Any creator who knows about the YouTube algorithm has one goal, and that's getting their videos recommended to more people! They want YouTube to (finally) notice their content, identify the subject matter, and suggest it to thousands of like-minded viewers.

Your best plan of action, especially as a small creator, is to understand how YouTube recommends videos. You'll want to figure out why the algorithm promotes some content and, well...basically ignores others. Armed with this knowledge, you can answer the biggest question of all.

"Why is YouTube not suggesting my videos?"

If you're a new creator, think of your channel like a car and the YouTube algorithm like premium gasoline. Your videos are ready to be seen, but sadly, they can't reach viewers by themselves. Something has to "propel" them across YouTube. In this scenario, the energy you're looking for — or the gasoline you need — comes from the YouTube recommendation system.

But, like any car, you have to ignite the gas to start the engine. On YouTube, this kind of momentum occurs when you receive some initial views on a new video. So, as you enter a viewers' watch history, YouTube can begin to understand who your videos are for and make better recommendations. Cristos, VP of engineering at YouTube, says as much 

"The most important thing is trying to figure out which viewers would be interested in these videos. And that's something that's especially hard for new videos because we just don't have as much information about them," Cristos says.

So, don't be shy about promoting your videos

, even if you have no audience to speak of. Share them in relevant online communities, get those initial views, and train the algorithm on who your channel is for.

Promote Your YouTube Channel: 17 Tips for Small Creators

Another way to get YouTube to recommend your videos is by describing them accurately. So, think carefully about the 

 you write for your YouTube videos. That may seem like a small detail, but it helps the algorithm understand your videos and suggest them to the right viewers.

A YouTube video search result showing title and description

In fact, Todd Beaupre, head of discovery at YouTube, says that if a channel has no viewers, 

the algorithm relies on video titles and descriptions

. So, don't panic if your content has zero views. The algorithm can use and analyze metadata to place your video on a YouTube search page.

That leads to more clicks, more data for the algorithm to process, and eventually, more recommendations for your channel! Just remember to use 

 so you have a better chance of standing out.

Increasing your watch time on YouTube is the number one way to get your videos recommended. This ranking (and recommendation) signal tells the algorithm what viewers like to watch. And most of the time, 

YouTube uses watch time to make personalized suggestions

Simply put, you want viewers watching your videos for as long as possible.

5 Ways to Increase YouTube Watch Time on Any Video

Having high watch times and low drop-off rates signals to YouTube that your content is engaging, valuable, and worth recommending. So use strong, attention-grabbing hooks in the first 30 seconds to capture interest. Pace your video with frequent segmenting so the scenes fly by!

But more than that, always deliver on the promise or expectation that your title and thumbnail created.

A satisfied viewer is a happy viewer, and the algorithm knows this. So, to get your video recommended on YouTube, you need lots of engagement from your audience. After all, YouTube is looking at likes, dislikes, share rates, and survey responses when deciding which videos to suggest.

It never hurts to ask viewers to "like" and "share" your videos with a sincere call-to-action. But beyond that, how do you make satisfying content that people naturally engage with?

You want people to view your content as life-changing, sensational, inspiring, and other feel-good descriptors. That way, they will feel moved to give you a like or share your video.

mastering the art of YouTube storytelling

. Making viewers laugh or cry is an underrated way to create a suggested video on YouTube!

Other Ways to Get Your YouTube Videos Recommended

The tips above will help you appear on viewers' home pages and next to videos they're already watching. But there's more you can do to kick start the algorithm and grow your channel:

Make timely videos so YouTube can suggest yours when a hot topic is exploding.

Focus on audience retention (especially in the first 30 seconds) to boost your watch time.

Now that you understand YouTube's algorithm for suggested videos, here are 10 things every small YouTube channel can improve!

A phone showing the youtube logo next to the youtube homepage on a desktop computer

YouTube homepage displayed on laptop screen with YouTube app open on smartphone.

How does the YouTube algorithm work — specifically, the recommendation engine that promotes videos to billions of viewers? Keep reading to find out and grow your channel!

YouTube's 'Suggested Videos' Algorithm: How to Crack It

The landscape of YouTube is shifting, and while 

 (like animation, voiceovers, or screen-recorded tutorials) can surely find its niche, there's something unmistakably compelling about vlogging. It's raw, and it's personal. If you do a good job of it, the audience feels seen and heard and finds value in spending time with you!

While we’re the last people to deny the benefits of AI

 and similar tools that can help streamline the content creation process for faceless channels, it’s still early. And, for some of you, perhaps even harder than you think. Here are 5 reasons why.

While automation and AI are rapidly advancing, there's an irreplaceable value in human connection. Our brains are wired to recognize and respond to faces. When viewers see your expressions, your gestures, and your real-life reactions, they establish a stronger connection with you than they could with a collection of 

Man doing the peace sign with fingers while vlogging

This isn’t just sentiment — it’s science! Ever heard of 

? They’re the little wonders in our brains that make us yawn when someone else yawns. By showing your face, you're giving your audience's mirror neurons a reason to fire, allowing them to literally feel more connected to you.

So, from a psychological perspective, viewers feel more involved in your content. This helps you 

If you’re using music, images, and stock videos from third-party platforms on the internet, then copyright strikes are a very real concern that you need to keep in mind. You may take a thousand precautions, but it can still be hard to save your channel from Content ID claims.

By definition, this problem is significantly more likely to happen to faceless channels. And if you’re not careful enough, it may result in the termination of your channel.

On the other hand, if you’re a blog channel, you can shoot your own b-rolls, and have more control over what you want to show and how you want to show it.

Copyright Claims vs. Copyright Strikes: Here's the Difference

3. You Can Easily Reinvent or Explore New Content

Faceless content can, at times, trap you in a specific genre or style. Vlogging, however, is as varied as the human experience.

One day you might be documenting a solo hike, and the next, you're diving into a DIY project or sharing a candid chat about mental health. Vlogging doesn’t box you in — it invites variety. It's like being given a blank canvas every time, allowing your content to be as multifaceted as you are.

Wait a second! Isn’t vlogging supposed to be complex with all the camera setups, and aren't faceless channels supposed to be automated?

Well, yes and no. When you vlog, you remove several layers of abstraction. You get to be the primary focus, and the world around you is your backdrop. With the rise of smartphones with impeccable camera quality, vlogging can be as simple as 'point, shoot, and share'. Plus, let’s be honest: Setting up a tripod and chatting feels way more organic and less staged.

On the other hand, automated content may look easy on paper, but it isn’t always correct. Since a lot of AI tools are still new, they cannot do the job alone. So, almost every instance of AI usage on your videos requires you to add finishing touches. This might result in you having to expand your skillset significantly or having to spend more on professional services.

Brands love faces. With vlogs, you become a recognizable personality, not just a channel. This opens doors to brand endorsements, collaborations, and other monetization opportunities that rely on personal influence.

Also, viewers are more likely to trust a product or service recommended by someone they ‘know’. By transitioning to vlogging, you’re essentially humanizing your brand, making endorsements and promotions feel more like friendly recommendations (instead of advertising).

The shift to vlogging is more than just a change in content format; it's a commitment to authenticity, growth, and building profound connections. 

And it seems like YouTube wants creators to prioritize that mindset.

So, why not give it a shot? Your future self, with a treasure trove of memories, stronger brand partnerships, and an engaged community of viewers, will thank you. Remember, on YouTube and in life, sometimes the best way to move forward is to step out from behind the curtain and let the world see you shine.

So, here's how to build the right mindset for YouTube success!

Young woman smiling and recording video with smartphone on tripod indoors at home

Explore why vlogging on YouTube trumps faceless content in human connection, personal growth, and branding potential and why you should make the switch!

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

If you’re a small creator on YouTube and have been at it for a while now, you probably know that content creation is harder than it looks! So, before the frustration takes over, we want to share some quick fixes to make 

 YouTube channel better — no matter the niche or audience!

Here are 10 often-overlooked improvements for the budding creator:

One of the most underrated ways to take your content to next level is by improving them aesthetically. Getting solid knowledge of frame rates and using the proper frames for your videos can help you over the longterm!

Most creators start with the default 30fps (frames per second), but switching to 24fps can give your videos a cinematic feel. Conversely, if you're creating sports or gaming content, bumping it up to 60fps can create a smoother, crisper visual experience. The key is knowing which rate suits your content best.

Ever tried watching a video with terrible audio? It's a challenge. Invest in a good microphone, and don’t forget about post-production. Tools like Audacity or Adobe Audition can help you clean up and balance audio, ensuring viewers aren’t constantly adjusting their volume.

Community is a major facet for many channels, irrespective of their size. For years, the YouTube Community tab has helped creators stay in touch with their audience, especially if they do not publish videos regularly.

Stay in touch with viewers by hosting challenges or projects where your subscribers can participate. Whether it's a photo challenge, a short story contest, or DIY craft submissions, you'll give viewers a sense of belonging by  building a real community.

How to Use the YouTube Community Tab and Engage with Viewers

Yeah, yeah — you’ve heard it a million times before, but if there’s anything on YouTube that you can 

 stop improving, it's titles and thumbnails.

Think of thumbnails as the book covers of YouTube. A custom thumbnail that is vibrant and attractive usually tells a story of its own, or at least poses a question. Use tools like Canva or Photoshop to add some flair without making them too cluttered.

Your video’s title informs the viewer why they should watch it, so it needs to be compelling too. By using words that stir up the right emotions, you can increase the chance of your video getting clicked on, watched, and liked.

Watch this video to learn more!

Use cards and end screens effectively. Instead of just pushing viewers to any other video, guide them to content that complements what they've just watched. This increases the likelihood they'll stay on your channel longer.

The more specific you are with your choice of video, the more likely it is for a viewer to go on a binge session of your content, thereby increasing the likeliness that they'd subscribe!

Before hitting record, have a clear outline or storyboard. This ensures your content is cohesive and reduces editing time. It might seem tedious, but the clarity it brings to your production process is invaluable.

Storyboarding isn't something we're all familiar with, so here's a crash course on 

Every few months, try something completely out of your usual content style. It could be a silent vlog, a documentary-style piece, or even a fictional narrative. Experimenting with different ideas not only keeps your audience intrigued, but also challenges you as a creator.

The trick is to make something that your audience cares about. No matter what format you choose, you can make content that your audience would like if you understand why they watch your videos.

While it's common to ask viewers to like and subscribe, personalize your CTAs. Share a fun fact, ask a question related to the video content, or engage them in a unique way before 

While most creators check views and subscriber counts, deep diving into watch time, audience retention, and playback location can offer insights into what's working on your channel (and what's not). This isn't just number crunching; it's about understanding viewer behavior.

Some data can tell you what your audience explicitly isn’t saying with words, and it’s important to have an understanding of that. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with the link below!

How to Get Subscriber Feedback from a YouTube Analytics Deep Dive

In this age of content creation, having the right skills to do the job isn't enough—no, not for the longterm. As a creator, it helps when you're willing to learn more about YouTube and update your knowledge as needed to make better content.

The digital space is ever-evolving. Dedicate time each month to learn something new, whether it's a video editing technique, a storytelling method, or the latest in camera tech.

YouTube Is Challenging, But You Can Do it!

, and the competition is fierce. That's why standing out requires more than just creativity. It's about fine-tuning the technical aspects, understanding your audience, and constantly evolving. These tips are not exhaustive, but they're often overlooked in favor of more generic advice.

It's okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes, but don't stop learning and improving! Stay curious, keep experimenting, and remember why you started creating in the first place. And remember to 

Young woman with headset recording video blog indoors with camera and laptop nearby

It's time to improve your YouTube channel with actionable insights. Dive into the 10 the best strategies to enhance your video quality, viewer engagement, and YouTube views.

10 Things Every Small YouTube Channel Can Improve

"Why am I not getting views?" is a common question among YouTube creators. If you wonder the same thing, we understand your frustration in trying to 

 that just won't budge. The road gets rocky, and seeing your views go completely stagnant is no fun.

. There are ways to revive a YouTube channel, and each one brings enormous benefits, including:

Getting views on videos that never took off

The first step to reviving your channel is understanding why your content doesn't get views. And there could be 

 many reasons, from targeting the wrong audience to neglecting 

In most cases, a YouTube channel audit will sort things out. This is a lengthy process where you analyze thumbnails, video titles, visual storytelling, and countless other assets surrounding your content. From there, you can determine what's working and what isn't.

How to Do a YouTube Channel Audit: A 10-Step Checklist

On the flip side, we wouldn't be good educators without giving you a little head's up: YouTube audits are time-consuming! That's why we created AI Coach, a friendly co-pilot that does the auditing 

 uses your channel's data to suggest a range of YouTube strategies for massive growth. It does this by first analyzing your popular content. Within seconds, you'll receive a list of ideas and clean-up strategies to improve your channel.

Ask AI Coach a simple question about your channel, such as:

AI Coach from vidIQ thinking about a YouTube creator's question

When we asked this question, we got a 5-point plan to improve the vidIQ channel:

AI Coach's response while analyzing a YouTube channel: cater to your target audience

2. Make more videos that mirror your best: 

"Small Channels: DO THIS to DOUBLE YOUR Subscribers in 5 Minutes!"

AI Coach's response to a creator's question: Double down on successful videos

10 Essential Tips for Small YouTubers to Boost Their Channel

How to Create Eye-Catching Thumbnails That Drive Clicks

The Ultimate Guide to YouTube SEO for Small Channels

AI Coach's responds to a creator's question with videos ideas

AI Coach tells a creator to engage with their audience via polls and comments.

AI Coach suggests to a creator that they make shorter videos

Do you want the AI Coach to analyze your channel? 

Click here to sign up for free and get the answers you need!

2. Update Your Video Titles and Thumbnails

If you're a regular here, you know first impressions are everything on YouTube. Managing this side of creator life isn't difficult, though; just update your titles and thumbnails so viewers can think good thoughts about your content.

For example, tweaking a thumbnail even slightly changes viewers' perception of a video. In fact, MrBeast uses this trick to breathe new life into older videos, helping them get more views in the future.

Also, remember to rewrite your video titles now and then. That's a 

 when it comes to re-engaging viewers and winning more clicks after years of stagnation. It never hurts to test new titles on an older video, especially one that's flatlining!

While we're on the subject of "first impressions," here's another way to bring your channel back to life: Update the homepage!

Try to focus on high-value areas, like featured sections that not only explain your channel's purpose, but also drive visitors to your best content.

The featured section on YouTube is basically a holding place for 

 — and for good reason! Clicking on a playlist can start a binge session, and you need that extra watch time to 

send positive signals to the YouTube algorithm

. That way, YouTube will know your channel is active again or at least catching viewers' attention, prompting the algorithm to recommend your videos.

An arrow pointing to a playlist in vidIQ's featured section

Want a quick tip? Make playlists that align with your viewers' interests. As YouTube educators, we focus on channel growth when building a featured playlist:

YouTube monetization and the Partner Program

If none of these steps work for you, it's time to consider rebranding your channel.

Maybe your niche is so narrow that viewers just aren't interested in the topic. Or maybe your niche is so broad that you're getting crushed by competition from thousands of creators.

Either way, you can fix it with a channel rebrand. 

Changing the name of your YouTube channel

Person holding a DSLR camera by a calm lake, ready for outdoor photography session

Whether you've taken a long break or struggled to get views, you can always revive your YouTube channel. Here are 4 simple steps!

4 Steps to Revive a Stagnant YouTube Channel

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

 exist on YouTube, and for once, we aren't talking about MrBeast!

, a YouTube creator and strategist. He started his channel with a friend back in 2018 (

) and was tasked with brainstorming viral, must-see videos. But where others may have taken years, Jamie only needed days. His second idea, "We Entered the World's Strangest Sport," got 

That sparked four years of fame, success, and virality. In fact, the channel is still thriving with over 1 million subscribers and 180 million views.

So, how does Jamie create viral ideas? He does a little something called 

. It's the art of finding patterns and trends within a successful video, then using them to brainstorm 

According to Jamie, there are three ways to extrapolate great ideas:

 Tweak an idea that's already working on YouTube.

 Build an idea around the emotional triggers in popular content.

The last thing you want to do is copy another creator's work, so try to pull inspiration from your own channel. Jamie recommends finding a video idea that performed well, then tweaking one thing about it to develop a new concept.

We use this strategy often at vidIQ, and it definitely works. For example, one of our videos — "Small Channels: Do This to Double Your Views in 5 Minutes" — got over 700,000 views. We wanted to 

 on that brilliance, so we remixed the idea using direct extrapolation.

To shake things up, we tweaked the concept to emphasize 

 rather than views. Our new title, "Small Channels: Do This to Double Your 

Combining two ideas is an easy way to make a popular video. With such a dynamic approach, your content is sure to stand out on YouTube and 

bring in hundreds or even thousands of views

Again, let's use the vidIQ channel as an example. Our viewers love watching videos about YouTube growth, but more specifically, they flock to these video titles:

"This Is the Biggest YouTube Update in Years": 67,000 views

"YouTubers, Do This and The Algorithm Will Love You": 232,000 views

When we blended these ideas, we created a video titled "Algorithm Update: Did This Stop You from Getting Views?" It did even better than the first two, raking in 

! Our strategy of mixing hot topics — YouTube updates and algorithm advice — paid off instantly.

3. Borrow Emotional Triggers from a Successful Video

This strategy is advanced, but it works wonders if you can pull it off.

Before you can go viral on YouTube, you need an idea that appeals to the masses. Here are 3 ways to build that winning concept and snag a viral video!

YouTube Tips & Tricks

YouTube's 'Suggested Videos' Algorithm: How to Crack It

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

10 Things Every Small YouTube Channel Can Improve

4 Steps to Revive a Stagnant YouTube Channel

From Viewer to YouTube Creator: How to Make the Switch

3 Ways to Discover Viral YouTube Video Ideas

4 Editing Hacks to Make Any YouTube Video Go Viral

The Secret to Standing Out as a Small YouTube Creator

The Truth About AI: Can YouTube Automation Ruin Your Channel?

How to Build the Right Mindset for YouTube Success

5 AI Tools to Edit YouTube Videos Quickly

How to Use the YouTube Community Tab and Engage with Viewers