"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.

First, study the YouTube channels within your niche. You're looking for popular videos that could have easily gone on your channel, or at least, videos that align with your core topic.

 in those videos, such as fear, nostalgia, or curiosity.

Once you have those puzzle pieces, build an idea using the same triggers from the video(s) you analyzed.

 went viral using a combination of triggers, like fear and curiosity. She ended up getting over 800,000 views with the title "10 Regrets After Moving to The Villages, FL."

And guess what? We used the same combination of triggers to build a fantastic idea: "5 Mistakes that Send Your Channel to YouTube Hell." It got 

because it pressed on a real fear and made viewers curious at the same time!

No matter which technique you use — direct, indirect, or abstract extrapolation — choose ideas that align with your channel. After all, you want to 

 so they keep coming back to watch more videos!

Need a few pointers? Watch this video for a detailed guide on crafting good ideas (that are original and not stolen from others!).

 have to come up with YouTube ideas. Artificial intelligence can do the heavy lifting for you and return precious brain power (and time) to your life. So if you have access to AI content tools, use them!

 is one of those power tools, and it's a great option if you want personalized video ideas for your channel. With this AI helper, you'll get new ideas every day that you can save for later or dismiss anytime.

Want to try it out? Sign up for a free vidIQ account and let the ideas flow!

Teen YouTuber filming a video in his room

Teen sitting on bed holding smartphone on selfie stick in modern bedroom interior

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!

3 Ways to Discover Viral YouTube Video Ideas

As a YouTube creator, you're not just a filmmaker — you're a storyteller. But what if your videos aren't getting the traction they deserve? 

What if your story isn't reaching the audience it should?

One way to fix this problem is by working on your 

. It all starts with knowing how to edit your videos for maximum watch time and interest!

Imagine you're a viewer on YouTube. What is the first thing you see when you click on a video (minus the occasional advertisement)?

Whatever your answer is, it can be summed up with two words: 

A visual hook is an engaging element at the beginning of your video that grabs your viewer's attention and keeps them watching. It doesn't have to be flashy or extravagant. But it must be urgent (happens within the first few seconds) and interesting.

Today, YouTube shows a preview of your video when someone stops to scrolling to examine it. That's why you 

 great hooks. Visual hooks can combine funny scenes, superb acting, B-roll, and more, which work together to captivate the viewer.

Woman watching a YouTube Short on her phone

In the modern age of YouTube, visual hooks will help you stand out as a small creator amongst passive scrollers. Plus, a good hook in a YouTube Short might prevent the viewer from scrolling away!

18 Viral Video Hooks for YouTube Shorts [Proven Hacks]

Cutting, in its simplest form, is transitioning from one shot to another. It's the invisible thread that weaves your story together, guiding your viewers from one scene to the next.

There are several types of cuts, and each one serves a unique purpose:

: A basic cut that transitions one shot to another. 

: Brings the viewer closer to the action or subject, focusing their attention on a specific detail.

: Shifts the viewer's attention away from the main action to provide context or additional information.

For example, imagine watching a surfing video. If the shot transitions from a man mounting a surf board to him paddling out to sea, that's a straight cut. If all you can see is his body, a cut-back would give you a zoomed-out view of the sky and ocean. But a cut-in, for instance, might show the water splashing around his board.

A low-angle view of a man surfing. There's a cut-in to show his feet on the board

. They are the subtle, yet powerful techniques that keep your viewers engaged, creating a rhythm and momentum in your video that keeps them watching from start to finish.

3. Use Motion and Different Camera Angles

Did you know that the average attention span is now officially less than that of a goldfish? While 8 seconds might seem like nothing on paper, it can feel like an eternity on a static screen. 

Motion, in general, makes your video more engaging. Every so often, you should 

 or show different angles.

You can do a low-angle shot for dramatic effect.

Low angle shot of a man looking up at buildings

Or, try a high-angle shot to get the bird's-eye-view.

high angle shot of two people playing tennis

But when it comes to camera motion (or gentle camera shake), you have some wiggle room to play around with. You can either pan the camera every so often while filming, or simulate those movements in post-production. The latter is an advanced editing skill, but it's a good back-up plan if you're willing to learn!

B-roll is additional footage that you can use to break up the monotony of your main footage. It adds depth to your videos and keeps your audience engaged. Plus, B-roll works well in both educational and entertainment videos (but don't overdo it)!

In many YouTube videos, we see B-rolls that feel forced. This can actually create an unpleasant viewing experience, so make sure to use B-roll only when it’s a good opportunity to tell a better story and create a better video overall!

How to Film Engaging B-Roll for YouTube Videos

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

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

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

A man editing a video on a desktop computer

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

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

4 Editing Hacks to Make Any YouTube Video Go Viral

For just a moment, let's forget about the growth tips we normally discuss, like using the right keywords, designing thumbnails, and finding the perfect video title. They're crucial on YouTube, but you need more than that to stand out in 2023. These days, it's more important to know 

In other words, what perspective will you bring to YouTube? Turning your small channel into a big one happens much faster when you have something to say and when you target the right viewers.

3 Mistakes to Avoid if You Have a Small YouTube Channel

But by now, you probably know that any old perspective won't cut it on YouTube. It must be 

. Your viewpoint should draw people in and bind them to your channel. It should connect people to you and not just your content.

How to Find Your Unique Perspective on YouTube

Male YouTuber filming a low angle shot in an alleyway

This will sound a bit cliché, but we have to say it: Unique channels are run by creators who know how to be themselves.

You've probably heard that before, but it's 100% true. We don't think of someone as "unique" until they dare to be themselves, and that takes a lot of authenticity — 

So, how do you build a unique perspective? We've seen it happen in multiple ways:

Combine two interests to create an uncommon YouTube niche.

Share your personal story or your life's mission.

Let's play a game real quick. Grab a pen and paper, and then write down all the hobbies and interests you could talk about on YouTube. When you're done, combine any two interests and see how they fare as a YouTube channel topic.

What's the point of doing this? Well, you'll notice that the most interesting channels are pretty unconventional. 

, a channel that reviews the most basic stuff, is the perfect example. Their latest video is a review of cats and their existence, and before that, they reviewed air, water, and anxiety.

Mikasacus has a unique perspective, which is

 — to dull things, common things, hidden things, or, frankly, everything. To illustrate that point, they combine the idea of "video reviews" with the practice of extreme observation. And a new YouTube niche was born: uncommon reviews.

A common misconception is that small creators shouldn't share their personal stories on YouTube — just search-based content. And sure, maybe you don't have thousands of viewers just yet. But if a story connects with 

, it doesn't matter if you're virtually unknown. You can still hook people with relatable content.

. He makes vulnerability a habit by opening up to his audience about his past, explaining his life choices, and encouraging others to hang on through tough times. His latest upload is about choosing a plant-based lifestyle, and it has all the ingredients of a soon-to-be viral video. There's 

 no matter what happens. And his subscribers (180,000) seem to agree.

You're bound to stand out if you do things nobody one else can do. That's why 

, a creator who does elaborate challenges, is so famous today. His main channel has 169 million subscribers, but that wasn't always the case! MrBeast was once a small creator who stood out by doing the impossible on YouTube.

In fact, he first went viral for counting to 100,000 in one sitting!

It was hard. (Seriously, who has the patience to count to 100,000?)

Nobody expected it, so the video caught people by surprise.

You could argue that MrBeast has a unique perspective, but it's not about wild challenges and stunts. He's telling us that 

You've probably heard this a million times:

"The number one way to stand on YouTube is by making content people are searching for."

And while that's correct, it's also true that thousands of people are doing the same thing.

On YouTube, 10,000 videos can share the same keywords. They're in the video title, description, hashtags, or all three. But the 

 video — the one YouTube recommends to viewers — stands out because it's satisfying.

. Use the best keywords, hashtags, and thumbnails in your arsenal. But also, make sure your video has an original, authentic message. That's going to bring 

Female YouTuber vlogging in public on a smartphone

Young woman recording vlog with smartphone and microphone in urban outdoor setting

Getting people to notice you on YouTube is simple in theory but difficult in practice. Let’s explore why (and how) small channels become big ones.

The Secret to Standing Out as a Small YouTube Creator

If you're reading this, you've probably heard that YouTube automation is the best thing since the internet itself. There are stories of creators making $10,000 

 by outsourcing the creative work for their channel, including video scripts, thumbnails, editing, or sometimes the actual videos!

And best of all? The creator doesn't have to do anything. They don't appear in the videos or lift a finger in the process.

This is nothing new, of course. YouTubers have outsourced their work for years and will continue to do so in the future. The only thing that's changing is 

and there are two types of people in the AI world:

YouTube automation is hot right now, but does it pose any risks to your channel? Spoiler: It depends!

YouTube Tips for Creators

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

From Burnout to Bliss: Prioritizing Mental Health as a YouTuber

8 Ways to Help Viewers Subscribe to Your YouTube Channel

How to Film Engaging B-Roll for YouTube Videos

Understanding Viewers: 6 Steps to Build an Audience Persona on YouTube