As the new year arrives, we want to congratulate every creator who stuck beside their channel in 2024. For all of us, this year was full of ups and downs; now it's time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t, prepare for the coming year, and stay ahead of the game. A channel refresh will help you do that and more!

Gone are the days where formulaic content that doesn't invoke a personal connect can perform greatly. In the video above, Rob discusses these ideas in detail, so watch it now! Refreshing your channel doesn’t necessarily mean a complete overhaul of it. It also doesn't imply just keeping up with trends. It's about leveraging the power of 

 analytics to drive growth in a meaningful way. 

But how do you know if your channel needs updating? Here are some signs to watch out for:

It's clear-cut. If your views dropped in 2023, your channel is losing steam and needs a refresh.

Likes, shares, comments — they're the heartbeat of any YouTube channel. Are you seeing a dip in these areas? That's a major heads-up that your channel might need intervention.

A thriving YouTube channel is like a magnet, constantly attracting new subscribers. If your numbers are stuck or, even worse, dwindling, it's a signal to switch gears. 

Comments are a goldmine for engagement. If your videos are greeted with silence, it could mean your audience's interest is fading.

Watch time is a big deal for YouTube's algorithm. If yours is on a downward trend, it might be time to shake up your content approach.

This metric tells you how much of your video viewers are watching. If it's falling, it could mean your content isn't as gripping as it used to be.

How to Kickstart More YouTube Channel Growth

In 2025, growing a successful YouTube channel requires a blend of authenticity, emotional resonance, and understanding audience preferences. YouTube's latest report, "Why We Watch 2.0," sheds light on critical strategies that creators can implement to improve engagement and viewer retention.

The report highlights varying preferences based on viewer age like the following:

 Younger audiences value originality, creativity, and educational content. They seek creators who bring fresh perspectives and teach them something new. 

 Older viewers prioritize trustworthiness and storytelling. They are drawn to content that offers meaningful narratives and reflects the creator's values.

Contrary to traditional beliefs, high production quality is no longer the defining factor for success on YouTube. 

The competition is rising on YouTube, so you have to be surgical in your method of getting more 

. In this section, we'll show you how to refresh your channel from the inside out using pure data.

Do you have several videos that are struggling to get clicks? It’s safe to say the current video title isn't working and needs a meaningful update. Maybe it doesn't speak to your viewers' core desires, or perhaps it's lacking the right keywords. Either way, a new and improved title can boost your views, especially if the topic is still relevant.

11 Ways to Write Exciting YouTube Titles for Your Videos

Pull title inspiration from viral videos on the same topic.

Use language that appeals to deeper goals and desires (not just the topic at hand).

Aim for 60-70 characters so the full title is displayed.

Similar to refreshing your titles, you might need better thumbnails if people aren't clicking on your videos. The good news is that YouTube is rolling out 

. This means you can test up to three images with different audiences, and use the one that leads to higher watch time.

How To Make Attention Grabbing Custom Thumbnails on YouTube with vidIQ

But not everyone has this tool yet. So, in the meantime, it helps to know the 

 on your channel. That could be 4%, 5%, or even a whopping 10%. No matter the percentage, you want to create thumbnails that bring in a much higher CTR, and then add them to low-performing videos.

1. Go to the YouTube Studio, then select 

2. Underneath the dashboard showing views, subscribers, watch time, and revenue, click 

See More option below youtube analytics dashboard 

3. Next to the views by content filter, choose a second filtering option: 

impressions click-through rate filter option in youtube studio content graph

4. Change the time period to the last 365 days.

time period selector for youtube content graph showing last 365 days option

Next, you'll see a list of videos, along with your channel's average CTR at the top. For example, ours is 

Now, browse the list of videos, the thumbnails beside them, and their respective CTRs. Which videos are beating the overall CTR for your channel? 

Study those thumbnails, then use similar design elements to create new images for underperforming videos.

Building a series of playlists is an easy way to get more views in 2024. So, check your content inventory. Did any videos go viral or gain more views than expected? Consider adding these newer, more popular videos to existing playlists. If you don't have any playlists on your channel, it's time to build some and take your viewers on a binge-worthy adventure.

How to Grow Your Channel with YouTube Playlists

Do you have a bunch of underperforming videos on your channel? After you've given them new titles and thumbnails, add those videos to some of your existing end screens. 

On YouTube, end screens appear in the last 5 to 20 seconds of a video, and you can use them to send viewers to more content on your channel. So, place those underperforming videos on the end screens of your 

. Just make sure the content you're recommending is relevant and make sense according to what the viewer just watched.

a youtuber pointing to an end screen element

Having done that with one of our videos, we can guarantee it works brilliantly if done correctly.

YouTube End Screens: How to Make Cool Video Outros

Preparing for YouTube growth isn't just about seeking more views. Sometimes, you only get more views when there's a high level of engagement within your wider community. And what better place to engage your fans than YouTube's own Community Tab?

To make this easy, create a bunch of posts this month and schedule them to release in January. You can post relevant memes for your audience, simple text messages, polls, GIFs, and even videos from your channel. Just be engaging, and always aim to start a conversation. In due time, this will bring 

. It got 2.3K likes and produced over 4.4k comments. That's a lot of attention!

A popular community tab post asking users how many subscribers they have

Growing your YouTube channel in 2024 isn't as hard as you think. More than anything, you just need to double down on video ideas that made people subscribe or return to your channel.

How to Get Subscriber Feedback from a YouTube Analytics Deep Dive

 in the YouTube Studio, then check the "videos growing your audience" panel. This will show you which videos are prompting viewers to return to your channel and watch more content.

Videos growing your audience tab in Creator Studio

Next, look at videos that brought in the most subscribers:

which is below the YouTube dashboard showing monthly views, subscribers, revenue, and watch time.

See more option below youtube analytics dashboard

Subscribers gained filter option on YouTube growth graph

5. See which videos attracted the most subscribers. Use those successful content buckets and storytelling formats to get more views in 2024.

A list of videos bringing in the most youtube subscribers

7. Know the Content Types that Grow Your Channel

Most creators want to know which video topics to post on their channel, but have you thought about content types? There's a panel in the YouTube Studio, "viewers across formats", that shows the percentage of viewers watching your Shorts, livestreams, and long-form videos. 

Go the Analytics section, then navigate to the 

 to see your viewership. This will help you decide which formats are worth pursuing in 2024.

viewer across formats panel in the youtube studio

Now that you have better titles, thumbnails, playlists, and an overall awareness of your best content, you can plan stunning videos for 2025. Start brainstorming ideas, using our 

 can offer more support. It plugs right into your channel, and uses your performance history to suggest video ideas and effective YouTube strategies. 

Sometimes, it's hard to move past the failures you face during content creation. But December is a time to reflect on everything that happened and seek every possible lesson to help you move forward. The content space will only get bigger and better in the following years, with 

YouTube’s brand value estimated to be around a whopping 29.71 billion USD right now.

So, capitalize on the opportunity! Use resources from this blog and the vidIQ channel to reach your goals. 



Speaking of YouTube growth, here's how to grow your channel in 2024!

YouTube video player graphic with red background

3D illustration of a video player interface with play button and red subscribe button on red background

Get ahead of other creators by refreshing your YouTube channel right now. These are the best tips to enhance video titles, thumbnails, and attract more views and subscribers in 2024.

Your Channel Refresh: How to Prepare for YouTube Growth in 2025

The holiday season is nigh, and for content creators on YouTube, it’s a prime opportunity to captivate audiences searching for festive inspiration, entertainment, and ideas. Christmas is not just the most wonderful time of the year—it’s also one of the most searched seasons on YouTube.

Whether you’re planning to create holiday vlogs, DIY decor tutorials, gift guides, or festive recipes, knowing the top trending Christmas keywords can help your videos stand out in a crowded space and connect with the millions of viewers looking for holiday content. Let's dive into the most popular Christmas-related keywords on YouTube, giving you the insights you need to optimize your content and maximize your reach during this magical season.

How to Find YouTube Keywords that Grow Your Channel

 easily tell you about the topics around Christmas that have attracted the most interest over the last 30 days. Let's see what they are to capitalize the most on the biggest holiday season of 2024 on YouTube:

vidIQ keywords related to search term "Christmas"

When Are Viewers Searching for Christmas Content on YouTube?

YouTube is one of the go-to places for content during big events--and Christmas is one of the biggest of the year. But, like other seasonal events, viewer interest in Christmas-related topics seems to pick up around this time.

, interest from YouTube viewers in Christmas content starts to peak right around the middle of December and reaches the highest during the third week of the month. If you plan to post content on this topic, capitalize on the incoming traffic!

If you've already made videos previously that you think are still relevant in 2024, make sure to update the title and description of your video. 

If you're looking for some last-minute thumbnail solutions, we've got you covered!

From the entire vidIQ community, we wish you a merry Christmas and wish you all the best with your content creation journey ahead and onto the new year! And we're here to help you with every aspect of YouTube content. 

YouTube logo covered in Christmas decorations

YouTube logo decorated with holiday lights, pine, and holly on snowy background.

Christmas is a global tentpole event for YouTube, and here are the top 10 keywords viewers are searching for about it!

Top 10 Christmas Keywords on YouTube

Uploading videos to YouTube is one of the most exciting steps in sharing your creativity, knowledge, or entertainment with the world. The butterflies, the nerves, and the seconds leading up to the final click--it's what YouTubers live and breathe for!

In the video above, Rob talks about the entire process in detail. Whether you’re a beginner or just getting back into the swing of content creation, understanding the ins and outs of uploading can set you on the path to success. 

Today, we’ll walk you through the essential steps, tips, and tools to help you confidently upload your videos to YouTube.

How to Find Winning YouTube Video Ideas in Minutes with vidIQ Remix

Before diving into video creation, let’s focus on the logistics of uploading your content. YouTube’s upload process is user-friendly, designed to cater to creators of all skill levels.

: Ensure you’re signed in with the correct account, especially if you manage multiple channels.

: On the top-right corner of your YouTube dashboard, click the camera icon with a plus sign (often labeled "Create"). Select "Upload video."

: Choose between dragging your video file into the upload window or manually browsing and selecting it.

YouTube supports a variety of video formats, including MP4, MOV, and AVI, but MP4 is generally recommended for quality and file size.

When the upload begins, YouTube processes your video in the background, but a few important initial settings need attention:

: Start by setting your video visibility to "Private" or "Unlisted." This step ensures you have time to make necessary adjustments before your audience sees the content.

: Add a working title and draft description while the upload progresses. These placeholders can be polished later.

Choosing the right visibility option ensures your video is shared appropriately:

: Ideal for drafts or testing. Only you can view the video.

: Accessible only via direct link. Perfect for sharing with collaborators before public release.

: Visible to all YouTube users. Use this option only when you’re confident the video is ready.

You should wait until the video is fully processed before making it public ensures viewers experience optimal playback quality.

As part of YouTube’s compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), you’ll need to specify whether your content is “Made for Kids.” Here’s what you need to know:

: Includes videos specifically targeting children under 13. Examples include cartoons, educational content for young audiences, or toy reviews.

: Selecting this option limits certain features, like personalized ads and comments, but ensures compliance with legal requirements.

Your title is the first thing viewers notice. A well-crafted title can significantly impact your video’s performance:

: Titles should clearly reflect the content of the video. For example, "How to Make a Perfect Cup of Coffee" is better than "Coffee Tips."

Search-Based vs. Entertainment-Based Content

: If your video is educational, include specific keywords viewers might search for. For entertainment, focus on intrigue or humor.

Thumbnails play a vital role in attracting clicks. Here’s how to design a compelling one:

: Avoid cluttered designs. A single focal point works best.

: Bold, contrasting colors catch the eye.

: Include short, readable text to reinforce the title.

Video chapters improve navigation and retention by breaking your content into easily accessible segments. Here’s how to add them:

: List key moments in your description with timestamps. This helps viewers to navigate your content better and get maximum value out of it.

: Ensure each timestamp clearly reflects its segment.

Effective descriptions can boost your video’s discoverability:

: Include important keywords naturally in the first two sentences.

: Add links to related content, sources, or your social media profiles.

YouTube SEO: How to Optimize Your Videos for Maximum Views

If you're eligible for the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), monetization can generate revenue from your videos. Here’s how to get started:

: Choose the types of ads (e.g., skippable, non-skippable) to enable on your video.

: YouTube provides a checklist to ensure your content complies with advertiser-friendly guidelines.

Transparency is key to maintaining trust:

: You can block ads from categories or websites that may conflict with your brand values.

: If your video includes sponsored content, enable the “Paid Promotion” tag to comply with disclosure requirements.

End screens guide viewers to their next destination, keeping them on your channel longer:

: Recommend one or two specific videos or playlists.

: Make it easy for viewers to subscribe to your channel.

While there's not a specific time to upload on YouTube, your channel and your audience activity has its highs and lows over the day. Here's what you need to consider getting the most out of it:

: Use YouTube Analytics to identify when your audience is most active on the platform.

: Select the "Schedule" option to publish your video automatically at an optimal time.

How to Find Out the Best Time to Publish a Video on YouTube

Now, keeping up with this checklist might look fairly tiring, especially spending excessive time on minor settings can detract from more impactful areas. And we at vidIQ believe in making the creative process simpler, so you can deliver on what's most important--making quality content. With a single subscription, vidIQ can help you with thumbnail design, generating ideas, and get personalized coaching for your growth. 

 and take your content journey to new heights! 

Before making your video public, run through this quick checklist:

 While tags were once essential, their impact has diminished. Use the

 to auto-fill the section with relevant tags.

: Check for any errors or issues in playback, audio, or visuals.

: Double-check visibility, description, and monetization settings.

: Decide whether to publish immediately or schedule for later.

Uploading a video to YouTube is more than just a technical process—it’s an opportunity to showcase your creativity to the world. If you've got an idea and you believe in it, it's time to get it out to the world and let the journey begin. Do you want to 

make your first YouTube video stand out from the rest?

Person using MacBook Pro with YouTube logo on screen and pencils on wooden desk.

In this post, you'll learn how to upload videos on YouTube studio, regardless of if you're a newbie or a veteran!

How To Upload Videos to YouTube Creator Studio in 2025

Are you looking for Black Friday deals this week? As a content creator, this is a great time to look at your production equipment and see if anything needs upgrading. For example, it might be time to invest in a DSLR camera if you started your YouTube channel with a smartphone. Or maybe your microphone is a bit old and worn out!

No matter where you're starting from, one thing is true: 

Some YouTube equipment is more critical than others.

 Small creators can drastically improve their videos with better audio, lighting, and visuals before most other upgrades. 

Even still, you probably don't want to pay $1,000 for a camera that was marked down from $1,200. So, here's the best YouTube equipment available at an affordable price!

Looking for the best camera under $500? These four entry-level options will upgrade your videos by leaps and bounds! On the list, we have DSLR cameras, point-and-shoot options, and even action cams.

The Lumix G7 has everything you need to create aesthetically pleasing videos. It offers 4K recording, at 30 fps, with a maximum focal length of 84mm. If you have to film in various conditions, you'll also love the weather-resistant design. With a 3D Lens with a 16 micro four-thirds system, you'll never miss a shot in action! Overall, the Lumix G7 is a point-and-shoot camera that goes above and beyond.

Featuring a powerful 24.1 MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ image processor, this DSLR delivers sharp, vibrant photos and Full HD videos. Its 18-55mm lens offers versatility for everyday shooting, while built-in Wi-Fi makes sharing your creations seamless. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts, the Rebel T7 combines quality, ease of use, and connectivity in one sleek package.

Action cameras pack a lot of power in a small package, and the Osmo Action 4 is no different. You get 4K video recording, a waterproof design, and a vivid touch screen for previewing your content. The camera also comes with RockSteady stabilization. Whether you're mountain biking, skateboarding, or capturing any high-movement activity, the footage looks incredibly smooth.

The GoPro HERO13 is an action camera with 5K recording and 27-megapixel resolution. It's famously small, a huge advantage for vloggers, sports enthusiasts, or anyone who needs light-weight equipment. And, if you're into water sports, the Hero12 has you covered with waterproofing technology. The camera also has HyperSmooth stabilization to smooth out bumpy rides on motorcycles, ATVs, and other wheeled vehicles.

Black Friday Microphone Deals (Under $250)

The best microphone for YouTube is one that fits your budget and produces clear audio. Start your search here with our list of Black Friday deals on microphones.

Looking for a quality microphone that fits a tighter budget? The Blue Snowball matches that description, especially for the current sale price of $39! But don't be fooled by its affordability; this is a plug-and-play mic that doesn't compromise on sound. The Blue Snowball is incredibly user-friendly, and you can use it for voiceovers, livestreaming, or basic music recordings.

This microphone is a favorite among content creators for its crisp sound quality and ease of use. It's a USB microphone that plugs right into your computer, which is pretty convenient. Best of all, Blue Yeti has several recording options, including cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo. This means you can record just about anything, from solo podcasts to interviews, music, or even a roundtable discussion. Overall, the Blue Yeti is one of the best USB mics on the market.

Compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, and Mac, the HyperX Quad Cast features four selectable polar patterns for versatile recording, an anti-vibration shock mount, and an internal pop filter for crystal-clear audio. With built-in gain control, a stunning red LED indicator, and seamless performance on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Discord, the QuadCast elevates your voice to the next level.

The Shure MV88+ Video Kit is your ticket to quality sound, all for under $300. It features a smartphone condenser microphone, which works for Apple and Android users. The full kit includes a Manfrotto PIXI tripod, a clamp for your phone, a mount, plus iOS and USB-C cables. This is the perfect solution for hands-free recording!

What's the best lighting for YouTube videos? If you're on a budget, these four options will upgrade your visuals significantly!

The cheapest light source on our list, the Godox M1 is a compact LED panel. It features RGB color options, allowing you to choose from a spectrum of colors to set the perfect mood for your videos. The M1 also has multiple lighting modes, including standard bi-color options, such as red-green and yellow-green.

The Panel Go has a slim, lightweight design that fits into almost any camera bag. But what makes this panel stand out is the ability to adjust color temperature and brightness. With those features, you can easily tweak the lighting to match your environment. Additionally, the Panel GO comes with a built-in battery, which is rechargeable via USB-C.

The BOLING Pocket LED is an excellent pick, especially if you want to light your videos for less than $100. Like other options on the list, it offers a full spectrum of colors, the ability to adjust color temperature, and a few brightness options. But this light stands out because it's specifically for 

 and has a 360-degree mount for that purpose.

We hope you found something on this list to enhance the visuals, audio, or lighting of your YouTube videos. After all, the more quality you put into your content, the more views you'll see in return!



Speaking of views, here's how to go insanely viral at the end of the year!

Cameras, lenses, and more equipment on a table

DSLR camera with lens and photography accessories on a flat surface in black and white.

Did you know there are tons of Black Friday deals for content creators? Here are the best YouTube cameras, mics, and lighting for a discount!

11 Pieces of YouTube Equipment on Sale for Black Friday

Before you post a video on YouTube, it helps to do some 

. This task reveals essential things about your video, like the popularity of your topic and the words people use to find videos like yours.

Knowing these details will help you get more views, especially now that YouTube is bursting with competition. You can use specific keywords to attract the right audience and ensure you get thousands of relevant, long-term views. And those same keywords will tell 

 what your video is about, ensuring that it appears on the right search pages.

So if you want more views, set your camera down for a while (we’ll come back to it, I promise!). For now, let’s explore the power of YouTube keyword research.

You probably hear about keywords all the time. But what are they?

On YouTube, a keyword is any collection of words people use to search for videos.

You use keywords all the time if you watch YouTube often. In fact, anything you type into the search bar is a potential keyword that helps YouTube show you the right video.

Just look at how many searches pop up when we type “iced coffee recipe.” YouTube uses

 search term to pull additional yet relevant searches we might be interested in.

A list of suggested YouTube searches for the original term "iced coffee recipe"

As per their length and usage, keywords are primarily divided into 3 main categories:

 These are longer keywords that contain several words and target a specific type of query. They don't usually have a high search volume, but people using long-tail keywords know exactly what they want to watch. "

How to Get 10 Million YouTube Shorts Views: A 90-Day Plan

" is a good example of a long-tail keyword.

 These keywords have a moderate search volume and may contain a group of words or a phrase. Many consider medium-tail keywords to be the best of both worlds because they aren't too hard to rank for. A good example here would be, "

How to Start a YouTube Channel: 10 Brilliant Tips.

 These are the most searched terms, and they have a high search volume because everyone uses them. Short-tail keywords only contain a few words. Terms like, "youtube shorts", "algorithm", "youtube monetization", etc. are great examples.

Finding the best keywords on YouTube isn’t difficult, but sometimes the process can take a while. If you’re short on time, we recommend using a 

. It cuts your research time in half by showing detailed information about various keywords, including:

An overall keyword score, which assesses keyword volume and competitiveness

And guess what? You can get all this and more from vidIQ’s keyword research tool!

 right now. Then come back to this article to learn how to use the tool and see the best YouTube keywords. 

Learn how to find powerful YouTube keywords that boost views and subscribers. Our research guide helps creators build channel keywords lists that rank higher in search.

YouTube Tips & Tricks

Your Channel Refresh: How to Prepare for YouTube Growth in 2025

Top 10 Christmas Keywords on YouTube

How To Upload Videos to YouTube Creator Studio in 2025

11 Pieces of YouTube Equipment on Sale for Black Friday

How to Find YouTube Keywords that Grow Your Channel

The Easiest Way to Get 1,000 Subscribers on YouTube

4 Reasons to Start Adding YouTube Captions to Your Videos

How to Get Verified on YouTube

How to Turn Off Age Restriction on YouTube

How to Effectively Write a YouTube CTA

YouTube Thumbnail Measurements: The Right Size for 2025

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