Do you have a list of video ideas you're dying to shoot? Well, not so fast: You have some work to do before those ideas become popular YouTube videos.

After all, these concepts are somewhat new to you. 

 It's better to be skeptical of your ideas and put them through a validation process. For example, is your next video timely enough to get thousands of views? Will your subscribers appreciate the topic? Does the idea stand out from similar YouTube videos?

There's only one way to find out for sure. Here's how to test your ideas and see if they're worth pursuing on YouTube.

Some videos get more views because they're posted at the right time. Knowing this, it makes sense to ask a few questions before hitting the record button. For example, 

This is typically the case with holiday content. You wouldn't expect a turkey and dressing tutorial to go viral on Halloween because its still "spooky season." Viewers are clicking on videos about candy, costumes, and Halloween games. If you post the same video closer to Thanksgiving ⁠— when turkeys are top of mind ⁠— you'll get more views.

But trends come in all variations, not just the holiday kind. That's why checking 

 is an excellent way to discover what's hot and what's not. You can view trending topics worldwide or search any term to see how popular it is now versus other time frames.

For example, the Nascar Cup Series is happening this month. Google Trends shows that "Nascar race today" was searched heavily in the last few days.

2. Did You Ask Viewers What They Want to Watch?

The days of guessing what viewers want to watch are long gone. If you have 500 subscribers, you can ask them directly using the 

The Community tab is a social network inside of YouTube itself, and you can post images, videos, GIFs, and more. But the best part? 

to collect viewers' opinions of what they would or wouldn't watch.

We do this often on the vidIQ channel. If we don't know which angle to take for a video, we leave the final decision to the viewers!

3. Did You Bring a Fresh Perspective to a Popular Topic?

These days, YouTube is more competitive than ever. Thousands of channels dominate the most popular topics on the internet, from gaming to beauty to music.

But all's not lost. You can penetrate a saturated niche with solid YouTube research.

 that already exist for the topic. Ask yourself what's good about those videos and what's not so great about them. Overall, you're trying to 

see what's missing from the conversation 

Need an example? Watch the first 20 seconds of this video, "NFTs, Explained."

Johnny Harris doesn't begin the video by introducing himself or his channel like most finance creators. Instead, he strings together news articles and broadcasts about non-fungible tokens. Everything is moving quickly, and there's the sound of a ticking clock ⁠— or perhaps a bomb about to explode. It's intriguing, hard to click away from, and most importantly, 

4. Did You Personalize the Experience for Viewers?

Don't forget to consider your audience when you're testing video ideas. Each one should connect with them personally and not a broad group of viewers.

 says personally-relevant content is more important than viral videos, according to YouTube's Culture and Trends Report. That's a revelation in the era of viral TikToks and YouTube Shorts.

making personalized content is essential.

 After you've done everything you can to 

 and trending topics, the only thing left is…you. Your personality (and relatability) is the tie-breaker that keeps viewers on your channel instead of someone else's.

Here's how to understand viewers and create a bond with them:

Learn what they like, dislike, and dream of in their daily lives.

Talk to them on the YouTube Community tab.

Join the Facebook, Discord, or Reddit communities they love.

Take the insights you learn from this journey and weave it into your content. That will help you make better, more relevant videos for your audience.

And while you're at it, here's a guide for coming up with amazing video ideas.

Woman with camera and lenses inspecting photos at a white desk with a laptop and notebook

Some video ideas will bring you views, and others will hardly scratch the surface. Here are 4 ways to test your YouTube ideas before you film them.

How to Test a YouTube Video Idea Before You Start Filming

Not long ago, YouTube released a tool that shows 

. It was initially rolled out to YouTube Premium subscribers, but now it's available for all mobile and desktop viewers.

This feature is a huge step forward for 

. Instead of pressing play and not knowing what to expect, anyone can see the best part of a video and fast-forward to that scene.

So, what's the catch? Well, it's not exactly geared toward video creators. That same tool lets viewers skip around, see the good stuff, and leave your video prematurely.

upside. The most replayed tool shows you which scenes viewers loved the most. Studying those moments will help you understand what excites your audience and hopefully make better content.

YouTube's new tool shows more than just the popular parts of a video. In fact, the first thing you'll notice is a graph flowing up and down on your video's timeline. It shows the most 

 least popular moments within your content.

This graph only appears when a viewer seeks through your video to find different scenes. And as they do, they'll eventually reach a section where the graph peaks. This high point is called 

— the scene or collection of scenes viewers watched repeatedly.

At that moment, YouTube shows three things on the screen:

A thumbnail preview of the most replayed segment

How to Use 'Most Replayed' Insights to Make Better Content

After you identify popular segments, it's time to figure out why they're popular in the first place. What made people return to those scenes? Why were they more valuable than others?

Here are three questions to ask yourself:

Did people press rewind because something happened too quickly?

Did I introduce an interesting element, like a chart, graph, or cool editing sequence?

Number three has happened several times on the vidIQ channel. We've introduced a problem, offered a solution, and hoped that would be enough to satisfy viewers. But with the most replayed tool, we don't have to 

 something is working; we can confirm by hovering over the video's timeline!

For example, in our older video about how to get 1,000 subscribers, the most replayed scene offers a solution to that problem. We talked about a YouTube tool that shows which videos 

. Knowing this detail is the first step to gaining more subscribers, so it's an excellent solution for beginner creators.

Watch the segment below to see its value:

Why viewers loved this "most replayed" section:

Instead of us just talking about the tool, viewers get to see what it looks like and hear why they should use it.

It solves the never-ending problem of turning new viewers into subscribers. That creates a long-term impact.

Do this exercise on your channel and see what you come away with. Maybe you'll discover that viewers love comedic moments, rare insights, or crazy stunts. Whatever it is, be sure to add more of it to your content.

Will This Tool Affect Your Channel's Watch Time?

OK, it's time to address the elephant in the room. If viewers already know the best part of your video, why would they watch the entire thing? And will this tool slowly reduce 

Not quite. YouTube has been testing this tool for a while, and there are no issues so far.

"We heard concerns from creators that this feature would decrease watch time or negatively impact some content types. The good news is that in our experiment, we found that there's no statistically significant impact to watch time from showing these graphs," says Pierce (YouTube product manager) in a 

To learn more about the most replayed tool, watch the video below:

Is the most replayed tool a gift and a curse for creators? It could be. But knowing your audience through and through is one way to keep growing despite platform changes.

Here's a guide for creating the exact videos subscribers want to see.

Person watching a motorcycle video on smartphone while sitting on a purple blanket indoors

Which part of your video do viewers love the most? A new YouTube tool shows that exact moment, but there’s just one catch: Your audience can see it too.

How to See the Most Replayed Scenes from Your YouTube Video

If you do YouTube long enough, you begin to understand what makes viewers…well, view. A bold thumbnail with lots of shock value is bound to make people curious. A mysterious title with a hint of emotion does the trick too.

On YouTube, the worst thing you can do is be 

Writing video titles that are all "topic" and no emotion

Creating thumbnails with no glitz or glamour

You see, there has to be a little magic — a stretching of the truth. When viewers see your title and thumbnail, they should feel like a kid at Disney World: unable to look away.

And how do you do that? With clickbait, of course.

This strategy gets a bad rap on YouTube, but it's actually quite helpful when done tastefully. Most would agree that you need a little clickbait to pique viewers' interest, make them click, and have a real shot at satisfying their needs.

So here's why thoughtful clickbait is enjoyable for everyone (and boosts your views).

MrBeast's Bank Robbery Video: An Example of Good Clickbait

When you read this video title from MrBeast, you understand two things:

A group of people will try to rob a bank.

 stage a robbery? Probably not, but that's beside the point. What's appealing to viewers is the 

 it could happen. And if that chance is low already (because robbing a bank means real jail time), the next question is, what will the video actually show?

We see a bright pile of money, a bank vault, and MrBeast hanging from a stealth rope. This image, combined with the video title, creates a shock value that makes people click.

. MrBeast has designed a video set that 

 like a bank, and contestants are trying to win an organized competition. 

Does that mean the title and thumbnail are "bad" clickbait? Not quite. 

As a quick test, watch the video below and ask yourself, 

If this were bad clickbait, you would feel those effects.

The video is close to the original topic in the title and thumbnail. There's a robbery of some kind, even if it's technically fake.

No one feels misled. In fact, viewers are leaving positive comments.

The video has 7 million views and counting; the clickbait is working.

So, yes, the bank is fictional, but millions of viewers are satisfied nonetheless. That's a sign of good clickbait.

If good clickbait matches viewers' expectations, bad clickbait does the opposite. It makes a video seem wildly inaccurate or deeply unsatisfying for what was promised.

The video doesn't match its title at all.

The title and thumbnail allude to something that happens for mere seconds in the video.

The title has sensational phrases like, "you won't believe this" or "will make you cry," as if ALL viewers have similar emotions/reactions.

Dozens of comments calling the video what it is: clickbait.

Think of all the YouTube couples filming "we broke up" videos. If that's what's promised in the title and thumbnail, there should be a breakup of some kind in the video — even if it's just a prank. But if the couple spends two minutes joking about breaking up (and the video is 20 minutes long), that's a bit misleading.

Good or Bad Clickbait? That's for Your Audience to Decide

We can share what we think is good or lousy clickbait, but it's not our opinion that matters. It's truly up to your audience.

If viewers feel like you've click-baited them too often, they'll speak out. It's nothing to worry about if a few people say something. But if dozens or even hundreds of people feel the same way, you have to wonder if they're 

Remember, you're making content for others to watch and enjoy, not yourself. So some of those opinions do matter in the long run.

How Do You Know When You've Made Good Clickbait?

Bad clickbait is easy to make, but good clickbait is a carefully crafted art form. How do you know when you've crossed over to the good side?

First, you'll get more views in general because the title and thumbnail tell a compelling story. Next, 

 because no one's been misled. And finally, you'll get more likes and positive comments thanking you for your work instead of complaining about clickbait.

Want more examples of good clickbait? The video below has more success stories.

Regardless of how you feel about clickbait, you need good titles and thumbnails to grow your channel. So here are two resources to help you out:

YouTube thumbnail guide for boosting clicks

YouTube title guide for grabbing viewers' attention

YouTube logo with text "Clickbait is good!" and a clicking hand cursor icon.

Not all clickbait is terrible on YouTube. If you're meeting viewers' expectations and satisfying their needs, what some call clickbait is just good marketing.

Why Clickbait Is Actually Good for Your YouTube Channel

Did you hear the news? YouTube released a 

 to help you make better videos. It's located in the YouTube Studio – as most tools are – and tries to improve your content in three ways:

Reveal what viewers are searching for on YouTube

Display what your specific audience is searching for

Suggest content you should make in the future

 keywords for your channel? After all, keyword research should help you target the right audience and 

 show words and phrases your viewers are searching for. And that's worth knowing.

How to Find YouTube's Keyword Research Tool

Here, you can "research some of the top searches from viewers on your channel and across YouTube in the last 28 days."

How to Use YouTube's Keyword Research Tool

The tool itself is divided into three tabs:

Want to see the search volume for any YouTube keyword? Here's how to do that:

, then type any word or phrase into the search bar. We'll use "dogs" as an example.

Here, you'll see variations of the original word or phrase you typed in. For example, our query for "dogs" returned phrases like "who let the dogs out" and "cute dogs." Each term is labeled as having low, medium, or high search volume.

You can display all keywords at once or just your "content gaps" – video topics  that currently have 

 results on YouTube. A geography setting also shows keywords people use in specific locations.

Finally, click the three dots on the far right

 to save a keyword, remove it, report it, or analyze it on Google Trends.

On this tab, YouTube shows the topics your audience is searching for. The terms should look familiar, as they're all related to your YouTube niche – which is extremely helpful.

 to see your viewers' searches on YouTube, plus search volume.

This tab is similar to the "Searches Across YouTube" one. You can access the same options as before: filtering for content gaps, browsing keywords from specific locations, saving or removing terms, etc.

Check the previous section (Searches Across YouTube) for all filtering/saving instructions.

The last tab shows the keywords you saved from previous searches. Here's how to use it:

click the three dots on the far right or click the bookmark icon.

Does YouTube's Research Tool Help You Get Views?

? Will the recommended keywords produce 

 do, but it has a long way to go in terms of providing 

Here's an example of what we mean: While using the tool, YouTube tells us that the phrase "how to change YouTube channel name" is a content gap for vidIQ.

We made a video on that topic two years ago, and it has more than 600,000 views. Since then, we've posted two updated videos, and each one got significantly fewer views – 138,000, then 34,000.

 video, but is it worth our time if we're getting fewer views already? Probably not.

And it's not just us. We made a video reviewing the new research tool, and 

"Yes, that happened to me. My old video continues to be preferred over my new video that's nearly identical for the title and description."

To be fair, this may happen for a couple of reasons:

Competitors are making better videos on the same topic (fair enough).

Search-based videos take a while to get views, but once they do, they rank highly for a long time – which is rough for those looking to add new videos to the pile.

Despite that, we expected the tool to give us 

But if you want to know the search volume for different keywords and which ones your viewers use, the research tool from YouTube does just that – in a basic way.

Watch this video to see a full review of the tool.

A Better Option for YouTube Keyword Research

Overall, the research tool from YouTube shows related keywords, search volume, and content gaps.

But if you need a more detailed view, try 

The exact number of searches per month for any keyword (not just low, medium, or high)

A keyword score that measures competition and search volume

Check out the example below. We typed "copyright claim" into vidIQ's keyword explorer, and the 

That's a medium score, as 100 is considered "perfect" for lowest competition and highest search volume. Also, "copyright claim" is searched 36,000 times per month. We'd pull in some decent traffic from that keyword.

Suggestions like "remove copyright claim" or "how to remove copyright claims on YouTube" give us more options for brainstorming video titles.

These questions are great for building video ideas that solve specific problems. The tool shows us questions like "how to use NCS music without copyright claim" and "how to give a copyright claim."

OK – that's a lot of information. But truthfully, you need as many details as possible to find suitable keywords for your content.

Want to use all of the features above? Here's how:

 to access keyword scores, related keywords, monthly search volume, and more.

And if you really want to grow your views, here's a guide for finding the best YouTube keywords for your channel.

Man pointing at screen showing "Content Gap" and YouTube logo about viewer searches.

YouTube has a new keyword research tool, but will it help you get more views? Here’s how to use the feature, plus an honest review of its usefulness.

YouTube's New Keyword Research Tool: Will It Boost Your Views?

Before anyone watches your videos, they see a visual representation of what your channel is about. Viewers glance at your YouTube banner and video thumbnails and make a snap decision: Do I want to engage with this channel or not?

. They want to quickly understand who you are by looking at the words and photos on your channel homepage.

For example, a tennis fan knows they’ve come to the right channel when they see rackets and a green court on your banner. And using thumbnail text like “serve,” “lob,” or “volley” might encourage them to watch your videos.

how to build your personal brand on YouTube

, director of social media at Corel, shares valuable tips for creating your online persona, such as:

How to present your channel across social media

Listen to the episode below, or keep reading for an in-depth overview.

Eliminating confusion is the main benefit of building a personal brand. By keeping things consistent, viewers know what to expect from your content.

Your personal branding strategy may include:

Creating a visual aesthetic for your channel

Using the same text font in all of your graphics

Showcasing your personality the same way in every video

Using the same profile icon across social media

“Everything has to match up because if your brand isn’t consistent, people are going to start noticing that, and they’re not going to be able to connect with you on that same level,” Carls says. “Because they’re kind of like, ‘They keep changing. Who are they?’”

Want to help those viewers connect with you and eventually 

? Here’s a complete guide to building your personal brand.

1. Choose Your YouTube Channel Name Wisely

Most creators do one of three things when naming their YouTube channel:

Choose a “middling” name that sits between broad and specific.

According to Carls, you should avoid channel names that are too specific. For example, you wouldn’t name your channel “Pixel Point of View” if you’re generally reviewing Android phones. The Google Pixel is just one phone that uses the Android operating system.

“Sometimes a broad name may be better because then you can make some adjustments,” Carls says. “But if you come right out of the gate to say that, ‘Oh, I’m the Pixel Princess,’ you have now narrowed your ideas and content. Everyone is going to assume that’s what you’re focusing on.”

, start with a broad channel name. You can always change it to something more accurate as your content evolves.

How do you create a brand that resonates with YouTube viewers? Some say you have to be funny or entertaining to grab people’s attention, and that’s somewhat true. But people connect with different things, so you should match your viewers’ energy on YouTube – whether that’s quiet introversion or chaotic adventure.

Every niche has a vibe. The gardeners of YouTube are peaceful and calm, the entertainers are hilarious, and the business creators look like they're heading to the office. Where do you fit in, and how can you connect with like-minded viewers?

“If you use the example of a real estate professional, 

,” Carls says. “Make sure it’s very clear that you’re in the real estate industry…. You want to have professional branding to match the type of clients you’re trying to attract.”

Ask yourself what viewers gain from watching your content. Then do your best to 

3. YouTube Profile Icons: Headshot or Channel Logo?

Here’s a debate for the ages: Is it better to create a logo for your channel or upload a nice headshot of yourself?

Logos are attractive, but consider the way profile icons function on YouTube. They show up when you’re responding to comments, and that’s one place you want your personality to shine.

“Do you connect with a logo, or do you connect with a person?” Carls asks of creators. “That’s what you have to start realizing. What kind of look and feel and relationship do I want to put out for these individuals?”

No matter how many subscribers you have, branding your YouTube channel will help you gain more. Here’s how to create your best online presence.

YouTube Tips & Tricks

How to Test a YouTube Video Idea Before You Start Filming

How to See the Most Replayed Scenes from Your YouTube Video

Why Clickbait Is Actually Good for Your YouTube Channel

YouTube's New Keyword Research Tool: Will It Boost Your Views?

7 Ways to Build a Strong Personal Brand on YouTube

How to Collab with Big Creators as a Small YouTube Channel

8 YouTube Podcasts to Help Grow Your Channel

Matt Koval Shares More Creator Advice After Nearly a Decade at YouTube

How to Report a YouTube Channel In 5 Easy Steps

Create More YouTube Videos in Less Time With These 4 Productivity Tips

How to Make a YouTube Banner That Attracts New Viewers

30 YouTube Keyboard Shortcuts to Save Yourself Some Time