So, you’ve started a YouTube channel—or at least fantasized about it. You pictured the vibe: soft lighting, cool camera angles, a quirky mug in hand. You saw yourself vlogging your life, sharing what you know, building a following, maybe even going viral.

Your videos flop. The views crawl. You’ve posted eight times and gained 36 subscribers. You’re Googling “how to beat the YouTube algorithm fast” at 2:00 a.m., wondering if the platform hates you.

Here’s the part most creators won’t say out loud: 

 Really hard.
And if you want to make it, you need to stop dabbling and get serious.

YouTube isn't just competitive—it's a battleground where

 over 500 hours of content are uploaded every minute.

While you're editing your weekly video, thousands of creators worldwide are uploading theirs. The platform receives more content in a single day than traditional television has produced in decades.

The first question every aspiring YouTuber must answer honestly is this: Are you playing around, or are you building something that matters? Both approaches are valid, but they require completely different mindsets and strategies.

Enjoy the creative process without pressure

Focus on personal satisfaction over metrics

Accept that growth will be slow and sporadic

Establish non-negotiable upload schedules

Study analytics and adapt strategies accordingly

Invest time in understanding your audience deeply

The difference between successful creators and those who fade away often comes down to this single decision. Those who treat YouTube as a serious endeavor consistently outperform those who approach it casually.

Arguably, your entire journey on YouTube would be filled with trials and errors, but none more so than the beginning. Early on, your job isn’t to obsess over metrics. Your job is to make stuff, and that's what makes you fall in love with it!

Every successful creator goes through what we call the "YouTube innocence" phase. This is your learning laboratory, where the goal isn't perfection—it's discovery. 

. Learn how lighting affects mood. Experiment with different editing styles. Try talking to the camera until it feels natural. Test various content formats to see what resonates with both you and your emerging audience.

Here's the uncomfortable truth most YouTube guides won't tell you: You don't "find" time for content creation—you manufacture it. Successful creators don't wait for perfect conditions or bursts of motivation.

Block specific hours for filming, editing, and uploading

Treat these commitments as unmovable appointments

Prepare content ideas in advance to eliminate decision fatigue

Create systems that work even during busy periods

When YouTube becomes part of your rhythm—not just a rainy Sunday activity—it starts to shape your life. And that’s when growth actually begins.

How to Craft a Foolproof YouTube Upload Schedule

Let’s be real: doing this successfully takes obsession. Not the burnout kind. The 

You'll know you're entering true creator mode when YouTube begins influencing how you see the world around you.

You'll start noticing lighting in restaurants and thinking about camera angles. You'll hear conversations and wonder if they'd make good video topics. You'll develop an eye for thumbnails everywhere you look. This isn't unhealthy—it's the natural evolution of someone serious about their craft.

It’s tempting to believe the next gadget will change the game.

Serious creators don’t chase tech—they chase clarity. Your $2,000 camera won’t fix a boring message. But a clear idea, told well, with whatever gear you have? That lands.

The viewer doesn’t care if you shoot in 4K. They care if you’re saying something worth their time.

How To Win on YouTube Without Fancy Equipment

People respond to serious creators on YouTube. Yes, even the meme channels, which are serious about making memes!

If you treat your channel like an afterthought, so will everyone else. But if you’re consistent even with 15 subscribers, people notice. Consistency signals commitment. Quality demonstrates respect for your audience's time. Regular uploads prove you're building something sustainable, not just experimenting with video creation.

Every creator hits a turning point. It’s when you stop saying:

That’s when everything shifts. Your channel stops being a maybe. It becomes a mission. The question isn't whether YouTube is hard; it is whether you're in 

 to meet that challenge with the seriousness it deserves.

Struggling to find success on YouTube? This post breaks down the mindset shifts and habits you need to get serious, stand out, and stay consistent.

How To Get Serious About YouTube

Your thumbnail is the first thing viewers see, so creating the best thumbnail for YouTube right is going to make your content pop-out to users. Using the wrong thumbnail size could make it appear blurry or cut off, a sure fire way to get your videos overlooked on YouTube.

Let's cover the exact YouTube thumbnail dimensions, file formats, and best practices to help your thumbnails look sharp on every screen.

12 Types of YouTube Thumbnails People Love to Click On

YouTube Thumbnail Dimensions and Parameters

If your image isn’t naturally fit to become a YouTube thumbnail, try our 

. It instantly formats your thumbnail to the ideal size for YouTube (1280 x 720), making it look sharp and professional.

But size is just one step toward creating the best YouTube thumbnail. You’ll need to consider a few more factors to make your video look professional across all platforms.

Aspect ratio describes the proportional relationship between width and height. The 16:9 aspect ratio is the standard for most visual media, including YouTube and YouTube thumbnails. Using this aspect ratio means your image is 16 units wide for every 9 units tall.

While YouTube long form videos are 16:9, YouTube Shorts are 9:16.

This ratio matches YouTube’s video player and prevents your thumbnail from being cropped, stretched, or distorted.

Your YouTube thumbnail is often the first impression viewers get of your content, showing up in multiple high-traffic areas, including:

YouTube Search Results — Thumbnails appear alongside titles when users search for videos.

YouTube Homepage & Recommended Feed — Your thumbnail competes for attention in the suggestions feed and home screen.

Channel Page — Thumbnails line your video library, impacting how your channel looks to potential subscribers.

Subscriptions Feed — Subscribers see your thumbnail in their feed when you upload new content.

Social Media — When your video is shared outside YouTube, your thumbnail often displays as the preview image.

External Sites — When your video is embedded, your thumbnail will be displayed until the viewer clicks play. And embeds can be any custom size.

Your thumbnail is going to be seen in both large and small formats, and getting the size just right keeps the design uncluttered.


How Do I Make My Thumbnail Look Sharp on All Devices?

Your thumbnail needs to look great on everything from mobile phones to Smart TVs. Here’s how to keep it sharp and clickable everywhere:

Use high-resolution images at the recommended 1280 x 720 pixels.

Stick to supported formats. The ideal choices are:

JPG - which is the typical choice as it has a good quality and, since it’s generally smaller, has a faster loading time

PNG - which is good for higher quality images

Avoid uploading thumbnails smaller than 640 pixels wide.

Test how your thumbnail looks at small sizes because most viewers see it in a tiny preview.

Why Do Simple YouTube Thumbnails Perform Better?

Your thumbnail will appear in crowded spaces like search results, suggested videos, and social feeds, often as a tiny image competing for attention. That’s why clear, uncluttered design makes all the difference.

Quick tips to make your YouTube thumbnails stand out:

Limit text to 3-5 words max, bold and readable on mobile.

Use high contrast colors to help your thumbnail pop.

Focus on one clear subject—don’t overload the image.

Stay consistent with your style to build brand recognition.

Pro Tip: If you are looking to replicate some popular thumbnail designs from your favorite creators, you can do so with 


What About YouTube Shorts Thumbnail Dimensions?

YouTube Shorts videos use a vertical 9:16 aspect ratio, typically 1080 x 1920 pixels. But when uploading a custom thumbnail from a desktop, YouTube applies the standard 1280 x 720 pixel, 16:9 thumbnail.

Currently you cannot upload custom thumbnails for Shorts from a desktop.

YouTube may auto-generate Shorts thumbnails.

In the mobile app, when you edit a Shorts video, you will have the option to pick and edit a thumbnail.

Adding a custom YouTube Shorts thumbnail can be a bit tricky, but we tell you how to do it in 

The right YouTube thumbnail size makes your videos look professional and helps attract more clicks. Stick to the recommended specs, 

 and use tools like vidIQ to streamline the process.

Gold play button with vidIQ logo inside broken golden ruler circle on coral background

Yes, most AI thumbnail makers, including tools like 

, are designed to follow YouTube’s recommended specs by default. They help you create thumbnails at 

Learn the correct YouTube thumbnail measurements for 2025 and how to optimize them for the best quality and viewer engagement!

The Best YouTube Thumbnail Size and Dimensions for 2025

average video length on YouTube still hovers around 11.7 minutes

, even after the meteoric rise of YouTube Shorts and other forms of short-form content. The need for longer content is still quite high, and one of the best ways to capitalize on it is through video essays.

YouTube video essays have exploded in popularity over the past few years, with creators building massive audiences, diving deep into everything from film analysis to social commentary. Yet despite the high interest in becoming a video essayist, there's a surprising lack of real, actionable advice online about how to actually succeed in this space.

So, today, we'll explore how you can go about achieving this successfully as a YouTube creator. Let's get started!

How to Create a YouTube Tutorial Video: Full Guide

A video essay is an essay that is presented in a visual format instead of the conventional written method. It pretty has the same components as a standard essay, consisting of 

an introduction, a main body (which may be divided into sections), and a conclusion.

Walk through YouTube video essays, and you'll find countless videos rehashing the same tired takes. 

"The Last Jedi ruined Star Wars." "Marvel movies are formulaic."

The issue isn't having these opinions—it's presenting them as fresh insights when they're actually echo chamber repetitions. Viewers can sense when you're simply repackaging existing discourse rather than adding something new to the conversation.

But that doesn't mean your takes need to "stand out" just for the sake of it. Instead of trying to be different for the sake of being different, focus on finding a way of creating videos that only you can make. This isn't about being different—it's about being irreplaceably you.

The Secret to Standing Out as a Small YouTube Creator

Before diving into the how-to, let's clarify what we mean by "voice" in video essays. Your voice isn't about:

Copying another creator's presentation format

: Your authentic self coming through the screen

: The unique understanding you bring to topics

To develop your voice, you need to identify three core elements:

: Your areas of expertise or deep knowledge

: The unique perspective only you can provide

: Experiment with various approaches to see what feels natural. Some creators are naturally analytical, while others are more emotional; some are humorous, while others are serious.

: Initially, it's acceptable to incorporate small elements from creators you admire. Notice how they structure arguments, pace their videos, or present information. But avoid wholesale copying.

: After each video, ask yourself: "Did this feel like me? What parts felt forced? What came naturally?"

: Your voice will develop and change as you create more content. Embrace this evolution rather than trying to lock yourself into a rigid style.

Let's get on with the uncomfortable truth that many aspiring video essayists don't want to hear: 

You cannot provide insightful analysis when you have no insight.

Too many creators jump into making video essays about topics they understand only at a surface level. They watch a few other videos, read some Reddit threads, and think they're ready to contribute meaningfully to the discourse.

Before you make your first video essay, ask yourself:

Have I studied beyond surface-level takes?

Can I offer perspectives that aren't already widely available?

If the answer to any of these is "no," you're not ready to make that video yet—and that's okay.

Choosing Your Niche: Become a Student First

The path to becoming a respected video essayist starts with becoming a dedicated student. Here's how:

Choose a topic you're either deeply passionate about or willing to dedicate yourself to learning inside and out. This could be:

Film analysis (specific genres, directors, or eras)

Once you've chosen your focus, immerse yourself completely:

Take online courses from reputable institutions

Join communities of serious students and practitioners

Becoming truly knowledgeable enough to offer valuable insights takes time—often years. This isn't a shortcut to YouTube fame; it's a commitment to expertise.

The goal is to become someone with significantly more insight than the average person interested in your topic. Only then can you offer something genuinely valuable.

Your voice isn't something you can pick off a shelf or decide on in advance. As the saying goes about wands at Ollivander's, "the voice chooses the creator." Finding yours requires experimentation and patience.

The 54 Best YouTube Niches, According to Viewers

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Great Video Essay

If you've followed along so far, you now know the headspace needed to become a YouTube video essay creator. Now, let's get you ready for your first video upload!

Look at what’s already been said—and ask how you can go further

Clear structure (intro, body, conclusion)

Read it out loud—does it sound like you?

YouTube Skills: How to Become a Pro at Speaking on Camera

Get a decent mic (USB condenser mics are a good start)

Use visuals to support your points, not distract

Add transitions only where they make sense

4 Editing Hacks to Make Any YouTube Video Go Viral

What makes a good YouTube video essay? Here's everything you need to know about voice, research, scripting, editing, and building a lasting channel.

How to Create a YouTube Video Essay: Full Guide

It's a fantastic feeling when somebody subscribes to your channel. But which viewers hit that big, black button? And do they have large, popular channels of their own?

Follow these steps to see a list of recent YouTube subscribers:

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

3. On clicking the "See all subscribers" button below, a pop-up window will appear showing your recent subscribers. Adjust the date range at the top to see who subscribed in the last seven days, month, 90 days, year, or the life of your channel.

Subscribers that recently subscribed to your channel

On this panel, you will see a recent subscribers:

Creators with the most subscribers appear at the top of the list. But you can click the 

 tabs to filter the list as you please.  You can see 

your channel's live, real-time subscriber count

Want to visit a subscriber's channel? The profile icons are clickable, so simply click one to go to that creator's homepage. If you already know the creator, there's an option to subscribe to their channel, which is a nice short cut. 

Bear in mind that new subscribers will only be displayed here 

 So, you probably have more subscribers than this panel will show.

Need more information about your subscribers? 

Download vidIQ and sign up to get a full Channel Audit

 for your content. This will give you deeper insights on your channel, including more robust information on your subscribers' behaviors.

How many subscribers a commenter (underneath any video) has gained on their channel.

How many subscribers a channel has, when viewed in YouTube search results.

 to pick out channels with a certain number of subscribers.

Want to take things to the next level? Our 

 tells you which videos your subscribers watch on YouTube and the channels they're subscribed to. This gives you more data about the type of content your audience likes so you can make better videos.

Here's how you can get more subscribers as a small YouTube channel!

how to check who subscribed to your YouTube channel

Silhouette with question mark and green arrow pointing to "Who Subscribed" text in bold letters

Curious who's subscribing to your YouTube channel? Learn how to view recent subscribers and gain insights to grow your audience.

How to See Your Subscribers on YouTube

You've spent hours brainstorming video ideas. You've re-recorded that introduction more times than you care to admit. You've even fallen down the rabbit hole of "how to grow on YouTube" tutorials, convinced that the next video will unlock the secret formula. And yet, your view count remains stubbornly low.

If it sounds painfully familiar, you're not alone. The harsh reality is that creating content on YouTube is more complex than simply hitting the record button and hoping for the best. Numerous factors can sabotage your videos before they even have a chance to find their audience. And our creative wizard, John, tells you what they are in the video below.

So, without further ado, let's dive deep into 25 brutally honest reasons why your videos might be struggling to gain traction—and more importantly, what you can do to turn things around.

8 Fatal Mistakes That Can Kill Your YouTube Dreams

Before we can worry about engagement rates or watch time, we need to address the fundamental question: Are people even being shown your content in the first place? If your videos are invisible, here's likely why.

1. You're Trapped in Perfection Paralysis

Here's the uncomfortable truth: You're so busy consuming content about how to be a successful YouTuber that you've forgotten to create content. 

 doesn't reward potential or good intentions—it rewards action. Every day you spend researching is a day you're not building your presence. Upload something, even if it's just a short video. Imperfect action will always beat perfect inaction.

YouTube Shorts can be incredibly powerful, but they're also unpredictable. One short might get thousands of views, while the next barely reaches double digits. This inconsistency leads many creators to give up too quickly. 

The reality is that Shorts performance often follows a pattern of peaks and valleys. Keep uploading consistently, because the success of a later video can often revive and boost your older content.

How to Make a YouTube Short In 2025: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

If your video titles are vague and your descriptions are practically nonexistent, you're essentially blindfolding YouTube's algorithm. The platform needs clear signals to understand what your content is about and who should see it. Instead of being clever or mysterious, be crystal clear about your video's purpose and target audience.

4. You're Recycling Someone Else's Content

Re-uploading clips from movies, TV shows, or other creators might seem like an easy path to views, but it's actually a fast track to invisibility. YouTube is actively cracking down on this type of content, and even if you do get views, monetization is unlikely. Original content isn't just preferred—it's essential for long-term success.

5. Your Videos Feel Like AI-Generated Noise

While AI tools can be helpful for certain aspects of content creation

, videos that rely entirely on AI-generated images, robotic narration, and automated editing feel soulless. Audiences are becoming increasingly sophisticated at detecting this type of content, and they crave authentic human connection, not commodified automation.

Congratulations! You've managed to get your video in front of potential viewers. Now comes the second major hurdle: convincing them to actually click on your content.

YouTube's algorithm might understand your content based on metadata and past performance, but human viewers need instant clarity. If someone can't immediately understand why they should invest their time in your video, they simply won't click. Your title and thumbnail combination should answer the question "What's in it for me?" within seconds.

Artistic or abstract titles might sound sophisticated, but they're conversion killers. Your title should create intrigue while clearly communicating value. Instead of "My Journey," try "How I Lost 50 Pounds in 6 Months Without Giving Up Pizza." Specific, benefit-driven titles always outperform vague ones.

A thumbnail showing a blank expression, using dull colors, or cramming too many elements together is essentially invisible in a sea of content. Your thumbnail should instantly communicate context, emotion, and curiosity. Think of it as a movie poster—it needs to sell the story in a single glance.

The 12 Best YouTube Thumbnails People Love to Click On

Sometimes the issue isn't how you're packaging your content—it's what you're packaging. Certain topics just don't resonate with audiences, regardless of how well they're presented. Research what's trending in your niche using tools like vidIQ or by analyzing your successful competitors. Don't be afraid to pivot if a topic consistently underperforms.

Poor contrast, muddy colors, tiny fonts, and cluttered designs are thumbnail killers. Study the thumbnails in your niche that consistently get high click-through rates. You'll notice that the most effective thumbnails typically use 2-3 strong visual elements with high contrast and clear, readable text.

How To Make Attention Grabbing Custom Thumbnails on YouTube with vidIQ

You've achieved the click—a small victory! But if viewers are leaving within the first 10 seconds, YouTube's algorithm will quickly stop promoting your video. So, you need to fix the post-click experience.

While viewers might tolerate average video quality, poor lighting makes your content feel cheap and unprofessional. You don't need expensive equipment—even positioning yourself near a window or using a simple ring light can dramatically improve your video's perceived quality.

This is perhaps the most critical technical aspect of your videos. Viewers will forgive subpar video quality, but they absolutely will not tolerate bad audio. You don't need a studio-quality microphone—just something that captures clear sound without echo or background noise. Your phone's voice recorder app is often better than your camera's built-in microphone.

Your introduction isn't just the beginning of your video—it's your make-or-break moment. If you don't immediately tease the benefit, create curiosity, or promise a payoff, you'll lose your audience before they're invested. Your hook should answer the question "Why should I keep watching?" within the first 15 seconds.

Don't make viewers wait a full minute before getting to the point. Modern attention spans are shorter than ever, and if you don't deliver value quickly, viewers will find someone who does. Lead with your strongest point, then build from there.

Your viewers don't care why you haven't uploaded in two weeks or what you had for breakfast. They came for a solution, entertainment, or information. Keep your introduction focused on viewer benefits, not personal updates. Save the personal touches for later in the video when you've already provided value.

You've successfully hooked your audience, but now you need to maintain their attention until the end. Here's why viewers might be dropping off before your conclusion.

Even casual, conversational videos need internal logic and flow. Break your content into clear segments, numbered lists, or chapters. Give viewers a roadmap so they know what to expect and can follow along easily. This structure also helps with YouTube's algorithm, which favors videos that keep viewers engaged throughout.

17. You've Committed the Sin of Clickbait

If your video promised one thing but delivered something entirely different, viewers will not only leave—they'll remember the betrayal. Misleading titles and thumbnails might get initial clicks, but they'll destroy your long-term credibility and hurt your channel's performance.

Being boring is perhaps the greatest sin in content creation. Your delivery should reflect genuine excitement or care about your topic. You don't need to be over-the-top, but you should sound like you're talking to a friend you're excited to share something with, not like you're reading from a script.

19. You're Trying Too Hard to Be Someone Else

Struggling with low views? Discover 25 real reasons your YouTube videos aren’t getting watched—and how to fix each one fast.

YouTube Tips & Tricks

How To Get Serious About YouTube

The Best YouTube Thumbnail Size and Dimensions for 2025

How to Create a YouTube Video Essay: Full Guide

How to See Your Subscribers on YouTube

25 Reasons Why Viewers Are Not Watching Your Videos (And How to Fix Them)

The YouTuber’s Guide to Consistency Without Creative Burnout

3 Secrets to Improve YouTube Audience Retention

How to Make YouTube Vlogs

8 Fatal Mistakes That Can Kill Your YouTube Dreams

Do YouTube Niches Disappear?

9 YouTube Intros That Keep Viewers Watching

5 Essential Tips for Better YouTube Video Concepts