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

If you're grinding for hours on each video and still seeing 12 views, including your replays, you're probably wondering: is YouTube too saturated to grow anymore?

That question haunts new creators more than the dreaded "0 views" screen. You put your heart into a video. You meticulously script, shoot, edit, and upload—and then? 

 Meanwhile, big creators are burning stacks of cash for thumbnails, and you're wondering if there's even any oxygen left in the room.

In the video above, Rob talks about all of it. Not in theory. Not with sugar-coated optimism. But with the raw, data-backed reality and the tools you can use to beat it.

How to Build the Right Mindset for YouTube Success

Over 20 million videos are uploaded to YouTube every single day. 

It's not just your niche that feels crowded—it's the whole platform. Even established creators are feeling the heat. Channels that used to pull 500K views per video are now seeing half that. The landscape has shifted dramatically, and the old playbook of "just upload consistently" isn't cutting it anymore.

But here's where it gets interesting. YouTube is thriving. It just hit a historic benchmark—12% of all TV streaming time in the U.S. That's more than Netflix. More than Disney+. It's not that people aren't watching YouTube—it's that they're not watching your video yet.

On top of that, most new creators don't actually create—they copy. You see what works in your niche and replicate it, hoping for similar results. But what you're really doing is blending into the crowd. In a saturated space, sameness is a slow death.

The platform isn't dying; it's evolving. And that evolution means a different approach from creators who want to break through the noise. Stop asking, "Is YouTube Saturated?" That's the Wrong Question. Instead, ask "Am I doing enough to stand out?"

Let's examine how creators breakthrough in oversaturated niches. Take the content space—arguably one of the most overcrowded areas being YouTube. Yet some creators manage to grow rapidly even here.

The secret isn't revolutionary content. It's revolutionary consistency in presentation. Successful creators develop visual and emotional signatures that become instantly recognizable. They use specific color schemes, maintain consistent fonts, and develop a visual language that viewers begin to associate with quality content.

This isn't about expensive production values or professional graphic design. It's about making deliberate choices and sticking to them. When someone scrolls through their subscription feed, your thumbnail should feel like seeing a familiar face in a crowd.

: Open your channel in incognito mode. Scroll through your thumbnails like a stranger would. Do you look like everyone else? If so, you've got work to do.

We've all cursed the algorithm at some point. 

: The algorithm doesn't find viewers for your video. It finds videos for viewers.

Your job is to make content that keeps people watching. That starts with a clear hook, tight editing, and a reason to stay till the end. The algorithm watches how viewers behave with your content. So think like a viewer.

Would you click your own thumbnail? Would you stay past 30 seconds? Would you share that video with a friend? If the answer is "maybe not," start there. The algorithm isn't mysterious—it's responsive. It amplifies content that audiences engage with and buries content that doesn't hold attention.

A lot of creators hit plateaus not because they aren't talented—but because they're inconsistent. And no, we're not talking hustle culture here. This isn't about 4 a.m. wake-up calls and burnout-as-a-badge-of-honor. It's about clarity and commitment.

If you've only got 5 hours a week to give to YouTube, that's not a limitation—it's your blueprint. The key is being intentional about how you spend that time:

Stick to it like clockwork. Put it on your calendar. And tell someone. Accountability is underrated—post your goals publicly, join a community, even hire a coach. But do something to stay consistent. Because in YouTube, momentum isn't just helpful. It's everything.

Creative Compound Interest: The Secret Sauce

Viral growth isn't luck. It's the end result of compound creative effort. Here's how it works in practice.

Better thumbnail design leads to more clicks. More clicks generate more data about what resonates with your audience. More data informs better scripting and pacing decisions. Better pacing results in higher watch time. Higher watch time triggers stronger algorithm recommendations. And the cycle repeats, each iteration building on the last.

The 12 Best YouTube Thumbnails People Love to Click On

But here's the part most people skip over: It takes time. Most creators quit at video 4 or 5 because they didn't blow up. But here's the truth: You're still in tutorial mode. Give it 3 to 6 months. That's 12 to 25 videos. If you're not improving, reassess. But if you are? Then you're not a beginner anymore. You're a builder!

YouTube in 2025 is not the same YouTube of 2015. Back then, you could upload a shaky vlog or a basic tutorial and find an audience. Today, it takes more. More clarity. More consistency. More craft.

But also? More opportunity. The audience is bigger than ever. The tools are better than ever. The path to monetization is clearer than ever. The question isn't whether YouTube is saturated. Are you ready to do what it takes to stand out in the crowd? 

Man overwhelmed with endless streaming options

Is YouTube too saturated to grow in 2025? Discover the truth about YouTube saturation, why most creators struggle, and how to stand out in a crowded platform with branding, consistency, and smart content strategy.

Has YouTube Become Saturated?

When starting or growing a YouTube channel, the pressure of choosing a niche can create multiple questions: 

Will my niche disappear over time? Is it worth committing to a specific niche, or do these niches come and go like fleeting trends? Do I even need a niche?

The 54 Best YouTube Niches, According to Viewers

First, let's address the importance of having a niche on YouTube. A niche allows you to:

Create content that resonates deeply with viewers.

Niches help you stand out in the crowded YouTube landscape by giving you a clear identity and purpose. But what happens when the niche you choose starts to lose momentum? Do you abandon it and jump to something new, or can you adapt and evolve?

The answer is nuanced. Niches do change over time, but they rarely disappear completely. Instead, they often transform, shrink, or shift in focus. Recognizing these changes early and evolving your strategy is the key to staying relevant.

How to Stay Ahead of the Curve and Maintain Your Audience

Niches can come and go, but not always in the way you might think. Some niches explode in popularity for a short period, then settle into a smaller, more dedicated audience. Others fade dramatically but never truly vanish.

So, how do you stay ahead of the curve while remaining true to your target audience? Here are some strategies that successful creators use:

Choose a niche you genuinely enjoy. Passionate creators are more likely to keep their audience engaged during slow periods by finding unique ways to innovate and create fresh content. This passion helps you adapt when trends shift.

When a niche cools, casual viewers often leave, but a core audience remains. Tailor your content to this loyal group by diving deeper into niche-specific topics or exploring sub-niches.

Creativity and flexibility are vital. Many creators successfully pivot within their niche or expand to adjacent niches to attract new viewers while keeping their existing ones.

Sometimes, trends emerge inside your niche or from outside influences that you can incorporate. For example, “expensive vs. cheap” comparisons tend to perform well across many niches because they tap into universal human curiosity. 

 and adapting them to your niche can help revitalize your content and draw in fresh audiences.

The Evolution of YouTube Niches: Examples and Insights

Let's explore a few specific niches and how creators have navigated their evolution:

Remember when fidget spinners were everywhere? They dominated YouTube for a period, but then interest declined. However, creators who understood the underlying audience’s interests evolved their content. Some shifted focus to similar “fidget toys” or collectibles like Tech Decks and Poké Balls, maintaining relevance by expanding the niche umbrella.

Other examples include creators moving into DIY stress-relief crafts or ASMR fidget videos, where the focus was less on the toy itself and more on the sensory experience. These creators thrived by redefining their content under broader categories like “stress management” or “fun desk accessories.”

This highlights an important lesson: your niche might be broader than you think. Instead of focusing solely on fidget spinners, consider larger categories.

Minecraft is a prime example of a niche with peaks and valleys. Over the years, its popularity has fluctuated dramatically. Yet, creators who stayed committed and adapted their content, whether through new game modes, challenges, or 

, who emphasize architectural builds, or players who focus on speedrunning or hardcore survival, demonstrate the power of micro-niches within the larger Minecraft community. Some even transitioned into education, teaching coding and design concepts through Minecraft’s framework.

This persistence shows that niches can have long lifespans if you evolve with the community’s interests.

The travel niche, particularly van life, saw a surge during the pandemic when international travel was limited. Creators who focused solely on the initial van life boom might have felt the audience shrink afterward. But those who pivoted—such as upgrading their vans, 

, or integrating RV travel—managed to keep their audience engaged.

Others expanded into sub-niches like “off-grid living,” “eco-friendly travel,” or “tiny home lifestyle,” tapping into overlapping audiences interested in sustainable or minimalist living.

The key takeaway here is that niches are fluid, and creators must be ready to grow alongside their audience.

Eight years ago, makeup tutorials exploded on YouTube, creating a massive niche. As the beauty community matured, creators had to innovate to maintain relevance. Some focused on specific skin types or age groups, while others specialized in 

Newer sub-niches also emerged, such as creators focusing on budget-friendly beauty (e.g., “Dollar Store Makeup”), hyper-niche tutorials (e.g., “makeup for cosplay”), or even scientific approaches to beauty, debunking myths and analyzing product ingredients.

This kind of niche segmentation helps creators connect with new sub-audiences while retaining their core viewers.

Understanding Your Audience’s Evolution

One of the most fascinating aspects of niche longevity is how your audience evolves. People don’t just suddenly stop being interested in a topic. Instead, they often shift their interests or replace one passion with a related one.

This gradual evolution means your content should also evolve to match the changing tastes of your viewers, so you produce the 

Think of your niche as a living ecosystem. Your audience grows, matures, and sometimes changes direction. Your job as a creator is to study these shifts closely and adapt your content accordingly. This ongoing process ensures you remain relevant and valuable to your viewers.

Listen to feedback and observe evolving interests.

ry new formats or collaborate with creators in adjacent niches.

Identify broader themes that align with your core content.

Enthusiasm keeps your content authentic and engaging.

Do you need a niche on YouTube? Absolutely! It’s a cornerstone of building a focused, engaged channel. And while niches may not disappear from YouTube, they evolve and offer opportunities for creators willing to innovate. Whether riding the wave of a trending topic or deepening your connection with a loyal core audience, your niche journey should be ongoing.

Stay curious, stay flexible, and most importantly, stay true to your passion. That’s the key to thriving on YouTube in the long run.

here for help on how to choose a niche for your YouTube channel

Learn how to adapt when your YouTube niche changes, ensuring long-term success with a loyal audience.


Do YouTube Niches Disappear?

Whether you’re a new content creator or a seasoned pro, staying ahead of viral YouTube trends is crucial to growing your channel and reaching a wider audience.

But we all know that’s easier said than done. Fortunately, there are resources and strategies available to help creators not only understand what’s currently hot, but also what may become the next viral YouTube trends of 2025.

Why Tapping into Trends Matters More Than Ever

Traditionally, one of the fastest ways to grow a YouTube channel was to tap into your existing network of friends and communities. This strategy was instrumental for early YouTube giants like 

, who skyrocketed to fame by leveraging their connections.

Unfortunately, this approach has become saturated as more creators recognize and replicate it.

But don’t worry: YouTube itself has provided a solution by releasing a 

 that analyzed millions of videos across a dozen countries to uncover several powerful trends flying under most creators' radars. These trends, as we discuss below, shine a light on what's driving viral growth and what will continue to fuel channel explosions throughout 2025.

 are nothing new, but according to YouTube's report, they've evolved into something far more significant. Viewers are no longer watching reaction content solely for entertainment. Instead, they're increasingly using these videos as complete replacements for original content from TV or streaming services.

Renaissance Periodization YouTube channel

, a fitness channel run by Dr. Mike, an exercise scientist. Over the past year, his channel has amassed over 1 billion views and 2 million subscribers by posting reaction-style shorts. Instead of just playing clips, Dr. Mike reacts with expert commentary to viral or controversial fitness videos. This adds value by providing a fresh perspective and educating viewers.

This format is adaptable across niches. The key is to:

Clip the most engaging or controversial parts.

Add your own comments, opinions, or expertise.

Just remember that when you share your reaction, you make it clear and engaging. Whether your viewpoint is controversial or supportive, viewers should understand your perspective to spark meaningful discussion in the comments.

 tool to help you identify trending videos within your niche.

Trend #2: The Podcast Revolution Isn't Over

Podcasts are no longer just about news or niche topics. In recent years, they’ve become central to major cultural conversations. The 2024 U.S. presidential election highlighted this shift, with candidates reaching voters not only through TV interviews but also by appearing on popular podcasts like 

This trend reflects a broader generational shift: Younger audiences are moving away from traditional news sources and tuning into creators they trust for updates and insights.

Podcasts are also becoming platforms where big cultural moments happen. For example, comedian 

garnered over 85 million views, so impactful that 

. But you don’t need to start your own podcast to benefit from this trend. Instead, consider:

Incorporating podcast-style elements into your content, such as relaxed, conversational formats.

Creating longer videos that can be clipped into shareable highlights or YouTube Shorts.

Encouraging genuine discussions and showing personality by letting real conversations flow naturally, even pausing scripted content to allow spontaneity.

Experimenting with live streams to foster direct engagement and create moments ideal for clipping.

These approaches help you connect more authentically with your audience and generate content that truly resonates. If you want to begin a YouTube Podcast, start 

here to learn about everything you need to know

Trend #3: The Evolution of Gaming Content

 has been a dominant niche on YouTube for years, but it’s now undergoing a fascinating transformation. The traditional “let’s play” format—where creators record themselves playing games with commentary—is no longer the sole path to success.

. In 2024, this fashion game modification exploded in popularity, generating over 4 billion views. But views didn’t come just from gameplay videos. Creators expanded the content universe by producing:

Real-life fashion competitions inspired by the game.

Theory crafting and storyline explorations.

This illustrates a powerful lesson: the potential for gaming content to transcend gameplay itself.

For gaming creators looking to ride this wave, the advice is clear:

Look beyond gameplay. Explore the culture surrounding the game.

Mix gaming with other formats like reactions, challenges, and vlogs.

Create deeper narratives, theories, and community-driven content.

Design content to appeal to both gamers and non-gamers alike.

This strategy not only broadens your audience, but it also builds stronger communities around your content.

Trend #4: Reality TV Formats Make a YouTube Comeback

Reality TV was a defining entertainment genre of the early 2000s, with shows like 

 dominating screens. Now, these formats are experiencing a resurgence on YouTube.

For example, in France, a popular TV show called 

. Instead of featuring TV celebrities, this YouTube version starred internet creators and quickly gained traction. Their first episode hit 600,000 views, a behind-the-scenes video reached 2.5 million views, and the series even made it to YouTube’s trending tab.

This trend shows that creators can successfully adapt traditional TV formats to YouTube’s unique ecosystem.

Recreate popular TV show formats within your niche. For example, a fitness channel could create a competition inspired by 

Keep budgets lean by involving family, friends, or your community.

Share behind-the-scenes footage, including bloopers and funny moments, to build authentic connections.

Engage your audience with voting, challenges, and community-driven content suggestions.

When viewers feel involved and see their input reflected in the content, they develop stronger loyalty and engagement.

Trend #5: The Power of Series Content and Storytelling

One of the most powerful, but often overlooked, viral YouTube trends of 2025 is the impact of well-crafted series content. The report highlights an indie animation channel called 

 that released only three episodes of their show but generated over 25 billion views of fan content. The series became so popular that Netflix licensed episodes on the same day they premiered on YouTube.

What made this series exceptional was its pacing and storytelling approach. Instead of rushing to release episodes, the creators left gaps between releases, creating mysteries that fans eagerly filled with their own theories and content. This strategy fueled community engagement and accelerated growth.

Even if you don’t have an animation channel, you can harness the power of series content by:

Planning thematic series that build on each episode, such as a cooking channel creating a “Master French Cooking” series or a fitness channel launching a “90-Day Transformation” program.

Allowing space between episodes for anticipation and fan interaction.

Encouraging viewers to participate in the journey, fostering loyal fanbases.

Series content increases watch time, keeps viewers coming back, and builds a consistent audience over time.

Embrace Viral YouTube Trends in 2025 to Ignite Your Channel Growth

As we look ahead, the 2025 YouTube landscape is ripe with opportunity for creators willing to adapt and innovate. From reaction videos that replace traditional media, to podcast-style conversational content, to gaming’s cultural expansion, to reality TV reinventions, and the power of serialized storytelling—each trend offers a unique path to viral success.

By understanding and applying these trends thoughtfully, you can create content that not only attracts views, but also builds lasting communities and loyal audiences.

Remember, it’s not just about copying viral content but adding your unique voice, expertise, and personality to make your channel stand out.

If this hasn’t sparked any ideas, check out vidIQ’s

Discover the top 5 YouTube trends in 2025 to boost your channel with viral content, reaction videos, podcasts, and more.

Viral YouTube Trends 2025: The Blueprint for Channel Explosion

Your first ten seconds on YouTube aren’t just important—they’re everything.

In a world where viewers abandon videos faster than you can say “like and subscribe,” your 

 is the gatekeeper to your entire channel’s success. Nail it, and you’ve got an engaged audience. Miss, and you’re yelling into the void.

Here’s the hard truth: most creators lose 

20% of their viewers in the first 15 seconds

. Not because the content suck, but because the intro does.

But the good news? Great intros aren’t magic. Watch our very own John Scott tell you why in his creative ways below:

 that grabs people by the brain and won’t let go, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down the nine best intro techniques the top creators use to stop scrolls and build loyal audiences.

Improving Engagement: How to Strategically Edit YouTube Videos After Upload

1. The Curiosity Hook: Ask a Question That Demands an Answer

Humans hate open loops. It’s why we binge Netflix and fall down Wikipedia rabbit holes at 2am. Drop an intriguing question in your intro, and you’re hijacking your viewer’s brain.

“Today I’m going to show you how to grow on YouTube.”

“One video changed everything for me—but it wasn’t the one I expected.”

 to stick around. Which video? What happened? Why?

The best intros spark curiosity and make it specific. “Why did a video about my biggest failure get more views than my best tutorial?” That’s not just interesting—it’s impossible to ignore.

Nobody has time for long-winded intros anymore. Drop your viewers into the middle of the moment like they’ve walked into a movie halfway through—and they’ll want to stay to figure out what’s happening.

“It’s 2am. I just lost 43 subscribers in one hour. I made a huge mistake.”

This produces instant intrigue. What happened at 2 am? What mistake? Why the subscriber loss? The drama doesn’t need to be huge—it just needs to matter. The key is to start 

3. The Audience-Centric Hook: It’s About Them, Not You

Viewers are self-serving for the most part. And that’s not a bad thing, but just reality. You’re not the hero of your video. 

“Your YouTube intros are putting people to sleep. Here’s why.”

This hits because it’s direct, a little provocative, and immediately valuable. You’re pointing out a problem they didn’t know they had—and promising to fix it.

Forget vague advice. Call out a real issue with sharp clarity:

“You’re losing 40% of viewers in the first 30 seconds because your intros are too slow.”

4. The Time-Promise Hook: Deliver Fast, Deliver Real

Attention is currency. And people only spend it when they know they’re getting something in return

“In the next 60 seconds, I’ll show you the thumbnail strategy that doubled my click-through rate.”

That’s not hype. That’s a contract. And if you keep that promise, you’ve earned their trust.

The best intros don’t just say “I’ll teach you something.” They say 

If your intro has something on the line for your viewer, they have a reason to care.

“If this video doesn’t hit 10,000 views, I’m quitting YouTube.”

Now it’s not just a video. It’s a turning point. A risk. A moment of truth.

But stakes don’t have to be extreme. Even personal stakes build investment:

Master 9 proven YouTube intro techniques that grab attention in seconds and keep viewers watching.

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

Has YouTube Become Saturated?

Do YouTube Niches Disappear?

Viral YouTube Trends 2025: The Blueprint for Channel Explosion

9 YouTube Intros That Keep Viewers Watching

Why Quitting a YouTube Channel Might Be Your Biggest Mistake

Improving Engagement: How to Strategically Edit YouTube Videos After Upload

How to Make a YouTube Unboxing Video That Stands Out

How Do Tariffs Impact YouTube Creators?

YouTube Turns 20: From Zoo Video to Global Empire

Tips for Full-Time YouTubers: When to Take the Leap

YouTube Premium in 2025: How it Works

Break Your Upload Hesitation: Finding Video Inspiration

Beyond AdSense: Using Brand Promotion as Your YouTube Monetization Strategy