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

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

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

It's been a busy couple of weeks in the YouTube office after a series of major changes were announced. 

Monetization requirements have been lowered

 is on the way. While some of the updates will benefit large channels, it feels like YouTube is rallying for small creators this year.

So we figured it's a good time to talk about one of the most underused features on YouTube: the community tab. Not only does it keep your viewers engaged, but the tab also comes with quizzes, image polls, videos, and other creative ways to start a conversation with your audience. It's the perfect tool for small channels on the rise.

YouTube's Community Tab Is Your Super Secret Weapon for Channel Growth

The community tab is located on the homepage of your channel, between the playlists and membership sections. 

The community tab menu option on a youtube channel homepage

It's a bite-sized social media network where viewers can see all of your interactive posts, such as quizzes and polls. 

So if you don't have any videos planned, you can use this tab to promote yourself on YouTube and engage with your audience in the meantime!

The community tab used to be a locked feature, but earlier this year, 

. Previously, a creator needed 10,000 subscribers. But now, you can simply 

. At the bottom, turn on advanced features.

YouTube's feature eligibility page in the studio settings

Posting on the community tab is quick and easy. Everything you need is in the YouTube Studio, and there are plenty of features to customize your content.

 icon at the top of your YouTube homepage. Select 

The create button on the youtube homepage

2. Type a message to create a short text post. You can also add a gif, poll, image, video, etc.

For more guidance on this, check out the video below:

You can monitor the performance of your community posts as well. This can help you improve your future posts and also give you a taste of what your community wants from you.

2. Find the left navigation menu and click 

On the next page, you'll see some tabs at the top. Click on the one called 

 to see all the community posts you've published on your channel.

Performance of several community tab posts

The posts are in chronological order by default, but the columns are sortable. If you want to know something specific, such as which community posts have the most comments or likes, you can easily shuffle through the data.

Tips for Navigating Your Community Posts   

There are various types of content you can post on the community tab, including images, videos, polls, plain text messages, quizzes, and animated GIFs.

When you’re browsing the community posts page, these content types will appear in different ways. Plain text posts display an alphabet symbol, ‘Aa’, to quickly represent non-media messages. Any post with an image or video will be shown with the image it comes with, while voting polls are displayed with three blue horizontal lines.

If you mouse over each community post, you’ll notice a drop-down menu with more options for managing the feature. The first one lets you edit a post directly from the YouTube Studio, which is pretty cool. You can also manage and respond to comments or click a link to take you to the original community post on YouTube.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that you can’t edit polls.

 This is probably a safeguard to stop creators from changing the answer choices once voting begins.

Lastly, there’s an option to filter community posts. This lets you view only the posts you want to see, such as plain text or animated GIFs. You can even filter the posts to see which ones have been published or scheduled for future publication.

YouTube’s Community Tab Connects You With Your Audience

For years, the community tab has helped creators stay in touch with their audience, especially when only publishing one or two videos each week.

So, if you haven’t already, start using the community tab! Challenge yourself to post something every day for the next three to six months — polls, animated GIFs, or anything that brings you closer to your audience. And, as you keep growing through this content creation journey, 

don’t forget to avoid these mistakes as well.

Heart icon hovering over a man's open palm

YouTube has a dedicated dashboard for managing community tab posts, and trust us — you'll want to use this feature! Learn how below.

How to Use the YouTube Community Tab and Engage with Viewers

Have you ever checked your analytics and realized that most of your views don't come from subscribers? If so, you probably saw what YouTube calls the 

The percentage of subscribers versus non-subscribers on a youtube channel

This image is from the vidIQ channel, so even large creators face this question. In our case, only 33% of viewers are subscribed. But why?

Subscribing Isn't a Viewer's Number One Priority

The short answer is that no one needs to hit "subscribe" to have fun on YouTube. The platform has a recommendation system, and it's 

at serving up videos to the right viewers. So even if you aren't subscribed to your favorite creator, YouTube will place their videos on your homepage like a personal assistant. 

If nothing else, this proves that subscribers aren't the most important metric on YouTube.

And yet, you still need subs to crack the biggest benefits of being a creator: 

 subscribers to access fan-funding tools and 

, turning silent viewers into subscribers is worthwhile. Here's how to do it!

On YouTube, a call to action (or CTA) is any request a creator makes to their viewers. Some people ask for more video likes, and others ask for various forms of engagement, such as leaving a comment.

But the trickiest of all? Getting people to subscribe! And viewers will only do it if they have a good reason to.

So the first step is understanding their journey on YouTube. You should know why they open the app, 

 they take that step. But you don't have to reinvent the wheel here; most viewers follow the same path on YouTube:

Problem > solution > satisfaction > subscription

Start by identifying the main problem your audience faces. After that, spend some time finding a valuable solution, then share that knowledge in a series of compelling, irresistible YouTube videos. If that goes well, viewers will subscribe as they become satisfied with your content.

If you're still figuring out what your audience wants, 

use this guide to build a persona representing their habits and desires

Imagine that you've just watched a video about monetizing a YouTube channel, and the creator wants you to hit subscribe. If they're careful, they won't ask you to do that without saying 

Instead, they'll say something like this:

"Want to monetize your channel in six months or less? Subscribe for more YouTube tips and tricks, and I'll show you how to shorten the journey!"

Promises more value, which builds upon the value they just received (monetization tips)

As you can see, it doesn't take much to drive the point home. Stay on topic, and everything will be fine. Promise more value, and everything will be more than fine!

While CTAs are simple to write, they can be challenging to execute. It's not just 

 you say in those moments but how you say it, when you say it, and why you say it!

So if you want people to subscribe to your channel (when you ask them), here are some best practices:

. Create a good video title and thumbnail to tease the video. Then get straight to the point in your video's introduction. Hook the viewer's attention!

Instead, keep giving viewers what they want. Make good points, bring the entertainment, and answer important questions about your topic.

Put your CTA near the end of the video. 

By now, viewers got what they came for. Remind them that they can get even more value by subscribing.

Be clear and specific. What unique value does your channel offer? Spell it out so viewers know what to expect!

 viewers to build an audience, anything beyond 1,000 subscribers is a vanity count. By then, you have everything you need to monetize your content, from advertising revenue to fan-funding tools.

So if you're wondering how your channel is 

The number of viewers returning to your channel

The average number of views each visitor gives you

These are better indicators of overall growth. They represent how well you can bring viewers back to your channel and make them watch multiple videos — not just one or two.

Want to learn more about these metrics? Click the links above to expand your knowledge and grow your views!

Getting viewers to hit subscribe doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, you just have to ask them nicely. Here are a few pointers!

How to Turn Silent Viewers into YouTube Subscribers

If you could go viral tomorrow, what would you do first? How would you prepare for the moment so you’re 100% ready for it?

What started out as a joke between some high school friends turned out to be the biggest viral moment for 

 If you aren’t aware already, Jordan is a law student who became eligible for the NBA draft this year without any professional basketball experience. He found a legal loophole for entering the draft and has now been featured on Good Morning America, KTLA, and other media outlets.

Intrigued? Well, there’s more to the story of this creator turned NBA hopeful!

, we chat with him about his incredible story that’s catching media attention worldwide. Jordan has been creating content across platforms for over three years now, gaining 

. And although his channel has 215 subscribers, YouTube is still his main priority.

If you’ve been creating content on social media for a while, you’ve probably developed a sense of what works for you. And while some ideas are quickly brought to life, Jordan’s viral moment was 

. He kept it in his black book of YouTube ideas, knowing that one day, he would act on that exciting concept.

“I have 51 subscribers, and I am talking to vidIQ right now. That doesn’t happen! But I realized if you have a great idea, something that somebody can see themselves doing, you can have a story. You can go viral with a few strokes of luck!” says Jordan.

After reading the collective bargaining agreement of the NBA, Jordan found himself matching all the criteria to be drafted for 2023. After watching someone go viral because they had become a free agent, Jordan prepared the paperwork and sent it out to make his own moment. In fact, let him explain this journey himself!

What followed was major networks vying to get a piece of the story, eventually resulting in an invitation from Barclays Center! This kind of attention brings memorable yet stressful moments at the same time. So if you’re planning to go viral, expect that there will be some 

So, You’ve Gone Viral Overnight: What to Do Now?

Many creators think going viral is an end-goal, when really, it's the beginning of a long, exciting journey. Here's how to ride the wave of virality, whether life circumstances push you up or down.

Going viral brings opportunities from all sides, and that’s exactly what happened to Jordan. But if you’re a creator with little to no exposure, this can be a tricky road to navigate because there are always people working in bad faith.

“I’m very lucky to have been in the shadows the whole time to understand all these different things. And I will say to creators — get a lawyer. Know what you’re reading because that’s very important,” Jordan says.

Most people in Jordan’s position don't have the knowledge or resources to navigate contracts. But his next piece of advice offers a glimmer of hope.

Creators understand each other and are willing to help their peers, sometimes more than you can imagine! So, building a strong network not only opens doors for you, but also provides much-needed guidance.

Video creators smiling and laughing together

“Getting invited to the Barclays Center was literally because I saw somebody that I followed months ago, and just sent a cold DM,” Jordan informs.

Simply put, just send that DM you’ve been putting off. Otherwise, you’ll never know what’s on the other side of that message or who’s secretly admiring your work!

The Top 5 YouTube Collaboration Ideas to Try Right Now

While many brands and people want their piece of the viral cake, some just won’t be a good fit for you. And it’s important to know how to turn them down irrespective of the offer. At the end of the day, it’s all about serving your community and understanding what brings value to them.

“It hurts, definitely hurts, when you don’t continue those conversations, but you kinda have to stick with your gut,” Jordan says. "You need to bet on yourself.”

It’s hard to know who is right in these situations. But you need to have self-belief and consult with people who’ve known you from the beginning to make good, informed decisions, according to Jordan.

For Jordan, this viral moment is just that—a moment. His goal is bigger than temporary fame, and he hopes to create a real impact on people.

“I know a lot of people who wanna play basketball but can’t or wanna play baseball but can’t. If I can find a sponsor to get a kid a basketball or a baseball glove or a baseball bat, or find a kid that needs help in an underprivileged community by buying out a basketball court or baseball field to play, that would mean a lot,” he says.

It’s important to realize that virality may go away overnight, but having a bigger goal inspires you to keep going and keep making content. We wish Jordan the best with his cause and hope to see it come to fruition!

So, there you have it: a viral story to inspire your growth. But, here’s the question: Are you ready for your viral moment? A good first step would be to

Planning for a viral moment helped Jordan Haber enter the NBA draft and catch global media attention. Could you be next?

Creator Jordan Haber Goes Viral After 'Sneaking' into NBA Draft

If you're a small creator on YouTube, get ready to 

monetize your channel faster than ever in 2024

. The YouTube Partner Program is changing once again, and this time, you won't need as many subscribers or as much watch time to join up.

Starting today, you can apply once you have the following:

3,000 public watch hours in the previous 12 months

Alternatively, you can join the program without 3,000 watch hours, but instead, you'll need 3 million public YouTube Shorts views in the last 90 days.

A list of new requirements for the YPP, which are significantly lowered

These options are much lower than the old requirements, which were 1,000 subscribers plus 4,000 watch hours or 10 million public Shorts views.

Best of all, these new rules offer early access to some monetization features. YouTube announced the changes in a recent 

"These new partners will unlock access to fan funding features like 

, and the ability to promote their own products with YouTube Shopping."

As of writing, YouTube is rolling out these updates to creators in the U.K., U.S., Canada, Taiwan, and South Korea.

One drawback to these changes is that they don't give full access to the YPP. You'll get plenty of fan-funding options but must satisfy 

So while 500 subs, three videos, and 3,000 watch hours gets you into the program, that's just the beginning. You will still need 1,000 subs plus 4,000 watch hours or 10 million Shorts views to monetize with ads.

The good news is that once you're in the YPP, you're in. You don't need to re-apply after reaching older milestones, and you'll unlock the revenue tools you didn't have before.

We know these changes are a lot to take in, so if you need extra details, watch this video to learn more about the new and improved YPP.

Lowering the monetization requirements on YouTube is a fantastic idea. New creators have a chance to make money faster, and the opportunity may motivate them to grow a successful channel. YouTube is looking for ways to listen to, empathize with, and solve problems for small creators, which is always good.

On the flip side, small creators will only get some of what they want from this deal. They can access fan funding, but making money is only possible with an engaged community. And they may need more than 500 subscribers to earn satisfying revenue. A larger creator, with, say, 10,000 subscribers, has an easier time getting video donations, member subscriptions, or product sales because 

For example, if only 1% of 10,000 subscribers choose to fund a creator, that's still 100 active "customers." With 500 subscribers, 1% participation amounts to five customers.

So regardless of how fast you join the YPP, you need an authentic community to seize the entire opportunity. 

The first step is learning how to gain real subscribers on YouTube!

Phone displays YouTube logo while sitting on top of money

This is the moment you've been waiting for — an easier way to join the YouTube Partner Program! Here's how the YPP is changing and what that means for small creators.

YouTube Relaxes its Monetization Rules: Only 500 Subscribers Needed!

Imagine that, right now, life is a bit chaotic. You've lost your job, your newborn needs medical attention, and you've just moved to a new place, so you're fresh out of money.

Of all the solutions you could try — looking for a new job, starting a business, creating a side hustle — you're pretty sure that going live on YouTube isn't the answer. No one makes real money doing that, right?

, a gaming creator, faced these same challenges and still monetized his way to a full-time income. Starting with just 10,000 subscribers, CGE used a combination of regular videos and livestreams to make money on YouTube (and livestreams currently pay his rent!). Now he has over 70,000 subs who enjoy his 

So, what's the secret to CGE's success, and how did he turn his circumstances around? We'll explore his story, plus highlight the best strategy for monetizing YouTube livestreams.

First, Build an Audience for Your Streams

Before you can even think about monetizing your content, you need to build a loyal audience. Interestingly, CGE says that live streamers should build a community 

"And that was always my focus, not millions and millions of views," CGE says. "It was always a dedicated, tightly-knit community. If you have a community backing you up, that helps with numerous things on YouTube."

Once you're part of a community, you have a built-in audience for your topic of choice. So before you start steaming, CGE recommends three things:

Build a niche community to grow your influence.

Finding your passion is the best way to kick off a YouTube channel because it helps you connect with the right viewers. So, what's your thing? Is it Zelda gaming? Peanut farming? Ballet dancing? No matter what you're doing, it helps if you're 

Once you've identified your passion, look for communities of people interested in the same thing. You can check spaces like Discord, Twitter, and even different Facebook groups to find your tribe. But once you're there, CGE says to engage with others genuinely and make real connections.

Unlock the secret to making real money from YouTube livestreaming, just like gaming creator Canadian Guy Eh.

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

How to Use the YouTube Community Tab and Engage with Viewers

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How to Turn Silent Viewers into YouTube Subscribers

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Creator Jordan Haber Goes Viral After 'Sneaking' into NBA Draft

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YouTube Relaxes its Monetization Rules: Only 500 Subscribers Needed!

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This Update Could Change the YouTube Partner Program Forever

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