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

average video length on YouTube still hovers around 11.7 minutes

, even after the meteoric rise of YouTube Shorts and other forms of short-form content. The need for longer content is still quite high, and one of the best ways to capitalize on it is through video essays.

YouTube video essays have exploded in popularity over the past few years, with creators building massive audiences, diving deep into everything from film analysis to social commentary. Yet despite the high interest in becoming a video essayist, there's a surprising lack of real, actionable advice online about how to actually succeed in this space.

So, today, we'll explore how you can go about achieving this successfully as a YouTube creator. Let's get started!

How to Create a YouTube Tutorial Video: Full Guide

A video essay is an essay that is presented in a visual format instead of the conventional written method. It pretty has the same components as a standard essay, consisting of 

an introduction, a main body (which may be divided into sections), and a conclusion.

Walk through YouTube video essays, and you'll find countless videos rehashing the same tired takes. 

"The Last Jedi ruined Star Wars." "Marvel movies are formulaic."

The issue isn't having these opinions—it's presenting them as fresh insights when they're actually echo chamber repetitions. Viewers can sense when you're simply repackaging existing discourse rather than adding something new to the conversation.

But that doesn't mean your takes need to "stand out" just for the sake of it. Instead of trying to be different for the sake of being different, focus on finding a way of creating videos that only you can make. This isn't about being different—it's about being irreplaceably you.

The Secret to Standing Out as a Small YouTube Creator

Before diving into the how-to, let's clarify what we mean by "voice" in video essays. Your voice isn't about:

Copying another creator's presentation format

: Your authentic self coming through the screen

: The unique understanding you bring to topics

To develop your voice, you need to identify three core elements:

: Your areas of expertise or deep knowledge

: The unique perspective only you can provide

: Experiment with various approaches to see what feels natural. Some creators are naturally analytical, while others are more emotional; some are humorous, while others are serious.

: Initially, it's acceptable to incorporate small elements from creators you admire. Notice how they structure arguments, pace their videos, or present information. But avoid wholesale copying.

: After each video, ask yourself: "Did this feel like me? What parts felt forced? What came naturally?"

: Your voice will develop and change as you create more content. Embrace this evolution rather than trying to lock yourself into a rigid style.

Let's get on with the uncomfortable truth that many aspiring video essayists don't want to hear: 

You cannot provide insightful analysis when you have no insight.

Too many creators jump into making video essays about topics they understand only at a surface level. They watch a few other videos, read some Reddit threads, and think they're ready to contribute meaningfully to the discourse.

Before you make your first video essay, ask yourself:

Have I studied beyond surface-level takes?

Can I offer perspectives that aren't already widely available?

If the answer to any of these is "no," you're not ready to make that video yet—and that's okay.

Choosing Your Niche: Become a Student First

The path to becoming a respected video essayist starts with becoming a dedicated student. Here's how:

Choose a topic you're either deeply passionate about or willing to dedicate yourself to learning inside and out. This could be:

Film analysis (specific genres, directors, or eras)

Once you've chosen your focus, immerse yourself completely:

Take online courses from reputable institutions

Join communities of serious students and practitioners

Becoming truly knowledgeable enough to offer valuable insights takes time—often years. This isn't a shortcut to YouTube fame; it's a commitment to expertise.

The goal is to become someone with significantly more insight than the average person interested in your topic. Only then can you offer something genuinely valuable.

Your voice isn't something you can pick off a shelf or decide on in advance. As the saying goes about wands at Ollivander's, "the voice chooses the creator." Finding yours requires experimentation and patience.

The 54 Best YouTube Niches, According to Viewers

Step-by-Step: How to Make a Great Video Essay

If you've followed along so far, you now know the headspace needed to become a YouTube video essay creator. Now, let's get you ready for your first video upload!

Look at what’s already been said—and ask how you can go further

Clear structure (intro, body, conclusion)

Read it out loud—does it sound like you?

YouTube Skills: How to Become a Pro at Speaking on Camera

Get a decent mic (USB condenser mics are a good start)

Use visuals to support your points, not distract

Add transitions only where they make sense

4 Editing Hacks to Make Any YouTube Video Go Viral

What makes a good YouTube video essay? Here's everything you need to know about voice, research, scripting, editing, and building a lasting channel.

How to Create a YouTube Video Essay: Full Guide

This post was originally written Apr 04, 2023 and has been updated with newer information.

“What type of YouTube thumbnails should I make for my channel?”

That’s a question many creators ask, especially when thinking of ways to brand their content and stand out on YouTube. It’s a question that will 

90% of the top videos have custom thumbnails

So how do you build a thumbnail style that grabs attention 

12 Types of YouTube Thumbnails People Love to Click On

In this guide, you'll learn how to build a thumbnail style that fits your channel, from defining your content goals to designing vibrant, clickable images.

Match Your Thumbnail Style to Your Content Goals

Your content type plays a massive role in building the right thumbnail strategy. So before jumping into design tools, think deeply about your content goals. 

Do I want to entertain, educate, or evoke emotion?

Each path leads to a different design approach.

 often benefit from warm, people-focused thumbnails that reflect personality and mood.

 usually perform best with clear visuals and focused text.

 tend to pop with bright colors, bold fonts, and expressive faces.

Here’s a little test: If you can say something like, “My channel is about bird watching, and my goal is to educate viewers on how to get started,” you’re ready for the next step.

Look to Competitors for YouTube Thumbnail Inspiration

Once you’ve defined your content’s purpose, it’s time to gather visual cues. One of the best ways to get YouTube thumbnail inspiration is by studying successful creators in your niche.

How to Find Your Biggest Competitors on YouTube

Start by identifying 5–10 channels that:

Then take notes on their thumbnail patterns

Now you have a list of visual elements to choose from. This will give you a rough idea of what your thumbnails 

Here's where many creators get stuck, trying to make thumbnails that “look good” instead of thumbnails that 

your viewers’ emotions and expectations

 in mind. Think about what excites them visually. What makes them pause the scroll?

Would a frame from the video work better than a custom design?

Is bold, clean text necessary, or does it distract?

Should I include my face, or keep it more object-focused?

Should I create bold, colorful designs or something simpler?

Keep in mind, You’re not trying to make the “best” thumbnail, you’re trying to make the 

Test Different Thumbnails and  Analyze the Results

By now, you likely have a few thumbnail ideas. The next step is to test them  and let the data speak.

 can help you create multiple versions quickly. Then, take advantage of 

YouTube’s built-in A/B thumbnail testing

. Are certain designs attracting a more engaged audience?

. Do your thumbnails set accurate expectations for what’s inside?

Over time, you’ll start to see patterns, and that’s when your true thumbnail style starts to emerge.


YouTube Thumbnail Inspiration from 3 Successful Creators

If you’re looking for more YouTube thumbnail inspiration, the creators below offer great examples of how to match design with content. Each one has developed a consistent style that fits their niche and earns clicks.

Minimalistic, people-focused, calm, joyful

Minimalistic thumbnail styles on ZoeSuggs YouTube channel

Zoe’s thumbnails are a great example of vlog thumbnail ideas that feel warm and inviting.

A simple, calming design matches the vibe of her down-to-earth vlogs.

Images of her family cater to the topic of lifestyle and parenting.

Facial expressions show warmth and joy, just like the energy within her vlogs.

Action-packed, people and object-focused, exciting, adventurous

The bold, adventurous thumbnail style of the JStu channel

JStu nails the high-energy, over-the-top look for challenge-based thumbnails

Bold text and bright colors reflect their adventurous, over-the-top challenges.

Dramatic facial expressions create the emotional thrill of adventure.

A “busy” design matches the intensity of their content.

Minimalistic, object-focused, mouthwatering, straightforward

The minimalistic thumbnail style on the Nino's Home channel

This is a strong example of simplicity and consistency with their ASMR thumbnails.

A "no design" approach matches the simplistic nature of the content, which includes cooking sounds and no speaking.

A lack of text puts the focus on what matters most: the food.

Your Thumbnail Style Is Your Visual Brand

Your thumbnail is more than a visual, it’s a promise

 It tells viewers what to expect and why they should care.

Whether you’re refining your thumbnail strategy or testing bold new looks, the key is finding a repeatable system that aligns with your content, resonates with your audience, and drives more clicks over time.


 to quickly design and compare different styles.

These tips (and examples) will help you build the best thumbnail style for your channel.

here’s some advice for designing any type of thumbnail!

Graphic designer using a digital drawing tablet and color palette software on a desktop computer.

Looking for YouTube thumbnail inspiration?  Learn how to build a thumbnail style that matches your content and makes your channel stand out.

Find the Best YouTube Thumbnail Styles for Your Channel

This post was originally written Mar 08, 2022 and has been updated with newer information.

Which piece of content should you make first: the YouTube thumbnail or the YouTube video?

We pitched this question to creators on the YouTube Community tab back in early 2022. Out of 19,000 responses, 

 chose “YouTube videos” first. Only 2,660 said they begin with a thumbnail.

That’s a big gap, but we’re not surprised. Many creators treat thumbnails as something you do after everything else. You can’t upload a thumbnail without a video, so it naturally becomes an afterthought. Designing one first can feel strange, like designing the book cover before the book. 

But a lot has changed since we ran that survey. 

 now make it easier to visualize your video before you ever press record. Instead of staring at a blank page, you can generate a thumbnail concept in seconds. That one step might help you shape the entire video or inspire a new creative angle you hadn’t thought of.

More creators are rethinking their process, and here’s why starting with the thumbnail can actually boost your creativity and save time.

Without the Right Thumbnail, No One Clicks Your Video Anyway

Technically, viewers don’t know a good video when they see one. They might 

 the video has what they’re looking for, but people don’t know until they click and watch.

The quality of your thumbnail helps viewers decide what to do. If something on the graphic resonates with them, they’ll click and give your video a chance. If the thumbnail is unappealing, the video gets an abysmal number of views.

YouTube Thumbnail Guide - 9 Ways to Boost Click-Through Rate

That means you could post the best YouTube video ever, but it might never get seen if the thumbnail doesn't work. 

When you design the thumbnail first, you give yourself time to test ideas and make improvements. With an 

 maker, you can even create multiple versions quickly and get a feel for what looks most compelling. If none of them feel right, that might be a signal to rethink the topic before you spend hours filming and editing.

A Thumbnail Helps You Brainstorm Video Titles

Do you struggle to write titles for your videos? If you’ve tried every hack imaginable, the next step is to give up for a while. Yes, you read that right. Take a break from organizing your words and craft visual concepts instead.

It’s easier to describe something when you can see it in real-time.

 Take the best parts of your video idea – the emotions you want to convey, the value you want to give – and create a thumbnail portraying those qualities. This visual aid helps you describe your content and write a better video title.

9 Ways to Write Exciting YouTube Titles for Your Videos

Ask yourself: Which emotions should people feel while watching?

Create a draft thumbnail portraying those emotions.

Pull inspiration from the graphic to describe your video emotionally.

Turn the description into a click-worthy title.

Getting people to click your videos is the ultimate YouTube goal. This method of creating thumbnails first and connecting them to your title is one way of doing that.

There’s Less Work to Do After Recording and Editing

Creating a YouTube video takes a lot of energy. If you leave the thumbnail and title for the very end, it becomes a rushed process, not a creative one.

When we ran that survey in 2022, most creators weren’t thinking thumbnail first. But with today’s AI tools, that approach is much more accessible. You can quickly create visuals, explore concepts, and let your thumbnail guide your video idea instead of chasing it afterward.

If you want to save time, stay inspired, and increase your chances of getting clicks, try designing your thumbnail first. It just might change how you create videos.

 to create bold, click-worthy visuals in minutes.

Woman considering Making YouTube thumbnails before her video

Young woman in glasses working on laptop in cozy home office with natural light

Making a thumbnail before you record a video may seem odd, but the practice can spark creativity and improve your workflow. Here's how:

Why You Should Make YouTube Thumbnails Before You Record

This post was originally written Dec 27, 2021 and has been updated with newer information.

If you’re trying to improve CTR on YouTube, your thumbnail is the first place to start. Every thumbnail acts as mini-ads for your videos, and strong ones can dramatically increase your click-through rate. 

In this guide, we’ll show you how to create thumbnails that stop the scroll and support a good click through rate on YouTube.

12 Best YouTube Thumbnails Ideas People Love to Click On

What Is a Good Click-Through Rate on YouTube?

YouTube defines click-through rate as the percentage of people who saw your video's thumbnail and clicked to watch it.

CTR = (Number of clicks / Number of impressions) x 100

If 20,000 people see your video somewhere on YouTube (impressions), but only 400 people click, that’s a 2% click-through rate. In other words, 2% of people were interested enough to click on your video.

Based on our review of many channels, here’s how click-through rate benchmarks typically break down:

 Low. Likely needs a thumbnail or title refresh.

 Good. Shows strong performance and resonance.

 Excellent. Seen in high-performing, well-targeted content.

 Exceptional! Typically found in videos with strong hooks or early traction.

half of all channels and videos have a 2-10% CTR

YouTube analytics showing average CTR range of 2-10% for most channels

Keep in mind that CTR tends to drop as total impressions rise. A video with 1,000 views might have a high CTR of 12%, but when it reaches 100,000 views, the percentage might dip to around 5-6% as YouTube pushes it to a broader audience. That's normal.

Generally, a good click through rate on YouTube is any percentage that beats your channel average. If your videos average 4%, try pushing for 5-6% with upcoming thumbnails. Small, steady improvements can add up.

6 Powerful Tips to Get a Good Click-Through Rate on YouTube

Knowing what makes a viewer click is a key part of creating thumbnails that work. It creates curiosity, promises value, and visually explains why someone should click.

Successful YouTube creators know that a thumbnail isn’t just about looking good. It promises something interesting. It creates a gap that can only be filled by watching your video.

A good thumbnail must do these three things:

Learn what is a good CTR on YouTube and how to improve it with better thumbnails. 

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

How to Create a YouTube Video Essay: Full Guide

Find the Best YouTube Thumbnail Styles for Your Channel

Why You Should Make YouTube Thumbnails Before You Record

How to Improve Your YouTube CTR with Better Thumbnails

How to See Your Subscribers on YouTube

How Often to Post on YouTube? We Analyzed 5 Million Channels to Find Out

13 Ways to Get 1,000 YouTube Subscribers, Fast and Free

How to Get 500 Subscribers on YouTube & Unlock Fan Funding

YouTube Launches New Title A/B Testing Tool — Here’s What You Need to Know

How to Enable Custom Thumbnails On YouTube

How Updating Old Thumbnails Generated Millions of Extra Views for Vevo

10 Thumbnail Tips: Why Some Thumbnails Get Clicks (and Others Don't)

25 Reasons Why Viewers Are Not Watching Your Videos (And How to Fix Them)