Once known primarily for short-form content on mobile devices, YouTube has now become a dominant player in TV streaming, surpassing traditional streaming platforms and services. Viewers are watching, on average, over 1B hours of YouTube content on TVs daily, and TV is now the primary device for YouTube viewing in the U.S.

While most of the discussion around online video content is mostly around easily digestible vertical videos, we cannot overlook how YouTube is taking over the biggest screen in your household. And with this shift in the digital media landscape comes a host of new opportunities and possibilities!

YouTube’s transformation from a mobile-first platform to a TV powerhouse is backed by impressive numbers:

YouTube accounts for 8.6% of all TV streaming time, while Netflix lags at 7.9%.

TV watch time on YouTube has increased by 400% in recent years.

YouTube receives 28.5 billion visits per month, dwarfing Netflix’s 1.9 billion.

These figures highlight an undeniable shift—YouTube is the new television, and the living room has become the platform’s fastest-growing audience.

While Netflix and other services remain strong contenders, the lack of community engagement, higher costs, and limited content variety make it increasingly difficult to compete with the flexibility and personalization of YouTube on TV.

But why is this happening? Our creator John delves into this question at brilliant depths in the video above, so watch it now!

YouTube talked about their big bets for 2025

, among which they've discussed the rise of YouTube consumption on television. There are several reasons for this tectonic shift in the viewing habits of the audience, but a few of them stand out:

Unlike Netflix and other subscription-based platforms, YouTube TV channels offer an ever-expanding library of user-generated and professional content. Whether it’s binge content, live streams, educational tutorials, long-form, or even Shorts, YouTube delivers a personalized and diverse entertainment experience that traditional TV struggles to match.

Other platforms offer a passive viewing experience, whereas YouTube TV fosters real engagement. Viewers can like, comment, and interact with creators, forming deeper connections. Features like live chat, community posts, and membership perks help YouTube TV channels build dedicated communities, increasing loyalty and repeat watch time.

How to Use the YouTube Community Tab and Engage with Viewers

Popular streaming services are losing ground due to subscription fatigue. YouTube, on the other hand, has free access supported by ads, making it more attractive to budget-conscious audiences.

You can pay for YouTube Premium and go ad-free, and that would give creators a share of the revenue too. With its flexible pricing model, YouTube on TV has positioned itself as a more accessible and cost-effective alternative to traditional streaming platforms.

Unlike static content catalogs of other streamers, YouTube’s recommendation system keeps users engaged with fresh, tailored content based on their interests. This dynamic approach ensures that YouTube TV channels remain highly discoverable, encouraging audiences to keep watching binge content-for hours.

Understanding the YouTube Algorithm in 2024

YouTube has paid out over $70 billion to creators in the past three years, making it the leading platform for content monetization.

Ad revenue through the YouTube Partner Program

Channel memberships and Super Chats for direct viewer support

Merchandise and affiliate marketing integrations

For creators, YouTube on TV presents a massive opportunity to generate revenue while building a loyal fan base.

YouTube is one of the few platforms that has a significant presence on all your devices regularly. Whether it's the YouTube TV app that lets you easily access content on television or cast your phone on your TV screen, the ecosystem is inclusive and totally seamless.

With more people streaming YouTube TV channels on the big screen, content creators must adapt their strategies to maximize engagement and growth. 

Since more users are watching YouTube on TV, creators should produce high-quality, visually appealing content that looks great on large displays.

Filming in 1080p or 4K for crystal-clear visuals

Using bold thumbnails and large fonts for easy readability on TV screens

Creating long-form videos that encourage binge content consumption

Making binge-able content for TV viewers is one of the most important strategies to keep in mind here. You can make your viewer's life much easier by making playlists that keep them hooked!

Many users watch YouTube TV on their television while using their phone for interaction. Creators can capitalize on this second-screen behavior by using the "watch with" feature that

Encourage viewers to comment and participate in live polls

Promote exclusive content through community posts and social media

Direct audiences to merchandise stores and affiliate links

YouTube’s algorithm thrives on watch time and viewer engagement. To increase visibility on YouTube TV channels, creators should:

Focus on long-form videos that keep viewers engaged

Use SEO-friendly video titles and descriptions

Encourage likes, shares, and comments to boost discoverability

 is a subscription-based streaming service that includes 100+ broadcast, cable, and regional sports networks. Unlike regular YouTube, it provides live TV streaming, cloud DVR capabilities, and local channel access. You can also see trending videos on YouTube TV.

Recently YouTube TV has agreed to a deal with Paramount

 to include big channels like CBS, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, and MTV. 

As of now, YouTube TV has over 8 million paying subscribers. In the video above, the YouTube team will tell you how to sign up for this service in simple steps. Currently, it's only available in the US.

All the things we've discussed here point to the glaring truth: 

 For the generations to come, YouTube might be the only definition of TV. So, strategize your content accordingly and get that 

Person watching YouTube logo on TV screen while holding a cup on a gray couch.

YouTube has become the most popular destination for major TV audiences. Learn how that happened and what it means.

The Rise of YouTube on TV

Small creators have struggled to gain traction on YouTube for years, overshadowed by massive, well-established channels. The algorithm seemed to favor big names, bringing them more views and watch time, which left newcomers feeling like they were shouting into the void.

But things are changing and YouTube is making a concerted effort to push new creators, giving them a real shot at success.

You may have noticed one or two videos recently on your own YouTube homepage with very few views from totally new creators. In the video above, Rob points out a few of these instances on YouTube and examines what this could all mean for smaller creators.

10 Things Every Small YouTube Channel Can Improve

 has always been a mystery, but one thing is clear: the platform thrives on 

 Viewers constantly crave something new, and YouTube knows that relying solely on veteran creators isn't sustainable.

Small channels getting recommended on YouTube homepage

Now, the recommendation system actively prioritizes new content from up-and-coming channels, ensuring a steady influx of fresh perspectives. This shift has opened doors for small creators, allowing them to compete with bigger names like never before.

The Secret to Standing Out as a Small YouTube Creator

The Biggest Challenge of Being a Small Creator

While YouTube is making it easier for new creators to get noticed, growth isn’t automatic. Social proof makes all the difference when it comes to clicking on videos for viewers. People naturally trust videos with higher engagement. A video with 

, even if the content quality is the same.

This can lead to a vicious cycle where the lack of visibility keeps hindering your growth and your content keeps getting pushed further back in the recommendation queue. So, it’s important to constantly improve all aspects of your content creation process steadily to avoid the trap!

Overcoming this initial credibility gap is tough, but not impossible. Smart creators use click-worthy thumbnails, compelling titles, and strong storytelling to make people want to watch—regardless of subscriber count.

1. User Engagement and the Demand for Fresh Content

Think about traditional television—networks like Fox wouldn't rely on a single aging show like The Simpsons forever. They introduce new series to keep viewers engaged.

YouTube operates the same way. If it only pushed the biggest channels, the platform would become stale. By promoting new and small creators, YouTube ensures that fresh, diverse content keeps audiences entertained.

2. Algorithm Bias Toward Emerging Channels

Believe it or not, YouTube tracks how well new creators perform. If small channels never gained traction, the platform would risk stagnation.

To prevent this, the algorithm actively boosts new creators—especially those producing high-retention content that keeps viewers watching. This means small creators who focus on engaging storytelling, clear delivery, and audience retention can leverage YouTube’s algorithm to their advantage.

YouTube’s recommendation system now works smarter than ever. If a viewer watches content within a specific niche, the algorithm is more likely to suggest videos from lesser-known creators in that same category.

For example, if someone binge-watches finance tutorials, YouTube won’t just recommend content from creators like Graham Stephan, just because they get high numbers. Instead, it will surface relevant content from small but promising channels that align with that interest.

This is huge for small creators because if you’re creating high-quality content in a niche, your videos have a real chance of being discovered.

YouTube doesn’t just promote big channels; it listens to the audience. If viewers engage with a video by watching longer, clicking on recommendations, or subscribing, the algorithm takes that as a signal to push that creator’s content further.

This means that small creators who deliver value, hold attention, and spark engagement can quickly rise even without a massive following.

How to Leverage YouTube’s Push for New Creators

Want to maximize your chances of getting promoted by YouTube? Here are three key strategies:

create a separate YouTube account that watches only videos in your niche.

 By doing this, you train YouTube’s algorithm to recognize your content as relevant to that topic.

For example, if you create content about personal finance, use this dummy account to watch finance-related videos from other small creators. Over time, YouTube will start associating your channel with that niche—giving you a better shot at getting recommended.

Jumping between unrelated topics confuses both the algorithm and your audience. If you want to grow, pick a niche and commit to it. If you start a channel about YouTube growth strategies, and then suddenly pivot to fitness, your audience (and the algorithm) won’t know what to expect.

The 54 Best YouTube Niches, According to Viewers

If you’re not sure about picking a niche yet, choose something you’re passionate about, knowledgeable in, and willing to create content on for the long haul. This way, you won’t burn out, and your audience will keep coming back for more.

3. Optimize for Click-Through and Retention

Even if YouTube is pushing new creators, your videos need to perform well to stay in the algorithm’s favor.

Make them eye-catching and curiosity-driven. If people don’t click, YouTube won’t promote your content.

Keep viewers watching by using storytelling, hooks, and smooth pacing.

Encourage likes, comments, and shares to boost video visibility.

YouTube is actively helping new creators get discovered, but success isn’t automatic. This is your moment.

, now is the time to take action. The playing field is shifting, and those who adapt will win. So, get out there, start creating, and make the most of YouTube’s push for small creators. Your audience is waiting.

Young woman recording vlog with smartphone on handheld stabilizer in bright kitchen

YouTube is promoting new creators on the platform and you can capitalize on the chance to make yourself seen. Check out the blog to know how!

Why New Creators are Being Pushed by YouTube in 2025

In the endless world of YouTube where there is a channel for every niche, few creators succeed in combining education, entertainment, and storytelling. 

, has done exactly that. In just the last 12 months, they've gained more than

, becoming one of the fastest growing channels on the whole platform!

Luke started from humble beginnings and became a full-time YouTuber with a channel which combines family adventures, survival challenges, and real storytelling. In the video above, Dan talks about what makes them so popular and how they got there. Here, we'll take a deep dive into the phenomenal rise of the Outdoor boys.

, a lawyer by trade and a passionate outdoorsman by heart. Born and raised in the rugged wilderness of Alaska, Luke grew up surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and the art of wilderness survival. Fishing trips with his father and grandfather planted the seeds of his lifelong love for the outdoors. While he pursued a career in law, his deep-rooted connection to nature never faded.

From Viewer to YouTube Creator: How to Make the Switch

In 2013, Luke started sharing his outdoor adventures on YouTube. His first channel was called 

" and focused mostly on fishing tips and tutorials. As the channel grew, so did his ambition, and he got his first silver play button within just a few years of starting.

, a channel where he could expand beyond fishing to explore family adventures, survival challenges, and creative projects that resonated with a broader audience.

The idea was simple yet powerful: merge his love for the outdoors with family bonding and share it with the world.

It's not all about passion either when it comes to success for Luke and his channel. The views and subscriber stats on this channel are absolutely staggering.

Estimated monthly earnings: $234.5K - $703.4K

What Makes Outdoor Boys Universally Appealing?

Success on YouTube is never accidental. Behind the scenes, Luke Nichols worked tirelessly to grow Outdoor Boys into the juggernaut it is today. Unlike niche YouTube channels that cater to specific demographics, Outdoor Boys strikes a perfect balance between educational and entertaining content that appeals to every viewer.

Luke’s rise as a YouTube creator is a masterclass in balancing passion with discipline. For nearly a decade, he juggled weekly video uploads while managing his law career and family responsibilities. His unwavering commitment to his audience not only built trust but also fostered a loyal community. 

Recently, he's been uploading once every other week. But the videos remain equally interesting and engaging and views haven't slowed down at all either!

At its core, "Outdoor Boys" is about more than outdoor adventures—it’s about family. Luke frequently features his sons, adding an authentic, heartwarming layer to the content.

Their survival challenges, fort-building, and fishing trips show the strong bond between Luke and his kids. These moments are extremely relatable for viewers. In fact, their most viewed video isn't about an intense day out in the wild, it's just the family having some nerf gun fun!

This family-first approach sets "Outdoor Boys" apart from other outdoor YouTube channels. By making his children an integral part of the content, Luke creates a sense of authenticity and warmth that resonates with viewers on a personal level.

Storytelling is the backbone of "Outdoor Boys." Every video follows a clear narrative arc with a 

, giving it the feel of a mini episode. Whether it’s surviving in the Alaskan wilderness or taking on a DIY project, Luke’s ability to weave a compelling story keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.

The result? Content that feels immersive, memorable, and binge-worthy.

Luke’s ability to adapt has been crucial to the channel’s growth. During the pandemic, as viewers began consuming longer YouTube videos on TV, Luke leaned into creating more in-depth content. 

The Future of Video Creation: 9 YouTube Trends to Watch in 2025

In December 2023, a viral TikTok trend featuring Outdoor Boys brought a surge of 

, proving the importance of leveraging unexpected opportunities and staying attuned to audience behavior.

Who doesn’t love a good challenge? From camping in extreme weather to building a bunker out of scratch, Luke’s survival adventures combine 

. Viewers walk away with new knowledge while enjoying the thrill of the challenge.

While the channel is undeniably entertaining, it also provides valuable lessons in outdoor survival, fishing, and DIY skills. This educational element adds depth to the content, making it as informative as it is enjoyable.

Lessons From Luke Nichols' YouTube Journey

Luke Nichols’ journey from a lawyer to a YouTube star offers valuable insights for aspiring creators. Here are the key takeaways:

: Uploading content regularly builds trust and keeps your audience engaged.

: Stay true to your passions and values—audiences can tell when content is genuine.

: A strong narrative can transform even the simplest ideas into compelling content.

: Be ready to evolve and seize unexpected opportunities, just as Luke did with the TikTok trend.

As the channel continues to grow, Luke Nichols shows no signs of slowing down. With millions of subscribers and a thriving community, Outdoor Boys is not just any other YouTube channel. By inspiring families to connect with nature and embrace adventure, Luke is leaving a lasting impact far beyond the screen.

Whether he’s teaching survival skills, building a new project, or sharing heartfelt moments with his sons, Luke’s content reminds us of the beauty of the outdoors and the power of family. As viewers, we’re not just watching his journey—we’re part of it.

If you want to follow in his footsteps, stay true to your passions. Tell great stories because you can never underestimate how important it is to connect with your audience. Want to find your voice as a creator? Then, 

Outdoor Boys logo with mountains, trees, lake, and birds in a circular orange frame

The Outdoor Boys have become a YouTube phenomenon over the past few years with incredible success. Get to know how they did it right here!

Outdoor Boys: Turning Passion into a Global Phenomenon

With just a few weeks left in the year, we’re looking at 2024 with a sense of wonder and wide-eyed excitement. We’re

 which YouTube trends will shape the heart of content creation. We’re 

 for creators to develop new passions. And most of all, we’re eager to break down every YouTube trend so you can grow your channels in 2025!

Before the end of the year, our team of creators sat down together to discuss the emerging trends set to redefine the platform. According to them, the future of YouTube in 2025 holds immense potential for creators willing to adapt. Watch the video above to know how!

So, are you ready to explore the future of YouTube? Pay attention to these nine trends, as they might affect your views, watch time, subscribers, and revenue.

A robot with the youtube logo on its forehead

Artificial intelligence had a breakout year and is still going strong. Tools like ChatGPT, DALL-E, Midjourney, and vidIQ's

 help creatives make content faster. Because of that, we’re seeing the rise of 

. Creators are outsourcing their content creation using AI software (or hired humans) to design thumbnails, script videos, edit footage, and create voiceovers quickly. Some creators make a lot of money doing this — six figures, even.

Unfortunately, many people use AI in damaging ways, like impersonating celebrities and spreading misinformation. YouTube's AI content policy to protect creators against these possible woes by:

Requiring creators to say when they’ve used AI in their content.

Penalizing non-disclosure by potentially removing content.

Allowing creators to request the removal of AI-generated content that impersonates them or infringes on their privacy.

However, YouTube is enthusiastic about the inclusion of AI in video content. With the new auto-dubbing feature, creators can reach a much larger global audience by translating their videos seamlessly into other languages with a single click! AI-assisted editing reduces production time, while advanced analytics guide content optimization.

More and more, creators are ditching highly-produced videos in favor of authentic, unfiltered content. Take a look around YouTube: The thumbnails are getting simpler, and fancy edits are quietly disappearing. Even the storylines themselves have a relaxed, meandering pace, because now, it’s about creating intimacy with viewers.

 is at the forefront of this trend, but he's not alone. 

, originally a horse channel, has pivoted to posting uncut videos that share life lessons. Creators are shifting toward sincere videos, and that's bound continue in 2025.

A thumbnail with the words this is thumbnail A

While some creators have simplified their thumbnails to appear more genuine, that doesn’t mean the YouTube click wars are over. In fact, they’re just beginning.

 that’s designed to help you get more watch time. Creators can upload multiple versions of a thumbnail, let YouTube show them to different viewers, and analyze the results of the experiment. Whichever thumbnail receives the highest share of watch time is the one to use going forward.

This empowers every creator, big and small, to present their best thumbnails. It doesn't matter if creators opt for a simple design; thumbnail testing, by definition, makes YouTube more competitive.

If you are facing trouble in making different thumbnails for your videos to compare in the testing tool, 

An average user on YouTube spends about 40 minutes in a single browsing session

, a number that is significantly higher compared to other social media platforms. Earlier, we talked about authenticity, but another important trend that we've noticed this year is a clear preference for long-form videos.

Creators are increasingly focusing on "evergreen content"—videos that remain relevant and attract consistent views over time. With an ever-expanding YouTube audience, content niches like tutorials, educational videos, and documentary-style storytelling are poised for significant growth. And most of these requirements are best addressed through long-form content, so expect to see more!

With the rise of more and more viewers who watch YouTube on TV, episodic documentary-style content might also be a lucrative trend to watch out for. These formats appeal to viewers seeking high-production value or immersive storytelling experiences.

A woman getting lots of hearts during a livestream

Earlier this year, YouTube announced that creators could monetize their channels with just 

 and 3,000 hours of watch time. That’s a sharp decrease from the 1,000-sub, 4,000-hour requirement we’ve seen in the past.

Notably, you can’t monetize content through video ads if you only have with 500 subscribers. YouTube is restricting these creators to fan-funding revenue only, such as 

Meanwhile, super fans are the ones who donate money, not casual YouTube viewers. That will push creators to 

if they want to make real money through fan funding.

It seems like YouTube wants small creators to have loyal fans before they become big creators. That raises the quality of videos and viewers (i.e., watch time) on YouTube.

6. High Earning Potential from YouTube Livestreaming

male YouTube livestreamer having fun and engaging with the chat

Creators are making gobs of money by simply going live, so the power of hosting YouTube livestreams is trending in the right direction.

Here’s a small taste of what you can earn:

Even outside of YouTube, music artists like Tee Grizzley pull in 

 streaming on Twitch and then posting the completed streams on YouTube. As revenue grows, we expect this trend to continue in 2025.

7. Ad Blockers Derailing Views, Monetization

a cartoon-style web page with the words skip ad

 tank your YouTube views and watch time? Even worse, will they jeopardize your dream of getting monetized?

A year ago, these questions would seem silly. But now that YouTube is blocking video playback for viewers who use ad blockers, the consequences are getting 

 was 35.7% in 2022, with China, Indonesia, and Vietnam leading the charge. Think about it from YouTube's perspective: That's a lot of lost revenue, especially if those behaviors are prevalent on video-sharing sites.

. After all, YouTube has to allow playback on your videos before you can rack up views, watch time, and money. However, common sense tells us that some creators will unknowingly suffer, especially if their audience wants ad-free viewing.

three males filming a dancing youtube short

Did you know that most creators using vidIQ gained 100,000 subscribers by posting short, vertical videos? If you want proof, check our most recent list of 

YouTube channels that hit 100,000 subscribers

 in 30 days. For most channels, their standout video wasn't lengthy or horizontal; it was a YouTube Short.

This isn’t surprising to most creators, but we’re adding it to the list because Shorts continue to grow small channels. If you aren’t a short-form creator (yet), consider experimenting in 2025.

9. The Rise of VR Gaming (Virtual Reality)

 will be more than $22 billion by 2025. So, it makes sense that this style of entertainment is flooding YouTube, especially in the gaming space.

For example, check out the screenshot below. According to vidIQ’s keyword explorer, viewers want to see VR content from games like 

. They’re also searching for VR gamers and commentators (

) as well as VR technology (Soundcore VR P10 earbuds).

All of these keywords have high searches on YouTube and low competition from other creators. That means the VR space is relatively fresh and ready to be tamed by some lucky creators.

Now that you know which trends to watch out for, here's how to update your channel and get more views!

YouTube logo with a jagged line graph shooting through it.

YouTube logo with rising digital graph arrow representing video growth and analytics trends

What will video creation look and feel like in 2025? Dive into YouTube trends surrounding AI, long-form content, and the rise of authentic, unpolished videos.

On YouTube, there is nothing better than getting feedback from your viewers, especially when the insights make your content better. Sometimes, the best way to get this information is by 

 on the YouTube Community Tab. It's a fantastic way to spark new conversations, address real pain points, and introduce ideas that grow your channel.

 is about making your life better as a content creator. Through our polls, we try to understand your problems holistically and share tips and tools to fuel your success.

 all kinds of questions in 2024. You gave us thousands of responses, sharing what you felt about YouTube, the monetization game, and your individual growth journeys. 

YouTube Insights from the vidIQ Community

 make up most of our community. Many of them are grinding their way toward 

 so they can get monetized. Our insights are from creators who watch the vidIQ channel or interact with our community posts.

First of all, a massive shoutout to the vidIQ community for engaging with us and participating in the polls. Your support keeps us motivated! Having said that, these were the most popular, opinionated polls on our community tab in 2024.

1. Have you published a YouTube video this year?

Around the beginning of 2024, we asked our viewers

Through many polls, we learned more about small creators in 2024. Here's how they view monetization, YouTube Shorts, and what it means to grow with longevity.

YouTube Trends and Insights

The Rise of YouTube on TV

Why New Creators are Being Pushed by YouTube in 2025

Outdoor Boys: Turning Passion into a Global Phenomenon

The Future of Video Creation: 9 YouTube Trends to Watch in 2025

Poll Data: 10 YouTube Stats About the Small Creator Journey

Top 10 Christmas 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]