If you use an ad blocker on your browser and have tried to watch a YouTube video recently, you may have seen a prompt like this pop up:

“Ad blockers violate YouTube’s Terms of Service."

“It looks like you may be using an ad blocker. Video playback is blocked unless YouTube is allowlisted or the ad blocker is disabled."

“Ads allow YouTube to be used by billions worldwide at no charge."

“You can go ad-free with YouTube Premium, and creators still get paid from your subscriptions."

YouTube's stance against ad blockers has been a topic of heated discussion among creators and viewers alike. While ad blockers may seem like a convenient way to skip through commercials, their impact on the YouTube ecosystem is far-reaching.

Let's delve into some critical questions to understand why YouTube is cracking down on ad blockers and what it means for everyone involved.

Why Is YouTube Taking a Stand Against AdBlock?

, ads have contributed the lion’s share of revenue for most creators. And, YouTube has consistently earned lots of ad revenue in comparison to other platforms. So, it’s necessary to keep the advertisers happy and returning to the platform year after year, and adblockers stand in total opposition to this.

YouTube reported a significant fall of 2.6% year over year

 as advertisers pulled back from the platform due to economic uncertainty. YouTube raked in $6.69 billion in advertising revenue in early 2023 compared to $6.87 billion during the same period last year. So, it makes sense for YouTube to become proactive now!

How Does This Affect Your YouTube Channel?

Even if you aren't monetized, YouTube's new approach to ad blockers could affect your channel. The first two sentences of the error message (above), emphasize that YouTube is responding to ad blockers by 

A monetized creator will feel the sting of this, but not as sharply as someone who isn't monetized yet. New creators need every video view and every ounce of watch time to 

 for the YouTube Partner Program and get monetized. It's hard to do that when your videos aren't being shown to some viewers!

YouTube shares ad revenue with creators, offering them healthy pay for their efforts. Ad blockers cut into this shared income, affecting the platform's financial health. 

So, the revenue generated from ads helps YouTube invest in new features and improve user experience.

Plus, these benefits are also at stake if ad revenue disappears:

 To continue producing high-quality content, creators need financial support. Ads provide that cushion.

By watching ads, viewers help to compensate creators for their effort and time.

YouTube has been working on making ads more relevant and less intrusive, which could improve the overall viewing experience.

Ad revenue creates long-term sustainability for the platform.

With reduced revenue, YouTube might find it challenging to support creators, which could lead to a decline in content quality.

Just Got Monetized on YouTube? 4 Tips to Boost Your AdSense Revenue

How to Increase Views, Revenue, and Watch Time Despite Ad Blocking

Now that you know how ad blockers affect your channel, is there anything you can do to keep your metrics high? Absolutely!

 how ad blockers hinder you from creating the content they love. In the same way that you ask for likes and comments, ask your viewers to disable their ad blockers. Emphasize that you love your community and you want to be there for them always. If they can't watch your videos due to ad blockers, it's almost impossible to build that relationship.

, a service that allows for ad-free viewing. 

 YouTube made it clear that using ad blockers is a no-go according to their Terms of Service. However, YouTube will warn viewers of that fact and ask them to disable any ad blockers. If the requests are ignored, that's when playback may be disabled.

The crackdown on ad blockers is not just a move to protect the platform's revenue but also an effort to sustain the community of creators who rely on that revenue. 

So, the next time you think about using an ad blocker, consider the bigger picture and how it impacts other creators.

And if you're not monetized yet, don't make these three mistakes with your channel!

YouTube revenue isn't the only thing in jeopardy when viewers use ad blockers; they also affect channel views and watch time. Here's why!

Can Ad Blockers Tank Your YouTube Views and Watch Time?

As a content creator, it's wise to approach long-form videos and YouTube Shorts differently — especially if the goal is to get more views. After all, viewers don't engage with these content types in the same manner. According to 

, Shorts are discovered, watched, and enjoyed at a different pace.

The biggest difference of all? Things like titles, thumbnails, and hashtags are crucial for longs but not as dire for Shorts. The Shorts player serves up videos in a never-ending carousel and doesn't ask you to choose anything based on "decorative" elements.

 write good titles for your Shorts? Quite the opposite! There are plenty of reasons to optimize them, even when viewers are scrolling at lightning speed.

4 Tips to Grow Your Channel with YouTube Shorts

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, look at the layout of the YouTube Shorts player. You'll notice a few things in the following order:

Admittedly, the title of the Short appears near the bottom. You might think, 

, but YouTube is drawing attention to this area with 

With related links, a viewer can now watch your Short, spot a link at the bottom, click on it, and view additional content on your channel. That could be a live stream, long-form video, or even another Short! And, by the way, those links are 

 YouTube pulls them from the title of the related video.

An even better title for the related video

For that reason alone, it makes sense to craft the best video titles for your Shorts!

Remember how we said Shorts are showing up in YouTube searches? This means shorter videos can also be viewed as regular YouTube content, complete with advertisements and a comment section. 

That's right! Your title serves a dual purpose on YouTube. It gives context to related links in the Shorts player 

 helps your content rank higher on search pages — especially when using relevant keywords.

Crafting the Best Title for YouTube Shorts

So, how do you write a title that does justice to your Short? Here are some actionable tips:

Your title should give viewers a snapshot of what to expect. Misleading titles might get you clicks, but they won't win you fans.

Make your audience wonder what's in the video. Pose a question, or use intriguing adjectives. The goal is to make them stop scrolling and start watching.

Analyzing Popular YouTube Shorts: What Makes Them Go Viral?

Yes, we're talking about SEO (search engine optimization) for Shorts. Incorporate keywords that are both relevant to your content and what your audience is likely searching for. But remember, while keywords are important, they're not the end-all-be-all.

You have 40 characters to work with before YouTube truncates the rest of your title (when viewing Shorts in the app). So, be mindful of character limits. You want to make an impact, and that starts with a completely visible title.

While you might be tempted to stuff your title with hashtags and trending keywords, know this — 

Its primary focus is on how well your Short engages and satisfies the viewer. So, while a compelling title can boost your visibility, it's the content that ultimately reigns supreme. No amount of clever metadata, be it hashtags or titles, can make a Short more enjoyable or impactful.

Crafting the best title for YouTube Shorts isn't just about slapping a few catchy words together; it's a deliberate skill, and when done right, can boost your video's success. 

So, aspiring YouTubers, take this knowledge and run with it. 

Your next viral Short could be one, well-crafted title away!

phone showing a corner of the youtube shorts player

There was a time when YouTube Shorts titles didn't matter, but that's slowly changing. Here's why you need them, plus a few tips for writing the best Shorts titles!

How to Write the Best Titles for YouTube Shorts

The landscape of YouTube is shifting, and while 

 (like animation, voiceovers, or screen-recorded tutorials) can surely find its niche, there's something unmistakably compelling about vlogging. It's raw, and it's personal. If you do a good job of it, the audience feels seen and heard and finds value in spending time with you!

While we’re the last people to deny the benefits of AI

 and similar tools that can help streamline the content creation process for faceless channels, it’s still early. And, for some of you, perhaps even harder than you think. Here are 5 reasons why.

While automation and AI are rapidly advancing, there's an irreplaceable value in human connection. Our brains are wired to recognize and respond to faces. When viewers see your expressions, your gestures, and your real-life reactions, they establish a stronger connection with you than they could with a collection of 

Man doing the peace sign with fingers while vlogging

This isn’t just sentiment — it’s science! Ever heard of 

? They’re the little wonders in our brains that make us yawn when someone else yawns. By showing your face, you're giving your audience's mirror neurons a reason to fire, allowing them to literally feel more connected to you.

So, from a psychological perspective, viewers feel more involved in your content. This helps you 

If you’re using music, images, and stock videos from third-party platforms on the internet, then copyright strikes are a very real concern that you need to keep in mind. You may take a thousand precautions, but it can still be hard to save your channel from Content ID claims.

By definition, this problem is significantly more likely to happen to faceless channels. And if you’re not careful enough, it may result in the termination of your channel.

On the other hand, if you’re a blog channel, you can shoot your own b-rolls, and have more control over what you want to show and how you want to show it.

Copyright Claims vs. Copyright Strikes: Here's the Difference

3. You Can Easily Reinvent or Explore New Content

Faceless content can, at times, trap you in a specific genre or style. Vlogging, however, is as varied as the human experience.

One day you might be documenting a solo hike, and the next, you're diving into a DIY project or sharing a candid chat about mental health. Vlogging doesn’t box you in — it invites variety. It's like being given a blank canvas every time, allowing your content to be as multifaceted as you are.

Wait a second! Isn’t vlogging supposed to be complex with all the camera setups, and aren't faceless channels supposed to be automated?

Well, yes and no. When you vlog, you remove several layers of abstraction. You get to be the primary focus, and the world around you is your backdrop. With the rise of smartphones with impeccable camera quality, vlogging can be as simple as 'point, shoot, and share'. Plus, let’s be honest: Setting up a tripod and chatting feels way more organic and less staged.

On the other hand, automated content may look easy on paper, but it isn’t always correct. Since a lot of AI tools are still new, they cannot do the job alone. So, almost every instance of AI usage on your videos requires you to add finishing touches. This might result in you having to expand your skillset significantly or having to spend more on professional services.

Brands love faces. With vlogs, you become a recognizable personality, not just a channel. This opens doors to brand endorsements, collaborations, and other monetization opportunities that rely on personal influence.

Also, viewers are more likely to trust a product or service recommended by someone they ‘know’. By transitioning to vlogging, you’re essentially humanizing your brand, making endorsements and promotions feel more like friendly recommendations (instead of advertising).

The shift to vlogging is more than just a change in content format; it's a commitment to authenticity, growth, and building profound connections. 

And it seems like YouTube wants creators to prioritize that mindset.

So, why not give it a shot? Your future self, with a treasure trove of memories, stronger brand partnerships, and an engaged community of viewers, will thank you. Remember, on YouTube and in life, sometimes the best way to move forward is to step out from behind the curtain and let the world see you shine.

So, here's how to build the right mindset for YouTube success!

Explore why vlogging on YouTube trumps faceless content in human connection, personal growth, and branding potential and why you should make the switch!

5 Reasons to Start Vlogging on YouTube (and Quit Faceless Content)

We know that viewers have always flocked to gaming content on YouTube, be it for the community, the entertainment, or to simply get better themselves. In fact, there are over 

1,000 gaming channels on YouTube with over a million subscribers

, and that's only going to increase. Why? Because it's exciting when new games are released, and most live streams on YouTube are actually gaming content!

This might lead you to believe that gaming is an oversaturated niche with no opportunity to stand out. But, in our experience, that is not true at all. So, here are 15 gaming creators from the vidIQ community who’ve nailed it in the last 30 days. Let's celebrate them!

The 37 Best YouTube Niches, According to Viewers

is an FPS gamer (first-person shooter) who mainly plays 

 uploads videos about different mobile games.

 also plays FPS games, the primary choice being 

 makes funny gaming edits through YouTube Shorts.

 makes well-edited videos playing different games across genres.

 makes YouTube Shorts playing mobile games.

 is a MOBA player (multiplayer online battle arena) posting gameplay videos.

 video creator who plays other games too.

Saluting gaming's newest YouTube stars! This list showcases 10 creators from the vidIQ community who defied the 'saturated niche' myth to grow their channels!

15 Fastest-Growing Gaming Channels on YouTube [August]

If you’re a small creator on YouTube and have been at it for a while now, you probably know that content creation is harder than it looks! So, before the frustration takes over, we want to share some quick fixes to make 

 YouTube channel better — no matter the niche or audience!

Here are 10 often-overlooked improvements for the budding creator:

One of the most underrated ways to take your content to next level is by improving them aesthetically. Getting solid knowledge of frame rates and using the proper frames for your videos can help you over the longterm!

Most creators start with the default 30fps (frames per second), but switching to 24fps can give your videos a cinematic feel. Conversely, if you're creating sports or gaming content, bumping it up to 60fps can create a smoother, crisper visual experience. The key is knowing which rate suits your content best.

Ever tried watching a video with terrible audio? It's a challenge. Invest in a good microphone, and don’t forget about post-production. Tools like Audacity or Adobe Audition can help you clean up and balance audio, ensuring viewers aren’t constantly adjusting their volume.

Community is a major facet for many channels, irrespective of their size. For years, the YouTube Community tab has helped creators stay in touch with their audience, especially if they do not publish videos regularly.

Stay in touch with viewers by hosting challenges or projects where your subscribers can participate. Whether it's a photo challenge, a short story contest, or DIY craft submissions, you'll give viewers a sense of belonging by  building a real community.

How to Use the YouTube Community Tab and Engage with Viewers

Yeah, yeah — you’ve heard it a million times before, but if there’s anything on YouTube that you can 

 stop improving, it's titles and thumbnails.

Think of thumbnails as the book covers of YouTube. A custom thumbnail that is vibrant and attractive usually tells a story of its own, or at least poses a question. Use tools like Canva or Photoshop to add some flair without making them too cluttered.

Your video’s title informs the viewer why they should watch it, so it needs to be compelling too. By using words that stir up the right emotions, you can increase the chance of your video getting clicked on, watched, and liked.

Watch this video to learn more!

Use cards and end screens effectively. Instead of just pushing viewers to any other video, guide them to content that complements what they've just watched. This increases the likelihood they'll stay on your channel longer.

The more specific you are with your choice of video, the more likely it is for a viewer to go on a binge session of your content, thereby increasing the likeliness that they'd subscribe!

Before hitting record, have a clear outline or storyboard. This ensures your content is cohesive and reduces editing time. It might seem tedious, but the clarity it brings to your production process is invaluable.

Storyboarding isn't something we're all familiar with, so here's a crash course on 

Every few months, try something completely out of your usual content style. It could be a silent vlog, a documentary-style piece, or even a fictional narrative. Experimenting with different ideas not only keeps your audience intrigued, but also challenges you as a creator.

The trick is to make something that your audience cares about. No matter what format you choose, you can make content that your audience would like if you understand why they watch your videos.

While it's common to ask viewers to like and subscribe, personalize your CTAs. Share a fun fact, ask a question related to the video content, or engage them in a unique way before 

While most creators check views and subscriber counts, deep diving into watch time, audience retention, and playback location can offer insights into what's working on your channel (and what's not). This isn't just number crunching; it's about understanding viewer behavior.

Some data can tell you what your audience explicitly isn’t saying with words, and it’s important to have an understanding of that. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with the link below!

How to Get Subscriber Feedback from a YouTube Analytics Deep Dive

In this age of content creation, having the right skills to do the job isn't enough—no, not for the longterm. As a creator, it helps when you're willing to learn more about YouTube and update your knowledge as needed to make better content.

The digital space is ever-evolving. Dedicate time each month to learn something new, whether it's a video editing technique, a storytelling method, or the latest in camera tech.

YouTube Is Challenging, But You Can Do it!

, and the competition is fierce. That's why standing out requires more than just creativity. It's about fine-tuning the technical aspects, understanding your audience, and constantly evolving. These tips are not exhaustive, but they're often overlooked in favor of more generic advice.

It's okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes, but don't stop learning and improving! Stay curious, keep experimenting, and remember why you started creating in the first place. And remember to 

It's time to improve your YouTube channel with actionable insights. Dive into the 10 the best strategies to enhance your video quality, viewer engagement, and YouTube views.

10 Things Every Small YouTube Channel Can Improve

The best YouTube creators will often tell you that before they were producing videos, they were fiendishly consuming them. After all, there's no better way to learn the landscape and see which videos perform well.

However, you don't have to limit yourself to 

 being a viewer. Creating a YouTube channel is a wonderful way to share your thoughts, talents, and creativity with the world. Switching from the viewer mindset to that of a creator can feel overwhelming, and you'll have to make little tweaks in your perception. But, rest assured: You can do this!

We're here to help you navigate the transition, so let's dive in.

How to Build the Right Mindset for YouTube Success

How many times have you watched a video, hit the like button, and thought, 

Well, you absolutely can, and like most transitions, it begins with shifting the way you look at things.

Many viewers box themselves into the role of a consumer, strictly. They enjoy the content but feel disconnected from the creation process. They think,

 I'm just a viewer. How could I ever create something people would want to watch?

It’s important to remember that these boxes — creator and viewer — are self-invented. The box doesn't define you, and the truth is that 

. You already have what it takes to make the switch! You just need to ask yourself the right questions.

What excites you? What do you enjoy watching? Is it important enough that you cannot help but make a video about it? Then it’s time to overcome the fear and let your ideas defend themselves.

Numbers are important on YouTube. It’s only after you reach 

of watch time that you are able to earn money from YouTube ads. This is basically YouTube telling us that reaching these numbers is a proof of our content quality!

As a new creator, seeing low numbers on your videos can be disheartening. And, if you’ve been an avid viewer yourself, you know exactly how important numbers are when it comes to choosing a video you want to watch. You’re  likely to watch videos with a high view count, thousands of likes, and also, ones that come from bigger channels.

While it’s easy to get lost in the numbers, know that most creators, no matter how big or small, started with the same number of subs — 

. And that might feel impossible to process, but it’s certainly true.

Instead of praying to reach magical numbers, use these strategies become a better creator:

Don’t expect viral success overnight. Focus on gradual growth and constant improvement

Even a small audience can offer valuable feedback. 

Reply to comments, ask for opinions, and create a community.

YouTube provides data on watch time, engagement, and more. Use these insights to refine your approach.

Stay true to what excites you. Authenticity shines through, and viewers will be drawn to your genuine enthusiasm.

YouTube Channel Analytics: The 6 Most Important Video Metrics

, you’ve seen creators make videos about virtually every topic under the sun. And, somewhere along the way, you’ve realized it’s possible for you to do the same thing.

But discouragement kicks in when you see hundreds of well-produced, high-quality videos surrounding the topic you're chasing. It's easy to think, 

Many aspiring creators get stuck, waiting to create the "perfect" video. They fear that anything less than perfection will lead to failure. And, the fear is valid. After all, 

500 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute

, so being anything short of perfect can be costly.

The solution to this conundrum, however, is to keep uploading. 

 MrBeast famously states that thinking about any number before uploading 100 videos is futile. This is a difficult mindset to put into practice, but if achieved, it can propel your YouTube success to new heights!

Rather than obsess over perfection, celebrate the progress you make with each new video. Find your unique voice! And most importantly, focus on solving problems for your viewers.

Switching from viewer to creator is a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and immense rewards. Embrace the process, learn from each step, and just have fun with it! You have something unique to share with the world, and there’s an audience waiting to connect with you.

 is filled with people who have made the switch. Reach out, engage, and you'll find that the transition from viewer to creator is not only achievable, but also thrilling. Start your journey today!

Are you stuck in the role of a YouTube viewer, wondering how to become a creator? Here's how to ditch perfectionism and simply hit record!

From Viewer to YouTube Creator: How to Make the Switch

As a YouTube creator, you're not just a filmmaker — you're a storyteller. But what if your videos aren't getting the traction they deserve? 

What if your story isn't reaching the audience it should?

One way to fix this problem is by working on your 

. It all starts with knowing how to edit your videos for maximum watch time and interest!

Imagine you're a viewer on YouTube. What is the first thing you see when you click on a video (minus the occasional advertisement)?

Whatever your answer is, it can be summed up with two words: 

A visual hook is an engaging element at the beginning of your video that grabs your viewer's attention and keeps them watching. It doesn't have to be flashy or extravagant. But it must be urgent (happens within the first few seconds) and interesting.

Today, YouTube shows a preview of your video when someone stops to scrolling to examine it. That's why you 

 great hooks. Visual hooks can combine funny scenes, superb acting, B-roll, and more, which work together to captivate the viewer.

Woman watching a YouTube Short on her phone

In the modern age of YouTube, visual hooks will help you stand out as a small creator amongst passive scrollers. Plus, a good hook in a YouTube Short might prevent the viewer from scrolling away!

18 Viral Video Hooks for YouTube Shorts [Proven Hacks]

Cutting, in its simplest form, is transitioning from one shot to another. It's the invisible thread that weaves your story together, guiding your viewers from one scene to the next.

There are several types of cuts, and each one serves a unique purpose:

: A basic cut that transitions one shot to another. 

: Brings the viewer closer to the action or subject, focusing their attention on a specific detail.

: Shifts the viewer's attention away from the main action to provide context or additional information.

For example, imagine watching a surfing video. If the shot transitions from a man mounting a surf board to him paddling out to sea, that's a straight cut. If all you can see is his body, a cut-back would give you a zoomed-out view of the sky and ocean. But a cut-in, for instance, might show the water splashing around his board.

A low-angle view of a man surfing. There's a cut-in to show his feet on the board

. They are the subtle, yet powerful techniques that keep your viewers engaged, creating a rhythm and momentum in your video that keeps them watching from start to finish.

3. Use Motion and Different Camera Angles

Did you know that the average attention span is now officially less than that of a goldfish? While 8 seconds might seem like nothing on paper, it can feel like an eternity on a static screen. 

Motion, in general, makes your video more engaging. Every so often, you should 

 or show different angles.

You can do a low-angle shot for dramatic effect.

Low angle shot of a man looking up at buildings

Or, try a high-angle shot to get the bird's-eye-view.

high angle shot of two people playing tennis

But when it comes to camera motion (or gentle camera shake), you have some wiggle room to play around with. You can either pan the camera every so often while filming, or simulate those movements in post-production. The latter is an advanced editing skill, but it's a good back-up plan if you're willing to learn!

B-roll is additional footage that you can use to break up the monotony of your main footage. It adds depth to your videos and keeps your audience engaged. Plus, B-roll works well in both educational and entertainment videos (but don't overdo it)!

In many YouTube videos, we see B-rolls that feel forced. This can actually create an unpleasant viewing experience, so make sure to use B-roll only when it’s a good opportunity to tell a better story and create a better video overall!

Unlock more views by learning how to edit YouTube videos in a way that keeps viewers engaged. We've got four simple hacks!

Posts Written By Uttaran Samaddar

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