The best way to get more views on YouTube is to optimize your videos so they show up in search and recommendations
— and keep viewers engaged once they click. That means mastering clickable thumbnails, compelling titles, and content that delivers on its promise.


With 10+ billion views tracked through coaching and tools, vidIQ provides data-backed insights into what drives video discovery.


In this section, we will break down strategies, examples, and case studies so you can consistently grow your views.

More Views

How To Get More Views on YouTube

The fastest way to get more YouTube subscribers is to publish videos that keep viewers watching and make it easy for them to subscribe.
That means using strong titles and thumbnails, clear calls to action, and building content around topics people are already searching for.


At vidIQ, we analyze millions of channels to see what actually drives subscriber growth, from doubling down on high-retention videos
to packaging content in ways that hook new audiences. Explore our guides and case studies to learn proven tactics that will
help you grow your subscribers faster.

Get Subscribers

How to Get More YouTube Subscribers

To make money on YouTube, creators start by qualifying for the YouTube Partner Program and enabling ads, but that’s just the beginning. Real income comes from combining multiple streams: sponsorships, channel memberships, affiliate marketing, and selling your own products or services. 

At vidIQ, we’ve studied how creators unlock monetization
milestones and scale beyond ad revenue. Here you will learn practical strategies to diversify income and build
a sustainable business from your YouTube channel.

Make Money

How To Make Money on YouTube

YouTube Analytics reveal which videos are working and why, but not all metrics matter equally. Watch time, retention, CTR, and revenue are the numbers that drive real growth. 

At vidIQ, we break down these metrics with examples so you can spot trends, identify weak points, and make smarter decisions for your channel. Here you’ll learn how to use analytics as a growth engine, not just a dashboard.

Data Insights

YouTube Analytics Explained: Metrics That Matter

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 are one of the fastest ways to reach new viewers and grow your channel.


With millions of Shorts analyzed, vidIQ has tracked the formats and strategies that help creators break through. Here you’ll learn how to make Shorts that stand out, and how to use them to boost your long-form videos.

YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts: Tips and Strategies

The best YouTube tips save time and make your videos perform better. From thumbnail tweaks to hidden features in YouTube Studio, small changes can drive big results. 

At vidIQ, we’ve tested countless tactics across millions of videos to see what really works. Here you’ll find quick wins and practical shortcuts you can use right now to grow faster and work smarter.

Quick Tips

YouTube Tips for Creators

The fastest way to grow on YouTube is to create content around trending topics while viewers are searching for them. 

With vidIQ’s data, we track the keywords, niches, and formats that are taking off across millions of channels. Here you’ll find insights into what’s working now, including creator case studies and examples, so you can publish videos that ride the wave of demand and stay ahead of competitors.

Trending Now

YouTube Trends and Insights

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

Writing great YouTube titles is one of the highest-leverage skills you can develop as a creator.

, your title is the entry point for new viewers and plays a key role in whether your content gets discovered, clicked, and watched. Titles influence click-through rate, impact YouTube’s recommendation system, and shape viewer expectations - all of which directly affect your watch time and channel growth.

But even amazing videos can go unwatched if the title doesn’t spark interest or clearly communicate value. High-performing titles aren’t optional, they’re essential.

70% of YouTube traffic coming from Browse and Suggested feeds

70% of YouTube views come from Browse and Suggested feeds

SEO-optimized videos tend to drive longer-term, evergreen traffic

Which means most video titles fall into one of two categories:

 that get clicks early, but fizzle out over time

 that help videos rank, but feel generic or dry

So it’s no surprise that we often get asked the questions, “

How do I write a title that works for both search and suggested feeds?

Here’s the truth: Your title has to do double duty.

And we’ve built a simple YouTube Title Framework to help you do exactly that.

Watch the vidIQ Title Flip framework video here:


But First: The Problem with Hybrid Titles

It’s obvious to try and balance curiosity and keywords in one title, what we call the hybrid approach, and it sometimes works. Like this title example:

“Sourdough Recipe from ANCIENT EGYPT!”

This title has intrigue and includes a keyword (“sourdough recipe”), making it a strong contender for both clicks and long-term search.

Again, this strategy can work and often performs well for bigger channels or well-known brands. But for smaller or growing creators facing stiff competition, we’ve seen better and more consistent results with a two-phase approach.

“There’s always a bit of tension between writing titles for search versus writing them to spark curiosity. Since most traffic comes from Browse and Suggested, curiosity-driven titles tend to perform better at first. But once that initial push slows down, updating your title (and thumbnail) to be more SEO-friendly can give the video a second life and help it show up in search for the long haul.”

 is built around that approach. Instead of trying to do everything in one title, you let each title do what it’s best at: 

curiosity for early clicks, SEO for lasting growth

Start with a curiosity-driven title that grabs attention in Browse and Suggested feeds. Your goal here is to earn the click and spark engagement right out of the gate.

Once the video’s initial performance levels off (typically after 48–72 hours), swap in a more keyword-focused title. This helps your content rank in Search and stay discoverable for months to come.

This simple flip is a small change that can deliver long-term results, especially for evergreen content.


Step-by-Step: How to Apply the Title Flip Framework

Here’s how to apply the Title Flip Framework to your next video:

Before publishing, draft a solid title option for each phase:

"Is This The World’s Fastest Sourdough Recipe?"

Writing these variations forces you to think from both the viewer’s perspective and the algorithm’s.

Need help brainstorming curiosity-driven or keyword-focused titles? Try our 

 to identify high-performing keywords that fit your niche.


Step 2: Lead with Curiosity and Monitor Performance

Use the curiosity-first title at launch to maximize clicks from the Browse and Suggested feeds.

graphic highlighting a 48 to 72 hour waiting period before reviewing performance

. Pay close attention to your impressions, CTR, and watch time.

If your traffic is still holding strong, great, leave it as is.

If your traffic is declining, or if your CTR is lower than expected, it’s time for Phase 2.


Update your title with the keyword-focused version to support long-term discoverability.

Wait another 48-72 hours and once again review your impressions, CTR, and watch time.

Ideally you will see an increase in all of your key metrics.

If impressions are low, your title might lack keyword strength. Try another keyword focused title.

If impressions are high but CTR is low, your title might lack clarity.

A well-timed flip can give your video a second wave of life, helping it move from a short burst of views to evergreen traffic.

Metaphor image of butter spreading on toast, labeled as title and thumbnail working together


Bonus Tip: Make Sure Your Title and Thumbnail Work Together

Your title and thumbnail should feel like a matched set, each one making the other stronger.

Think of them like butter on toast. Dry toast is boring. Butter on its own? A little weird. The magic only happens when they’re together.

, use the title to pose a question or spark curiosity 

Title: “This Mistake Ruined My Bread… Don’t Make It”

, your title needs to provide clarity or context 

Thumbnail: a surprised face + loaf of bread

Title: “The One Ingredient That Changed Everything”

Together, your title and thumbnail should build curiosity, communicate value, and set clear expectations.


Seeing what title changes other real-world creators use helps you understand what works and what doesn’t. With the free 

, you can track how other creators update their titles and thumbnails over time. Browse YouTube with vidIQ active, study the changes top creators make, and apply those insights to your own video titles to grow faster.

Your title is not just a headline, it’s your first and most important growth lever.

Drive more clicks from Suggested and Browse

Extend your video’s life with long-term search traffic

Build a repeatable, testable title strategy you can rely on


Let your next title do more than describe your video.

Let it spark curiosity, get the click, and grow your channel.

Looking for more tips on writing great titles?

11 Ways to Write Exciting YouTube Titles for Your Videos

3 Secrets for Writing Click-Worthy YouTube Titles

How to Write the Best Titles for YouTube Shorts

Line graph showing flat and then a sharp upward trend after a title flip adjustment

Your title is one of the most important tools for growing your channel. It directly impacts:

Whether people click—Titles influence your click-through rate (CTR)

Whether YouTube recommends your video—Strong titles help you show up in Browse and Suggested feeds

Whether people keep watching—Titles set expectations, and if your content doesn’t deliver, viewers bounce

Nail your title, and you’ll boost clicks, retention, and long-term discoverability.

Start with a clear goal. Use a mix of curiosity and SEO. The best YouTube titles do three things:

Include a relevant keyword so YouTube knows what your video is about.

Set clear expectations so viewers don’t bounce and kill your watch time.

Miss any one of these, and even great content might not get traction.

You can update your title anytime in YouTube Studio:

Hover over your video and click the pencil icon (Details)

Edit the title field, then click ‘Save’

We recommend waiting at least 48–72 hours after publishing before retitling, this gives YouTube time to test the original version. Use your updated title to better target SEO or boost curiosity based on how the video is performing.

Write YouTube titles that rank and get clicks with this proven curiosity + SEO framework from vidIQ.

vidIQ’s Title Flip Framework: Write Titles That Get Clicks & Rank

There is little to no doubt that AI has been the biggest topic of interest in 2024. Not just YouTube, every part of the internet has been influenced by the development of AI and some have become fully dependent on it.

AI is transforming industries and reshaping YouTube content creation, providing creators new ways to monetize their channels. Some niches in particular have seen the use of AI more than others. Here, we’ll discuss some of these popular and profitable AI niches on YouTube.

40 Awesome YouTube Channel Ideas (Without Showing Your Face)

Before we get down to learning more about the niches, let’s answer this common skepticism that people might have. The short answer is–yes, you can monetize AI-generated content on YouTube.

As of now, there is a new “Check” during the content uploading process where you’ll need to declare if your content clears some conditions which you can find in more detail in the video above. If your video does fall under the “Altered or synthetic” content, YouTube will label it accordingly under the description box.

As long as you’re following the guidelines and following YouTube’s protocols, just using AI will not get your channel in trouble. And from a content perspective, it could be hugely beneficial.

Now that we’ve clarified your doubts about the scope of financial success with AI niches on YouTube, let’s look at what they are:

This niche involves producing content that helps businesses automate processes using AI-driven SaaS (Software as a Service) platforms. Content can focus on tools for lead generation, sales optimization, or customer relationship management (CRM). Businesses are always looking for ways to save time and streamline processes, and AI solutions are becoming indispensable.

B2B companies are often willing to pay premium prices for AI tools that enhance productivity and deliver a high return on investment (ROI). Additionally, high-ticket SaaS products often offer substantial affiliate commissions, making this niche incredibly lucrative.

Creators can earn revenue through affiliate marketing by promoting SaaS tools or by offering consulting services on implementing automation strategies. Popular tools include CRM automation platforms, email outreach tools, and AI-driven analytics solutions.

AI tools for email marketing, CRM automation software like Salesforce, and business analytics tools.

2. AI for YouTube Automation (Faceless Channels)

Faceless YouTube channels are an excellent way for creators to leverage AI without appearing on camera. These channels often focus on AI-powered automation tools, using avatars or generated voices to produce content. This niche can include tutorials on creating faceless content or how to automate various aspects of YouTube channel management.

How to Start a Faceless Channel on YouTube

Faceless channels lower the barrier to entry and reduce production costs. With the help of AI tools like ChatGPT and image generators, creators can produce scalable and engaging content quickly. This type of content is becoming increasingly popular, especially as more people look for ways to automate their workflows.

Revenue comes from YouTube ad revenue, affiliate marketing (for software tools like video editing AI), and selling digital products such as courses on YouTube automation.

Faceless channels focusing on finance, how-to videos, and AI-generated content in niches like tech and self-improvement.

AI is making waves in the finance sector, from algorithmic trading bots to AI-based investment advice. YouTube channels in this niche often cover how AI can be applied to stock market analysis, cryptocurrency trading, or personal financial planning.

The finance niche generally commands high CPMs, attracting advertisers in the banking, insurance, and investment sectors. AI’s ability to provide advanced analytics and predictions in finance makes it an exciting niche with high earning potential.

Creators can generate revenue through high-CPM ads, affiliate marketing for AI-driven trading platforms, and offering premium courses on algorithmic trading or financial planning tools.

AI stock market analysis, cryptocurrency trading bots, and automated investment platforms.

AI-powered health and fitness tools are on the rise. From workout apps to AI-driven nutritional planners, there’s a wealth of content opportunities in this space. YouTube creators can focus on how AI tools are helping individuals meet fitness goals, track health metrics, or optimize nutrition.

Health and fitness remain evergreen niches with high audience engagement. With AI offering personalized, data-driven solutions, the demand for tech-integrated fitness tools is growing. This niche allows creators to merge trending AI technology with the ever-popular health industry

Revenue streams include affiliate marketing for AI-driven fitness apps, partnerships with wearable tech brands, and selling premium fitness programs.

AI fitness trackers, meal planning tools, and smart workout equipment like Peloton or Tonal.

5. AI-Driven Tutorials and Software Reviews

Channels focusing on AI-powered software tutorials are seeing increased traction. Whether it’s AI accounting tools, content generation software, or business automation platforms, these tutorials provide value by helping viewers learn how to leverage AI in their work or personal lives.

AI software typically comes with high affiliate commissions, especially for SaaS products. Additionally, tutorial videos often have high engagement, making them ideal for maximizing YouTube ad revenue.

Affiliate marketing for AI tools (e.g., Jasper AI for writing, AI-powered accounting platforms), ad revenue, and sponsorships from software companies.

Tutorials on using AI tools like Grammarly, AI image editing software, and content creation platforms.

AI tools are revolutionizing content creation, helping digital marketers automate blog writing, video editing, and social media management. This niche focuses on teaching viewers how to use AI tools to increase efficiency in their content marketing efforts.

Digital marketers and content creators are always looking for ways to improve productivity, making this niche highly valuable. The vast number of AI tools available for content generation provides an endless stream of content ideas and monetization opportunities.

Revenue streams include affiliate commissions from AI content tools, sponsored content, and digital products like online courses or eBooks.

AI video editing tools, AI-generated blog post software, and social media automation platforms.

AI is transforming the recruitment and HR landscape by automating tasks like candidate sourcing, resume screening, and employee management. YouTube channels that explore these tools and how businesses can integrate them into their operations are poised for growth.

Many businesses are investing in AI-driven recruitment solutions to save time and increase efficiency. This niche is ripe for monetization through affiliate marketing and consulting services. Companies that adopt these tools are often willing to spend big on long-term contracts, creating additional revenue streams for creators.

Affiliate commissions from HR SaaS products, business consulting services, and sponsored content partnerships.

AI-driven recruitment platforms, candidate screening software, and employee management tools.

AI-powered personal productivity tools are highly sought after, particularly as individuals and professionals look to streamline their tasks. YouTube content that focuses on using AI for productivity appeals to a wide range of viewers.

Personal development and productivity is a niche that, like Finance, naturally draws higher CPM rates on YouTube and across the internet in general. With AI’s infusion, it can reach more people through ease of understanding and access to simpler tools.

Higher revenue through ads on YouTube videos, tools for simplifying understanding and implementation, and affiliate programs for these tools.

Automated to-do lists, tracking tools for personal habits like enhancing writing, improving meditation, etc.

The rampant rise and infusion of AI over this year across industries only reinforces the idea that it’s only getting bigger. AI will continue revolutionizing numerous fields,

 with OpenAI announcing newer deep thinking and reasoning models

 coming into the picture! And YouTube creators are in a prime position to capitalize on these advancements.

These channels not only draw substantial audiences but also capture high-paying advertisers. Whether you focus on finance, health, or creative arts, creating content around AI offers both high viewer engagement and strong monetization opportunities. As AI continues to evolve, these niches will only grow in relevance, providing long-term profitability for content creators.

check out these 47 niches that viewers love on YouTube!

Graphic with a dollar sign with "vidIQ" inscribed in.

Green play button with vidIQ logo, coins, and cameras symbolizing video monetization.

Discover the most profitable AI niches on YouTube in 2024. Learn how to leverage these trending topics to grow your channel and boost revenue!

The Most Profitable AI Niches on YouTube in 2024

We often talk about having certain goals through different stages of your YouTube journey which drives your motivation to create newer, better content. But what goals do you hope to achieve through every video?

Whether it is liking a video, subscribing to your channel, or purchasing a product, you want the viewer to engage with your content through an action. A Call to Action (CTA) is pivotal in turning passive viewers into active subscribers, loyal followers, and even paying customers.

When done right, they guide your audience to take the next logical and effective step. Let's dive into actionable strategies for integrating CTAs effectively within your YouTube content.

How to Increase Audience Retention on Every YouTube Video

A well-placed CTA is more than just a directive—it’s a crucial touchpoint that nudges viewers closer to your goals. Whether you're building a community or driving sales, your CTAs need to be clear, strategic, and aligned with your objectives. Without them, you're leaving potential engagement on the table.

Graphic reading "Thanks for watching subscribe"

Understanding how to add CTAs on YouTube effectively is not just about pushing buttons or asking for favors; it’s about guiding viewers through a seamless journey from content consumer to brand advocate.

Types of YouTube CTAs and Where to Use Them

The effectiveness of YouTube CTAs hinges on not just what you say but how and where you say it. Below are the key types of CTAs and the contexts in which they work best:

The most natural way to integrate a CTA is through spoken prompts during the video. Simple statements like “If you found value in this content, consider subscribing” or “Hit the like button if this tip helped you” should be strategically placed at instances when engagement is most likely. Typically, creators introduce these CTAs at the beginning of the video (to capture early engagement), the middle (where viewer interest is peaking), or the end (when summarizing and encouraging a final action).

Visual reinforcement of verbal CTAs enhances their impact. Animations, like a "Subscribe" button or an arrow pointing toward the like button, can subtly remind viewers to take action without breaking the flow of your content. These visual cues should be tastefully done, complementing rather than distracting from the main message. 

When considering how to add CTAs on YouTube effectively, consistent branding and appealing design play a critical role in ensuring your graphics align with your video’s overall aesthetic.

YouTube’s built-in features like end screens and cards offer powerful ways to direct viewer actions. End screens can be used to promote related videos, and playlists, or direct users to specific links such as your website or a lead magnet. 

Cards, on the other hand, provide clickable prompts at key moments in your video. For example, while discussing a relevant topic, a card can pop up offering additional information or a related video. However, use cards sparingly and time them carefully—too many or poorly placed cards can distract viewers and even lower retention rates.

YouTube End Screens: How to Make Cool Video Outros

Often overlooked, the video description and pinned comments are persistent CTAs that remain visible regardless of when someone watches your content. This space can be used to direct viewers to external resources, product pages, or community discussions.

Here, CTAs need clarity and conciseness—ensure that your message is direct and that your links are easy to find. Additionally, using pinned comments as a CTA hub allows you to engage with your audience directly while reiterating your primary message.

While all this may sound simple enough, crafting an effective YouTube CTA involves more than just a catchy phrase; it requires strategy. Here are some key considerations when optimizing your CTAs for maximum engagement.

Clarity is key when encouraging viewers to take action. A vague statement like “Check out my website” is far less effective than “Visit my website for a free eBook on mastering YouTube analytics.” The more specific and actionable your CTA, the easier it becomes for your audience to follow through. Provide a clear benefit or value proposition that directly aligns with the content they just consumed.

For time-sensitive offers or limited-time events, adding a sense of urgency can push viewers to act quickly. Phrases like “Join now before it’s too late” or “Subscribe today for early access” tap into the fear of missing out (FOMO), encouraging immediate action. However, use urgency sparingly; if overdone, it can feel disingenuous and lead to viewer fatigue.

One of the biggest mistakes creators make is overwhelming viewers with too many CTAs at once. When faced with multiple options, viewers are likely to face choice paralysis. Instead, focus on one primary action per video that aligns most closely with your goals. 

For instance, if you aim to grow your subscriber base, prioritize the “Subscribe” prompt over secondary actions like following on social media or downloading a guide. Consistency in your messaging will also reinforce this single focus throughout your content.

Your CTA should feel like a natural extension of the content, not a forced add-on. For example, a video tutorial on video editing might naturally lead to a CTA like, "Download my free preset pack," rather than an unrelated prompt like "Subscribe to the channel." The more seamless the integration, the higher the likelihood of conversion. This alignment also boosts viewer trust since your recommendations feel relevant and timely.

Implementing CTAs is only half the battle; monitoring their performance is crucial for refining your approach. YouTube Analytics is your best friend in this regard, providing data on click-through rates (CTRs) for cards, end screens, and links. Regularly reviewing this data allows you to pinpoint what’s working and what isn’t. Experiment with different placements, wording, and designs until you find the combination that consistently drives results.

Getting a Good Click-Through Rate on YouTube: 6 Powerful Tips

For example, you might consider reallocating your CTA focus if you notice higher CTRs on end screens than on cards. Similarly, if certain phrases or prompts show better engagement, incorporate those into future content. Optimizing your strategy is an ongoing process that evolves as you gather more data and insights.


When used methodically, YouTube CTAs can be the catalyst that transforms passive viewers into active participants in your community. By adding clear, contextually relevant prompts at key moments, you can give your audience what they want the most and also do what matters most to your channel's growth.

The key is to remain consistent, test new approaches, and refine them based on what your analytics tell you. Keep testing, keep refining, and remember: a great CTA isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how, when, and where you say it.

How to Grow Your YouTube Channel in 2024: The Ultimate Guide

Graphic with YouTube logo with vidIQ inscribed

YouTube text made of colored pencil shavings surrounded by sharpened colored pencils on beige background

Master YouTube CTA techniques to boost engagement in 2024. Learn the best strategies to encourage subscribers, likes, and comments with effective calls to action.

How to Effectively Write a YouTube CTA

What does every YouTuber want? You'll hear a lot of responses to this question, but one sticks out more than the others:

Well, this week we're celebrating 10 creators who did just that! These talented individuals are in the vidIQ community, and they used a healthy dose of imagination, skill, and consistency to grow their channels fast.

Can you imagine getting 100,000 subscribers in just 30 days? These talented YouTubers did just that, so let's celebrate their success (and gain inspiration)!

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

vidIQ’s Title Flip Framework: Write Titles That Get Clicks & Rank

The Most Profitable AI Niches on YouTube in 2024

How to Effectively Write a YouTube CTA

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How to Get More YouTube Shorts Views on Your Channel

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3 Types of YouTube Channels that Never Get Monetized

10 YouTube Channels that Hit 100K Subs FAST! [July]

How to Remove YouTube Copyright Claims From Your Videos

10 Small YouTube Channels that Hit 10K Subs [July]

10 Small YouTube Channels that Hit 1,000 Subs FAST [July]

10 YouTube Channels that Hit 100K Subs FAST! [June]