Ask any YouTuber and they will tell you that generating significant views and subscribers isn't easy. But with the right strategy and tools, any video creator can build an engaged subscriber base when they understand what those subscribers want to watch.

Appealing to an audience to watch content you are passionate about making is just the first step, you need to know how to reach them and get your videos discovered. Our guides to how to guide more views on YouTube will give you the best tips to succeed on the platform.

Getting Views

How To Get More Views on YouTube

Getting thousands or even millions of YouTube subscribers is a dream for most creators. In the articles below, we'll show you how to turn casual viewers into long-term fans. 

Subscribers

YouTube Subscribers

Do you want to make money on YouTube? Millions of creators are earning a very good living from monetizing the platform and uploading content that drives huge views and engagements. Whether that YouTube income is from advertising revenue, merchandise sales, or brand deals, or subscriptions, we keep you updated with best practices and ideas.

Monetization

How To Make Money on YouTube

Want to see how your channel is performing? Read these YouTube analytics articles to discover what's working and what isn't. You'll learn how to identify which videos have the most Watch Time, clicks, audience retention, revenue, and more.

Analytics

YouTube Analytics

Watch Time is arguably THE most important metric on YouTube right now, and creators won’t be able to monetize their content without 4000 hours of it. But what is it and how can creators increase the amount of Watch Time their videos attract? We keep you updated on the best practices around Watch Time, and how you can increase how much your video content generates.

Watch Time

YouTube Watch Time

YouTube Shorts content is set to explode! 

All the latest tips, tricks, and rock-solid advice you need for this new feature.

YouTube Shorts

Do you know how to do keyword research so you understand what videos people are actually searching for on YouTube? Do you know how to create a custom YouTube thumbnail? Do you know how to create a Playlist on YouTube?

vidIQ has a ton of tips that will help every creator maximise their video content. We publish content every week to keep you up to date with all the best practices.

Tips & Tricks

YouTube Tips & Tricks

At vidIQ we have incredible insights into what viewers are searching for on YouTube. Not only can we confirm the top keywords being searched for, we can also show you how you can leverage that interest to create content around trending topics and tentpole events. That's going to give you a clear edge over other creators!

Insights

YouTube Insights

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

average video length on YouTube still hovers around 11.7 minutes

, even after the meteoric rise of YouTube Shorts and other forms of short-form content. The need for longer content is still quite high, and one of the best ways to capitalize on it is through video essays.

YouTube video essays have exploded in popularity over the past few years, with creators building massive audiences, diving deep into everything from film analysis to social commentary. Yet despite the high interest in becoming a video essayist, there's a surprising lack of real, actionable advice online about how to actually succeed in this space.

So, today, we'll explore how you can go about achieving this successfully as a YouTube creator. Let's get started!

How to Create a YouTube Tutorial Video: Full Guide

A video essay is an essay that is presented in a visual format instead of the conventional written method. It pretty has the same components as a standard essay, consisting of 

an introduction, a main body (which may be divided into sections), and a conclusion.

Walk through YouTube video essays, and you'll find countless videos rehashing the same tired takes. 

"The Last Jedi ruined Star Wars." "Marvel movies are formulaic."

The issue isn't having these opinions—it's presenting them as fresh insights when they're actually echo chamber repetitions. Viewers can sense when you're simply repackaging existing discourse rather than adding something new to the conversation.

But that doesn't mean your takes need to "stand out" just for the sake of it. Instead of trying to be different for the sake of being different, focus on finding a way of creating videos that only you can make. This isn't about being different—it's about being irreplaceably you.

The Secret to Standing Out as a Small YouTube Creator

Before diving into the how-to, let's clarify what we mean by "voice" in video essays. Your voice isn't about:

Copying another creator's presentation format

: Your authentic self coming through the screen

: The unique understanding you bring to topics

To develop your voice, you need to identify three core elements:

: Your areas of expertise or deep knowledge

: The unique perspective only you can provide

: Experiment with various approaches to see what feels natural. Some creators are naturally analytical, while others are more emotional; some are humorous, while others are serious.

: Initially, it's acceptable to incorporate small elements from creators you admire. Notice how they structure arguments, pace their videos, or present information. But avoid wholesale copying.

: After each video, ask yourself: "Did this feel like me? What parts felt forced? What came naturally?"

: Your voice will develop and change as you create more content. Embrace this evolution rather than trying to lock yourself into a rigid style.

Let's get on with the uncomfortable truth that many aspiring video essayists don't want to hear: 

You cannot provide insightful analysis when you have no insight.

Too many creators jump into making video essays about topics they understand only at a surface level. They watch a few other videos, read some Reddit threads, and think they're ready to contribute meaningfully to the discourse.

Before you make your first video essay, ask yourself:

Have I studied beyond surface-level takes?

Can I offer perspectives that aren't already widely available?

If the answer to any of these is "no," you're not ready to make that video yet—and that's okay.

Choosing Your Niche: Become a Student First

The path to becoming a respected video essayist starts with becoming a dedicated student. Here's how:

Choose a topic you're either deeply passionate about or willing to dedicate yourself to learning inside and out. This could be:

Film analysis (specific genres, directors, or eras)

Once you've chosen your focus, immerse yourself completely:

Take online courses from reputable institutions

Join communities of serious students and practitioners

Becoming truly knowledgeable enough to offer valuable insights takes time—often years. This isn't a shortcut to YouTube fame; it's a commitment to expertise.

The goal is to become someone with significantly more insight than the average person interested in your topic. Only then can you offer something genuinely valuable.

Your voice isn't something you can pick off a shelf or decide on in advance. As the saying goes about wands at Ollivander's, "the voice chooses the creator." Finding yours requires experimentation and patience.

The 54 Best YouTube Niches, According to Viewers

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Great Video Essay

If you've followed along so far, you now know the headspace needed to become a YouTube video essay creator. Now, let's get you ready for your first video upload!

Look at what’s already been said—and ask how you can go further

Clear structure (intro, body, conclusion)

Read it out loud—does it sound like you?

YouTube Skills: How to Become a Pro at Speaking on Camera

Get a decent mic (USB condenser mics are a good start)

Use visuals to support your points, not distract

Add transitions only where they make sense

4 Editing Hacks to Make Any YouTube Video Go Viral

What makes a good YouTube video essay? Here's everything you need to know about voice, research, scripting, editing, and building a lasting channel.

How to Create a YouTube Video Essay: Full Guide

If you’re not taking the time to clip YouTube videos, you’re missing one of the easiest ways to boost reach, re-engage your audience, and grow without recording anything new.

Clipping lets you quickly turn one long-form YouTube video into multiple short, shareable clips. 

 perform well because they’re easier to watch, share, and surface in YouTube’s algorithm.

In short, clipping a YouTube video is the fastest way to go from a long video to short video that performs better in YouTube’s recommendation system.

Clipping a YouTube video means taking the most engaging moments from a long video and creating short clips that are easier to watch, share, and discover.

Think of it as repurposing your best content into sharable, high-impact moments. One 30-minute tutorial or one hour podcast can become multiple YouTube Shorts, each attracting new viewers and reminding your existing audience why they subscribed.

To clip a YouTube video, you can use YouTube’s native 

 feature or a YouTube video clip cutter like 

. The biggest advantage of clipping is that you don’t need to start from scratch. It’s far easier than creating brand-new videos, and with a tool like vidIQ’s, even the editing is automated. Just upload your video and let AI instantly transform your YouTube long video to short video clips that are ready to share.

infographic showing the process of clipping a YouTube video: upload long video, AI scans highlights, short clips generated, and shared as YouTube Shorts.

Clipped videos aren’t just a time-saver, they’re a growth tool. Here’s where they shine:

: Put fresh content in their feed without starting from scratch.

: Shorts get pushed to a wider audience which is perfect for getting in front of people who haven’t found your long videos yet.

: Pull out the funniest line, the most jaw-dropping fact, or the moment the big reveal happens.

: Post those clips on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn to hit audiences outside YouTube.

Not all long videos make great clips. When deciding which content to turn from a YouTube long video to short video, focus on formats that naturally break into high-impact moments that make sense on their own.

Step-by-step content works well for clipping because each tip, step, or demonstration can stand alone. A 20-minute “How to Grow Tomatoes” guide might yield individual clips for “Choosing the Right Soil,” “Watering Tips,” and “Preventing Pests.” Each one delivers quick value and can link back to the full tutorial.

These are rich sources for bite-sized content. Pull the most thought-provoking questions, surprising reactions, or memorable quotes. A single guest appearance can give you a week of Shorts that tease viewers into watching the full conversation.

Highlight the biggest moments such as a keynote speaker’s one-liner, the most exciting part of a performance, or behind-the-scenes footage. These clips give viewers a taste of the event’s energy and can drive them to explore your longer recap.

Showcase one feature, reaction, or problem solved at a time. Instead of watching a 15-minute review, a viewer might click on a 30-second clip showing “How This Camera Handles Low Light” and then decide to check out the full review.

Live sessions often contain valuable, unscripted moments that can be clipped into short, engaging videos. This might include Q&A segments, funny interactions, or key announcements that deserve a second life outside the full stream.

Educational talks are perfect for pulling out single insights, statistics, or action steps. These shorter clips work well for reminding viewers of the value in attending the full presentation or watching the replay.

If your long-form video is structured as a list or countdown, each item can stand on its own as a quick, satisfying short. For example, “Top 5 Editing Hacks” can become five separate Shorts that each highlight one hack.

If you already have a library of long videos, you are sitting on weeks or even months of short-form content waiting to be repurposed.

man holding a smartphone, symbolizing mobile-first video engagement.

Should You Clip YouTube Videos from Other Creators?

 clip other creators’ videos on YouTube using the platform’s built-in Clip feature, but that’s different from downloading their content or re-uploading it, which can violate copyright.

For growth, the safest (and smartest) play is to 

. That way you own the rights, control the narrative, and build your channel’s library.

From YouTube Long Video to Short Video in Seconds

Repurposing content can be a time-consuming process, but 

 removes nearly all of the manual work. It’s the fastest way to create Shorts from YouTube video content you’ve already published. Here’s how it works from start to finish:

Choose any video you’ve already published or recorded. This could be a tutorial, livestream, interview, or any format with strong moments worth highlighting.

Let AI scan it for the most engaging moments: 

The tool uses AI to analyze your content for sections with high engagement potential. It looks for natural hooks, memorable lines, and visually interesting segments that will translate well into short form.

In just a few minutes, you’ll have a batch of polished clips sized perfectly for YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Instagram Reels, or other vertical platforms.

Traditionally, turning a YouTube long video to short video format required watching the full recording, marking timestamps, manually cutting footage, and reformatting it for vertical platforms. This process could take hours for a single clip. Clipping a YouTube video with vidIQ’s 

No manual searching. No guesswork. Just high-impact, shareable content pulled straight from your existing videos so you can spend more time creating and less time editing.

Log in to vidIQ and clip your YouTube videos into shareable Shorts instantly.

illustration of a long horizontal YouTube video being sliced into multiple smaller vertical YouTube Shorts stacked like a feed.

Clip YouTube videos into short, shareable clips to grow your channel faster with less effort.

Clip YouTube Videos: From Long Video to Short Video

Why Is Marketing YouTube Videos Crucial for Brands?

Many brands think they’re “on YouTube” because they’ve uploaded a few videos or embedded them on their website. But being 

 it. Without a clear strategy, brands miss out on YouTube’s full potential to drive search visibility, community engagement, and long-term business growth.

Based on hundreds of channel audits and consulting sessions, these are the most common YouTube missed opportunities we see brands make, and how to fix them.

“If we use the right keywords, our audience will find us.”

Yes, YouTube is a search engine, but on average, only 20% of views come from Search. The other 80% are 

 to viewers. That means SEO alone isn’t enough. Your videos need to work within YouTube’s recommendation system, not just target the “best” keywords.

YouTube search bar with a magnifying glass. 80% of views coming from recommended, and text saying "Search is only 20%" of views

Titles and descriptions use brand language instead of audience language.

Keywords are “stuffed” without a clear promise in the title and thumbnail.

Search terms are treated like a magic switch instead of inputs to better content and packaging.

Start with the viewer’s problem, in their words.

 to find the exact terms your audience uses (intent, variants, difficulty), then save the winners to guide your programming.

 and Most Viewed to see how top videos package similar topics. Choose a differentiated hook that still matches audience phrasing.

 Write your title and description for humans first, clear at a glance, compelling to click, then refine with AI Title/Description suggestions and the 

 to ensure the right context without overloading keywords.

 Use vidIQ to validate your audience’s language and angles before you hit record. Then 

 to turn those insights into a repeatable content and testing cadence.

Even the best video content can go unwatched if the title and thumbnail don’t spark interest or clearly communicate value. On YouTube, these two elements are your first impression. If they miss the mark, your audience never clicks.

We regularly see brands using internal naming conventions like “XYZ Product Overview” or “Welcome Message from the CEO.” While these might make sense internally, they fail to tell a viewer why they should care. These titles lack clarity, curiosity, and often overlook keywords altogether.

The same problem shows up in thumbnails. Many are overloaded with text, feature generic visuals, or simply mirror the video’s title. Instead of stopping the scroll, they blend into the background. Viewers don’t get a reason to click, and the algorithm notices the low engagement.

Titles and thumbnails directly affect your 

, one of the most important metrics YouTube uses to evaluate your content. A low CTR signals to the platform that your video isn’t relevant or engaging, which means fewer impressions and fewer chances to grow.

 Craft titles that mix curiosity and clarity. Design thumbnails that grab attention and clearly communicate the value of the video. These two elements have the biggest impact on click-through rate.

 If your team needs a starting point, tools like 

 can help you test different angles using high-performing keywords and proven title structures and 

 lets you quickly create scroll-stopping visuals using simple prompts, no design experience required.

calendar showing regularly scheduled YouTube postings

3. Inconsistent Posting (or No Cadence at All)

Too many brands treat YouTube like a campaign platform. A few videos go live around a product launch, event, or announcement, and then the channel goes quiet for weeks or even months.

YouTube favors channels that post consistently. Regular publishing signals to the algorithm that your channel is active and dependable. It also sets clear expectations for your audience, encouraging them to return and engage.

 Create a posting schedule your team can stick to. It does not need to be frequent. What matters most is consistency.

to co-create it and design repeatable formats that make production easier.

Too many brands focus on video creation but forget to connect that content to broader marketing or business goals.

A video may get views, but without a strategic next step, it becomes a dead end. Viewers finish watching and drop off instead of moving deeper into your brand experience.

Many brand videos end without a clear call to action. They don't ask viewers to subscribe, visit the website, join a newsletter, or watch another video.

 Start thinking in terms of viewer journeys. Each video should have a purpose, and every purpose should include a next step. This could be watching another video, visiting a landing page, subscribing to the channel, or signing up for a free resource.

youtube video on phone with comments underneath being liked

Brands often overlook YouTube’s community features. They fail to reply to comments, ask questions, or encourage discussion, and that silence is a missed signal to YouTube’s algorithm.

, in particular, is underused. This feature allows brands to post polls, images, and updates to stay top of mind between videos.

: Actively respond to comments. Post on your Community Tab regularly. Encourage viewer interaction since it boosts visibility and builds loyalty.

 Use end screens to recommend relevant videos or playlists. Add strong calls to action in your video descriptions and pinned comments. Mention next steps in your voiceover or on-screen text. The goal is to make the transition from passive viewer to active participant as easy and intuitive as possible.

One-off videos can perform well in the short term, especially if they align with a trending topic or campaign. But relying solely on standalone videos makes it difficult to grow a loyal audience or keep subscribers coming back.

Long-term success on YouTube often comes from creating structure and predictability. Just like with podcasts or TV shows, audiences are more likely to return when they know what kind of content to expect and when to expect it. Episodic content builds viewing habits. It gives your audience a reason to subscribe, not just because of one good video, but because they want to see what comes next.

 Develop a content series. Repeatable formats (like interviews, product breakdowns, or educational playlists) create habits. When viewers know what to expect, they’re more likely to subscribe and return.

Develop repeatable content formats that your team can execute on a regular basis. This could be a weekly product Q&A, a recurring customer story series, a behind-the-scenes look at your brand, or an educational playlist focused on your industry.

Make Strategic Fixes, See Scalable Results

You don’t have to overhaul your channel overnight. In fact, most of the growth we see in brand channels comes from consistent, strategic improvements and not massive reinventions.

Why is marketing YouTube videos crucial for brands?

Because without it, your channel stays passive. With it, your channel becomes an always-on growth engine; driving leads, building community, and reinforcing your brand message at scale.

If you're serious about making YouTube a core part of your marketing strategy, the first step is simple: 

. Find what’s working. Fix what’s not. And if you want expert help along the way, we’re ready when you are.

Learn how vidIQ supports brands like yours

a leaky marketing funnel with youtube play buttons spilling out. many views are lost in the crack of the funnel.

Over-relying on search instead of optimizing for recommendations.

Using poor titles and thumbnails that fail to attract clicks.

Posting inconsistently or without a clear cadence.

Ignoring community engagement and funnel strategy.

Relying on one-off videos instead of creating series or episodic content.

These gaps leave significant growth potential untapped.

Discover 6 common YouTube mistakes brands make and how to turn them into growth opportunities.

Top 6 Missed YouTube Opportunities for Brands We See (and Fix)

YouTube for Brands: How to Build a Business Growth Engine

One of the most common misconceptions is that YouTube is just another social channel or simply an extension of Google. In reality, a brand’s YouTube channel has the potential to become a 

While YouTube for brands does require a different strategy than YouTube for creators, the gap is smaller than you might think.

People come to YouTube to watch stories, and many brands already have great stories to tell.

When brands commit to storytelling and community-building, their YouTube channel becomes more than a video library. It becomes a platform for connection, trust, and long-term business growth.


Why Outdated YouTube Strategies Hold Brands Back

One of the biggest challenges facing many enterprise teams is a mindset problem: many still treat YouTube like a traditional social feed or assume its algorithm works exactly like Google Search.


Those assumptions limit results and keep their channels stuck.

YouTube is More Than Just Another Social Channel

Most social platforms are designed for speed, virality, and short-lived visibility. You post, get a spike in impressions, and then your content fades into the feed.

 with over 122 million active daily users. YouTube users come with intent. Not just passively scrolling. They’re actively searching for answers, inspiration, and solutions.

And because YouTube videos appear in Google search results, your reach extends beyond the platform itself and into the wider search landscape.

Stylized illustration of a search bar with 'YouTube SEO' typed in, surrounded by video thumbnails, bar charts, and upward arrows symbolizing growth

Another common mistake brands make is applying the same SEO playbook they use for Google, expecting keywords and tags to drive all the growth.

Yes, YouTube is owned by Google. Yes, it’s the second-largest search engine. But the way videos are ranked and recommended content is fundamentally different. YouTube prioritizes viewer behavior over keyword structure.

Here’s what many brands overlook: YouTube search traffic only accounts for about 20 percent of total views. The other 80 percent comes from browsing features, suggested videos, and the homepage.

To succeed, you need to optimize for both 

Turn your brand’s YouTube channel into a powerful growth engine with long-term ROI and inbound lead generation.

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

How to Create a YouTube Video Essay: Full Guide

How to Create a YouTube Video Essay: Full Guide

Clip YouTube Videos: From Long Video to Short Video

Top 6 Missed YouTube Opportunities for Brands We See (and Fix)

YouTube for Brands: How to Build a Business Growth Engine

YouTube Shorts Thumbnails: How to Customize Them for More Views

How to Use the YouTube Thumbnail Tester to Boost Views

What is the YouTube Monthly Audience Metric?

6 Ways to Make YouTube Thumbnails in Record Time

Find the Best YouTube Thumbnail Styles for Your Channel

Why You Should Make YouTube Thumbnails Before You Record

How to Improve Your YouTube CTR with Better Thumbnails

How to See Your Subscribers on YouTube