So, you’ve decided that 2023 will be the year you 

Nice!  You're taking a leap of faith that many don't take, and for that, you deserve heaps of positive energy.

But if you're feeling overwhelmed by the number of tips and suggestions on how to grow a channel, don't worry. Many people feel the same way, but today, we'll address something you need before any of that other stuff: the right mindset for YouTube!

So, let's take it back to the beginning. Do you remember how excited you were the first time you dreamt of 

You could almost taste the thrill of seeing your unique ideas broadcast to the world. And, while passion is a fantastic starting point, what truly propels us to YouTube success is a blend of discipline, perseverance, and above all, 

When you have a growth mindset, you believe that you can improve your abilities through hard work and dedication. This means that brain power and talent are just the beginning. We need a constant love of learning and resilience to accomplish great things over and over again — especially on a platform as competitive as YouTube.

So, let's dive into these "mindset principles" to help you become YouTube-ready!

1. Understand the Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

A "fixed mindset" is a belief that a person cannot improve their abilities, intelligence, and talents over time. It often comes from that voice at the back of your head, always reminding you how impossible your goals are. Simply put: Watch out for it! 

Recognize that this inner troll is trying to protect you from potential threats, but you don't have to let it hold you back.

For example, it's easy to look at a channel like 

 get that many subscribers (167 million). After all, he has resources you don't have access to right now, like a budget, a studio, and a dedicated team. But everyone has to start somewhere. 

Don't let your inner critic tell you what 

 possible. Gently remind it that many people started out just like you, only to overcome hardships and build a solid YouTube community. That's what it means to have a growth mindset!

Whether it's a brutally honest commenter on your video or your sarcastic cousin at a family dinner, constructive feedback can spring up from the most unexpected places. The secret to success lies in identifying good feedback and acting on it quickly.

Not all advice is actionable or benefits your growth in the long run. But sometimes, your entire outlook is changed by new insight, so be humble and lookout for constructive criticism.

to come from a human! At vidIQ, we have an AI Coach that can look at your channel's performance and suggest video ideas and content strategies 

Click here to start chatting with AI coach!

On YouTube, experience trumps perfection. You don't have to spend much time making your videos perfect, but you must believe in the importance of being consistent.

Perfectionism is a real thing that many people struggle with, and it's also a party pooper! Your videos will always have minor flaws, but those are just stepping stones to better content. Embrace those imperfections, click that publish button, and remember: Each upload makes you better than the last!

To be a high-flying creator, you need to stay ahead of the game. This means accumulating more knowledge than all of the competitors in your YouTube niche. 

In an era where 500 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute

And the content space is always evolving. For example, did you know you can monetize your YouTube channel 

specific video introductions lead to viral views

Study your genre, gobble up new information, and keep your learning muscles flexed!

In the race to get more subscribers, we often forget to enjoy the journey of being on YouTube. Creating content is not just about the end result. It also involves gaining valuable skills that can be used in various ways throughout one's lifetime.

True happiness comes from connecting with people, thriving within a community, and bringing value to others. YouTube allows you to do that, so take a moment to appreciate the road you're traveling!

And that's as real as it gets on YouTube.

Now that you're mentally ready to embark on your YouTube journey, get ahead by 

Want to take your YouTube channel to the next level? Try developing a growth mindset that keeps you positive and focused.

How to Build the Right Mindset for YouTube Success

“What’s one thing you wish AI could automate for your channel?”

Not surprisingly, most creators said they wanted to edit their videos faster. That makes a lot of sense, considering it takes 

three to five hours to edit a five-minute YouTube video

 our viewers about what they would   choose for their channel: a scriptwriter, thumbnail designer, or video editor. Out of 31,000+ people, 71% wanted a video editor!

So, this week, we set out to find credible and effective AI tools to help you edit your videos. And, good news, we do have some winners!

If you’ve been following the artificial intelligence conversation, you've probably been bombarded with dozens of tools. Some of them are truly wonderful, as AI has come a long way in the past few months. But, to think that an AI could produce publish-worthy results by itself is still largely wishful.

Nonethless, these tools can make you more productive on YouTube. And that is the goal — using AI to enhance your creative voice, not replace it.

Keeping these factors in mind, we found five AI tools that will get the job done.

, this is your tool. Synthesia lets you whip up videos using AI avatars, and the process is quick and easy. Plus they've got a ton of languages, templates, a screen recorder, a media library, and so much more.

The best part is you don't need fancy video gear or an enticing backdrop for your footage. Synthesia has more than 70 avatars you can choose from (that look like real people), or you can get an exclusive one just for your brand. Want to mix it up? Make your own avatar as well!

Their AI voice platform is pretty slick too. It makes getting consistent, professional voiceovers a piece of cake. And editing? That only takes a single click. They've even got 

. 

Once you're set with an avatar and voiceover, you're ready to publish awesome videos in minutes using over 50 pre-made templates.

While no AI tool can match a human video editor, this one promises to handle everything by itself!

Wisecut is a top-notch tool for editing "talking head," videos such as YouTube tutorials. It auto-trims awkward pauses and adds dynamic jump cuts to keep your videos snappy. Plus, it auto-lowers background music when you start speaking. For global appeal, Wisecut supports multiple languages, and it's also available on both desktop and mobile.

If you go for their Starter or Professional plan, you get cool perks like watermark-free videos, different aspect ratios, noise reduction, and the punch-in/out feature. They also offer auto-translation with these paid plans.

Pictory is an AI video generator that whips up top-notch content. Just feed it a script or article and watch as it transforms your text into an engaging video for social media or your website. This cloud-based service is perfect for bloggers who may also have a YouTube channel.

Editing webinars, podcasts, or Zoom recordings is a breeze with Pictory's text-based editing feature, especially if you're repurposing that content on YouTube. In no time, you'll have professional-looking videos to boost your brand and audience. Here’s a 

Want to share a sneak peek or short clips on social media? Pictory lets you create video highlight reels. It can even automatically caption your videos and summarize lengthy ones. Super handy, right?

 repurposing tools out there, but this AI editor may be the best. It extracts the most engaging clips from your YouTube video (or any video) and reformats them so they're ready for repurposing on Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms.

Plus, Munch will auto-caption your videos, crop frames in the right aspect ratio, and make sure all of the action is in the center of the frame.

. It's a nifty little tool that can track your marketing campaign data across multiple platforms. So, whether you're advertising on Google, Facebook, or LinkedIn, Munch gathers all the info you need in one convenient place.

RunwayML is your go-to for green screen edits, letting you easily swap out different backgrounds. Its nifty in-painting feature erases unnecessary objects from your shots, with no heavy lifting required. On top of that, it works straight from your browser!

You can also customize titles, add cool animations, and track movement automatically. With RunwayML, creating eye-catching videos is a breeze!

Remember, the benefit of using AI is not to create endlessly without intent and quality. The purpose of these tools is to elevate your creativity and make your YouTube journey easier. So by and large, you should use these tools to speed up the editing process — not skip it altogether.

Watch Dan from the vidIQ team talk about it right here:

 here’s a YouTube tip you’ve probably never heard!

Man taking a break from editing videos on laptop

From automating edits to enhancing your creative voice, these AI tools will help you make YouTube videos faster.

5 AI Tools to Edit YouTube Videos Quickly

If you could go viral tomorrow, what would you do first? How would you prepare for the moment so you’re 100% ready for it?

What started out as a joke between some high school friends turned out to be the biggest viral moment for 

 If you aren’t aware already, Jordan is a law student who became eligible for the NBA draft this year without any professional basketball experience. He found a legal loophole for entering the draft and has now been featured on Good Morning America, KTLA, and other media outlets.

Intrigued? Well, there’s more to the story of this creator turned NBA hopeful!

, we chat with him about his incredible story that’s catching media attention worldwide. Jordan has been creating content across platforms for over three years now, gaining 

. And although his channel has 215 subscribers, YouTube is still his main priority.

If you’ve been creating content on social media for a while, you’ve probably developed a sense of what works for you. And while some ideas are quickly brought to life, Jordan’s viral moment was 

. He kept it in his black book of YouTube ideas, knowing that one day, he would act on that exciting concept.

“I have 51 subscribers, and I am talking to vidIQ right now. That doesn’t happen! But I realized if you have a great idea, something that somebody can see themselves doing, you can have a story. You can go viral with a few strokes of luck!” says Jordan.

After reading the collective bargaining agreement of the NBA, Jordan found himself matching all the criteria to be drafted for 2023. After watching someone go viral because they had become a free agent, Jordan prepared the paperwork and sent it out to make his own moment. In fact, let him explain this journey himself!

What followed was major networks vying to get a piece of the story, eventually resulting in an invitation from Barclays Center! This kind of attention brings memorable yet stressful moments at the same time. So if you’re planning to go viral, expect that there will be some 

So, You’ve Gone Viral Overnight: What to Do Now?

Many creators think going viral is an end-goal, when really, it's the beginning of a long, exciting journey. Here's how to ride the wave of virality, whether life circumstances push you up or down.

Going viral brings opportunities from all sides, and that’s exactly what happened to Jordan. But if you’re a creator with little to no exposure, this can be a tricky road to navigate because there are always people working in bad faith.

“I’m very lucky to have been in the shadows the whole time to understand all these different things. And I will say to creators — get a lawyer. Know what you’re reading because that’s very important,” Jordan says.

Most people in Jordan’s position don't have the knowledge or resources to navigate contracts. But his next piece of advice offers a glimmer of hope.

Creators understand each other and are willing to help their peers, sometimes more than you can imagine! So, building a strong network not only opens doors for you, but also provides much-needed guidance.

Video creators smiling and laughing together

“Getting invited to the Barclays Center was literally because I saw somebody that I followed months ago, and just sent a cold DM,” Jordan informs.

Simply put, just send that DM you’ve been putting off. Otherwise, you’ll never know what’s on the other side of that message or who’s secretly admiring your work!

The Top 5 YouTube Collaboration Ideas to Try Right Now

While many brands and people want their piece of the viral cake, some just won’t be a good fit for you. And it’s important to know how to turn them down irrespective of the offer. At the end of the day, it’s all about serving your community and understanding what brings value to them.

“It hurts, definitely hurts, when you don’t continue those conversations, but you kinda have to stick with your gut,” Jordan says. "You need to bet on yourself.”

It’s hard to know who is right in these situations. But you need to have self-belief and consult with people who’ve known you from the beginning to make good, informed decisions, according to Jordan.

For Jordan, this viral moment is just that—a moment. His goal is bigger than temporary fame, and he hopes to create a real impact on people.

“I know a lot of people who wanna play basketball but can’t or wanna play baseball but can’t. If I can find a sponsor to get a kid a basketball or a baseball glove or a baseball bat, or find a kid that needs help in an underprivileged community by buying out a basketball court or baseball field to play, that would mean a lot,” he says.

It’s important to realize that virality may go away overnight, but having a bigger goal inspires you to keep going and keep making content. We wish Jordan the best with his cause and hope to see it come to fruition!

So, there you have it: a viral story to inspire your growth. But, here’s the question: Are you ready for your viral moment? A good first step would be to

Planning for a viral moment helped Jordan Haber enter the NBA draft and catch global media attention. Could you be next?

Creator Jordan Haber Goes Viral After 'Sneaking' into NBA Draft

Following the update on Shorts monetization

, YouTube is now changing its application policy for the Partner Program. This will mostly impact creators who want to monetize a small YouTube channel, so if that sounds like you, keep reading!

We all know that you need 1,000 subscribers along with either 4,000 hours of watch time or 10 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days to be eligible for the YouTube Partner Program. But meeting this requirement is just the first step. You actually have to apply for the program, and that’s where things are about to change.

How to Join the YouTube Partner Program and Monetize Your Channel in 2024

YouTube changed the structure of the Partner Program

, offering creators more flexibility and opportunities for revenue generation. These changes include the introduction of modules, new eligibility criteria for YouTube Shorts, and access to Creator Music.

Modules allow creators to choose how they monetize on YouTube, whether that’s through watch page advertisements, ads on Shorts, and fan funding through Super Chats, Channel Memberships, and more. 

If you haven't accepted these new terms, get moving: YouTube is asking creators to accept at least the base module by 

New YPP Terms - Accept Them Now to Keep Monetizing on YouTube

New Application Rules for the Partner Program

Following the modules update, YouTube is making even more changes to its monetization program.

 once you've been rejected will change. If you apply and are rejected for the first time, you’ll have 

 Then you'll have to wait another 30 days before re-applying.

If you’re rejected a second time, you’ll still have 21 days to appeal, but you can only re-apply 

.

While this may seem harsh, it’s a balanced approach because YouTube is prioritizing new applicants over repeat ones.

Along with the new application rules, YouTube emphasizes that both monetizing partners and new applicants should avoid these activities on YouTube:

Uploading videos that seem like duplicates

Reusing other creators' content, which isn't considered original or transformative

Using fake engagement to get more likes, views, subscribers, and watch time

Engaging in deceptive practices, like impersonating someone or running scams.

, making these mistakes could lead to channel suspension. And re-applying means you have to go through a 21-day appeal period followed by a 90-day wait.

, you might not become a YouTube partner at all if you make these mistakes.

Creators must accept the new YPP terms by 

, to join the program or continue monetizing through it. So, go ahead and do that right away. If you want Rob to explain this whole update in detail, click below!

The application policy for the YouTube Partner Program is getting a notable update. Find out how it affects you.

This Update Could Change the YouTube Partner Program Forever

In the fast-paced world of YouTube, one thing is always overshadowed: the connection between well-being and making videos that people love. It's always hard to look after your own mental health while creating content but doing so helps you avoid long-term burnout on YouTube.

According to a Later survey of 600 creators, 

 on social media every month or on a quarterly basis. That's a large chunk of people, so this is a serious issue that many creators face when deciding to start a channel.

As educators, we not only strive to share knowledge but also empower others to find harmony between their personal lives and YouTube careers.

So, grab a cup of tea (or your beverage of choice), and let's explore the psychological effects of content creation and how to strike a healthy balance.

The Psychological Effects of Content Creation

There's no denying that being a YouTube creator is an exhilarating journey. It's a realm where ideas come to life, and our voices resonate with audiences worldwide. However, the excitement can sometimes turn into a double-edged sword. With the constant demand for fresh and engaging content, it's easy to fall into the trap of neglecting our well-being.

There is no longer a clear distinction between work and personal life for many creators since a lot of their life is online. This opens up creators to the world of online negativity, and trolls which has serious psychological effects. As YouTubers, there are certain things that we should be specifically concerned with.

Working in the creative industry often means long hours, tight deadlines, and the pressure to deliver top-notch content consistently. This can lead to burnout, leaving us physically and mentally exhausted, and ultimately hindering our creativity.

Being a creator comes with several benefits, including the ability to travel, make a difference in the lives of people, develop a team and brand, and engage in creative expression. Utilizing these benefits is the best antidote to burnout in general.

From Burnt Out to Refreshed: How to Take a YouTube Break During the Holidays

The social media landscape can foster a toxic environment of comparison. Constantly measuring ourselves against others can chip away at our self-esteem, affecting our motivation and creative flow.

As YouTubers, we strive for excellence in our work. However, the pursuit of perfection can become a tricky ordeal. It can lead to undue stress, self-doubt, and even procrastination, as we fear that our content might not live up to our own impossibly high standards.

The solitary nature of content creation can bring feelings of isolation. Spending long hours behind the camera or screen can leave us craving human connection, which is essential for our well-being.

Balancing Personal Life and a YouTube Career

What feels like a tall order from the outside isn’t always so. While the habits above are psychologically damaging, you can break the pattern by following some simple practices.

Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Designate specific working hours and allow yourself guilt-free time for relaxation, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.

Prioritize self-care activities that rejuvenate your mind and body. It could be as simple as taking breaks throughout the day, practicing mindfulness or meditation, engaging in physical exercise, or pursuing creative outlets outside of YouTube.

Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges of being a content creator. Join online communities, attend meetups or workshops, and engage with fellow YouTubers. Sharing experiences and supporting each other can help combat feelings of isolation.

If you're looking for a community of fellow YouTubers to exchange ideas with, join 

 and connect with over 12,000 creators who are passionate about YouTube. 

Embrace the beauty of imperfection in your creative process. Understand that mistakes are a part of growth, and they can often lead to unexpected breakthroughs. Release the pressure to be perfect and give yourself permission to experiment and learn along the way.

Perfection Syndrome is a real thing. In order to get over this, you must accept that 

production is more important than perfection

. Your videos will always have minor flaws, but you can only get better next time if you click publish first.

Don’t worry about your viewers. Owning up to your flaws will connect you with them on a more human level, something every creator cannot give!

Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, both big and small. Recognize that every video, every subscriber, and every positive impact you make is worth celebrating. It's these moments of joy that fuel your passion and inspire you to keep pushing forward.

Balancing personal life and a YouTube career is an ongoing journey, but one that's necessary to pursue. Remember that your well-being and happiness are essential to your creativity and work discipline.

For all other advice related to YouTube, 

check out vidiQ's AI coach and get personalized recommendations for your channel

Representation of mental health through emoticons

Life as a YouTuber can become stressful and extremely demanding which creates many negative psychological effects. But there are many ways to combat it.

From Burnout to Bliss: Prioritizing Mental Health as a YouTuber

If you're a content creator looking to grow your channel, you probably know that getting people to subscribe is one of the most important things you can do. In fact, 

 is a prerequisite for earning advertising revenue through the YouTube Partner Program.

Although it's natural to assume that people 

 subscribe, some practices make the job easier. Keep reading to learn what they are!

Strategy 1: Use Buttons and Links to Get More Subscribers

Sometimes, all you need to do on YouTube is 

 for people to hit subscribe. That's where custom links and buttons come in handy. These assets allow people to subscribe to your channel in seconds by simply tapping a button or clicking on a link.

This is the first step on your journey towards getting more subscribers. You've probably seen a subscribe button on YouTube here and there, but this hack is so good that it's worth mentioning again.

That's because adding a subscribe button to your videos is one of the easiest ways to grow your audience. It reminds viewers that they can subscribe to your channel and stay up to date with your latest content. 

Adding a subscribe button is fairly simple.

1. Log in to your YouTube account and go to the 

. Click on the "Customization" tab in the left-hand menu.

2. Within the customization tab, click on the "Branding" tab.

3. Scroll down until you see the "Watermark" option. Click "Upload" to select an image for your watermark.

Note: Your watermark (or subscribe button) appears in the bottom right-hand corner of your videos. You may have to choose which part of the image you want to display using the image selector.

4. Choose a display time for your watermark: at the end of a video, the entire video, or a custom start time.

Choose a display time for the YouTube watermark

And that's it. Save these changes to get the most out of your content.

End screens are those little pop-ups that appear at the end of your videos. You can use them to promote your other videos or encourage viewers to subscribe to your channel. While the end screen is active, be sure to tell viewers what you want them to do. If you're reading this post, you probably want them to hit subscribe more than anything!

To add a subscribe button to your end screen, do the following:

1. Upload a YouTube video as you normally would. There are five steps to complete: video details, monetization, video elements, checks, and visibility.

2. On the video elements screen, look for 

Add an end screen step in video upload process

Now you can place a clickable subscribe button near the end of your video. The button will look like your channel's profile photo, so you don't have to upload any more images. 

Use the video timeline to determine how long each element appears on the screen, including subscribe buttons. Save the changes and continue uploading!

Add a Subscribe Link to Your Video Description

Links are another handy tool for driving more subscriptions to your YouTube channel. Best of all, they allow viewers to click and subscribe without having to search for a proper button.

Here's how to make your own subscription link:

1. Go to your channel's homepage, then copy the URL from the address bar of your web browser.

2. Open a text editor on your computer, then paste in the URL. Add 

For example, if the URL you pasted is https://www.youtube.com/user/WikiHow?view_as=subscriber, it should now look like https://www.youtube.com/user/WikiHow?view_as=subscriber?sub_confirmation=1.

Once you've created your subscribe link, test it to make sure it goes to your channel's subscribe page.

You can also use a phone or a tablet to create a subscribe link

 for viewers who aren't go-to desktop users.

Every viewer doesn't come to your channel from the YouTube homepage or a featured section on the app. A few of them come from different regions of the internet. If you have a website, embedding a subscribe button there is a great way to grow your channel 

 to go to the YouTube subscribe button page.

Configure a YouTube subscribe button page

2. Customize your button. You can choose the layout, theme, and size of the button to fit your website's design.

3. Copy the code below your button, then paste it into the appropriate section of your website.

This will embed the button on your site, and you'll gain a new subscriber whenever someone clicks it.

Strategy 2: Use Content and Community to Grow Your Subscribers

Now that you know some "technical ways" to boost your subscribers on YouTube, here's another alternative to explore: 

 Sometimes that's all you need to spread the word about your channel and attract more fans.

You can make it happen in four different ways:

Creating playlists on YouTube is a great way to grow your channel, and earn you more subscribers in the process. Organizing your videos under specific playlists allows your viewers to go on a binge session, giving you 

 and increasing the likelihood of them subscribing.

Playlists also play a role in making you more discoverable and improving your channel's SEO.

 So, don’t forget to use optimal titles and descriptions for them, just like your regular videos.

Collaborating with other YouTubers is a great way to expand your audience and get more viewers. If they like what they see, they might even subscribe! Find other creators in your niche and reach out to them to see if they're interested in collaborating on a video or project.

No matter the size of your channel, collabs are refreshing because your viewers get to see unique content from you. If you feel that your content has been sluggish lately, collabs may be something you could consider doing.

Don't forget to promote your channel on social media. Share your videos on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and any other social media platforms where your target audience hangs out. 

Popular Social Media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn

Not only does this broaden your horizon and bring you more viewers, but it also keeps your options open and enables you to migrate to another platform if need be.

Welcome New Subscribers and Celebrate Old Ones

If you want to make a living on YouTube, gaining subscribers has to be among your top priorities. Here's how to accomplish that in 8 powerful ways.

Posts Written By Uttaran Samaddar

How to Build the Right Mindset for YouTube Success

5 AI Tools to Edit YouTube Videos Quickly

Creator Jordan Haber Goes Viral After 'Sneaking' into NBA Draft

This Update Could Change the YouTube Partner Program Forever

From Burnout to Bliss: Prioritizing Mental Health as a YouTuber

8 Ways to Help Viewers Subscribe to Your YouTube Channel

How to Film Engaging B-Roll for YouTube Videos

Analyzing Popular YouTube Shorts: What Makes Them Go Viral?

6 Things to Do Before Your First YouTube Live Stream

The Top 5 YouTube Collaboration Ideas to Try Right Now

Swearing Moderately on YouTube Won't Demonetize You Anymore

5 Tools You Need to Improve Your YouTube Livestreams Today