In this post, we show you how to unlock every single YouTube feature. A good place to start is by finding out what features you already have and working your way up from there. You can do this by visiting your 

, which shows you most (but not all) of your features.

When you create a YouTube channel, it's a good idea to verify the account immediately. A successful verification, from YouTube's perspective, means you probably aren't a robot ready to spam viewers and creators.

Verifying your channel unlocks basic YouTube features, including the ability to:

Choose a method to receive your verification code (text message or phone call).

Type in the six-digit code from your text message or automated voice call.

When following these steps, this is the first screen you'll see (step one): 

Unlock Every YouTube Feature for Creators

Simply verifying your YouTube account unlocks the features above. To access additional creator tools, keep reading!

One of the best ways to reach your YouTube audience is through the Community tab. We use it every day to engage with subscribers, and we find that people can't get enough of our voting polls. 

YouTube Community Tab - The Underrated Growth Tool You NEED to Use

To unlock the Community tab, you will need more than 500 subscribers. The requirement used to be 1,000, but starting October 12, 2021, YouTube will make the tab available to more creators.

Is your YouTube URL long and complicated? Something like...

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UTA0Fu8zHbPtnIgWLg5UtIN1

How would you like to have a simple address, like the one below?

https://www.youtube.com/channel/solarsystemfacts

How To Get a Custom URL For Your YouTube Channel

If so, you only need three things to set a custom URL for your YouTube channel:

Upload a profile picture to your channel.

YouTube Monetization: How to Earn AdSense Revenue

Making money on YouTube is an important milestone for many people. It helps you become a serious creator on YouTube and 

turn your channel into a brand or business

Here are the basic requirements for unlocking that journey:

Gaining 1,000 subscribers on your channel

Earning 4,000 hours of Watch Time over the last 12 months

Linking a Google AdSense account to your YouTube account

Having a channel free of active community guidelines strikes

Living in a country where monetization is available

Not having all of this in order can affect your application to the YouTube Partner Program, which is how creators get monetized.

YouTube Partner Program - How to Monetize Your Channel

Once you apply to the program, YouTube will review your channel and either reject or deny your request. If you're rejected, don't worry. You can re-apply to the program in 30 days.

YouTube Shorts Monetization: How to Earn Bonus Money

Did you know that YouTube Shorts – vertical, less-than-a-minute videos – are eligible for monetization? YouTube announced a 

 to pay creators making the best Shorts on their channels. And recently, the platform shared more good news: 

Creators can earn a YouTube Shorts bonus of up to $10,000.

Have at least one YouTube Short uploaded in the last 180 days. 

Comply with all of YouTube's rules and policies.

Create Shorts that are free of logos or watermarks from other websites.

"Each month, we’ll notify thousands of Shorts creators to claim a bonus from the Shorts Fund based on their channel’s Shorts’ performance in the previous month," YouTube states on this 

Want to know how much money creators are earning from YouTube Shorts? Watch this video to find out!

How to Enable Super Chats on YouTube (plus Super Thanks and Super Stickers)

 allow your fans to pay you during live streams. It's like receiving a small (or sometimes very large) tip to supplement your AdSense revenue. Viewers who purchase Super Chats will have their comment pinned temporarily to the top of the live stream chat. When viewers buy Super Stickers, a digital image or animation will appear in the feed.

Want to access Super Chats and Stickers on your channel?

Eligible videos that aren't age-restricted.

Here's how to turn on Super Chats and Stickers:

On the right side of the page, turn on Super Chats and Stickers.

Receiving Super Thanks revenue is another way to monetize regular YouTube videos, but the feature is currently in beta. According to this 

, certain monetizing creators have access. Stay tuned for a widespread release of this handy feature.

How to Get YouTube Stories on Your Channel

 allow you to capture micro-moments to share just like you would an Instagram Story. It's also a mobile-only feature. When you post a YouTube Story, it will expire in seven days instead of just one – the standard life cycle on Instagram.

Stories is in beta, but you can access it once you have more than 10,000 subscribers (as long as you don't have a made-for-kids channel).

There are many ways to make money on YouTube, merchandise being one of them. You may have noticed merchandise carousels appearing on channels. This is part of YouTube's direct-merchandising feature, and it takes the pain out of setting up a store yourself. 

, you must already be in the YouTube Partner Program and have 10,000 subscribers. 

A clean slate when it comes to community guideline strikes.

Videos that don't violate YouTube's monetization policies.

A channel membership allows viewers and subscribers to become members of a YouTube channel for a monthly fee. Those members get extra perks regular viewers don't receive, like badges, private live streams, and bonus videos. You can think of it as a Patreon-type service within YouTube.

Make More Money on YouTube With Channel Memberships

Here are the YouTube Channel Membership requirements:

You need a monetized YouTube channel with 1,000 subscribers and a Community tab.

You shouldn't have lots of ineligible videos that violate YouTube's policies.

YouTube features like monetization, custom URL, thumbnails, memberships, and livestreaming.

Have you unlocked every feature available to you as a YouTube creator? Here's how to get access to some of the best tools on the platform.

How to Unlock All the Free YouTube Creator Tools on Your Channel

Do you need a reliable camera to start a YouTube channel? Absolutely. But that doesn’t mean you have to go to the store and purchase one. Most of us already have a camera worth using, and we can use it to record, edit, and upload to YouTube.

5 Cheap Ways to Film YouTube Videos on Your Phone

 about why smartphones can be the best cameras for YouTube. And he knows better than anyone. Josh built his entire channel using a phone and 

 in the process. He has more than 40,000 subscribers now, proving creators don’t need the fanciest YouTube equipment.

Need more convincing? Here are five reasons to pick up your phone and record awesome YouTube videos.

1. The Best Cheap Camera for YouTube Is Your Smartphone

You don’t have to splurge on a YouTube setup that costs hundreds of dollars. There are plenty of smartphones that shoot quality footage using high megapixel cameras. Two examples are the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and recent iPhone models.

Best of all, you probably have a smartphone in your pocket or purse right now. It’s either paid in full or about to become 

 phone and not your cell phone carrier’s (when you finish the payments). That makes it the most cost-effective camera you’ll ever use.

“In the comment section of my videos, I do get certain people saying, ‘I want to start a channel, but I don’t have this or that,’” Josh says. “They feel they need all this expensive equipment, and really, you don’t.”

 using a smartphone. He shares that journey in the video below, which is pretty inspirational!

When you start a YouTube channel using your phone, creating becomes amazingly simple. You’ll use one device to shoot video, edit your footage, make thumbnails, and upload to YouTube.

“I work a full-time job during the day,” Josh says. “Ten hours of my day are already shot from my job. So if I record a video at night while I’m taking my lunch break at work, I can just pull my phone out and start editing my video.”

Also, did you know there are dozens of free video editing apps for iPhone and Android?

3. Mobile YouTube Starter Kits Are Cheaper

Have you seen some of the YouTube starter kits online? The ones that include DSLR or mirrorless cameras aren’t cheap. They can cost $600-$1,000 – a bit pricey for starting a YouTube passion project.

Mobile kits are more affordable. The accessories cost less, plus you already own the most expensive piece of equipment: a phone with a quality camera.

 to create better YouTube videos. It costs less than $150 and is a massive win for creators on a budget.

4. The YouTube Studio App Has Everything You Need

We’ll be honest. The YouTube Studio is far superior when you log in using a desktop computer versus a smartphone. But that doesn’t mean the mobile app is useless or hard to navigate.

The YouTube Studio app provides a wealth of analytics:

So, don’t worry. The YouTube Studio app has all the data you need to track your progress and 

 is more popular than a traditional YouTube video. In the early days of Shorts, creators were undoubtedly getting more views with brief, vertical videos.

How This YouTube Creator Got 1.5 Billion Views In Just 80 Days

The only problem? Few creators filmed videos with the intention of making a YouTube Short. Some would shoot on a traditional camera, then change the aspect ratio of their video to make it “vertical.” They thought, 

Maybe I can use this segment of my video to make a YouTube Short.

There’s nothing wrong with that, of course. But sometimes, it’s hard to shoot horizontally and keep vital footage in the frame when you make everything vertical later. Filming vertically from the start (with your phone) allows for better composition. 

That’s another advantage of being a mobile-first creator. There's a good chance you'll create better YouTube Shorts automatically.

How to Make a YouTube Short In 2021 - The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

If you’re a new creator, filming with a smartphone makes sense. It’s cheap, convenient, and extremely fast.

But what if you’re past that level and need to make advanced content? Here’s our guide for upgrading your YouTube equipment the right way.

Smiling man taking selfie with Tube Talk logo on dark background for video podcast.

Recording videos with your smartphone is a cost-effective way to start a YouTube channel. Here are five undeniable reasons why.

Need a YouTube Camera? 5 Reasons to Use Your Smartphone

YouTube end screens are interactive outros that appear in the last 5-20 seconds of a video. From the viewer’s perspective, they’re a fancy goodbye signaling the end of your content, complete with animations and beautiful backgrounds.

Except YouTube end screens are much more than that.

Looks aside, end screens are a tool for getting more views. And you can use them in every single video to recommend content and grow your channel.

13 Ways to Grow Your YouTube Channel Right Now!

Imagine this. When your video ends, viewers are whisked away to 

 video because they clicked a call-to-action on your end screen. Now hundreds of people have watched 

 videos on your channel instead of one. That’s how powerful these outros are for increasing views.

You can use end screens to direct viewers to:

Another YouTube channel you want to promote

An external website (but only if you’re in the 

So how do you create the right end screen for YouTube? What are the best practices to make sure your outro is engaging and click-worthy?

1. First, Make Sure Your YouTube Video is Long Enough

Your video needs to be at least 25 seconds to have an end screen. That’s easy to do if you’re like most creators. Naturally, people record for a long time and post videos spanning several minutes. Unless you’re 

3 Ways to Find the Best YouTube Video Length

Above all, don’t forget to leave space at the end of your video for an outro.

2. Use the Correct Dimensions for Your YouTube End Screen

The end screen dimensions for an HD video are 

 That’s how big the entire frame should be. If you’re shooting in 4K, bump that up to 3840px by 1260px.

Also, make sure any custom graphics in your end screen are sharp. YouTube says your images – pictures used for the subscribe button and website links – should be at least 

Check out the example below. Photography creator 

 uses a crisp self-portrait for the "subscribe" feature.

You can make a video outro in 30 minutes using a graphic design website. Some even have YouTube end screen templates,

Here are five remarkable end screen makers:

Canva is one of the better options on this list. It has plenty of design templates to choose from, like this one:

To create the best end screen using Canva:

 You can move the elements around, choose new colors, and add animations to your end screen.

 Use images that represent your channel or brand.

 Leave enough negative space so you can fit two to three videos or playlists on your end screen.

Need a quick tutorial? Here’s a video from Think Media on how to make end screens using Canva:

4. Add the End Screen to Your Video Project

Once you’ve created an end screen, you can:

the end screen into your video project (Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Davinci Resolve, etc.)

your end screen clip to the last few seconds of your video.

 to add clickable elements, such as videos and playlists.

Finished editing your video? Now it’s time to upload the footage and 

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

Next, you’ll see some templates with default positioning for interactive elements. Choose one that complements your end screen OR click 

at the top of the screen to place items (videos, playlists, etc.) wherever you like. You can add up to four elements.

Click the elements to drag them into place. Use the video timeline to determine how long each element appears on the screen.

Keep two things in mind as you experiment with end screens:

YouTube cards and video watermarks won't show up on an end screen.

Ends screens are unavailable if you have a made for kids channel.

3 End Screen Strategies That Boost YouTube Views

Creating an awesome end card for your videos is the first step to getting more views. The next step is knowing 

interactive elements to place on the screen and 

 to make viewers watch until the end. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

 to get the most out of your end screen. Viewers are overwhelmed when they see a subscribe button, three videos, and a product link at the end of your video. Simplify the options so they'll be encourage to click. 

 The less screen time you demand from viewers, the better chance you have of them making it to the end screen to click on something else.

That prompts the viewer to leave, and you don't want that. You want them to stick around, check out the end screen, and choose another video to watch.

For more details about these tips, check out the video below.

Want to create the best end screen possible? Here are some examples that effectively use all the advice in this post. Take a look, and draw some inspiration for your own channel.

Knowing how to make a YouTube outro is a valuable skill. Next up, learn how to add YouTube cards to your videos and promote extra content on your channel.

Youtube end screen template with subscribe prompt, recommended video box, and usernames.

Want to create a YouTube end screen that promotes the rest of your videos? Keep reading to discover the best end screen makers and how to craft interactive outros.

YouTube End Screens: How to Make Cool Video Outros

Before you can make awesome videos, you need irresistible ideas. It’s one of the tougher challenges of being a YouTube creator, which requires so many things already: outstanding thumbnails, excellent titles, and consistent uploads, to name a few.

But video ideas aren’t that hard to find. If they don’t come to you quickly, it’s helpful to take a step back and ask, 

4 Honest Reasons Why You're Running Out of YouTube Video Ideas

This post will help you find your creativity again. Keep reading to discover seven ways to come up with video ideas, no matter what.

1. Turn Unanswered Questions Into YouTube Videos

People watch videos for many reasons, but one of the biggest is to learn something new. That’s why the best YouTube ideas come from simple questions – how to crush a job interview, where to find farmland, 

Do any of these statements sound familiar?

 but Google isn’t showing helpful results.”

“I want to install a product I just purchased,

 but there are no video tutorials to show me how.”

“I need to see step-by-step instructions,

Chances are, you’ve been in this position before. And so have your viewers.

It’s time to put yourself in the audience’s shoes. Start by reserving an hour each week to think of questions your viewers are asking.

“This is how dozens of creators had breakout content this year showing people how to get 

 invites,” Rob Wilson, vidIQ YouTuber-in-residence, says. “A knowledgeable few took advantage of a sudden demand for crucial information.”

When you’re out of video ideas, you can play what we call the comparison game. Take a look at your YouTube niche and ask, 

What are some things viewers are interested in comparing?

Gamers might wonder whether Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Genshin Impact is more fun to play. A foreign exchange student might want to know why Duolingo, not Babbel, is the best app for learning English.

“When you take two popular things from your video topic and pit them against each other, it forces the viewer to make a choice,” Rob says. “And it divides opinion, which creates intrigue.”

“YouTube vs. Twitch: Which One Is Better For You?”

Want to get at least 10 video ideas in less than five seconds?

Go to YouTube and find the search bar at the top of the page.

Start typing a topic within your niche. It could be a product, a type of tree, a supercar, or anything your viewers enjoy.

Now type the word “vs.” YouTube will autocomplete your search, showing some of the most popular searches for comparison videos.

3. Generate YouTube Ideas with the Help of Artificial Intelligence

Do you need video ideas as a beginner on YouTube? If so, time-saving technology is your best bet. Look for apps or programs that can generate video ideas for you.

Daily Ideas from vidIQ - More Video Ideas to Spark Your YouTube Success

But that’s not the only benefit of an idea generator; it can also help you close the experience gap on YouTube. You can skip the confusion of wondering which videos to make and simply start filming like a seasoned creator.

, to get your wheels turning. It uses the power of artificial intelligence to study your channel and suggest new video ideas every day. 

4. Follow the Idea Formula: Adjective + Topic = YouTube Video

 for discovering YouTube video ideas? It's pretty straightforward. All you have to do is consider the way video titles are constructed and then work backward to brainstorm ideas.

Don’t worry about the last item just yet. You only need adjectives and topics to come up with video ideas.

Keep the list going if you can. When you have 10-15 adjectives, ask yourself, 

Which topics lend themselves well to these adjectives?

American Travel: Best Northeast Cities to Visit by Train

The Cheapest Way to Build a Home Recording Studio

Complete this exercise to find new, relevant ideas for your YouTube channel.

5. Use Your Knowledge to Create List Videos

This tip builds upon the previous one. If you can follow the idea formula (adjective + topic = YouTube video), you can expand any idea to 

Better known as listicles, these videos cover various aspects of one topic. You could film something like “10 Destinations to See Fall Foliage In America. By Train!”

Make These 4 YouTube Videos to Get Your First 1,000 Subscribers

“The real fun begins when you assign a number to the listicle because it triggers two things,” Rob says. “It sets a certain expectation in the viewer’s mind, but it also has the capacity to challenge that…. If you’re able to do a longer list than anyone else on YouTube, that has appeal in itself. But what if you could do, say, the top 10 of a listicle in three minutes? That’s nice, bite-sized, compact. That might be another reason to convince the viewer to click.”

6. Share Your Personal Story, Routine, or Experience

YouTube videos don’t always have to teach or inform – at least not directly. Sometimes you can achieve the same result by sharing a personal story.

Storytime videos are a life-saver when you’re out of content ideas. It’s easier to recite something you already know than film a complex video.

You can use any of the following formats:

 Going From a Janitor to a Wall Street Banker

That last one was a bit wonky, but you get the idea. When ideas are escaping you, use a personal story to get back on track.

Want to find the best YouTube video ideas? Here’s a simple fix: Follow current events and ongoing discussions within your niche.

Are you good at crafting ideas for YouTube videos? If your brainstorming could use some work, here are 7 tips to come up with irresistible ideas.

YouTube Tips for Creators

How to Unlock All the Free YouTube Creator Tools on Your Channel

Need a YouTube Camera? 5 Reasons to Use Your Smartphone

YouTube End Screens: How to Make Cool Video Outros

7 Tips to Craft Irresistible Video Ideas on YouTube

4 Honest Reasons Why You're Running Out of YouTube Video Ideas

How to Turn On YouTube Comments on Phone: Step-by-Step Mobile Guide

How to Change Your YouTube Channel Name

How to See Your Real-Time YouTube Subscriber Count

Make These 4 YouTube Videos to Get Your First 1,000 Subscribers

How to Use YouTube's Video Editor [2021 Update]

3 Ways to Find the Best YouTube Video Length

How To Get a Custom URL For Your YouTube Channel [2021 Update]