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!

Audience watching a movie in a dark theater with red seats and a large blank screen.

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!

How to Film Engaging B-Roll for YouTube Videos

Some of this advice is difficult to imagine just by reading about it, so here’s a video showing all the tips and tricks. And, we have to admit: The editing in this video is absolutely stunning!

Every great creator started from somewhere, and you're on your way to becoming one. So keep learning, keep improving, and most importantly, keep creating. Your journey is just beginning, and the world is ready to see what you have to offer. 

To speed up the process, learn how to stand out as a small creator!

A man editing a video on a desktop computer

Person editing space-themed video clips on professional video editing software on monitor

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

4 Editing Hacks to Make Any YouTube Video Go Viral

Before we dive in today, let's take a moment to acknowledge the importance of our YouTube subscribers. They're more than just a changing figure on our channel. These folks are our audience, our critics, and our cheerleaders. They're the lifeblood of our channels, silently guiding us and helping us to shape our content to be the best it can be.

Well, that's all very nice, but my subscribers aren't exactly flooding me with comments and feedback!

 If that's you, fear not. Your subscribers are communicating with you, just not with words. That's right; we're talking about YouTube analytics, particularly about certain data that can indicate important things about audience behavior on your channel.

How to Turn Silent Viewers into YouTube Subscribers

Now, we're all familiar with the rush of 

 But, what if those views are people clicking on your video, saying, "Meh" after five seconds, and leaving? 

That's where view duration and audience retention come in. These metrics show you how long your viewers are staying on a video to watch what you've posted.

Audience retention and view duration graph

If you notice a drop in retention at a certain point in your video, it might indicate that your audience found something off-putting or boring. This can help you make changes to how you approach your content. But remember, pick a flaw and fix (one at a time), and then allow your audience to respond.

Shorts, Longs, and Lives: How to Compare YouTube Views from All 3

 is another significant metric. A sudden increase might mean you hit a sweet spot with your audience, so try to figure out what you did right and do it more! 

Conversely, a drop might indicate that something's not clicking with your audience. Try to identify any changes you made during this period. Was it a new video format, or maybe a change in posting frequency?

More than the actual number of subscribers that you have for a given period, it’s important to observe a steady rate of subscribers gained. As long as you’re in the green, you’re doing a great job!

1. Log into YouTube, click your profile icon, and go to YouTube Studio.

3. Here you can filter the date accordingly to find your rate of subscription.

8 Ways to Help Viewers Subscribe to Your YouTube Channel

YouTube analytics can also show you where your viewers are coming from within the platform. For instance, are they discovering your videos through YouTube search or are they finding your content via video recommendations? This information can help you understand what's driving people to your channel and inform your content strategy.

By the way, YouTube shows a list of traffic sources for every video. Simply go to YouTube Studio > Content (pick a video to analyze) > Analytics > Overview. Then scroll down to see where traffic is coming from for that particular video.

YouTube Channel Analytics - The 6 Most Important Video Metrics

If there’s one thing we can agree on, it’d probably be this: Someone who is watching your video for the second time would be more likely to subscribe to your content than a new viewer. So, it’s important to track how many people actually click "subscribe" out of 

1. Under the Audience tab in Analytics, look at the graph in the middle, and click 

2. You can change the metrics here to find the graph of returning viewers versus subscribers.

Returning viewers vs new subscribers graph

While we’re on the subject, it’s also important to understand the type of content that keeps bringing viewers back to your the channel. You can check this in more detail on the 

So there you have it, folks. Your subscribers may not be directly communicating with you, but they're constantly offering feedback through their behavior. And, if they took time out of their lives to hit subscribe, it means that they connect to you and your content in a meaningful way. So, the onus is on you to deliver the best possible upload to them, every time. 

If you want to get your creative juices flowing, learn how to automate your YouTube channel in just a few seconds!

Smartphone showing YouTube Studio analytics with 70 views in the last 28 days

When it comes to understanding your subscribers, these silent indicators can shape your content strategy and lead to YouTube success. 

How to Get Subscriber Feedback from a YouTube Analytics Deep Dive

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 

Young woman adjusting a DSLR camera on a tripod indoors near sheer curtains

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

“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

Man relaxing at desk with multiple screens, color grading video editing software visible

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

Close-up of a person dribbling an orange basketball on an outdoor court at sunset

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. 

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

Uttaran Samaddar

Posts Written By Uttaran Samaddar

From Viewer to YouTube Creator: How to Make the Switch

4 Editing Hacks to Make Any YouTube Video Go Viral

How to Get Subscriber Feedback from a YouTube Analytics Deep Dive

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