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

Thumbnails are one of the biggest pain points for new creators, and an important one to solve. Thumbnails are the "book cover" of your video—something that needs to grab attention in just a fraction of a second. 

There are so many elements that go into making that winning thumbnail for your content, and it's simply not possible to address all of that here. So, 

 with expert, John Scott, to get all your thumbnail queries answered.

In this post, we'll walk you through the ideal 

, some key best practices for creating thumbnails that stand out!

12 Types of YouTube Thumbnails People Love to Click On

First impressions are critical in the endless ocean of YouTube content. The thumbnail plays a massive role in getting viewers to click on your video over countless others. For new YouTubers trying to gain traction, getting your thumbnail right can be the difference between a low-performing video and that ever-alluring viral hit. Here’s why size specifically matters:

: YouTube thumbnails appear across a wide range of devices—desktops, tablets, and, most importantly, mobile phones. Therefore, you need a thumbnail that remains sharp and eye-catching across all these platforms.

: Thumbnails with the correct size and dimensions ensure a polished, professional look. Low-quality, blurry images won’t just make your video less appealing—they’ll make it look amateurish.

 Faster Than Ever: 6 Ways to Make YouTube Thumbnails in Record Time

The Best Size for YouTube Thumbnails in 2024

When designing your thumbnail, the recommended size is 

 with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This size works across devices and ensures your thumbnail looks pleasing to the eye. Additionally, the minimum width YouTube accepts is 640 pixels but going lower than the recommended size is probably not a good idea. To keep things simple, here's what you need to follow.

: 16:9 (standard YouTube video aspect ratio)

https://www.oberlo.com/blog/youtube-thumbnail-size

Using the optimal size guarantees that your thumbnail will look crisp, regardless of the screen size it's being viewed on. It also helps your video stand out in YouTube search results and suggested video sections, making it an essential element of your overall video SEO strategy.

Best Practices for Creating YouTube Thumbnails

Creating a well-designed thumbnail is more than just getting the size right. It’s about crafting something that resonates with your audience and drives them to click. Let’s break down some important design strategies that’ll help your thumbnails pop in 2024:

Your thumbnail needs to deliver a clear message in a split second. Overloading it with too many details, colors, or text can be overwhelming, especially when viewed on smaller screens like mobile phones. Stick to one focal point and keep the design clean.

Text on thumbnails can be incredibly effective—if done right. Use 

 that stand out against the background. Avoid cramming too many words; instead, aim for short, snappy phrases that intrigue viewers. Also, contrast is essential. If your background is dark, make sure your text is light, and vice versa.

Your thumbnail should immediately grab attention, even when it’s displayed alongside hundreds of others. Using high-contrast colors can help your image stand out. Consider using colors that are complementary or that contrast sharply with YouTube’s default red, black, and white color scheme.

Thumbnails that feature human faces—especially ones that show strong emotions—tend to get higher engagement. Whether it’s excitement, surprise, or curiosity, showing a human expression can create an instant connection with potential viewers.

One great trick for building brand recognition is to use a consistent style for all your thumbnails. This could include specific color schemes, text placement, or the use of your logo in a corner. Over time, viewers will come to recognize your videos at a glance, making it more likely they’ll click on your content.

For example, this is how the vidIQ channel home page looks at first glance. As you can see, there is homogeneity in the way we use our creators faces and other graphical elements across videos./

While designing thumbnails can be fun, it’s wise to avoid a few traps. Here are some common mistakes that you should avoid at all costs:

: Never use clickbait or misleading images that have nothing to do with your video’s content. This will only frustrate viewers, hurt your channel’s reputation, and lead to a high bounce rate—something YouTube’s algorithm won’t like.

: You don’t want to clutter your thumbnail with unnecessary text. Keep it short and to the point. Let the title of your video do the talking, and use text on your thumbnail sparingly.

: More than half of YouTube’s traffic comes from mobile devices, so always ensure your thumbnails are legible on small screens. If you’re adding text, make sure it’s large and bold enough to read easily on a smartphone.

: A blurry or pixelated thumbnail can significantly reduce your video’s chances of getting clicked. Always use high-resolution images, and if you’re unsure, err on the side of larger file sizes (

Tips for Testing and Optimizing Thumbnails

If you’re not sure which thumbnail design will work best, don’t be afraid to experiment. YouTube allows you to change thumbnails even after your video has been published. Here are some tips for testing and optimizing your thumbnails over time:

: Try switching between different thumbnails on the same video and track their performance in 

. This way, you can identify which design drives more clicks.

 of your videos. A higher CTR means more people are engaging with your content, which helps boost your visibility in YouTube’s algorithm.

: Beyond the CTR, also look at how long people are watching your video. If your audience is dropping off quickly after clicking, your thumbnail might not accurately represent your content. 

 for optimizing, testing, and comparing different thumbnail options for the same video by using the above metrics. 

According to YouTube, 90% of the best-performing videos use custom thumbnails.

 In 2024, making it on YouTube involves more than just creating great content—you need to package it well, starting with your thumbnail. Understanding the 

 and following design best practices will set you on the path to success. 

Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up your YouTube game, getting your thumbnail right is a crucial step to increasing your views, engagement, and subscriber count. 

Now it’s time to create that killer thumbnail

Learn the correct YouTube thumbnail measurements for 2024 and how to optimize them for the best quality and viewer engagement!

YouTube Thumbnail Measurements: The Right Size for 2024

 exist on YouTube, and for once, we aren't talking about MrBeast!

, a YouTube creator and strategist. He started his channel with a friend back in 2018 (

) and was tasked with brainstorming viral, must-see videos. But where others may have taken years, Jamie only needed days. His second idea, "We Entered the World's Strangest Sport," got 

That sparked four years of fame, success, and virality. In fact, the channel is still thriving with over 1 million subscribers and 180 million views.

So, how does Jamie create viral ideas? He does a little something called 

. It's the art of finding patterns and trends within a successful video, then using them to brainstorm 

According to Jamie, there are three ways to extrapolate great ideas:

 Tweak an idea that's already working on YouTube.

 Build an idea around the emotional triggers in popular content.

The last thing you want to do is copy another creator's work, so try to pull inspiration from your own channel. Jamie recommends finding a video idea that performed well, then tweaking one thing about it to develop a new concept.

We use this strategy often at vidIQ, and it definitely works. For example, one of our videos — "Small Channels: Do This to Double Your Views in 5 Minutes" — got over 700,000 views. We wanted to 

 on that brilliance, so we remixed the idea using direct extrapolation.

To shake things up, we tweaked the concept to emphasize 

 rather than views. Our new title, "Small Channels: Do This to Double Your 

Combining two ideas is an easy way to make a popular video. With such a dynamic approach, your content is sure to stand out on YouTube and 

bring in hundreds or even thousands of views

Again, let's use the vidIQ channel as an example. Our viewers love watching videos about YouTube growth, but more specifically, they flock to these video titles:

"This Is the Biggest YouTube Update in Years": 67,000 views

"YouTubers, Do This and The Algorithm Will Love You": 232,000 views

When we blended these ideas, we created a video titled "Algorithm Update: Did This Stop You from Getting Views?" It did even better than the first two, raking in 

! Our strategy of mixing hot topics — YouTube updates and algorithm advice — paid off instantly.

3. Borrow Emotional Triggers from a Successful Video

This strategy is advanced, but it works wonders if you can pull it off.

First, study the YouTube channels within your niche. You're looking for popular videos that could have easily gone on your channel, or at least, videos that align with your core topic.

 in those videos, such as fear, nostalgia, or curiosity.

Once you have those puzzle pieces, build an idea using the same triggers from the video(s) you analyzed.

 went viral using a combination of triggers, like fear and curiosity. She ended up getting over 800,000 views with the title "10 Regrets After Moving to The Villages, FL."

And guess what? We used the same combination of triggers to build a fantastic idea: "5 Mistakes that Send Your Channel to YouTube Hell." It got 

because it pressed on a real fear and made viewers curious at the same time!

No matter which technique you use — direct, indirect, or abstract extrapolation — choose ideas that align with your channel. After all, you want to 

 so they keep coming back to watch more videos!

Need a few pointers? Watch this video for a detailed guide on crafting good ideas (that are original and not stolen from others!).

 have to come up with YouTube ideas. Artificial intelligence can do the heavy lifting for you and return precious brain power (and time) to your life. So if you have access to AI content tools, use them!

 is one of those power tools, and it's a great option if you want personalized video ideas for your channel. With this AI helper, you'll get new ideas every day that you can save for later or dismiss anytime.

Want to try it out? Sign up for a free vidIQ account and let the ideas flow!

Teen YouTuber filming a video in his room

Before you can go viral on YouTube, you need an idea that appeals to the masses. Here are 3 ways to build that winning concept and snag a viral video!

3 Ways to Discover Viral YouTube Video Ideas

As a YouTube creator, you're not just a filmmaker — you're a storyteller. But what if your videos aren't getting the traction they deserve? 

What if your story isn't reaching the audience it should?

One way to fix this problem is by working on your 

. It all starts with knowing how to edit your videos for maximum watch time and interest!

Imagine you're a viewer on YouTube. What is the first thing you see when you click on a video (minus the occasional advertisement)?

Whatever your answer is, it can be summed up with two words: 

A visual hook is an engaging element at the beginning of your video that grabs your viewer's attention and keeps them watching. It doesn't have to be flashy or extravagant. But it must be urgent (happens within the first few seconds) and interesting.

Today, YouTube shows a preview of your video when someone stops to scrolling to examine it. That's why you 

 great hooks. Visual hooks can combine funny scenes, superb acting, B-roll, and more, which work together to captivate the viewer.

Woman watching a YouTube Short on her phone

In the modern age of YouTube, visual hooks will help you stand out as a small creator amongst passive scrollers. Plus, a good hook in a YouTube Short might prevent the viewer from scrolling away!

18 Viral Video Hooks for YouTube Shorts [Proven Hacks]

Cutting, in its simplest form, is transitioning from one shot to another. It's the invisible thread that weaves your story together, guiding your viewers from one scene to the next.

There are several types of cuts, and each one serves a unique purpose:

: A basic cut that transitions one shot to another. 

: Brings the viewer closer to the action or subject, focusing their attention on a specific detail.

: Shifts the viewer's attention away from the main action to provide context or additional information.

For example, imagine watching a surfing video. If the shot transitions from a man mounting a surf board to him paddling out to sea, that's a straight cut. If all you can see is his body, a cut-back would give you a zoomed-out view of the sky and ocean. But a cut-in, for instance, might show the water splashing around his board.

A low-angle view of a man surfing. There's a cut-in to show his feet on the board

. They are the subtle, yet powerful techniques that keep your viewers engaged, creating a rhythm and momentum in your video that keeps them watching from start to finish.

3. Use Motion and Different Camera Angles

Did you know that the average attention span is now officially less than that of a goldfish? While 8 seconds might seem like nothing on paper, it can feel like an eternity on a static screen. 

Motion, in general, makes your video more engaging. Every so often, you should 

 or show different angles.

You can do a low-angle shot for dramatic effect.

Low angle shot of a man looking up at buildings

Or, try a high-angle shot to get the bird's-eye-view.

high angle shot of two people playing tennis

But when it comes to camera motion (or gentle camera shake), you have some wiggle room to play around with. You can either pan the camera every so often while filming, or simulate those movements in post-production. The latter is an advanced editing skill, but it's a good back-up plan if you're willing to learn!

B-roll is additional footage that you can use to break up the monotony of your main footage. It adds depth to your videos and keeps your audience engaged. Plus, B-roll works well in both educational and entertainment videos (but don't overdo it)!

In many YouTube videos, we see B-rolls that feel forced. This can actually create an unpleasant viewing experience, so make sure to use B-roll only when it’s a good opportunity to tell a better story and create a better video overall!

How to Film Engaging B-Roll for YouTube Videos

Some of this advice is difficult to imagine just by reading about it, so here’s a video showing all the tips and tricks. And, we have to admit: The editing in this video is absolutely stunning!

Every great creator started from somewhere, and you're on your way to becoming one. So keep learning, keep improving, and most importantly, keep creating. Your journey is just beginning, and the world is ready to see what you have to offer. 

To speed up the process, learn how to stand out as a small creator!

A man editing a video on a desktop computer

Unlock more views by learning how to edit YouTube videos in a way that keeps viewers engaged. We've got four simple hacks!

4 Editing Hacks to Make Any YouTube Video Go Viral

We all know that YouTube views are the fuel that keeps every channel running smoothly. But what if we told you that focusing on a specific number of views isn’t the best way to succeed? What if, instead, you tracked 

For example, do you have viewers in India? China? The Netherlands? Brazil? Because that would certainly help to grow your YouTube channel! 

You would also have an easier time going viral or even 

gaining enough watch time to get monetized

 — all because you have more viewers in several locations.

So, in this post, we’ll teach you how to get 

. That way, you’re not depending on viewers from your continent or even the region you live in. You can build a global audience!

A big reason to incorporate music in your videos — rap, rock, or otherwise — is that music makes your content 

 (especially Shorts). YouTube has thousands of music pages, and they have two important things:

The number of Shorts using a particular track

. Add relevant songs to your Shorts so you have a shot at appearing on a music page that any viewer can visit.

But remember, not every song will help you go viral. You want something that’s trending worldwide, so pick your tunes from a global music chart:

Spotify Viral 50 (global songs, daily curation)

2. Create No-Dialogue Videos (ASMR, Animations, etc.)

 in your videos is a powerful way to reach people around the world. It sounds counterintuitive, but going silent removes the language barrier so anyone can understand your content.

Plenty of creators use this hack to go viral, but 

 is arguably the best. He got 18 million subscribers by posting animations with no dialogue — just a brief storyline and awesome music. Because there's no language to process, the videos are accessible to 

 and 7 million likes, proving the magic of no dialogue!

If you want global YouTube views, it helps to focus on a global concern. What do people cherish most in their lives (regardless of race, religion, and ethnicity)? What type of videos will address those desires?

Here’s a hint: New Year’s resolutions. Every year, people celebrate the coming of a new year by vowing to change one area of their lives. Many resolutions are common, though, so it’s easy to know what people are obsessed with globally.

there were six global resolutions in 2012

Not much has changed 11 years later. Relationships, money, and health are still popular topics on YouTube!

 of these, and watch how easy it becomes to get more views.

4. Add Multi-Language Audio or Subtitles to Your Videos

 in videos can help you go viral? That’s 100% true, and we’ve seen it happen with superstars like 

! But we also know that some channels need dialogue, so eliminating it altogether isn’t realistic. That’s where multi-language audio and subtitles can help you out.

Subtitles are used to translate captions into various languages, such as French, Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and more. So if you’re noticing a rise in viewership from different countries, figure out which languages they speak. Then you can make the right subtitles for those viewers!

. Here you’ll see the top languages on your channel.

Top subtitle languages for the vidIQ youtube channel

As an example, vidIQ viewers choose to read subtitles in English, Arabic, and Indonesian. So we use YouTube’s auto-generated language transcripts for our videos (in the languages above). But if you aren’t satisfied with the automatic subtitles from YouTube, let the professionals at 

 transcribe your audio into accurate subtitles.

4. Next, add the subtitles to your video. You can do this by clicking 

 in the YouTube Studio menu, using the search bar to find the video in question, then clicking 

Add language button on video subtitles screen of the youtube studio

 that’s slowly rolling out to more creators. If you have this feature, it allows you to upload additional languages as audio tracks for new or published videos. The only drawback is that YouTube won't generate this audio for you. You have to produce it yourself by either recording a dubbed version in the new language or hiring someone else to do it.

This video from Creator Insider has all the details. Give it a watch to learn more about multi-language audio and how to expand your views on YouTube.

And in the meantime, learn the secret to standing out as a small YouTube creator

Having a global presence on YouTube helps you get more views in less time. Here are 4 ways to build the loyal, diverse audience you’ve been looking for!

Creating Global Content: 4 Tips to Get YouTube Views Worldwide

Before we dive in today, let's take a moment to acknowledge the importance of our YouTube subscribers. They're more than just a changing figure on our channel. These folks are our audience, our critics, and our cheerleaders. They're the lifeblood of our channels, silently guiding us and helping us to shape our content to be the best it can be.

Well, that's all very nice, but my subscribers aren't exactly flooding me with comments and feedback!

 If that's you, fear not. Your subscribers are communicating with you, just not with words. That's right; we're talking about YouTube analytics, particularly about certain data that can indicate important things about audience behavior on your channel.

How to Turn Silent Viewers into YouTube Subscribers

Now, we're all familiar with the rush of 

 But, what if those views are people clicking on your video, saying, "Meh" after five seconds, and leaving? 

That's where view duration and audience retention come in. These metrics show you how long your viewers are staying on a video to watch what you've posted.

Audience retention and view duration graph

If you notice a drop in retention at a certain point in your video, it might indicate that your audience found something off-putting or boring. This can help you make changes to how you approach your content. But remember, pick a flaw and fix (one at a time), and then allow your audience to respond.

Shorts, Longs, and Lives: How to Compare YouTube Views from All 3

 is another significant metric. A sudden increase might mean you hit a sweet spot with your audience, so try to figure out what you did right and do it more! 

Conversely, a drop might indicate that something's not clicking with your audience. Try to identify any changes you made during this period. Was it a new video format, or maybe a change in posting frequency?

More than the actual number of subscribers that you have for a given period, it’s important to observe a steady rate of subscribers gained. As long as you’re in the green, you’re doing a great job!

1. Log into YouTube, click your profile icon, and go to YouTube Studio.

3. Here you can filter the date accordingly to find your rate of subscription.

8 Ways to Help Viewers Subscribe to Your YouTube Channel

When it comes to understanding your subscribers, these silent indicators can shape your content strategy and lead to YouTube success. 

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