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:

Celebration graphic showing 1000 subscribers with stars and fireworks background

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]

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.

Pie chart showing the top 10 motivations for sharing viral videos online according to Harvard Business Review research

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:

Example of a viral YouTube video with 3.1 million views by Zackary Smigel

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.

Key factors affecting YouTube video virality

Strategies for Making Your Videos Go Viral

Woman engaging with viral social media content on her phone with engagement emojis surrounding her

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. 

Collection of social media platform icons essential for cross-promoting YouTube videos to increase viral potential

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.

Timing and Trends: Strategic Publishing for Maximum Impact

 can make a big difference. Studies show that posting between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. ET on weekdays gets good traction. This slot grabs East Coast viewers and even catches West Coast audiences during their lunch break.

Using current trends can boost your reach. This means linking your work to subjects that your viewers care about right now. Being one of the first to cover a new trend can drive more interest in your content and build a strong viral YouTube video strategy. Consider checking tools that flag rising topics. This keeps you in tune with what’s hot and gives you a jump start starting with your viral video blueprint.

In the video above, Rob talks about five such trends that creators need to look out for in 2025 to go viral. Watch and learn!

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.

Check the video above to get a deeper understanding of how we made it all happen. And while you're at it, swing by the description box to get a free template for making viral YouTube videos!

YouTube Shorts has proven to be a quick route for many to achieve viral success. With billions of daily views, Shorts offer a chance to be seen even if you are just starting out. It’s a format that fits well with the fast pace of today.

Short videos are easy for viewers to watch and share. They help form a clear viral video blueprint with less effort compared to longer posts.

Some ways to make the most of Shorts include:

Stick to one clear idea that viewers get immediately

Grab attention in the first few seconds so people keep watching

Mix in popular sounds or tracks when they fit

Include captions to help those watching without sound

Finish with a call-to-action to keep engagement up

. Quality content that connects is crucial for YouTube viral content in every format.

identifying your unique voice as a creator

 leads to virality. Authenticity is the soul of what makes a video viral; it's what makes people relate to your content and share it with others. So, be yourself and let your unique personality shine through.

Creating a viral video might seem like finding a needle in a haystack, but it's not an impossible task. So, fellow creators, take heart. Your viral moment could be just around the corner, waiting for you to seize it!

Red keyboard key with "Go Viral" text and upward arrow symbol on black keys background.

Get proven strategies to make your YouTube videos go viral. Know the science behind viral content and actionable techniques to boost views and engagement.

How to Go Viral on YouTube: Proven Strategies for Content Creators

the top gaming creators on YouTube pulled in over 300 million subscribers collectively.

 With numbers like that, it's safe to say that interest won't be declining any time soon; viewers will embrace gaming content for years to come.

Maybe that's why creators in the vidIQ community choose to leverage this popular niche. To prove that point, here are the top 15 gaming channels from the last month that outperformed everyone else!

Ready, Set, Game: Discover the Top YouTube Gaming Niches for 2023

 creates content around car simulation games.

is an FPS gamer who plays multiple titles.

is a content creator who likes animal survival games.

 does gameplay walkthroughs on popular titles.

uploads content on time simulation games.

creates gameplay videos on puzzle-based games.

 plays a variety of games and uploads walkthroughs.

 makes entertaining videos based on puzzle games.

makes tips and tricks videos as well as memes on popular games.

creates entertaining gaming content on several titles.

Congrats to every gaming creator 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:

Person holding black Xbox controller playing video game on TV screen at home

Saluting gaming's newest YouTube stars! This list showcases 15 creators from the vidIQ community who defied the 'saturated niche' myth to grow their channels!

15 Fastest-Growing Gaming Channels on YouTube [December]

 for many creators, especially those looking to quit their jobs and create full-time. It takes determination and informed strategy to take the leap into full-time content creation, backed by data and best practices. The best way to soften the landing, even as a large creator, is to estimate how much money you'll make.

One of the most common questions we receive is: "

How much does YouTube pay for 1 million views

" This question drives our research-based approach. After all, that's a massive number. Surely 

 can survive with that many views, right?

 to see how much money we'd make ourselves. Over 18 months, we meticulously tracked revenue across long-form content, YouTube Shorts, and livestreams to provide concrete payout examples. Now, we have 

Ready to see how much money we made? Watch the video below to hear Rob Wilson, our YouTuber-in-residence, reveal the payout for 1 million views. Or, keep scrolling to read the answer!

Before we get started, it helps to understand how YouTube monetization works. There are some tricky terms and abbreviations, so we'll demystify those and explain everything in detail.

Google AdSense, or video advertising revenue, is the main source of income for most monetized creators. Making money through this revenue stream is pretty straightforward: When viewers watch or click on ads inside of a video, the creator of that content makes money. Over time, thousands of ad views can amount to 

Learn beginner YouTube monetization tips and requirements

YouTube uses two metrics, CPM and RPM, to estimate a creator's earnings. 

 (cost per mille) is how much an advertiser pays per 1,000 views to run ads on YouTube videos. For example, some videos earn a CPM of $5, which means advertisers pay $5 per 1,000 views to promote their products and services.

However, YouTube splits all the advertising revenue with creators; they get 55% while YouTube takes the remaining 45%. So, 

 (revenue per mille) is a better estimate of a creator's take-home pay. It's what they make after YouTube takes its share of advertising and 

YouTube Revenue for 1 Million Video Views

OK, we won't keep you in suspense now that we've covered the basics. Our data shows that for 1 million views, the estimated payout was approximately $3,231.42 – a figure primarily driven by ad views and YouTube Premium revenues. Video ads and YouTube Premium collectively contribute to over 90% of total revenue, highlighting the critical role of ad engagement.

$3,231.42 sounds low for 1 million views. 

But Rob says it's because not every playback is monetized, as ad blockers and viewer behavior can significantly reduce the number of qualifying ad views.

"From these 1 million views, almost a quarter of a million were monetized views with a CPM of over $13," he says.

Detailed chart illustrating a $13.29 CPM with 249,557 monetized views from 1M+ total views

If we break this down, it looks something like this:

Even if you get 1 million views, it doesn't mean you'll automatically become rich and quit your day job. Other factors are at play, such as how many views YouTube 

 to monetize on your channel. You also have to consider seasonality, the location of your viewers, and the topic of your videos. When you're trying to get paid, all of these variables make a difference.

Understand that YouTube pays per ad view, not per total video view.

CPM and RPM metrics are key to estimating earnings.

Seasonality and viewer location significantly influence ad rates.

Different video types (long-form, Shorts, live) yield varying revenues.

Strategic ad placement and content niche can boost earnings.

Typically, the higher your YouTube CPM climbs, the more money you make. But did you know that CPMs fluctuate throughout the year? That's why a channel can experience revenue spikes and dips as the seasons change. In fact, CPMs on the vidIQ channel jumped from $9.21 in January to $13.42 in October.

Graph of rising YouTube CPMs over the year illustrating seasonality effects

"You might be working just as hard in January as you are in December, but the time of the year does dictate how much you're going to get paid," Rob says.

Another factor impacting your YouTube revenue is where your audience lives. Some regions have bigger economies than others, so advertisers pay more money to run ads. This leads to higher CPMs in places like the US and lower CPMs in places like India.

For example, Rob says we earn an average CPM of $1.36 in India. But in the US, that figure rises to $18.88.

"Ten percent of our audience is watching from India, which is over half a million views a month," Rob says. "But if you look at the contrast in CPMs [for India and the U.S.] that's a 10X difference."

A table showing higher CPMs for U.S. views and lower ones for Indian views

The topic of your videos can also affect your YouTube revenue. We've noticed that some videos have lower CPMs, while others are well into the double digits.

For example, we posted two videos on our channel: one about gaining subscribers and another about the YouTube algorithm. The algorithm video has a CPM of $20.67, but the subscriber one is stuck at $1.13.

It turns out that more US viewers watched the algorithm video, which 

 the overall CPM. On the flip side, more Indian viewers watched the subscriber video, which 

"The topic and the terminology used in the packaging of the video can drastically impact the demographics of the audience, which, in turn, changes the revenue a video can potentially make," Rob says.

Revenue for 1 Million YouTube Shorts Views

So far, we've shared our revenue for long-form videos only. But what about 

If you know anything about Shorts revenue, then you know it's a lot lower than other types of content. From November 4-21, we only made 

 after getting 1 million views. That's an RPM of $0.09 per 1,000 views, which is pretty low.

YouTube Shorts revenue of $95.29 for 1 million views

"At this rate, you need 100 million views to bring in $10,000," Rob admits.

Unlike Shorts, you can earn a lot of money with live content. In fact, the vidIQ YouTube channel made 

 after reaching 1 million streams! That's an RPM of $10.69 per 1,000 views, which is outstanding.

"This is because you can tap into your audience directly using features like 

Infographic showing livestream revenue exceeding $10,800 for 1M views

A breakdown of livestream revenue, including Super Chats, ads, and memberships

Most of the revenue comes from Super Chats, which are "tips" that can only be sent during livestreams. But what inspires our viewers to donate them so frequently?

The secret is that we go live every week and answer 

 When creators send us a Super Chat, we prioritize answering their questions on the livestream!

Comparing Video Types for Maximum Revenue

After reaching 1 million views, it's clear that some video types are more lucrative than others. If we had to rank them, the order would be:

This table compares YouTube monetization metrics for long-form videos, Shorts, and livestreams, including total views, monetized views, CPM, and revenue.

This depends on channel size, topic, and viewer engagement, but the trend is clear. Livestreams offer dual revenue streams—through real-time fan funding and ongoing ad revenue—making them one of the most lucrative formats for creators.

CPM (cost per mille) rates vary significantly across regions, reflecting differences in advertising budgets, economic conditions, and audience purchasing power. In high-income markets like the United States or Western Europe, advertisers invest more in reaching audiences, driving CPMs considerably higher. Conversely, regions such as India or parts of Latin America may see lower CPMs due to smaller ad spending and varying consumer behavior.

These regional disparities can have a profound impact on overall earnings, as a creator's audience composition may determine the average revenue per thousand monetized views. Understanding these variations is crucial for creators aiming to optimize their content strategy. By analyzing their audience demographics, creators can tailor their content to attract viewers from regions with higher CPMs, potentially increasing revenue. 

Additionally, creators might consider partnering with brands or running targeted campaigns that appeal specifically to lucrative markets. Monitoring analytics and adjusting content strategies can help maximize earnings even if a channel has a diverse global audience. 

While ad revenue forms the core of YouTube earnings, creators can unlock additional income streams to boost overall revenue. Diversifying monetization methods helps mitigate the fluctuations inherent in ad-based income. For example, brand partnerships and sponsorships allow creators to secure fixed deals that often pay more reliably than variable ad revenues. 

Membership programs and channel subscriptions also offer a steady income, providing exclusive perks to dedicated followers. Livestreams can further enhance earnings through Super Chats, where fans directly contribute during live sessions, creating a more interactive revenue model. Merchandise sales and affiliate marketing are other avenues that help supplement earnings by leveraging the creator’s brand. 

Now that you how much YouTube paysfor 1 million views, here's what YouTube pays for 1,000 subscribers!

A man smiling below the number 1 million in yellow font

Smiling man with beard celebrating 1,000,000 views and money in the background.

Have you ever wondered what YouTube pays creators who earn 1 million views? Today, we'll reveal the answer!

How Much Does YouTube Pay for 1 Million Views?

Whether you're looking at individual videos or your entire channel, 

 are more than just a vanity metric. They reveal how often (and how well)  you seek to build a community, engage with viewers, and increase your visibility. 

So, how many likes have you gotten lately? Most aren’t aware, but 

 is more likely to promote videos where people have completely 

That's why every creator, big and small, should ask a simple question: 

Every channel is different, so there is no “one-size fits all” answer to this question. For smaller channels, even a few dozen likes can be significant, while larger channels may aim for thousands. Aiming for a like rate of about 

 (of total views) is a reasonable benchmark.

So far, we know that likes can improve your visibility on YouTube. But did you know they can also boost your channel's authority? Viewers tend to click on videos with thousands of likes and views, improving search rankings for that content. 

? Just follow these steps, and let the likes roll in.

The cornerstone of any successful YouTube channel is compelling content. Your videos should resonate with your audience 

 provide value, whether it's through entertainment, information, or inspiration. Learn your viewers' core desires, then make videos that speak directly to those interests and needs.

A good way to do this is by making incentive-based content for your viewers. That way, it feels like they're part of the creation process. 

 viewers to reach a specific number of likes, then do a special giveaway if they're successful.

 viewers to vote for their preferences with the like button. For example, if they want a specific video posted, ask them to reach 1,000 likes, 5,000 likes, 10,000, etc.

 pinned comments to encourage viewers to hit the like button.

Building a loyal community is key, especially if you want people to take specific actions on your channel. You can start by:

These are natural ways to connect with your audience and get them used to engaging with you. Once they're actively participating, it won't seem like a stretch to do other things too (like tapping the like button). 

How to Use the YouTube Community Tab and Engage with Viewers

It's hard to get more likes on YouTube if no one's watching your content. First impressions do matter, so make sure your titles and thumbnails are borderline 

Getting more YouTube likes is a great way to improve your channel's overall performance. Here's how to encourage people to hit the thumbs-up button!

Uttaran Samaddar

Posts Written By Uttaran Samaddar

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

How to Go Viral on YouTube: Proven Strategies for Content Creators

15 Fastest-Growing Gaming Channels on YouTube [December]

How Much Does YouTube Pay for 1 Million Views?

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

Can Ad Blockers Tank Your YouTube Views and Watch Time?

How to Write the Best Titles for YouTube Shorts

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

15 Fastest-Growing Gaming Channels on YouTube [August]

10 Things Every Small YouTube Channel Can Improve