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


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


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

More Views

How To Get More Views on YouTube

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


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

Get Subscribers

How to Get More YouTube Subscribers

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

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

Make Money

How To Make Money on YouTube

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

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

Data Insights

YouTube Analytics Explained: Metrics That Matter

Watch Time is arguably THE most important metric on YouTube right now, and creators won’t be able to monetize their content without 4000 hours of it. But what is it and how can creators increase the amount of Watch Time their videos attract? We keep you updated on the best practices around Watch Time, and how you can increase how much your video content generates.

Watch Time

YouTube Watch Time

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


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

YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts: Tips and Strategies

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

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

Quick Tips

YouTube Tips for Creators

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

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

Trending Now

YouTube Trends and Insights

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

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

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

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

70% of YouTube traffic coming from Browse and Suggested feeds

70% of YouTube views come from Browse and Suggested feeds

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

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

 that get clicks early, but fizzle out over time

 that help videos rank, but feel generic or dry

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

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

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

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

Watch the vidIQ Title Flip framework video here:


But First: The Problem with Hybrid Titles

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

“Sourdough Recipe from ANCIENT EGYPT!”

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

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

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

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

curiosity for early clicks, SEO for lasting growth

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

 to identify high-performing keywords that fit your niche.


Step 2: Lead with Curiosity and Monitor Performance

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Bonus Tip: Make Sure Your Title and Thumbnail Work Together

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

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

, use the title to pose a question or spark curiosity 

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

, your title needs to provide clarity or context 

Thumbnail: a surprised face + loaf of bread

Title: “The One Ingredient That Changed Everything”

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


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

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

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

Drive more clicks from Suggested and Browse

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

Build a repeatable, testable title strategy you can rely on


Let your next title do more than describe your video.

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

Looking for more tips on writing great titles?

11 Ways to Write Exciting YouTube Titles for Your Videos

3 Secrets for Writing Click-Worthy YouTube Titles

How to Write the Best Titles for YouTube Shorts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can update your title anytime in YouTube Studio:

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

Edit the title field, then click ‘Save’

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

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

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

One of the great, eternal mysteries of the internet is the YouTube algorithm. 

 of the content consumed on YouTube comes directly from recommendations, so it’s easy to understand why creators and marketers are obsessed with figuring it out.

Although nobody (not even YouTube themselves) has a full understanding of how it works, certain factors do influence it more than others. But to understand the algorithm, we must start from the beginning.

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

In the beginning, there was no algorithm. It was all about gaining credibility as a platform for YouTube. Since everything revolved around views, YouTube’s first algorithm strove to recommend videos that attracted the most clicks. The more people clicked on a video, the more it would appear for others to click on, too. Soon, malpractices around using tags became common, and YouTube stepped in.

YouTube changed its algorithm in favor of video watch time

 because they thought time viewed was the true test of quality. But, soon enough, creators found loopholes like view-botting their content or making long videos with no value. This led the algorithm to change again around 2015-16.

Through surveys, YouTube collected data from users to understand what kind of videos “satisfy” them the most, and with their 

sophisticated AI developed the recommendation system

. As a result, YouTube began to suggest videos that each viewer would be more likely to watch, rather than videos that other people were viewing. And the outcomes—well, they were really excellent! So much so, that YouTube hasn’t announced major changes to the algorithm since.

In 2025, YouTube introduced significant updates to its recommendation system, shifting focus from traditional performance metrics to personalized user engagement and satisfaction. 

For the algorithm to recommend videos to a user, there are two steps involved. First, it rates videos based on their performance analytics. Then, it matches videos to users based on past viewing habits and comparable material. Matching people with the content they want to watch is the objective.

The YouTube algorithm isn't a singular entity, but a combination several systems on the platform. These different algorithms appear in different areas of YouTube and have different factors influencing them.

 You can see recommendations from the algorithm in 3 main areas of YouTube:

How is it that YouTube already knows what you want to watch from the moment you’re on the website? That’s because your homepage is curated just for you!

Showing high engagement (watch time, likes, comments, etc.)

That’s why, as a creator, it’s so important to get people watching your videos so your channel is always in their watch history. Then you can find ways to keep them watching longer and engaging more frequently.

Depending on someone’s viewing habits, they may also see videos related to their location, language, or other demographics.

These are the videos recommended alongside the video you’re already watching, on the right side of your screen. The YouTube algorithm takes into account a number of variables, including your topic of interest, liked channels, and your watch history, to provide a customized list of videos for the recommended area.

In a nutshell, the algorithm compiles a list of videos that you could find interesting and relevant by analyzing your behavior on the website.

So how do you persuade YouTube to suggest your videos to more viewers? Start by observing the “suggested” column next to your competitors’ content. If YouTube is recommending specific videos there, try filming your own version of that content so you can get recommended too!

How does YouTube decide which videos should go on a search page? Based on user behavior and keywords, the system narrows down the enormous video library to a limited number and then ranks them according to engagement metrics and relevancy. YouTube makes sure that users get the greatest search results by balancing relevancy and popularity.

Of course, YouTube keywords are important here. However, because the system takes into account personalized signals, each user's search results may vary significantly.

Videos with better engagement metrics and potential, such as views, shares, likes, and comments, are given priority in search results, but YouTube also makes sure that fresh content from new channels isn't unfairly eclipsed by popular YouTubers. The platform adds a certain amount of randomization and can show diverse results that are still relevant to the search query.

The main goal of YouTube’s algorithm is to keep viewers on the website for as long as possible, so be sure to optimize your content for this crucial area of the platform.

YouTube doesn’t spray your video out to the whole platform and cross its fingers. It moves strategically, starting with the people most likely to care, then expanding only if your content keeps delivering. Here's how it plays out:

These are your ride-or-dies—the viewers who show up almost every time you post. Usually subscribers, but not always. Some people just watch everything you make, even without subscribing.

, you won’t have this group yet. YouTube has to take a best guess based on your video’s topic. No traction usually means there’s not enough info yet to find your people.

Next are the occasional viewers. They know your content, but don’t watch everything. Maybe they caught a few past uploads, maybe they’re subscribed but don’t tune in often.

If the video’s still doing well, YouTube shows it to people who are into the same general subject. So, if your video is about photography, it’ll start appearing in front of viewers who already watch photography content.

Next, the algorithm widens the net to audiences in closely related fields. A photography video might now reach fans of videography or graphic design—areas that overlap enough to still be relevant.

The next jump takes your video to people who are into content that’s barely related to those nearby fields. Think animation, motion graphics, or web design. Still in the creative zone, but getting more distant.

Eventually, it hits a point where your content no longer connects. Maybe now it's showing your video to people into programming or cybersecurity—still technically connected through a chain of interests, but too far removed. If the video starts flopping at this stage, the algorithm stops pushing it.


The algorithm moves outward in layers, only if your video keeps hitting. It’s not about going viral overnight—it’s about climbing step by step, keeping each audience engaged as you go.

It’s safe to say the YouTube algorithm won’t be changing its core function in the future. While metrics like click-through rates (CTR) and watch time remain relevant, the algorithm now prioritizes user satisfaction indicators. These include likes, comments, and survey feedback, which provide insights into the value viewers derive from content. Additionally, the system considers viewer retention patterns, recognizing that both short, impactful videos and longer, engaging content have their place, depending on audience preferences. Encouraging return visits and sustained engagement has become crucial for creators aiming to thrive under the new algorithm.

In the past, we've stressed the importance of watch time and engagement to get ahead with the algorithm. But the way to look at the YouTube algorithm going forward is beyond a single metric. Many aspects now influence the impact of your video, as opposed to earlier days. For example, traditionally we would associate the packaging of a video with the title and thumbnail but now, particularly for mobile users, the first 10 seconds of your video, which is called a visual hook, is equally important.

The integration of advanced AI labels in content evaluation has also changed things up a bit. Beyond basic categorization, AI analyzes the nuances of content, including style and target audience, to ensure precise recommendations. The system evaluates the tone, emotions, and delivery style, aligning them with viewer expectations and preferences. and production factors editing quality, pacing, and overall structure are assessed to determine suitability for different audience segments.

Considering all the above will be increasingly important for getting the algorithm working for you. So, implement them to the best of your abilities.

Remember, the algorithm’s job is to provide the perfect content to each viewer, without creator or content bias. So, stop making videos for the algorithm! Instead, aim to satisfy that 

, and you’ve got the algorithm playing for your team! 

Magnified view of Safari browser window displaying YouTube homepage with navigation menu.

Unlock the mystery of the YouTube Algorithm with our in-depth guide. Dive into its evolution and learn how the algorithm personalizes home page curation, suggests relevant videos, and more.

Understanding the YouTube Algorithm in 2025

Have you been feeling like your Shorts have suddenly stopped getting views? You're certainly not alone here! Most creators have seen their Shorts behave very differently from other forms of content, and it's almost baffling!

while others barely see the light of day? Keep reading, and we'll explain how the YouTube Shorts algorithm works!

Forget traditional metrics like impressions and click-through rates; in the world of Shorts, 

. Compared to the traditional route of using impressions to test your content, the YouTube Shorts algorithm is more straightforward. So, if some of your Shorts look like the graph below, and you’re convinced that YouTube is out to limit your Shorts reach, we have good news! There is a reason why.

First, the Shorts algorithm operates in two distinct phases: 

 Initially, your Short is exposed to a small, targeted, “seed audience”. If this group engages well with your content, your Short gets promoted to a broader audience. That initial audience is crucial, because if they're not engaged, your views may become stagnant.

, Todd Sherman, the product lead for YouTube Shorts, explains why this is the case. Unlike long-form videos, Shorts views mostly seem to come from the feed itself, and the element of a conscious choice on the part of the viewer is missing. So, the algorithm tests the Shorts for hundreds of thousands of views to determine its value. We can see the effect of this under the “

The YouTube shorts algorithm pays close attention to each viewer's habits. And these habits can be rightly evaluated from the Analytics tab. A recent update from YouTube has changed how views will work on Shorts, and Rob will tell you all about it.

 required. This is a shift from the previous model where a viewer had to watch for a few seconds before a view was logged.

YouTube Shorts is now distinguishing between two types of metrics:

: When the viewer interacts meaningfully (watches beyond a few seconds, likes, comments, etc.)

With this update, our approach in understanding YouTube Shorts analytics needs to focus on specific areas.

Swipe-away analytics are a new feature that can help you understand how viewers are interacting with your Shorts: Are they sticking around, or are they swiping away before the video ends? Here’s how to check it out:

the youtube analytics menu option and the content tab

3. On the right, you can see how many chose to view your Shorts and how many swiped away from them.

Viewed versus swiped away data for youtube Shorts

Under Advance mode in Analytics, you can check the watch time you gain from YouTube Shorts. 

With the recent update, creators will see a noticeable jump in view counts—as much as 

—but this doesn’t automatically mean better performance. Other key metrics such as 

likes, comments, watch time, and subscribers

 remain unaffected unless those views are engaged.

This shift may create a false sense of growth, giving the illusion of more success while the actual engagement remains unchanged.

What would you learn after studying 35 billion Shorts views on YouTube? Well, after extensive research, 

 has the answer! And our YouTube experts got some brilliant insights in a recent interview with him. In fact, they learned enough to help you 

Nate found out that Shorts that are either 13 or 60 seconds long tend to perform best. Additionally, there are specific categories, such as original showcases and sensory experiences like ASMR videos, that consistently attract more views.

He also observed that channels that have published at least 200 Shorts tend to see a consistent increase in views over time. So, before you get disheartened with your Shorts views, be sure to upload a lot of them! Also, the first three seconds of your Short are crucial for capturing viewer interest. Make them count!

How to Get 10 Million YouTube Shorts Views: A 90-Day Plan

Equipped with this knowledge, we must take care of certain factors when it comes to YouTube Shorts.

Timing and consistency are key when it comes to Shorts. Knowing when your audience is most active and aligning your publishing schedule accordingly can significantly impact your Shorts' performance.

Fortunately, it's easy to find out the best time to post your Shorts. From the YouTube Studio, click Analytics and then the 

 Scroll down to the “When your viewers are on YouTube” tab, and you'll see the best time to post on YouTube for your specific viewers!

Would you believe it, thumbnails still matter! And for Shorts, it’s the most visible asset of your video. When your Shorts appear in regular YouTube feeds, 

a compelling thumbnail can be your secret weapon for attracting more clicks.

Most long-form creators clip YouTube videos to repurpose Shorts from their existing videos. It's a great strategy to implement as a creator because you can produce a high volume of shorts with little effort. Often, the confusing part though is choosing what to clip.

 can take care of all that. With this tool you can:

Let AI scan it for the most engaging moments

With the click of a button, creators can turn any video into multiple short form videos, perfect for TikTok, Reels and Shorts with this tool! 

Clip YouTube Videos: From Long Video to Short Video

Consistency and experimentation go hand in hand. Don't be afraid to try different types of content to see what resonates with your audience. This might help you solidify the proper seed audience for your content!

While viewer engagement is the main factor for success, metadata still matters for proper categorization. Your video title, description, hashtags, and even the words spoken in the Short give clues about your content.

Include clear keywords in your title and description, add relevant hashtags (such as 

), and state your topic within the first few seconds. This practice helps the YouTube Shorts algorithm match your content with the right audience. Keyword tools can help you spot popular terms in your niche.

Getting more YouTube views is always a hot topic, and that's why so many of you want to understand the Shorts algorithm! 

Master the YouTube Shorts algorithm in 2025! Learn how the explore and exploit system works, why viewer retention matters, and proven strategies to boost your Shorts performance.

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

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

Understanding the YouTube Algorithm in 2025

How Does the YouTube Shorts Algorithm Work in 2025?

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YouTube for Business: What Top Brands Are Doing Right

YouTube Thumbnail Design Tips: Best Practices for 2025

How To Get Serious About YouTube

How To Create Scroll-Stopping YouTube Thumbnails Faster with AI

The Best YouTube Thumbnail Size and Dimensions for 2025

How to Create a YouTube Video Essay: Full Guide

Clip YouTube Videos: From Long Video to Short Video

Top 6 Missed YouTube Opportunities for Brands We See (and Fix)

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