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

If you're grinding for hours on each video and still seeing 12 views, including your replays, you're probably wondering: is YouTube too saturated to grow anymore?

That question haunts new creators more than the dreaded "0 views" screen. You put your heart into a video. You meticulously script, shoot, edit, and upload—and then? 

 Meanwhile, big creators are burning stacks of cash for thumbnails, and you're wondering if there's even any oxygen left in the room.

In the video above, Rob talks about all of it. Not in theory. Not with sugar-coated optimism. But with the raw, data-backed reality and the tools you can use to beat it.

How to Build the Right Mindset for YouTube Success

Over 20 million videos are uploaded to YouTube every single day. 

It's not just your niche that feels crowded—it's the whole platform. Even established creators are feeling the heat. Channels that used to pull 500K views per video are now seeing half that. The landscape has shifted dramatically, and the old playbook of "just upload consistently" isn't cutting it anymore.

But here's where it gets interesting. YouTube is thriving. It just hit a historic benchmark—12% of all TV streaming time in the U.S. That's more than Netflix. More than Disney+. It's not that people aren't watching YouTube—it's that they're not watching your video yet.

On top of that, most new creators don't actually create—they copy. You see what works in your niche and replicate it, hoping for similar results. But what you're really doing is blending into the crowd. In a saturated space, sameness is a slow death.

The platform isn't dying; it's evolving. And that evolution means a different approach from creators who want to break through the noise. Stop asking, "Is YouTube Saturated?" That's the Wrong Question. Instead, ask "Am I doing enough to stand out?"

Let's examine how creators breakthrough in oversaturated niches. Take the content space—arguably one of the most overcrowded areas being YouTube. Yet some creators manage to grow rapidly even here.

The secret isn't revolutionary content. It's revolutionary consistency in presentation. Successful creators develop visual and emotional signatures that become instantly recognizable. They use specific color schemes, maintain consistent fonts, and develop a visual language that viewers begin to associate with quality content.

This isn't about expensive production values or professional graphic design. It's about making deliberate choices and sticking to them. When someone scrolls through their subscription feed, your thumbnail should feel like seeing a familiar face in a crowd.

: Open your channel in incognito mode. Scroll through your thumbnails like a stranger would. Do you look like everyone else? If so, you've got work to do.

We've all cursed the algorithm at some point. 

: The algorithm doesn't find viewers for your video. It finds videos for viewers.

Your job is to make content that keeps people watching. That starts with a clear hook, tight editing, and a reason to stay till the end. The algorithm watches how viewers behave with your content. So think like a viewer.

Would you click your own thumbnail? Would you stay past 30 seconds? Would you share that video with a friend? If the answer is "maybe not," start there. The algorithm isn't mysterious—it's responsive. It amplifies content that audiences engage with and buries content that doesn't hold attention.

A lot of creators hit plateaus not because they aren't talented—but because they're inconsistent. And no, we're not talking hustle culture here. This isn't about 4 a.m. wake-up calls and burnout-as-a-badge-of-honor. It's about clarity and commitment.

If you've only got 5 hours a week to give to YouTube, that's not a limitation—it's your blueprint. The key is being intentional about how you spend that time:

Stick to it like clockwork. Put it on your calendar. And tell someone. Accountability is underrated—post your goals publicly, join a community, even hire a coach. But do something to stay consistent. Because in YouTube, momentum isn't just helpful. It's everything.

Creative Compound Interest: The Secret Sauce

Viral growth isn't luck. It's the end result of compound creative effort. Here's how it works in practice.

Better thumbnail design leads to more clicks. More clicks generate more data about what resonates with your audience. More data informs better scripting and pacing decisions. Better pacing results in higher watch time. Higher watch time triggers stronger algorithm recommendations. And the cycle repeats, each iteration building on the last.

The 12 Best YouTube Thumbnails People Love to Click On

But here's the part most people skip over: It takes time. Most creators quit at video 4 or 5 because they didn't blow up. But here's the truth: You're still in tutorial mode. Give it 3 to 6 months. That's 12 to 25 videos. If you're not improving, reassess. But if you are? Then you're not a beginner anymore. You're a builder!

YouTube in 2025 is not the same YouTube of 2015. Back then, you could upload a shaky vlog or a basic tutorial and find an audience. Today, it takes more. More clarity. More consistency. More craft.

But also? More opportunity. The audience is bigger than ever. The tools are better than ever. The path to monetization is clearer than ever. The question isn't whether YouTube is saturated. Are you ready to do what it takes to stand out in the crowd? 

Man overwhelmed with endless streaming options

Is YouTube too saturated to grow in 2025? Discover the truth about YouTube saturation, why most creators struggle, and how to stand out in a crowded platform with branding, consistency, and smart content strategy.

Has YouTube Become Saturated?

Of all the milestones you can achieve as a YouTube creator, reaching 100k is among the most significant, second only to 

 On reaching 100k subs, the dream of being a full-time creator over the long run feels more like a possibility.

Although it’s not imperative to reach this milestone within some time frame, a few creators from our community have achieved this incredible feat over just the last 30 days. So, let's take a look at who they are and join in celebrating their achievement!

As always, we define the vidIQ community as anyone using our growth tools to reach YouTube success. So, if you've 

 to optimize your videos, find keywords, or even get video ideas, this roundup is for you. We're celebrating your wins.

Top Channels Passing 100,000 Subscribers in February

 creates animation and memes based on Minecraft.

 talks about God and religion through AI-generated videos.

 posts animated videos and memes on cats.

 makes creative videos based on simulation games.

tells engaging poignant and engaging stories on several topics.

does videos on interesting facts and tips.

makes videos on Tile Hops games and dance shorts.

 is the Hindi-dubbed version of the popular channel 

uploads popular clips and highlights from the world of football.

Congrats to everyone who had amazing subscriber growth last month! 🥳 If you want to see your channel grow, don't forget to 

 and get robust tools, data, and video ideas.

100K subscribers celebration badge with stars and fireworks on dark background

Acquiring 100,000 subscribers in a month sounds like a dream, but these creators made it happen! Keep reading to see who they are and get inspired by their journeys.

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

Every time we hear the words "1000 subscribers," getting monetized on YouTube is the first thing we think about. We're willing to bet most creators have the same thought!

But to earn the most money from your videos, you need to reach the highest milestones for 

: 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 watch hours or 10 million YouTube Shorts views. Then, you can join the YouTube Partner Program and earn money from fan-funding and advertising revenue.

It sure sounds exciting, but what does 1,000 subscribers get you in earnings? The reality is that the amount varies a lot and depends on several factors.

A handful of factors will influence your earnings on YouTube, and in the video above, we discussed the big three. So, fellow content creators, let's take a look at what those are.

YouTube hosts many different niches, which can affect how much you earn. Channels about finance or tech tend to bring in more income compared to lifestyle or entertainment channels. Advertisers in these areas are often willing to spend more money.

Tech YouTuber creating content - high-paying YouTube niche

, VloggerPro talks about the most profitable YouTube niches in 2023. If you don't know what kind of content to make or want to spice things up, check it out. You'll get an understanding of what works on YouTube. 

Plus, here are some YouTube niche ideas that viewers like!

The 54 Best YouTube Niches, According to Viewers

Knowing the basics about your audience can make a big difference. Information like age, gender, and language offers clues about who is watching. This data helps you create content that resonates with your fans and can bring in higher earnings.

But, when it comes to revenue, the only relevant data here is the geographical location of your viewers. Channels with a majority of viewers from the 

United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom

YouTube audience geography analytics showing top viewer locations - impacts earnings

YouTube rewards videos that keep viewers watching for long stretches. If your content encourages people to watch more videos one after another, you’re in a good place. More watch time often means more ad opportunities and higher income.

Engaged YouTube viewer watching content - high engagement increases creator earnings

Highly engaging videos that keep viewers watching for longer periods can result in more ad placements, thereby increasing your earnings. This usually results in improved video engagement metrics, such as an increased number of likes, comments, views, and watch time.

YouTube monetization concept with phone showing YouTube logo on money pile

YouTube earnings are usually measured with RPM, which shows how much you earn for every 1,000 views after YouTube takes its fee (usually 45%). RPM covers income from ads, 

 support, and other sources, giving you a clearer idea of your real earnings.

For instance, if you have an RPM of $5, it means you get around $5 for every 1,000 views across your videos. This number includes income from both ads and features like Super Thanks, Super Chats, and Channel Memberships. A channel with 20,000 views a month would earn roughly $100 at that rate, while a higher RPM can boost your revenue significantly.

According to Statista, the average CPM, or how much money advertisers paid YouTube per 1,000 views, 

Based on these numbers and reports from creators, the average RPM generally stays between $3 and $7. In certain niches with higher ad rates, it can reach $15-25 or more.

Finance and tech channels typically earn $15-25 RPM (revenue per thousand views)

Gaming channels average $4-8 RPM, making them less lucrative but easier to grow

Viewers from the US, UK, and Canada generate 3-5x more revenue than viewers from developing countries

Videos longer than 8 minutes can include mid-roll ads, significantly increasing revenue potential

Channels with 1,000 subscribers typically earn between $50-$700 monthly depending on niche and audience

Real YouTube Earnings with 1,000 Subscribers

, we highlight creators who shared their actual earnings on YouTube after getting 1,000 subscribers. And, by the way, these earnings represent one month of uploading on YouTube!

Real YouTube earnings with 1K subscribers

Channel topic: personal finance/side hustles

 has 8,690 subscribers — a small channel by most creators' standards. But this hasn't stopped them from making hundreds of dollars with just 1,000 subscribers. This goes to show that hot niches like finance are more valuable in the market and can result in higher RPMs.

Watch the video below to hear their story:

Irina Dee - Personal Growth Niche ($536.66)

Channel topic: personal growth, real estate, content creation

has a few focuses on YouTube, from housing to personal growth to teaching content creation. We typically advise creators to focus on one niche, but it looks like Irina is earning more money through experimentation!

gaming channel, and this topic is pretty popular on YouTube. But it looks like companies aren't paying a lot of money to advertise on gaming videos — at least, not like finance or real estate ones. This channel's RPM of $4.93 is among the lowest on the list, but it's more realistic for most creators.

Additional Revenue Streams Beyond AdSense

Setting realistic expectations for making money on YouTube is crucial from the get-go. While reaching 1,000 subscribers is a significant milestone, it's just the beginning. And it'll likely be a while before you see significant numbers on your paycheck, especially if you're limited to ad revenue.

In the video above, Rob also highlights the importance of 

 on YouTube. Affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and merchandise sales are excellent ways to supplement your YouTube earnings.

, YouTube has opened up the game for smaller creators. All you need is 500 subscribers to access Super Chats, Super Thanks, and Super Stickers, and earn money directly from the people who love and support your content.

How to Reach Monetization Requirements Faster

By following the tips we've mentioned above, you can enter the YPP by meeting the monetization requirements in as fast as 28 days. You may find it hard to believe, but many creators have done it recently across a wide range of niches. Our YouTube expert, Dan, will teach you how to do it if you watch the video below.

YouTube Monetization Requirements Explained

Before you start earning money on YouTube, you must hit some basic numbers. You need 1,000 subscribers along with either 4,000 watch hours in the past year or 10 million Shorts views over 90 days. Once you reach these marks, you can join the Partner Program and start earning.

Remember, subscribers do not pay you directly. They simply help you qualify for the money-making features. Your income comes from ad views, Super Chats, Super Thanks, channel memberships, and other features YouTube offers.

Hitting 1,000 subscribers is just the starting point. Your earnings tend to grow with your audience. Here’s a rough idea:

These are estimates based on ad revenue alone. Many creators earn extra through sponsorships, merchandise, and other deals. For instance, a finance channel with 100,000 subscribers might pull in $5,000 from ads and another $10,000 from sponsored work and partnerships.

When you check your YouTube earnings, you might see the terms CPM and RPM. Here’s what they mean:

 This is the amount advertisers pay per 1,000 ad views. The average sits around $9.63, though it can change based on your niche, where your viewers live, and the time of year.

 This is what you actually earn after YouTube takes its portion. Your RPM reflects earnings for every 1,000 video views.

For example, if your CPM is $10, your RPM might be about $5.50 after YouTube’s cut. That’s why channels in higher-paying niches can see better earnings even if they have the same number of views.

What Determines Your YouTube Earnings with 1K Subscribers

As we mentioned before, the answer isn't straightforward because your niche, geography, and video performance play a significant role. Be prepared to accept that this takes time to build, and it's best to think of your channel as a long-term business. 

Phone showing YouTube logo on top of money

Smartphone with YouTube logo on screen, Russian rubles, coins, and financial documents.

Discover what YouTube creators actually earn with 1,000 subscribers. See real payouts from real channels across different niches and maximize your earnings.

How Much Does YouTube Pay For 1,000 Subscribers?

At vidIQ, we always believe in the power of community and the incredible potential of content creators to engage, entertain, and educate audiences across the globe. This month, we're thrilled to celebrate the achievements of these up-and-coming creators who have shown exceptional growth, creativity, and determination. In a short time, these creators have grown their subscribers to 10,000 or more. Our heartiest congratulations to all of you!

Remember, being part of the vidIQ community means you're on a journey to stardom using 

. Whether you've hopped aboard to jazz up your videos, hunt down the perfect keywords, or spark fresh video ideas, this celebration is all about you. Here's to every victory, big and small! 🎈🎊

Top Channels Passing 10,000 Subscribers in February:

 makes entertaining shorts about many different facts.

 uploads puzzles, brain teasers, and tutorials on different subjects.

 is a wholesome creator who plays FPS games.

 offers diverse global clips featuring Navy SEALs, elite military units, podcasts, pro fighters, and more.

 creates videos on mouth-watering food recipes.

 makes engaging Shorts about interesting facts and reviews.

 makes entertaining videos based on Roblox games.

 teaches how to turn your ideas into high-quality AI images.

 tells stories through creative animations and cartoons.

Plus, check out these top YouTube channels to discover even more creators:

10,000 subscribers milestone celebration graphic with stars on dark background

These talented YouTubers hit 10,000 subscribers within 30 days! Keep reading to discover rising creators and soak up some inspiration.

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

January was a fresh start for small YouTube creators, and they took full advantage of the opportunity to 

 We saw some creators go from a handful of subscribers to more than tens of thousands in just a few weeks!

That's no small task, so we're here to say 

and share your success with the vidIQ community!

As always, we define the vidIQ community as anyone using our growth tools to reach YouTube success. So if you've 

 to optimize your videos, find keywords, or even get video ideas, this roundup is for you. We're celebrating 

Ready to see who got the most subscribers? These were the fastest-growing channels last month.

 is an entertainment channel based on Minecraft characters. 

 provides useful advice on personal finance, careers, and business concepts.

 features different dancers and organizes contests.

 makes entertaining videos based on mobile games.

 serves historical stories in bite-sized portions.

 creates gameplay videos for a variety of games.

 is your destination for incredible stories that will make you laugh, cry, and be inspired.

 makes gameplay videos which are based on popular platform Roblox.

 is an AI-based channel that helps you with personal finances and budgeting.

 creates engaging video essays on different video games.

YouTube subscriber stats:

Congrats to everyone who grew their channels quickly last month! 🥳 

A YouTube views graph showing increases over time

Celebration graphic showing 1000 subscribers with stars and fireworks background

Which small YouTube channels grew the fastest in January? In this roundup, get to know rising creators who post about artificial intelligence, veganism, disco, and more.

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

Reaction content has exploded on YouTube over the past 10 years. Today, almost anyone can watch a popular video, react to it, and bring in tons of views on their YouTube channel.

Best of all, reaction content works for most niches. You can react to your favorite sports matches, viral memes, or even news stories that align with your channel's focus. The opportunities are endless, and it's pretty hard to run out of ideas.

But people love reacting to videos on YouTube for more than just the flexibility. Creators can get personal, share honest opinions, and cover trending topics at the same time.

Whether you're reacting to classic movies or video game fails, this guide is your starting point. You'll learn how to create reaction videos that engage viewers while 

Before hitting the record button, decide how you want to do reaction videos on YouTube. There are plenty of ways to create engaging videos in this genre.

 Ideal for music enthusiasts, these videos attract fans of the artists you're reacting to.

 Capitalize on the hype of upcoming releases.

 These are universally relatable and can quickly attract views.

 Perfect for capturing genuine, in-the-moment emotions, especially during pivotal moments.

 Offer your perspective on current events, such as sports, politics, entertainment, and more.

 Give your reaction to another creator's reaction on YouTube.

Creators shoot most of their reaction videos in a "solo" format. This is where one creator reacts to one video at a time.

But there's also group reacting, where several people react to something together and take turns sharing their opinions. Solo reacting is more convenient and personal, but group reacting delivers the most entertainment value.

Solo reacting is easy to pull off, but assembling a group of people may be worth it if you have the time and resources.

First, a high-definition camera is a must.

 For good visuals, choose a DSLR, a reliable smartphone with a good camera, or a webcam.

After all, you're going to layer multiple video tracks in one project. You want it to look good!

 A good microphone is important for recording your voice, especially if you're reacting to sound-driven content. A lapel mic works well for this, but a condenser mic creates a more professional sound. You should also invest in a pair of headphones so you can hear everything clearly while reacting.

Also, you might need screen recording software 

to make quality reactions. This piece of equipment does exactly what it sounds like, which is to capture the audio and video playing on your screen. Try a free solution like OBS Studio to capture your reaction while watching video content simultaneously.

is another crucial element for condensing your reactions. As you react to something, there will be downtime or essentially "dead air" where you don't have much to say. Use a video editor like iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro to remove uninteresting sections.

 Use something with a fast processor, ample RAM, and a robust graphics card. You need each one for a smooth production and editing process!

Picture-in-Picture mode (PiP) is the best way to record your reactions and make engaging content. For this format, there will be one video layered on top of another one. The smaller video frame will show you, the creator, nestled within the original video you're reacting to.

Or, you can make yourself larger while making the original video smaller, like this example from 

Ready to start reacting on YouTube? This guide covers everything you need to know, from choosing the right equipment to avoiding copyright claims and strikes.

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

Has YouTube Become Saturated?

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

How Much Does YouTube Pay For 1,000 Subscribers?

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

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

How to Make YouTube Reaction Videos

How to Make Your First YouTube Video Stand Out

12 YouTube Myths that Distract You from Getting More Views

4 Mistakes to Avoid if You Have a Small YouTube Channel

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

Ryan Trahan Net Worth: A YouTube Success Story

7 Best YouTube Gaming Niches to Grow Your Channel in 2025

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