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

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

How to Find YouTube Keywords that Grow Your Channel

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

vidIQ keywords related to search term "Christmas"

When Are Viewers Searching for Christmas Content on YouTube?

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

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

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

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

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

YouTube logo covered in Christmas decorations

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

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

Top 10 Christmas Keywords on YouTube

Thanksgiving is a beloved holiday in the US, and a hugely important occasion for friends and family to come together to indulge in food, fun, gratitude, and football. Hundreds of thousands of creators have already been publishing content around the topic on YouTube, but there are still big opportunities to create new videos around the tentpole event or rank again for content created in previous years. 

Let's take a look at the top keywords that YouTube viewers have been searching for in the last 30 days.

If you plan on publishing Thanksgiving content, you need to know what keywords YouTube viewers are searching for right now. It is just as important when they are searching for that content so you can maximize your ability to rank on YouTube. Running the keyword 'Thanksgiving' through the invaluable 

, we can confirm that the following are the most searched-for Thanksgiving keywords and phrases on YouTube in 2024:

Related keywords for the term "Thanksgiving" on vidIQ tool

When Are Viewers Searching for Thanksgiving Content on YouTube?

Over the past few years, YouTube has become one of the go-to resources for almost any and every topic you can think of. However, viewer interest in that content is often seasonal, particularly when it comes to annual events.

, interest from YouTube viewers in Thanksgiving starts to peak about a week before Halloween and lasts right through to the end of December. No big surprises there of course but a good strategy would be to publish ahead of November 28th to attract those views and engagements.

Don’t forget that engaging tentpole content is typically evergreen so if you’ve published any Thanksgiving clips on YouTube in the past, and you believe the videos are still relevant, 

update your titles and custom thumbnails to see if can leverage the interest in the content that always comes this way this time of year.

Google trends result on the term "thanksgiving"

Finding Opportunities to Create Thanksgiving Content on YouTube

When viewers are searching for content on YouTube, it’s usually with a clear intent to get an answer to a particular query. Those searching will often use a baseline keyword to start and then build off that search to find the best videos.

Top 5 Thanksgiving Food Keywords on YouTube

A look at the topmost searched-for keywords for Thanksgiving shows that users are most interested in content around traditional Thanksgiving food, especially the old favorites, turkey & stuffing. Let’s take a deeper dive into what viewers are interested in around this category:

Related keywords for "thanksgiving food" in vidIQ tool

Top 5 Thanksgiving Decor Keywords on YouTube

Apart from the glorious food, Thanksgiving is also a time when homes and offices are decked out in a wonderful array of festive decor. Video content around table decorations, and Thanksgiving DIY decor is incredibly popular with viewers as they turn to YouTube for inspiration. Here are the top 5 keywords in this category:

Related keywords for "thanksgiving decor" on vidIQ tool

So, get your Thanksgiving vibes up and start preparing your content with the help of these ideas and suggestions. If you're set on your upload but still struggling on the perfect thumbnail for your video, 

Decorative pumpkins, corn, and autumn leaves with warm string lights background

It's nearly Thanksgiving time again in the US, and here are the most searched keywords on YouTube in 2024 around this national holiday.

Top 10 Thanksgiving Keywords on YouTube

In 2023, sales made on Black Friday and Cyber Monday generated $12.4 Billion in revenue for online retailers, an increase of 7.8% from the previous year. As e- commerce consumers are eager for bargains and deals with a similar intent to spend even more than last year, they are turning to platforms like YouTube to scope out reviews on products that want to snap up in the sale.

While hundreds of thousands of creators have already been publishing content on YouTube about the topic, particularly tech and other consumer electronics, there are still gaps in the market for creating new videos around the tentpole event. Let's take a look at the top 10 keywords that YouTube viewers have been searching for on YouTube:

If you're a YouTube creator and are scheduling posts around Black Friday 2024 you need to be up to speed on which keywords viewers are searching for on YouTube right now. 

vidIQ related keywords tool search results for "Black Friday"

Running the keyword 'Black Friday' through the invaluable 

, confirms that the following are the most searched for Black Friday keywords and phrases on YouTube for 2024:

When are Viewers Searching for Black Friday Content on YouTube?

Black Friday happens once a year in the US (and increasingly in other countries for the past few years). Hence, creators need to know when to publish content around the tentpole event to leverage ranking and visibility on YouTube.

, interest from YouTube viewers in the US in Black Friday starts to peak around mid-November, and lasts around a month.

Google Trends graph on "Black Friday" over 5 years

With any tentpole or seasonal event, it pasy to remember that any video content you've uploaded before on the topic can still be maximized for extra views and engagement. 

Evergreen content is the key to more views on YouTube

revisit past Black Friday videos and update your titles and custom thumbnails to see if can leverage the seasonal interest in the content.

Finding Opportunities to Create Black Friday Content on YouTube

Viewers searching for Black Friday on YouTube do so with a particular aim in mind. They may be searching for the best deals retailers have to offer, or reviews for a piece of tech or gadget they have their eye on. Your focus should be on answering those queries with your content, and for an event like this you can do so in a number of ways.

Keyword research is vital for this, as we talked about before. Starting with the keyword set above, plus an eye on the focus of your channel, start thinking of ideas for your Black Friday uploads.

, you can get customized ideas for your channel to capitalize on this seasonal event. And, if you're still unsure of the ideas, you can use the 

 to turn a successful Black Friday video to your niche!

Black Friday is officially on 29th of November but deals start getting offered from early November.

No. In fact, last year brick-and-mortar stores

Although it originally is an American celebration of consumption, 

Black Friday discounts are being observed increasingly more by countries around the world!

Black Friday neon sign on brick wall with shopping icons and sale symbols background.

Are you planning to publish video content about Black Friday? We found the most searched keywords on YouTube around this annual shopping bonanza.

Top 10 Black Friday Keywords on YouTube

In today’s world of endless streaming content, quality is what differentiates engaging videos from those that fail to hold attention. For creators on YouTube, focusing on what viewers value most can lead to higher watch times, increased viewer loyalty, and ultimately, a successful channel.

But what is quality and how do viewers on YouTube define it? While the answer might seem entirely subjective, certain factors need consideration.

, research on this very subject unearths that

91% of EMEA viewers that high-quality content is what delivers both technically and emotionally.

Let’s understand what that means and dive further into the topic!

To stand out on YouTube, it’s essential to understand how viewers perceive quality, which isn’t just about technical polish. Quality content on YouTube blends visual standards with emotional resonance, and the platform’s recent research backs this up.

10 Things Every Small YouTube Channel Can Improve

High-definition visuals and clear audio are essential, but they’re only a baseline expectation. While technical clarity ensures that viewers can easily follow along, it doesn’t necessarily create engagement.

According to the studies, when videos meet basic technical standards, they retain viewers better because there’s no disruption or distraction caused by poor video or audio quality.

 What truly engages viewers is content that resonates on a personal level. Neuroscience research highlighted in YouTube’s study shows that people are more likely to remember content that elicits a strong emotional response. Ads embedded within such content are better received and more effective because viewers feel more connected to the material.

man and woman watching content and enjoying

 Personal storytelling is particularly effective; creators who share genuine stories or connect on relatable experiences draw higher engagement and build lasting viewer relationships. This explains why genres like vlogging, storytelling, and heartfelt commentary are so popular on the platform.

 For younger audiences, particularly Gen Z, personalized content plays a key role in engagement. This group values content that reflects their specific interests and perspectives, contributing to higher satisfaction and repeated viewership.

Consider focusing on niche topics that resonate with your target audience. If your content aligns with viewers’ values or passions, you’re more likely to cultivate a loyal following.

How to Make the Viewing Experience Easier as a Creator

Ensuring a smooth, user-friendly viewing experience is very important for creators. YouTube creators can enhance watch time by optimizing accessibility and meeting viewers where they are in their watching habits.

How to Turn Silent Viewers into YouTube Subscribers

Accessibility features like subtitles and clear, descriptive thumbnails make a big difference. Subtitles allow viewers to follow along without sound and make content accessible to non-native or hearing-impaired speakers.

Additionally, organizing content into playlists creates a natural flow that encourages viewers to continue watching related videos.

YouTube’s analytics tools provide creators with data on peak viewing times, preferred video lengths, and viewer demographics. Tailoring content around these insights increases the chance of catching viewers when they’re most likely to engage.

Example: Creators who post shorter videos may find increased watch times if their audience skews younger and prefers concise content.

Prompting Viewer Engagement with Calls to Action

By strategically using calls to action (CTAs), creators can turn passive viewers into engaged subscribers. Asking viewers to comment or share their thoughts provides a sense of involvement while prompting them to subscribe ensures that they’ll be notified of future uploads.

Rather than inserting CTAs only at the end, creators can prompt engagement throughout the video, making it a more natural part of the experience.

What Makes Good Quality Content on YouTube?

Creating quality content requires a balanced approach between high production standards and authentic storytelling. Let’s break down what that looks like:

Viewers expect quality, but they’re also drawn to authenticity. Content that feels “real” tends to perform better than overly produced or scripted material. YouTube’s findings show that authenticity fosters trust, which directly translates to viewer loyalty.

Two women enjoying content on the computer

 “Behind-the-scenes” glimpses, or creators who share their honest opinions, offer a level of relatability that appeals to audiences. Content that shows creators as they are, without filters, helps bridge the gap between creator and viewer.

Providing Value with Purposeful Content: 

Quality content provides clear value, whether it’s educating, entertaining, or inspiring viewers. Each video should have a purpose, and delivering on that purpose helps build a reputation as a reliable content source.

Identify the intent behind each piece of content. A “how-to” video should prioritize clarity and actionable steps, while a lifestyle vlog may focus on creating an entertaining narrative.

Consistency in Style and Upload Frequency: 

To build an audience, creators must be consistent in both their style and posting schedule. A cohesive aesthetic or tone helps establish a recognizable brand, while regular uploads build anticipation and habit among viewers.

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

Aim for a regular upload schedule and stick to it. Channels with dependable posting patterns retain viewers because audiences know when to expect new content.

To maximize watch time, creators should understand that quality goes beyond just production value. It’s about blending the technical with the emotional, delivering a memorable experience that feels both accessible and genuinely engaging.

Wondering what kind of content would help you deliver that? We've got you covered! Here are 

10 types of videos that attract more watch time on YouTube.

Family enjoying content viewing experience

vidIQ logo with clock, YouTube icon, trophy, and upward arrow symbolizing video growth

What does quality mean for YouTube viewers? Find out how to create valuable content while attracting more watch time!

Quality Watch Time: How Viewers Define It

Many factors determine our success on YouTube. If you're a new creator, most of those might seem almost unattainable sometimes. But some are really within our control. Deciding when to post is one of those areas and can really change your video's performance and reach.

There is no single answer for the best upload time. Here, we cover common tips and show you how to figure out what works best for your channel using 

What is the Best Time of the Day to Post on YouTube?

While this data is not set in stone, certain timings are better than others on YouTube, mostly for two main reasons.

 These recommended times coincide with typical leisure periods when users are actively seeking entertainment, making them more likely to engage deeply with new content.

 For channels with a broad audience, these times can help bridge various time zones, hitting North American viewers in their evening peaks and Europeans in their early active hours.

We've gathered information from credible websites across the internet and can broadly ascertain these time ranges as effective across channels across the world.

It's safe to assume that weekdays are not the best option when it comes to posting content since people are mostly away from their screens. But using the week wisely can make a big difference to your video's performance. 

Overall, it's better to post in the evenings. 

 shows any time between 6 PM and 9 PM is desirable, although the middle of the week, i.e., Wednesdays and Thursdays, aren't generally rewarding.  However, 

 details different time ranges for each day of the week and also claims that Friday is the best day to post according to their study, which is based on a million uploads!

For weekends, the earlier the upload, the better the chances. This period captures a relaxed audience who are scrolling through feeds over morning coffee, ready to start their leisurely weekend. 

According to a report by Influencer Marketing Hub

, early afternoon, between 9 AM and 1 PM, is the way to go on weekends, whereas others may recommend uploading earlier in the morning. 

If you're a new channel that is just starting, following this schedule roughly might bring good results. With time and by uploading more content, YouTube can help you make better decisions informed by your audience's behavior. Let's understand how that works.

The Secret to Standing Out as a Small YouTube Creator

, you can find a more concrete and realistic answer regarding the best time to upload your videos. Here is Rob explaining how in 35 seconds!

First, let’s start with the YouTube feature that will let you know the best times to publish your video content. To access this tool:

Click on your YouTube profile image in the top right-hand corner of your desktop screen.

From the Studio dashboard screen, click on the ‘Analytics’ tab from the left-hand navigation bar.

From the main analytics screen, click on the ‘Audience’ tab at the top

On this dashboard, you'll see a new module labeled ‘

’. Now, to be clear, this isn't specifically about your viewers watching just your content. It's when viewers who watch your content are on YouTube watching any video.

YouTube viewer watching content during peak viewing hours

Think of it like this. There may be somebody at home, sitting on a sofa, watching Friends because they're a huge fan of sitcoms. Chances are, they're probably going to also enjoy The Big Bang Theory, so programming logic suggests that The Big Bang Theory should come on straight after Friends.

If you know when your audience is on YouTube, you can schedule your videos to be published at that time.

In this visual representation, the deeper the color shade, the higher the volume of viewers there are. For example, many of our viewers are on YouTube at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday mornings while fewer viewers are online at 8:00 p.m. on a Friday evening.

YouTube Analytics navigation menu showing Audience tab

You can also use our tool to determine when to upload on YouTube to get even more personalized data based on your content. 

Choose the right time to upload your YouTube videos by considering when your audience is most active, similar to setting up a hotdog stand at lunch rather than at 3:00 a.m. Although YouTube suggests that publish time doesn’t usually affect long-term video performance, immediate timing can be crucial, especially with time-sensitive content. For instance, if there's breaking news like an iPhone launch or a movie trailer release, delay could mean losing viewer interest.

Content creator planning optimal YouTube upload time

Avoid uploading during the busiest times, such as the start or half of the hour, when competition for viewer attention spikes. Instead, try posting slightly before or after these periods. Think of your video timing like stock trading: Aim for times when audience interest is growing but not yet at its peak. Remember, preparing your video, including adding titles, tags, and thumbnails, takes time, especially for high-quality 4K videos. Plan to upload early enough to ensure everything is polished and ready for viewers.

How Upload Timing Affects Video Performance

The upload timing of your videos can have a huge impact on them, especially for time-sensitive content. Even if YouTube says the posting time doesn’t change a video’s long-term performance, getting early views and comments helps the video gain traction right away. Here are a couple of factors to keep in mind:

How Time Zones Affect Your Upload Strategy

Before you pick a posting time on YouTube, check where your viewers live. If they come from different areas, you might need to focus on one group at a time. For a mostly US audience, posting at 2-4 PM Eastern works well. It reaches viewers on the East as well as those on the West during their lunch hour. 

For a global crowd, review your YouTube Analytics and use the scheduled upload tool. Some creators even change their posting time over the month to serve different regions better.

Seasonal Variations in Optimal Upload Times

When you choose a posting time, keep in mind that the best slot can change with the seasons. People’s viewing habits shift during summer, winter, school breaks, and holidays. In summer, many watch videos later at night, while winter sees earlier activity. School holidays can change viewing patterns, especially for younger audiences. 

Check your monthly data in YouTube Analytics for these shifts. Many creators adjust their schedule every few months, but keep in mind not to overdo it.

Using A/B Testing to Find Your Optimal Time

Instead of sticking only to general advice, try A/B testing your upload times. Plan a schedule where you post similar videos at different times over several weeks. For instance, use 2 PM for two weeks and then 6 PM for two weeks. 

Look out for key numbers, such as views on the first day, click rates, and how long viewers watch. Make sure the content, thumbnails, and titles stay the same during the test. Once you have data from about 8-10 videos per slot, look for patterns.

So, now that you know the best time to upload your content on YouTube, let's start racking up that watch time! Speaking of which, 

make these types of videos that attract more YouTube watch time.

graphic showing YouTube logo with a clock and calendar

YouTube play button icon with calendar, clock, and video analytics in the background.

Discover the best time to post on YouTube to maximize your views. Learn how to analyze your audience data and optimize your upload schedule.

Best Time to Post on YouTube: How to Maximize Your Video Performance

It’s no secret that great titles make great videos. In the universe of content on YouTube, captivating titles make your videos stand out from the crowd and draw viewers in, compelling them to click. While most of us might believe that thumbnails weigh much more than titles in lifting the performance of a video, it might not always be the case.

This is exactly what our residential YouTube expert Rob Wilson discussed with another YouTube expert, Jake Thomas, who has helped many creators improve their title games and bring in positive results. With the help of their discussion, we have managed to compile 10 types of YouTube titles that have proven to be very effective over the years and have a positive impact on your click-through rate. Let’s dive right into it!

11 Ways to Write Exciting YouTube Titles for Your Videos

This kind of title plays on contrast and curiosity, making the viewer feel like they are privy to some kind of information that others might not be. The information that the viewer can potentially find through the video seems too lucrative to miss out on.

Example: "The BEST R6 Attacker NOBODY Plays"

“First, there is contrast between best R6 attacker and nobody plays. It’s kinda counter intuitive, why is nobody playing it if it is the best? Also, it’s a cliffhanger. Who is this R6 attacker? So, you’ve gotta click and find out,” Jake says.

Don’t you love it when you come across a video from a creator showing how you can achieve a given goal within a certain period? Timeframes offer a tangible lens through which viewers can gauge the content, making the challenge or experiment feel attainable and relatable.


Example: "We Ran Every Day For 30 Days, Here's What Happened"

To make a claim or establish an opinion, you need to back it up with credible sources. And nothing beats a good source than an authoritative voice whom you could call an “insider.”


Example: "Ex-Employee Warns Us About Taco Bell's Meat"


What helps this title perform is the fact that people have a general suspicion toward the topic in question already, so it is always important to remember the amount of interest viewers might have while considering these types of titles.

As bad as it might sound to some of you, negativity does bring with it a healthy dose of attention. It is nothing new in the content world and creators have been using it since the very beginning. Focusing on drama and negativity, such as devastating losses, capitalizes on viewers’ love and interest for epic narratives.

Example: "Top 10 Most Devastating Wild Card Losses of All-Time"

“People on YouTube love drama! And then you have got the fact that it is really epic and extreme. It’s extremes because it is the most devastating losses,” says Jake.

Nobody wants to make the same mistakes people made before them. And what’s better than someone telling you what to avoid and how? The fear of regret can be one of the most powerful motivators for many people and curating content around that can bring you much success!


Example: "I wished I knew these BEFORE I upgraded to Windows 11!"

One of the best ways to inspire people is by showing them instead of instructing them. Sharing your accomplishments and documenting the journey can help you make impactful content that can actually change people’s lives for the better.


Videos like these can motivate viewers to aspire for the same and change their lives for the better. This is where the value of your content pays off!

The good, old, reliable strategy that seems to work most of the time–simply answer the questions your viewers want answered. Sometimes it’s all about the phrasing. If you can put a creative spin on an inquiry that is already popular, people might flock to it.


Example: "What Happens If You Jump Rope for 30 Minutes Every Day?"


It’s all about finding a new perspective to the same old queries. By posing a question, the title creates a narrative cliffhanger that viewers feel compelled to resolve by watching.

Whenever you’re in doubt, you can always fall back on being relatable to your audience. At the end of the day, people want to be heard and seen. If you can consistently and reliably address the pain points of your audience, you have yourself a solid content strategy. 
Titles that suggest everyday accessibility and relatability increase the likelihood of viewers clicking, and believing the content is directly applicable to them.


Example: "Five Dog Training Exercises You Should Do Every Day At Home"

As the culture of YouTube becomes more vast, certain words tend to attract more attention than others. Using terms like “best”, “worst”, or, “viral” taps into the desires and language of the YouTube community, instantly attracting attention. But, with that comes heavy competition for these keywords, which can make life a lot more difficult.


Example: "Testing Viral Minecraft Hacks That 100% Work"

 can help you massively with this problem. The tool analyzes monthly search volume, competitiveness, related terms, and additional questions people ask.
Read More: 

What if you could propose an idea that sounds preposterous and actually delivered on it? Well, if nothing else, you’d sure have tons of happy viewers! Offering to deliver on a promise adds an element of sensationalism and intrigue, promising viewers insight into highly coveted knowledge.

Example: "1000 Days of Coding in 10 Minutes ( Self-Taught Developer Journey )"

Irrespective of the niche these examples are used from, the cool thing about understanding this concept is realizing that it can be applied all across YouTube. That’s the skill that would help you utilize those 100 characters to the fullest. The best titles are short and sweet and if used correctly can change the YouTube content creation game for you.

The other important factor that drives clicks to your videos, as mentioned earlier, is thumbnails. 

Learn how to make thumbnails that work for you right here!

Excited young woman with glasses holding pencil and notebook on pink background

Certain types of titles seem to have greater success than others on YouTube. Find out what they are!

10 Types of YouTube Titles That Go Insanely Viral

You might have a small YouTube channel today, but this list of trending keywords will help you grow exponentially. That's right — we used our new tool, global rising keywords, to dig up the 

 in motion right now. If you use them well (and fast!), you can break through the wall of competition to skyrocket your views.

Creating Viral YouTube Videos: 10 Tips for Small Channels

vidIQ's rising keywords tool with search volume, volume change, and competition

 that aren't oversaturated on YouTube yet. So, instead of getting overshadowed by large, established channels, you have a real shot at going viral!

As you explore these topics, keep an eye on the

. The higher it is, the more views you can get!

 is a game that turns sports fanatics into real bosses, letting them manage the best teams in the world. Now that the 2024 version is here, creators are sharing their honest reviews, reacting to the trailer, and discussing gameplay tactics.

vidIQ sets a high keyword score of 79 for football manager

Check out this trending video for the topic:

 glitch that allows you to get free experience points (XP)? Viewers are looking for tips, maps, and guides on how to exploit the glitch, so if you know the answer, start filming!

vidIQ shows a high keyword score of 81 for "fortnite XP"

Discover the best trending topics to grow a small YouTube channel in record time! Today's list covers racing, gaming, music, artificial intelligence, and more.

YouTube Trends and Insights

Top 10 Christmas Keywords on YouTube

Top 10 Thanksgiving Keywords on YouTube

Top 10 Black Friday Keywords on YouTube

Quality Watch Time: How Viewers Define It

Best Time to Post on YouTube: How to Maximize Your Video Performance

10 Types of YouTube Titles That Go Insanely Viral

10 Trending Topics to Grow a Small YouTube Channel [November]

10 Trending Topics to Grow a Small YouTube Channel [October]

10 Trending Topics to Grow a Small YouTube Channel [September]

10 Trending Topics to Grow a Small YouTube Channel [August 2023]

10 Trending Topics to Grow a Small YouTube Channel [July 2023]

Analyzing Popular YouTube Shorts: What Makes Them Go Viral?

4 YouTube Trends to Skyrocket Your Views in 2024