Lately, YouTube has become more of a household content platform than a niche website that produces cat videos, and as a result, more and more people are binging content on YouTube. One of the best ways to capitalize on this is through a well-known feature on the platform: YouTube playlists.

A YouTube playlist is a collection of videos that are usually strung together by a common theme. They make a viewer's life easier, automatically playing videos one after another, which are most likely to keep them hooked.

Playlists also appear in search, so curating them strategically can give you a leg up in your YouTube growth as well. Both viewers and creators can make playlists on YouTube. So, let's dive deeper into it!

also enables you to edit, manage, and even delete them. Here's how you can do it in simple steps:

YouTube Studio create button for making a new playlist

Selecting New Playlist option from YouTube Studio dropdown menu

3. Follow the directions on the upcoming screens. Enter a title, set your playlist’s visibility, and click 

YouTube playlist creation interface with title and visibility settings

4. Here you can add videos from your channel's video library to the playlist.

Adding videos to your YouTube playlist from your channel library

Viewer enjoying content through a YouTube playlist on their device

The best YouTube playlists have a few things in common, such as a good title, theme, and thumbnail. In this section, we’ll share eight tips for building a collection of videos.

When creating playlists, make sure each video is in chronological order. You want to tell a story that keeps building as people go down the list, which means you can’t use random videos in random spots. Your playlist needs a 

. This lengthy playlist, “How to Mix Live Music,” goes from a brief introduction to discussing audio equipment to explaining how to do soundchecks. Each video builds upon the last to teach viewers a new skill.

Treat your playlist like the first season of a new TV show. How much content do you need to tell one story? Which episodes come first, second, third, and so on? With this train of thought, you’ll create the right number of videos.

Like regular videos, your playlist needs a captivating thumbnail to make viewers click. The 

 have bold text, colorful images, and a simple design that’s easy to understand.

, and the image reinforces that idea. You see a man running on a track and the words “proper sprinting form” in big white letters.

Eye-catching YouTube playlist thumbnail with clear text and relevant imagery

Keep in mind that one of the video thumbnails in your list will become the entire playlist’s thumbnail. So always use high-quality images. Later on, you can choose one thumbnail to represent your playlist.

Setting a video thumbnail as your official YouTube playlist thumbnail

YouTube SEO is the practice of optimizing your content for search engines. Fortunately, optimizing a playlist isn’t too different from optimizing a regular video. All you need is a good playlist title, a video description, and relevant hashtags.

But keep in mind that all of this requires 

 — the process of finding what people are searching for on YouTube.

Once you know those searches, you can use the most popular phrases in your title, description, and other areas. That helps the 

 show your playlist in search results! It works even better when you optimize each playlist video.

4. Create One Playlist for Each Topic You Cover

You’ll need more than one playlist to grow your channel with extra views. To start boosting that number, look at your channel’s focus. Is it dog training? Car reviews? City guides? Whatever your niche is, break it down into sub-topics and create a playlist for each one.

On the vidIQ channel, we have a playlist for almost every topic we cover, including YouTube Shorts, thumbnails, titles, and monetization.

Organized YouTube playlists on the vidIQ channel covering different topics

5. Create Playlists About Evergreen Topics

Want people to watch your playlists year-round? Choose evergreen topics that people are always interested in.

The more valuable the topic, the more views your playlist will get from January to December. So think about long-term clicks before you make a YouTube playlist!

There are three privacy settings on YouTube: private, public, and unlisted:

Private videos: Only those who've been invited can watch.
Unlisted videos: Only those with the link can watch.
Public videos: Anyone can watch.

Accessing Content section in YouTube Studio to manage playlists

Selecting the Playlists tab in YouTube Studio to manage your collections

3. Click the pencil icon beside the playlist you want to edit.

Editing a YouTube playlist by clicking the pencil icon

4. Below the playlist title, click set the visibility as 

Setting YouTube playlist visibility to public for maximum exposure

While you’re there, use this same screen to allow playlist embedding. Click the three dots and choose 

Accessing playlist settings through the three dots menu in YouTube Studio

 to let people share your playlists on their website.

Enabling playlist embedding to allow sharing on external websites

One way to make a playlist popular is by adding it to your channel page. And don’t stop at just one! YouTube allows for 

, which can be a mix of recent uploads, playlists, live streams, Shorts, and more.

Here’s how to add a playlist to your channel homepage:

Accessing Customization menu in YouTube Studio to feature playlists

Selecting the Layout tab to customize your YouTube channel page

Adding a new featured section to showcase playlists on your channel page

Choosing between single, created, or multiple playlist options for your channel page

YouTube is always recommending content to viewers, but there are other ways to get views on a playlist. For one, you can share it on social media sites like Instagram and Facebook. You can also share playlists in the 

Another option is embedding a few playlists on your website. If you have a blog or landing page, adding a playlist can boost your views from outside of YouTube.

Also, don’t forget about community forums. If you know an online community that needs help doing something — and your playlist has the answer — share it! You can post within Reddit groups, Discord servers, and Facebook groups.

How to Organize Your YouTube Playlists for Maximum Engagement

Knowing how your YouTube playlists perform is key to growing your channel with playlists. You can see the numbers in YouTube Studio under Analytics. 

 playlist starts, average watch time, and videos per viewer

. If viewers only watch one or two videos, try changing the order or theme of your playlist. You can also estimate how many viewers watch the entire playlist by comparing the first and last video views.

The image above gives you an idea of how to think about making your playlist, depending on the content you're making or whatever your audience connects with the most.

Think about what makes a playlist work well. Ask yourself:

Creating playlists on YouTube is a great way to grow your channel, but it's not the only way.

If you want more tips on how to increase YouTube views

, we've compiled 22 proven strategies that work alongside playlist optimization.

Person using smartphone with transparent floating video player interface on screen.

Learn how to make a YouTube playlist to organize videos, boost watch time, and grow your channel. Step-by-step guide with proven strategies for more views.

How to Grow Your Channel with YouTube Playlists

When creating a channel, some people wonder if 

Well, we won’t keep you in suspense: It’s one of the 

 things you can do on YouTube! A channel trailer is an excellent way to 

turn everyday viewers into potential subscribers

The harder question is, “How do you make a channel trailer on YouTube?” What should you talk about, and how do you prove you're worth subscribing to?

In this article, we’ll explain all of that and more.

A trailer is a short video introduction to your channel. It helps new viewers understand your niche, the type of content you make, and what they’ll gain from subscribing to you. Best of all, viewers can focus on your pitch because trailers 

Before you start filming, make sure you’re creating the right type of video. These five tips will help you make a high-quality trailer!

How long should a YouTube channel trailer be? Most experts agree that 

 seconds is long enough. In that period, you can explain the value of your content and nudge viewers toward hitting the subscribe button.

This will sound counterintuitive, but try not to worry about “time,” as in hitting a specific number of minutes. Just be brief and concise. This happens naturally as you determine what you need to say versus what you don’t.

Showcasing your niche is the fastest way to explain your YouTube channel. So whether you’re making videos about Minecraft, makeup, travel, or something else, your trailer needs to show that one essential activity.

These days, it’s not enough to state your niche or expertise and leave it at that. Viewers want to see proof so they can trust you sooner and know the value of your channel.

Want people to connect with your mission? Before you ask them to subscribe, explain why you have a channel in the first place. What drives you to create content, and what personal experiences led you to this decision?

You don’t have to answer these questions directly, but you can share a personal story that reveals a deeper purpose. What makes you different from other creators? How does your story set you apart?

By this point, you’ve spent some time talking about yourself. Now it’s time to tell viewers what they’ll gain by subscribing to your channel and watching your videos. In other words, what’s in it for them?

If you’re a real estate agent, maybe you help people understand the true cost of a mortgage. If you’re an entrepreneur, perhaps your value is in teaching the art of low-cost startups.

No matter what you plan to do, be sure to communicate that in your trailer!

5. Ask Viewers to Hit the Subscribe Button

Now that you’ve shared your channel’s value, it’s time to ask people to subscribe. This will likely be your biggest call to action on YouTube, where you invite people to join your community.

Making that request might feel weird at first, but some viewers need to hear it. They may have wanted to subscribe but simply forgot, so always share that quick reminder!

Making a trailer from scratch can be challenging, so it helps to have a few examples in mind. Use the ones below to get inspired!

1. Rachel How: ‘How I became a UI/UX designer in 3 months’

Rachel clearly states her expertise on YouTube (UI/UX design).

A personal story (and triumph) establishes Rachel as an expert.

It’s a bit long, but so is the journey to a better career. Rachel uses extra minutes to connect with viewers about a deeply emotional topic.

2. Ben Johnson: 'A channel for creatives'

You understand what the channel is about in seconds.

Ben proves his expertise with a highlight reel of his craft.

Ben shares his purpose on YouTube: becoming a knowledge resource for other creators.

3. Hey Nadine: 'Subscribe for travel advice and adventures'

Within seconds, you know it’s a travel channel.

Nadine proves her expertise with a highlight reel of her travels.

She shares what’s in it for you: learning how to travel smarter and save money.

A male filming a YouTube video in front of the camera under bright lights

Need more details? Here are some answers to more questions about channel trailers.

Can a featured YouTube video be a channel trailer?

Featured videos and channel trailers are two different things on YouTube. Featured videos are shown to current subscribers, and channel trailers are shown to people who haven’t subscribed yet. So, for now, a featured video 

Can I use my most popular video as a channel trailer?

Yes, but it’s better to use a video that attracts the most subscribers overall. You can find this information in the YouTube Studio.

The Analytics option is below Playlists in the left navigation menu.

See More option is below the graph in the analytics dashboard

The subscribers gained filter option is right below the content tab

4. The video gaining the most subscribers is at the top of the list. To get better results, adjust the time period (top right) for 90 days or more.

On the vidIQ channel a YouTube video about subscribers is driving the most subscriptions in the last 90 days

How do I add a trailer to my YouTube channel?

Customization is right below Monetization in the left navigation menu

 to select a video for your trailer. Click 

The add button is on the right side of the screen, next to the words "channel trailer for people who haven't subscribed."

A woman speaks in front of the camera while sitting down

Young woman recording video blog sitting with camera and laptop indoors with plants.

Ready to make a YouTube trailer? Here's how to turn casual viewers into subscribers with an introductory video.

5 Tips to Make a Fascinating YouTube Channel Trailer

best practices for writing YouTube titles

: Make them intriguing, add some emotion, and use the right keywords.

But what about the hidden, less-talked-about methods? The underrated tips you never hear about that drive thousands of views on YouTube?

Today, we’re going to spill those secrets. We recently spoke with title expert Jake Thomas of 

, who shared two ways to write the best YouTube titles:

A black and white drawing of Pablo Picasso

The first method for naming YouTube videos is the Picasso Method. It’s inspired by the famous artist Pablo Picasso, who’s often quoted as saying, “Good artists borrow, and great artists steal.”

He was probably talking about fine art when he said that, but the concept applies to YouTube too. If you look at different channels in the same niche — the YouTube education space, for example — you’ll notice that everyone steals from each other. If one creator gets thousands of views using a video title, someone else uses it too.

We’re not saying you should blatantly copy titles, though. It’s much better to pull inspiration from a concept, then use it to write a unique title for 

Picasso Method in Action: ‘Recycling’ YouTube Titles

When we spoke with Jake, he explained how the Picasso method works in action. So, imagine this: You have a fitness channel, and one of your competitors uploads a video titled “How to Get a Six Pack in 10 Weeks.” It has  100,000 views, so you know the concept is worth exploring on your channel.

Over the next few days, you spend some time creating your version of that video. When it’s time to think about titles, you don’t steal your competitor’s idea 100%; you say something like “10 Tips to Get a Six Pack in 10 Weeks.”

Two YouTube tiles that are similar but not quite the same

“They’re similar, but [you’re] not exactly copying,” Jake says.

The Picasso Method is perhaps the best way to title YouTube videos, but don’t pull inspiration from just any content. You want to make sure the topic is relevant 

. That means you shouldn't visit a channel, find a video with high views, and use its title without asking questions. Always wonder, 

. It shows you which videos are getting views right now on any creator's channel page.

A list of Trending YouTube videos on the vidIQ channel

Most people know DJ Khaled, but if you don’t, think of him as a “chart-topping rap icon.” He's known for bringing artists together to create hit records and remixes. In fact, he is the 

 of remixing, which is why the DJ Khaled method is perfect for YouTube.

“This is where you remix proven ideas from 

If that sounds a bit confusing, here’s an example. Imagine that, like before, you have a fitness channel on YouTube. You’re browsing videos to watch on the app, and you come across one titled “20 Halloween Candies You Should Never Eat.” This idea is way outside your niche, but with a little creativity, you remix the title for a fitness video: “10 Back Exercises You Should Never Do.”

How to Find YouTube Video Titles to Remix

Not sure which titles to remix? The trick is finding videos in niches similar to yours yet different enough to create unique titles.

“Think of the big, major niches,” Jake says. “Health, wealth, and relationships are good places to start.”

If you have a health channel, get your title inspiration from relevant sub-niches, like nutrition, productivity, or healthy habits. If you’re making “wealth” content, try remixing your titles with marketing, finance, or real estate titles. For the relationships niche, pull inspiration from video titles around dating and marriage advice.

The best thing to do is keep a running list of channels you admire in these niches. Then you can track what they’re posting and get non-stop inspiration for video titles.

An easy way to do this is with vidIQ’s Competitor Tracking Tool. Sign up for the Pro plan ($10/month), then track multiple channels on YouTube based on video views, historical data, and other metrics.

A list of top-viewed videos from a competitor channel called Think Media

When you feel stuck, don’t write titles from scratch. Open the YouTube app and see what’s already out there for you to tweak or remix. You’ll get immediate inspiration, which helps you write the best title for your YouTube video.

And if you need more details about either method — the Picasso or DJ Khaled — this video has more examples to help you out.

Ready to take your views to the next level? 

Here are three more secrets for writing the best YouTube titles.

Smiling man wearing glasses writing in a notebook at a wooden desk indoors

Confused about how to title YouTube videos? Here are some unique, underrated tips to make your titles more engaging.

Elevate Your YouTube Titles with These Secret, Underrated Tips

Want to create video titles fast and efficiently? Like many things in life (and on YouTube), the best solution is to get outside help — and not just from another human. These days, artificial intelligence can write YouTube titles.

So, how does it work? Step one is learning how to use a YouTube title generator. These smart assistants will analyze any keyword, suggest a few video titles, and let you choose the best one for your content.

. So depending on your video's topic, you'll see power phrases like "the truth about," the secret to," and other curiosity drivers that make people click.

As a quick example, let's explore the AI Title Generator from vidIQ. We'll show you how to use it and pick the best name for your YouTube video!

Are you wondering what a title generator looks like, especially one powered by AI? The good news is that they're simple and intuitive. The one from vidIQ has two sections: one for typing your video's keyword or main idea and another for browsing title suggestions.

" in the title section. Here are the AI titles we got in return:

"The Science of Meme Creation: How to Take a Normal Photo and Turn it into an Internet Hit"

"10 Things You Should Know About Making Internet Memes"

"Meme Master: How to Create Viral Internet Memes"

"How to Create Internet Memes: The Ultimate Guide"

A list of YouTube video ideas created by an AI Title Generator

As you can see, the generator offers up some good titles for YouTube videos. You won't have to do much writing or brainstorming, if any.

, this generator appears as you upload or customize videos on YouTube.

Now that you've seen the title generator (and how it works), here's how to use it.

1. Type Your Video's Main Idea/Keyword into the Generator

The first step is simple: What's your YouTube video about? You'll use that information to type the best keyword or main idea into the title generator.

An arrow points to the title section of the AI Title Generator, which is located below the "Details" header

The generator does the thinking for you, so there's no need to add fancy titles — just the basic video concept.

But if you don't know what to type, you might have to do some keyword research. 

Use this guide to discover the best keywords

 for your video, then return to this article for the next step.

The next step is the easiest! When you've picked a main idea or keyword, click 

The "Get AI Title recommendations" button is below the title field on the generator

3. Choose the Most Accurate, Engaging Title

Next up, you'll see five titles for your video. You can only choose one, so look for a title that describes your video accurately. After that, make sure it's engaging enough to drive clicks.

What do we mean by engaging? Let's look at our meme example one more time, where the generator offered these titles:

These are great ideas, but you'll likely want to see more. You can do that by hitting the 

Above the current title suggestions, you can click refresh to generate more titles

Now we have a completely different list. Compared with the first batch, the new titles seem to evoke more desire and curiosity — the last two in particular:

"How to Create Internet Memes That Make You Rich"

"The Truth About Meme Creation: The Step-by-Step Guide You've Been Waiting For"

Remember to hit refresh to see more options and get the best YouTube titles!

When you've settled on a video title, click 

Click the "Use" button on the right side of any title to use it.

How to Edit AI Video Titles to Perfection

Artificial intelligence is smart, but it doesn't know everything. Make sure your title is a good fit, isn't too long, and stands out from the rest.

Include relevant YouTube keywords (near the front).

Use words that spark desire, emotion, and curiosity

Use words your audience can recognize/understand.

Make the title match your YouTube thumbnail.

You'll be unstoppable if you follow the tips in this article. Having an alluring title leads to all sorts of YouTube goodness, like extra clicks, views, and hopefully, subscribers!

Pair your AI-generated titles with fresh content ideas from our 

A woman typing on a laptop with a pencil tucked between her fingers

Hands typing on laptop keyboard with pencil, books in background on wooden desk

Take a break from writing YouTube titles. With the power of AI, you can input a few keywords and let technology do the "writing" for you.

YouTube Tips for Creators

How to Grow Your Channel with YouTube Playlists

5 Tips to Make a Fascinating YouTube Channel Trailer

Elevate Your YouTube Titles with These Secret, Underrated Tips

How to Write Better YouTube Titles with AI Suggestions

9 Powerful Apps for Editing YouTube Videos [iPhone and Android]

13 Skills You Need to Become a Successful YouTuber

9 Smart Reasons to Start a YouTube Channel in 2023

Why Chasing Viral YouTube Videos Is Overrated [for Small Creators]

How to Find or Change Your YouTube Handle

5 Secrets You Didn’t Know About the YouTube Algorithm

How to Write a YouTube Video Script That Keeps Viewers Watching

YouTube Intros: 8 Ways to Hook Viewers In the First 8 Seconds