign of bad storytelling.

It’s important to learn certain techniques to enhance your video, but that will happen with time. And, if you ever want to make a viral video, 

If you haven't already, set up your YouTube channel with a clear, descriptive channel name. Use keywords in your title, description, and tags to improve your video's performance. 

A compelling description can also encourage more clicks from YouTube search pages. Choose the right category, add captions for accessibility, and select an engaging thumbnail. 

But once your video is uploaded, you have a new task ahead of you.

“The beginning of a video's life is critical for optimization. Be prepared to monitor closely the first 24-48 hours and make changes to underperforming elements like the title and thumbnail. Act quickly to maximize viewership and retention from the start,” Dan says.

man recording a cooking video in a kitchen

How do you start your first video on YouTube?

Begin with a clear idea of what you want to share. That makes it easier to plan your content, script, and recording setup. Be authentic and speak directly to your audience, focusing on delivering value.

How do you start as a beginner on YouTube?

Start by defining your niche and understanding your audience. Equip yourself with basic recording and editing tools, and don't be afraid to learn as you go. Consistency and passion are key. 

How can I improve my video's visibility on YouTube?

 by using relevant keywords in your title and description. Engage with your audience through comments and create content consistently.

Many of the things we talked about above are essential skills that require years to master. It’s unfair to hold yourself to massive standards as if you were a seasoned creator, so don't expect everything to go perfectly.

YouTube isn't easy, but the goal is to develop the right mindset for success!

Step into the world of YouTube with confidence. From finding ideas to writing scripts to uploading your project, here's everything you need for your first YouTube video.

How to Make Your First YouTube Video Stand Out

, you might often feel the odds are stacked against you. But nothing beats the feeling of getting your first YouTube plaque and reaching 100,000 subscribers.

Today, we celebrate 10 small creators who achieved this feat last month. As part of the community, we officially welcome them to the 100K 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. 

 creates entertaining and engaging clips from popular movies and TV shows.

 covers viral videos on news, entertainment, technology, music, and lifestyle.

 makes videos about people interacting with different foods.

 does comedy sketches and engaging videos based on 

 reacts to gaming videos across different niches.

9. Японский врач (Japanese Doctor)

 is an AI-based channel that provides recipes for healing.

 does entertaining animation videos based on 

And that’s a wrap! 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:

A graphic showing the words 100,000 subscribers 

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! [January]

When it comes to entertainment, certain universal truths apply to almost every human being on the planet. First up, 

. Watching someone use a tiny amount of resources to achieve something big never gets old. Second, those stories have the power to motivate, inspire, and help others become a phenomenon themselves.

, a name synonymous with innovation and creativity, managed to do on YouTube. By making inspirational challenge videos, he has gained more than 14.5 million subscribers and over 2.7 billion video views in just a few years. His success as a content creators proves that anyone can rise to the top of their niche through dedication and ingenuity.

Ryan was born on October 7, 1998, in Eagle Lake, Texas. Growing up, his early exposure to YouTube sparked a passion that would soon define his career. 

However, his early videos are nothing like the content he uploads today. Back then, Ryan was documenting his dream to pursue a collegiate career in track and field. It was only after shifting to challenge-style videos that he found his audience and saw his channel grow quickly. 

In 2023, Ryan's channel was earning anywhere from 38 million views to 100 million 

Ryan Trahan's views growth each month in 2023

In a similar growth fashion, 100,000 to 420,000 people subscribe to his channel every month.

Ryan Trahan's subscriber growth on Youtube each month

Ryan's most-viewed video so far is "I Spent 100 Days in the Metaverse." It has more than 42 million views and explores the reality (or more accurately, the non-reality) of visiting the Metaverse.

But when it comes to YouTube Shorts, Ryan's biggest hit is "Reacting to Strangers in the Airport." That has a whopping 116 million views and counting.

 is a masterclass in YouTube content creation. In this collection of videos, he uses a single penny to survive for 30 days, capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide. This challenge not only showcased his creativity but also his ability to connect with his audience on a personal level. With this series, Ryan garnered over a billion views on his channel!

At the core of Ryan's content lies his exceptional 

. Whether it's the penny series or other engaging videos, Ryan knows how to weave a narrative that keeps viewers glued to their screens. His talent for storytelling is evident in the way he structures his videos, creating suspense and curiosity that encourages viewers to watch until the end. Watch him explain how he does it in this interview with Anthony Padilla.

Innovative Challenges: Ryan's Signature Approach

Ryan's penchant for designing innovative challenges sets him apart in the YouTube space. His videos aren't just entertaining; they're relatable and downright inspiring.

After his penny series on YouTube blew up, Ryan managed to keep the shock value of his videos through lucrative titles and a vlog-style approach. You'll notice that he created his own content recipe: challenges + storytelling = 

. And within that niche, he does four exceptional things to stand out on YouTube.

Positivity is a recurring theme in Ryan's videos. His focus on uplifting content not only entertains but also inspires his viewers. This positive approach has been instrumental in building a supportive and enthusiastic community around his channel. Even through his famous penny series, he managed to raise 

$1.4 million for the Feeding America Foundation

YouTube is competitive, and first impressions matter. Ryan understands this well, as evidenced by his attention to thumbnail design. His thumbnails are crafted to grab attention and spark curiosity, drawing viewers into his videos.

In an interview with Colin and Samir, Ryan reveals how he nails the 

of his video before everything else. Watch it below!

Ryan's content creation process balances creativity with audience expectations. He constantly experiments with new ideas while staying true to what his viewers love. This delicate balance is key to his sustained success on the platform.

Did you know that compilations are blowing up on YouTube? Ryan takes advantage of this by doing multi-day challenges and then compiling the footage from each day to make one long video. These are one-hour highlight reels that recapture the journey and provide one more chance to earn millions of views.

For example, Ryan once traveled 3,624 miles in one week with a meager budget of €0.01. He created seven videos to capture the journey and one long video to highlight the whole experience. Check it out below!

As Ryan continues to evolve, the future of his channel looks promising. Fans and creators alike should look forward to his viral challenges and any other project he decides to pursue.

Like any successful YouTuber, he has faced his share of challenges. However, his ability to turn these obstacles into opportunities for growth is what makes him so compelling.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Ryan and his YouTube journey.

Ryan Trahan got married to YouTuber Haley Pham in 2020. Watch his proposal video 

Ryan initially shared track and field training tips, but he gained mainstream popularity through his penny series on YouTube.

How much did Ryan Trahan make from the penny series?

Ryan made about $1.7 million through the series and managed to fund 14 million meals to feed the hungry through his earnings.

Ryan Trahan's success on YouTube has translated into significant earnings. According to our stats, Ryan makes anywhere between $214.1K and $642.4K per month. This adds up to an estimated net worth of about $8.5 million.

Ryan Trahan against a blue-purple background with the YouTube logo

Ryan Trahan's rise on YouTube is an inspiration to influencers everywhere. Here's how the challenge creator built his video empire and gained millions of YouTube subscribers.


Creator Chronicles: The Meteoric Rise of Ryan Trahan on YouTube

So, you want to become a gaming creator on YouTube but are still undecided on what to upload? Well, the good news is that you’re spoilt for choice! On YouTube, gaming has a sizeable audience and plenty of niches to choose from. With that kind of popularity, it's not surprising to see gamers growing new channels every week.

Every niche comes with its prerequisites, and although they aren’t written in stone, some have been proven favorable by history. So, here are 6 niches you can explore to 

Speedrunning in gaming means finishing a video game, or parts of it, as quickly as you can. And while exploring specific in-game mechanics and glitches is something viewers love to see, you need to be a highly-skilled gamer to get good speedruns consistently.

By extension, choosing the right game becomes the most important decision here. Since you’ll likely be spending hours, maybe months on the game, it's wise to pick something you enjoy playing casually. There are many popular options to choose from like 

which are classics in this genre. Once you’ve established yourself as a credible speedrunner in one game, you can explore more games.

It's no coincidence that speedrunning collected over a billion views in 2021

The Let’s Play niche has been popular in YouTube gaming for many years now; some might even say this is where gaming on YouTube started. Contrary to speedrunning, raw skills are not as vital in this niche. A successful Let’s Play creator is engaging and entertaining while also contributing some of their expertise to the video.

Let's Play channels have all kinds of viewers. While some users like YouTube Shorts with some commentary, others prefer receiving 30-minute videos every day. But regardless of the content you make, it needs rich storytelling and your creative vision.

Need inspiration? Check out the OGs in this niche like 

Have you ever been stuck on a particular level in a game and looked for a way out on YouTube? Most likely, you sought help from a video game walkthrough. These videos show less experienced players how to win faster and better. 

Plus, walkthroughs give viewers a sneak peek into games that they aren't able to purchase yet. In addition to letting viewers unwind, they may be a useful resource for gamers who want to understand exactly what a game delivers and whether its plot is compelling.

, and other walkthrough channels for some nice and cozy content.

Recently, we've noticed that long, descriptive content based on certain games (or categories of games) is gaining traction on YouTube. Most of these are video essays and documentaries; they require creators to spend more time on their content and focus heavily on production.

If you're someone who truly enjoys the experience of a video game and can translate that through stories and anecdotes, go for it! Share your own unique experience (which no one else can replicate).

Gameplay walkthroughs can help you with temporary problems, but guides and tutorials allow you to dig deeper. A content creator in this niche not only requires some nice mechanical skills but also extensive knowledge of a game.

The primary goal of gaming tutorials should be to help viewers win. In general, a tutorial should address a concern that someone else could have, such as how to navigate a challenging level or comprehend a weaponry system.

 do a great job of making engaging and creative gameplay guides, so check them out!

A few years back, almost everyone thought of Twitch when it came to gaming livestreams. But YouTube is keeping up with that giant and even has 

Livestreaming in general requires specific skills to produce a good video

. You have to be aware of the entertainment you’re providing without compromising the quality of your content while also interacting with the chat. It's a plateful, but the rewards can be exceptional. Livestreaming is one of the best ways to establish a brand on YouTube now and it’s only going to get bigger.

5 Tools You Need to Improve Your YouTube Livestreams Today

If you like games but don’t want to play them on your channel, this niche is where you’ll find your footing. Viewers will show up to get an idea of what they want to play next or discover new titles on the way.

That's because watching video game reviews is one of the best ways to determine whether a game is worth purchasing. And, of course, the best place to watch them is on YouTube! It's a platform with millions of creators who have a wide range of opinions. 

You can also share gaming news to keep your pool of content wider. Remember, the key to standing out here is cultivating and expressing your own opinion to set yourself apart.

 are a couple of really good channels here.

As mentioned above, these aren’t the only gaming niches to pursue — just the most popular. You can break these down even further and venture off into hundreds of sub-niches that exist today or are waiting to be created. There will

 be something unique to explore, so stay sharp.

For more tips, watch this video explaining how four different gaming channels have mastered their craft and continue to grow on YouTube!

To sum it all up, the niches above have been reliable for a long time, and that’s not going to change anytime soon.

If you want to learn more, here are the 47 best niches on YouTube.

If you're looking for a suitable niche in the YouTube gaming sphere, you've come to the right place. Read on to discover which channel topic is right for you!

Discover the Top YouTube Gaming Niches for 2024

Despite last month being the year's big and final holiday season, 2023 ended very well for many creators. Viewers enjoyed an array of channels across genres, and here we have a list of 10 small creators who outperformed the competition.

As always, if you're part of our tribe — 

 to level up your YouTube game — this celebration is all about you.

Top Channels Passing 1,000 Subscribers in December

 makes insightful videos using facts and daily quizzes.

makes soothing and lo-fi melodies using popular music.

 creates optical illusions, mind tricks, and fun challenges.

 is a full-time actuarial analyst who teaches mathematical concepts.

is a kids’ entertainment channel that produces engaging content.

 creates curated playlists of popular Hindi songs.

 helps you unwind and relax with soothing music.

 creates motivational content through video essays.

Congrats to everyone who grew their channels quickly last month! 🥳

Swing by our top YouTube channels section to discover even more creators:

This month, we're looking back at small channels that surpassed 1,000 subscribers in December 2023. Get to know who they are in this roundup!

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

Contrary to popular belief, going viral is a skill that can be learned. That's what YouTube sensation MrBeast claims in 

That doesn't apply to small YouTube channels, especially those lacking millions of subscribers.

 work? What if we told you that viral YouTube videos aren't all that mysterious?

3 Ways to Discover Viral YouTube Video Ideas

Viral videos gain popularity through internet sharing, typically on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X. In fact, Harvard Business Review reported that videos reach their viral peak faster when shared within 

. Videos are considered 'viral' when they reach 2 million views (or more) in just a few days.

Let's return to the HBR article to answer this question. In the post, HBR shares interesting data from Unruly, a marketing technology company that has studied 430 billion video views. The findings suggested that 

 — a small group of people who share videos in the first 48 hours — kick start the viral process.

But why do they do this? Unruly noticed 10 motivators for sharing videos online.

A pie chart of 10 reasons people share videos online

Seeing what friends and family think about it

Viral videos evoke strong emotions which compel viewers to share them within their own networks. These videos have the potential to reach a 

 within hours or even minutes of being posted!

But viral content doesn't need to have a specific 'look' to attract views. Oftentimes, this is what a viral video looks like on YouTube:

The important thing to notice here is the sheer difference between views and subscribers related to this video. This disparity means that the audience chose to watch the video for its content and not just the person behind it.

Creating a viral video takes more than luck, as YouTube educator 

. It's more like cooking. Some ingredients are nice to have, but you can only mimic a dish when you have the main ingredients.

Choose a topic that resonates with your target audience.

The first 8-10 seconds should grab the viewer's attention.

Keep viewers engaged throughout the video.

 The viewer leaves the video feeling transformed.

Strategies for Making Your Videos Go Viral

Woman looking at phone with social emojis swirling around her head

Strategy 1: Creating Compelling, Shareable Videos

The first step to creating a viral video is to ensure that it is compelling and shareable. People are more likely to share content that evokes strong emotions, etc such as laughter, awe, or surprise. So, try to be entertaining, informative, or thought-provoking while keeping the video short and concise to maintain viewers' attention.

What this typically comes down to is telling a good story

. Make viewers feel giggly, happy, or sad, but no matter what, make them feel something. You can even surprise them with plot twists and cliffhangers.

Social media platforms play a crucial role in making videos go viral. With billions of users worldwide, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter offer a vast audience for your videos to be seen and shared. 

To leverage social media platforms effectively, consider the following tips:

 Different social media platforms cater to different demographics and content types. Research your target audience and select the platforms that align with their preferences.

 Hashtags can help increase the discoverability of your videos on social media. Research popular hashtags related to your industry or topic and include them in your video posts.

 Responding to comments, messages, and mentions on social media shows that you value your audience's feedback and want them to engage with your content.

A search bar overlayed on top of the image of man typing

Search engine optimization (SEO) is a key aspect of virality. 

 for search engines can increase their visibility and improve their chances of going viral. If you've been putting a lot of effort into your videos, but they aren't seeing the big numbers, you could be lacking in SEO.

To optimize your video SEO, consider the following tips:

 Research keywords related to your industry or topic and include them in your video titles, descriptions, and tags.

Provide a comprehensive description of your video that includes relevant keywords, so search engines understand your content.

 Captions and subtitles make your videos accessible to a wider audience, including those who are hearing impaired or watching without sound.

 Design an eye-catching thumbnail that accurately represents the content of your video (thumbnails are shown on search pages).

Strategy 4: Analyze Performance and Apply New Insights

The final strategy for making your videos go viral is analyzing their performance and iterating on future content. By analyzing data such as views, engagement rates, and shares, you learn what works and what doesn't. 

To analyze and iterate effectively, consider the following tips:

 that tracks views, watch time, engagement rate, and audience demographics.

 Look for patterns or trends in your successful videos by carefully observing performance data.

 Adapt your content based on what performs well and discard strategies that don't produce results.

Quite recently, one of our videos went viral on YouTube and is currently sitting at 

 and how he's grown his channel exponentially in 2023.

Our in-house expert, John, explained how he made it happen in a separate video (above), and here's what you need to know:

 Our viral adventure began with Sam Sulek, a rising YouTube sensation. We saw a potential story in his rising subscriber count and the authenticity trend that's been sweeping YouTube since the pandemic. Combining a trending topic with our audience's desire (YouTube growth) helped us produce an interesting video.

 As we know already, a video's success often hinges on its title and thumbnail. They're like the cover of a book, enticing viewers to dive in. We used the ICE method (Imagery, Curiosity, Expectation) to craft ours. Remember, your title and thumbnail should not only grab attention but also set the right expectations.

 Have you ever clicked on a video and realized it's not what the title and thumbnail suggest? Annoying, right? We made sure our content aligned with what our thumbnail and title promised. It's all about respecting your audience and delivering what you've promised.

 Our first cut for the video wasn't perfect. We had to re-edit to better match our title and thumbnail, but we didn't stop. Here's a golden nugget for you: 

. Your first draft doesn't have to be your final. Be open to feedback and willing to make changes.

 Initially, our video didn't do great. But then, the YouTube algorithm picked it up, and the views skyrocketed. So, focus on creating content that engages. Even if your video doesn't take off immediately, don't lose hope.

Going viral on YouTube isn't just about luck; it's a skill to be learned. Find out how you can maximize the chance of going viral with your content!

Posts Written By Uttaran Samaddar

How to Make Your First YouTube Video Stand Out

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

Creator Chronicles: The Meteoric Rise of Ryan Trahan on YouTube

Discover the Top YouTube Gaming Niches for 2024

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

How to Get Your First Viral YouTube Video: The Blueprint

Poll Data: 10 YouTube Stats About the Small Creator Journey

15 Fastest-Growing Gaming Channels on YouTube [December]

Your Channel Refresh: How to Prepare for YouTube Growth in 2024

How to Get More YouTube Likes [and Influence the Algorithm]

10 Fastest-Growing Tech Channels on YouTube [November]

How to Monetize a YouTube Podcast: Brand Deals and Sponsorships