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

Getting views on a YouTube video is challenging, but it’s definitely not impossible. Once you master a two-part process, it’s easy to hook viewers:

Create a bold thumbnail that makes people stop scrolling

Write an intriguing title so viewers want to click your video

 content. For example, what do you think most viewers do at the end of a video? Do they watch more content from the same channel, or do they leave to see what else YouTube has to offer?

As a growing creator, you want people to watch as many videos as possible. You want to satisfy them, make them binge your content, and show the YouTube algorithm your channel is worth promoting.

There’s a way to make it happen, but only if you know a simple YouTube trick.

First, Understand Your ‘Average Views Per Viewer’

Before we share our little trick, there’s something you should know: YouTube tells you whether your content is binge-worthy or not.

You can find this data in the YouTube Studio. It tells you if people watch multiple videos in a row or leave without watching more.

That leads us to an important metric called 

, or AVPV for short. AVPV represents the number of videos each unique viewer watches on your channel (on average).

For example, let’s say your channel’s AVPV is three. That means the average viewer watches three videos on your channel before leaving.

But why is AVPV so critical on YouTube? Well, the higher this number goes, the better you are at convincing people to watch multiple videos. In fact, if your AVPV is somewhere around the number 1, 

that means people leave your channel after watching one video

The survey below shows that many creators have an AVPV of 1 to 1.4. So it’s in everyone's interest to boost that figure.

How to Find Your ‘Average Views Per Viewer’ on YouTube

Now that you understand AVPV, here’s how to find yours on YouTube:

2. Adjust the time period for the last full month you have data on. This switches your data points to the last 12 months of channel performance.

4. Click the blue plus button to add another metric. Choose 

 column to sort your performance over the last 12 months.

This is what you’ll see in the end — your AVPV from 12 months ago up until today (all 12 months 

How to Increase ‘Average Views Per Viewer’ — and Make People Watch More Videos

Now it’s time to reveal our little trick. If you want viewers to watch multiple videos, don’t wait for YouTube’s algorithm to show them content. Skip the waiting period and tell viewers what to watch.

How do you do this, exactly? We recommend using 

An end screen is an interactive outro that appears in the last 5-20 seconds of a video. You can put clickable elements on an end screen, such as links to a website, a YouTube subscribe button, and best of all, 

But the trick isn’t to make any old end screen. 

You want to make an end screen that suggests one more video to watch, not three or four. That way, viewers won’t feel overwhelmed by a bunch of options on the screen, and they can simply tap the next video.

Also, try to suggest a video that’s related to the current one. It should be an extension of the main story because that’s what people came to see.

If you do this over time — use an end screen to suggest one relevant video — your AVPV 

We tested this strategy on the vidIQ channel and found tremendous success. Instead of viewers watching one video on our channel, they now watch

Here's our AVPV in 2021 before using end screens:

And here's our AVPV in 2022 after using end screens:

More than anything, the key to success is making bold YouTube end screens. So here’s a quick guide to show you how!

It's hard to grow a YouTube channel when viewers leave after watching one video. Use this simple trick to suggest more content and make them binge watch!

A Simple Trick to Make Viewers Watch Multiple YouTube Videos

The most critical part of a YouTube video is 

 — or in other words, the introduction. There's much to do in this brief timespan to keep the viewer's attention and fight off boredom. You should provide some form of entertainment, spark their interest, and tease the value you promised in the video title.

But creating an intro for each YouTube video is more art than science. It's not as simple as saying, "One meme + one joke = happy viewers." 

If you want to personalize your YouTube intro, you need more information. What makes your viewers smile, laugh, or cry? How can you evoke those emotions at the start of each video?

. And just for you, we're sharing eight ways to engage YouTube viewers from the start.

Instead of introducing topics the usual way, tease the most entertaining scene from your YouTube video. You'll want to choose a clip that evokes powerful emotions within your audience — something to make them gasp, laugh, or frown.

This moment isn't hard to find, either. It's usually the climax of your story, where the plot becomes wildly captivating. That could be the moment a prank goes wrong, the minute you reveal a secret, or a "failed" activity that sparks gut-busting laughter.

These moments grab your viewers' attention by 

. They know what's coming, so they have a reason to stick around and see how it all unfolds!

What type of challenges do your viewers face? Do they have trouble getting into college, finding a job they love, or training their pets? Do they want to pay off credit card debt without feeling overwhelmed?

If you know what's bothering them, address that in your intro and promise a real solution. This simple act will make viewers feel seen and understood, as though watching your video could potentially change their lives.

Questions make great conversation starters, but they're also effective in YouTube intros. This strategy works because the viewer has to stop and think about what you've asked them. And while they're wrestling with the answer, they don't have time to think about leaving the video — not yet, anyway.

Of course, this is exactly what you want to happen. Your primary goals are to make people quit scrolling, pay attention, and engage with the video.

So when you ask a question in your intro, make sure it's:

Sometimes reality is more shocking than fiction. For example, did you know that a typical cloud weighs 

? Or that more people live in tiny Bangladesh (164 million) than in spacious Russia (144 million)?

You can easily make a nice intro for your YouTube video by stating one of these mind-blowing facts. Viewers will be so blown away that they 

When creating an intro, try to engage as many human senses as possible. Give people something fascinating to look at, even if that means all you did was change the camera angle. Let them hear a variety of sounds, and add some text to break up the monotony of only hearing your words.

These elements make a video entertaining, and you can feel the difference when they aren't there. The pace is slower, the scenes are too quiet, and before you know it, you leave the video out of sheer boredom.

But adding these elements will stop from viewers clicking away:

Video motion: jump-cuts, camera panning, zoom-ins, zoom-outs

And if you want to experiment, try animated intros

The trick to using pop culture references in your intro is to make them both 

Use viral memes to spice things up. Repurpose a 

. Hop on the latest dance craze to get viewers' attention.

But before you do any of that, ask yourself what's popular right now. You could check the trending section of social media apps — Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, and more — to see what people are talking about.

6 Places to Find Trending Topics for YouTube Videos

If your viewers like to be encouraged, why not open your video with an inspirational quote? This simple act prepares your viewers for more uplifting content, so they make it through the intro and onto other scenes.

Best of all, famous quotes are everywhere. You can get them from industry experts, books, TV shows, movies; the list goes on. Just remember to credit the original author when you reference a quote.

Telling a joke might be considered corny or cliche, but it's still an excellent way to open your video. 

Whether the joke lands or not, you'll completely disarm the viewer and catch them off guard. They'll either think, 

 Either way, you'll have their full attention.

 a joke, per se. Sometimes you can show a funny scene where you act out a joke instead of saying it on camera.

How Long Should a YouTube Video Intro Be?

On average, the intro for a YouTube video should be 10 seconds or less. We say 10 seconds because YouTube emphasizes the first 30 seconds when showing your 

 in the YouTube Studio. Most viewers click away at the 30-second mark, so you want to catch their attention ASAP.

To be on the safe side, you could even shoot for eight seconds and try to hook viewers before 10 have even passed. That way, you'd be 

From there, you can jump into the meat of your video during seconds 11-20, well before the 30-second mark. You would even set yourself up to 

As a YouTube creator, your main goal is to share your passion with like-minded people. So let this energy spill over into your YouTube intro!

Do something funny to make your audience smile. Do something shocking to make them gasp. Try to be the highlight of their day, and they'll reciprocate by watching more videos.

If you need more guidance, watch this video about creating powerful YouTube intros:

And now that you've hooked your audience, learn how to make outstanding outros using YouTube end screens.

How do you hook viewers in the first 8 seconds of a video? If you find it hard to grab their attention, here are 8 ways to make better YouTube intros.

YouTube Intros: 8 Ways to Hook Viewers In the First 8 Seconds

When creating a TikTok account, there are two types to choose from — a personal account or a business account.

Personal accounts are for individuals who want to use TikTok for social networking, sharing, and hanging out with friends. In contrast, business accounts are designed for marketing purposes. A company will create a TikTok business account to drive brand awareness, advertise their services, and more.

Who Should Use a TikTok Business Account?

Business accounts are an excellent option for:

Anyone who wants to promote a business, product, or service — even individual content creators with a product line.

Businesses that want to entertain their customers and promote engagement.

Businesses that want to use commercial tools on TikTok, such as those in the Business Creative Hub.

, you’ll have access to six helpful features:

: A collection of songs and sounds you can use in your videos without paying copyright fees. These tracks are pre-cleared for commercial use on TikTok, and business accounts can use them for organic or branded content.

: Schedule posts up to 10 days in advance.

: Display a link to your business on your TikTok profile.

: Display your business email address on your TikTok profile.

: See metrics that reflect your account growth, view audience demographics, and more.

: A special section in the TikTok app that shows content creation tips and trending business content.

Note: Business accounts don’t have access to TikTok’s General Music Library (GML). The music in that collection is for personal entertainment only, which is why only personal accounts can use songs from the GML.

This also means that business accounts cannot 

 with videos that contain music from the GML. So if you want to create content by remixing what’s already out there or doing collaborations, a business account won’t be helpful. You would only be able to duet/stitch with accounts that use music from the CML.

Who Should Use a Personal TikTok Account?

Most people on TikTok — public figures, general users, content creators — use a personal account for their video content. They typically aren’t selling a product, representing a company, or looking to drive brand awareness.

You should create a personal account if you want to:

Watch videos on TikTok and interact with creators.

Create videos on TikTok for friends, family, and broader audiences.

Monetize your TikTok account through the Creator Fund, Tips, Live Gifts, etc. (Many of these features aren’t available for business accounts).

Use advanced tools to discover who your viewers are and what appeals to them.

A personal account has some features that a business account does not. Some of these benefits include:

 A collection of songs and sounds that have not been licensed for commercial use, thus making them usable for regular users.

 TikTok sound to their content. By contrast, business accounts can only use commercial sounds.

 Only let approved users see your videos or follow the you.

: This program is designed to help TikTok creators monetize their accounts while they build a community of followers.

TikTok Creator Marketplace: Where brands and creators connect to build paid campaigns.

TikTok Creator Fund: A $200M fund that pays talented creators for their hard work and innovative content.

Video Gifts: Collect “Diamonds” from viewers that can be redeemed for cash.

Live Gifts: Collect “Diamonds” from viewers that can be redeemed for cash, but only during live streams.

Tips: Collect monetary tips directly through your TikTok profile.

: Determine the type of content your audience likes and see metrics to back it up.

How to Switch to a Business or Personal TikTok Account

If you choose the wrong TikTok account, don’t worry. You can switch from one to the other at any time.

Follow the additional instructions that pop up, if any.

 switch back and forth between business and personal accounts. If you want to create both types of content, consider creating two accounts: one for personal and one for business.

The best TikTok account for you depends on how you plan to use the platform. For example, if you already own a business and want to use TikTok to promote that business, a business account is likely best. This will allow you to continue building your existing brand, provide access to commercially licensed sounds, and ensure that you have the best tools to market yourself.

It's easy to think, "I'm building a business, so I need a business account." But considering how those accounts are structured, a solopreneur or an individual might need a personal account until they have a certified business. That way, they still have access to TikTok monetization tools, advanced creator tools, and the ability to duet with more creators.

Also, it makes sense to keep a personal account if you’re looking for brand deals. A personal account gives you access to the TikTok Creator Marketplace (within the Creator Next program), where brands and creators can find each other and start building campaigns.

Now that you know which account to create, learn how to find trending TikTok sounds for your content.

Do you need a business TikTok account, or are you better off sticking to a personal account? Keep reading to learn which one is best for your goals.

How to Choose Between a TikTok Business or Personal Account

There's never been a better time to monetize your video content than now.

With the plethora of monetization options out there, one of the main concerns video creators have is which one they should go for.

Which is exactly why we'll compare two of the most prominent ones in this guide.

To be precise, we're going to explain and show you examples of:

Plus, we'll go deep into how YouTube channel memberships stack up against video subscription sites.

 allows viewers to join a channel through monthly payments and get extra benefits like badges and access to exclusive content.

In other words, it's a tool for the most loyal fans of a video creator to show their support and a way for the latter to make money on YouTube.

Considering it's a good situation for all sides — viewers, creators, and YouTube — it's no wonder the platform launched this feature back in 2018.

In the screenshot below, you can see how simple it is for a viewer to join a channel membership by selecting

 is an online platform where viewers can pay a subscription fee to stream online video content.

Although they typically don't offer viewers extra benefits like badges, they allow them to get access to an unlimited amount of content for a standard fee.

Popular video subscription websites include Netflix and Hulu, and their content ranges from movies to documentaries.

It's now time to dive deeper into how they compare with each other, for you to decide which one is right for you.

Comparison Point #1: Monetization Options

The first part of our comparison section is all about 

In other words, how exactly can a video creator make money from YouTube, as well as from video subscription platforms?

 by selecting up to six membership levels.

: Set some videos for members-only viewing.

: Share exclusive live streams with members.

Should you start a YouTube Channel Membership or monetize your content through a video subscription website? Here are the pros and cons of both options.

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