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

Your Thumbnail is your first impression. No matter how great your content is, people won’t click if your thumbnail doesn’t grab their attention.

But with AI-generated images, it’s harder than ever to stand out.

, you’ll want to give directions based on proven formats from the best YouTube thumbnails.

Here are 12 thumbnail formats people still love to click on in 2025:


One way to get people interested in your thumbnail is by displaying a burning question that keeps them up at night. “Can I afford a house right now with my current income?” “Will eating organic produce transform my health?” 

Posing the right question in your thumbnail makes viewers desperate to know the answer. Especially if it speaks to their curiosity or concerns.

But with AI tools making it easy to generate titles, your thumbnail question needs to feel human, specific, and relevant to your audience.

 uses the question "Is it really that bad?", perfectly teases controversy and invites viewers to find out the truth for themselves.

It’s a great example of how the best YouTube thumbnails grab attention without giving everything away.

Thumbnail example from Peter Santenello's YouTube channel

We often say the best YouTube thumbnails draw people in with their emotional appeal. But for some viewers, facts and statistics can be enticing, too! This method works well in niches that rely on numbers and data, such as sports, science, and history.

 make videos about “NBA moments” that lead to shock, controversy, or at least a good laugh. Some of those moments include record-breaking stats for different players, so adding those numbers to the thumbnail is a way to get viewers interested in the video.

After all, it’s exciting to see a player achieved 50 points and 40 rebounds in one game!

Thumbnails that compare an object or place in its before-and-after state — a bare room or a failing garden, for example — is an instant win on YouTube. People love seeing a good make over, especially when the final form is far from the original. When you show this transformation in a thumbnail, you prove to viewers that the video is worth watching.

Take a look at this YouTube thumbnail example from Bernardo Bacalhau’s video, “

.” The before and after shots aren’t even close! With such a beautiful upgrade, you can’t help but press play and watch the journey unfold.

Before and after shots of a renovated van

Thumbnails that follow the “versus” format compare two items in the same category. For example, you might display two video games about action and fighting or two washing machines that are both energy efficient. In both cases, you’re helping viewers understand what will be compared and why they should care.

The Vox channel has some of the best YouTube Thumbnails. They did an excellent video 

 of the 1800s to the ones we ride today, and you can see the difference just by looking at the thumbnail.

A thumbnail showing rollercoasters in two different eras

If you’re going to put text on a thumbnail, consider a quote or sound bite from the video itself. That will give viewers a subtle preview of what to expect when they press play. Plus, the more interesting the sound bite is, the more enticing the video becomes.

 from Alpha Leaders is about Kobe Bryant’s incredible work ethic. The thumbnail exposes a little-known fact, claiming that he 

 to squeeze in longer, harder basketball practices. The video has 4.5 million views!

YouTube thumbnail showing a Kobe Bryant quote

Exaggerated facial expressions still work for YouTube thumbnails in 2025. Close-up faces are classic thumbnail ideas that never go out of style, and that’s why you see so many of them.

But it’s about more than showing dramatic facial expressions. To keep things interesting, most people edit around their faces to convey a unique twist in the video and get more views.

That’s what Shelby Church did for her viral video, “

” The thumbnail shows her face, but it also shows some hologram-like images projecting from her glasses. It’s more engaging than a bare headshot!

Thumbnail of a woman wearing smart glasses

Do you make action-packed videos on YouTube? If so, you want your thumbnail to give off a similar vibe. Try taking a screen capture of the most exciting scene in your video, then edit the entire image to look bold, colorful, and adventurous. This approach will make your video stand out from the competition!

 is an expert at making live-action thumbnails. That’s why so many creators look to him for inspiration for thumbnail ideas. If you like his style, you can make a similar version using our 

Three people on an island for a video challenge

Showing products in your thumbnail is a good idea if you have a tech channel, gaming channel, or like reviewing new merchandise in general. You could talk about the latest mascara, the most fragrant candles, or the best skillets for searing steak. Either way, showing a product in your thumbnail helps viewers decide whether to click or not.

As an example, take a look at the image below. Mrwhosetheboss has a table full of Nintendo consoles, and you can probably guess that he’s reviewing all of them in 

. Seeing all those consoles is exciting because you know an in-depth review is coming!

A man smiling beside a pile of gaming consoles

A funny title and thumbnail can catch viewers off guard in a good way. They might laugh, chuckle, or think, 

 It sounds insignificant at first, but this is precisely the type of reaction you want — for viewers to stop what they’re doing and think about your video. That’s the first step to making them click.

If you need inspiration, Kelly Stamps has some of the wittiest thumbnails on YouTube. Check out the one below, which she used for her video, “

The Actual Cost of Becoming an Influencer

A humorous YouTube thumbnail against the New York City skyline

Nature has a way of captivating us all, from the red rock formations in Arizona to the clear blue waters of Jamaica. People travel thousands of miles to see those wonders, so it can’t hurt to show a little nature in your YouTube thumbnails.

Here is a great YouTube thumbnail example. DownieLive has one of the best YouTube thumbnails on YouTube right now. For his video, “

,” icy mountains in Alaska meet the tropical waves of Miami.

A thumbnail showing landscapes of Alaska and Florida

If you’re planning a heartfelt video, don’t forget to add a touching moment to the thumbnail too. This is an important skill that produces great YouTube thumbnails. People love to see good deeds, random acts of kindness, or cute moments between children and animals. It proves that a bit of emotion can take you far on YouTube!

For example, check out the thumbnail below where 

A man showing his grandpa the car he bought for him

We’ll be honest: Making thumbnails for tutorials is not easy. On the one hand, you want the image to convey what will happen in the video, which is a step-by-step lesson. On the other hand, you don’t want the photo itself to be bland or boring. 

So how do you spice things up? Highlight the result, add humor, or showcase the experience.

Take a little inspiration from Rose & Anzai Country Life. Surprisingly, the thumbnail for their 

 video breaks all the rules of a traditional cooking channel. You don’t see a kitchen or anyone cooking at all. Instead, you see the family enjoying the finished meal, which appeals to the heart and not the head!

Thumbnails play a significant role in getting you more views, so be intentional about each one. Make sure the thumbnail is an accurate reflection of the video and that it is clear, relevant, and instantly communicates value.

And if you want amazing YouTube thumbnail ideas, give 

Clapperboard with YouTube play button and vidIQ logo surrounded by icons for video analysis.

Need some fresh YouTube thumbnail ideas for your channel? Explore these popular image styles to get more views on your content today!

The 12 Best YouTube Thumbnails People Love to Click On

This post was originally written Dec 08, 2023 and has been updated with newer information.

Choosing the right thumbnail can make or break your video’s success, which is why YouTube offers a built-in thumbnail test that lets creators compare designs using real viewer behavior.

With YouTube’s thumbnail tester, you can upload multiple thumbnails for the same video and let YouTube automatically figure out which one performs best. It’s called 

, and it’s one of the most effective tools for optimizing click-through rates and watch time.

The watch time share for three thumbnails being tested on YouTube

YouTube’s Test & Compare tool allows creators to upload up to 3 thumbnails per video and run a native A/B test inside YouTube Studio.

Each thumbnail is shown to a portion of your audience, and YouTube tracks which one performs best based on a metric called watch time share. After the test concludes, the highest-performing thumbnail is applied automatically.


Why Upload Multiple Thumbnails on YouTube?

Understand what actually resonates with your audience

The best thumbnails don’t just look good, they drive views and watch time. That’s what this tool helps creators uncover.

YouTube’s built-in thumbnail tester makes it easy to run a thumbnail test directly inside YouTube Studio.

Upload your video as usual in YouTube Studio.

When you get to the thumbnail step, choose the 

YouTube will automatically rotate the thumbnails to different viewer groups.

After collecting enough data, the platform will set the winning thumbnail for you.

Note: This tool works for long-form videos, completed livestreams, and podcasts. Some content types, such as made-for-kids videos, livestreams, or age-restricted uploads, are not eligible for testing.

Test and compare menu option when uploading a thumbnail

Does ‘Test and Compare’ Work for all Content Types?

For now, you can test and compare thumbnails on long-form videos, completed 

. Shorts and certain types of content, like those aimed at kids or mature audiences, are excluded from using this tool.

Measuring Performance of YouTube Thumbnail Testing

”, as its benchmark of choice. That’s not to be confused with average view duration, which is the average amount of time viewers spend watching a video.

From a testing perspective, the share of watch time each thumbnail earns is what YouTube describes as watch time share. For example, if you test and compare two thumbnails, thumbnail A might accumulate 60% of the watch time, while thumbnail B collects 40%. In this case, thumbnail A is the winner and most likely to boost your views.

But why is YouTube using watch time to test thumbnail performance instead of clicks? After all, the 

 measures how attractive a video is on search pages and other display areas.

It turns out that click appeal isn’t enough. In the YouTube Studio, the platform explains why watch time is a better predictor of satisfaction than clicks, and how thumbnails reinforce that.

Screenshot of a tool tip in the YouTube studio explaining what watch time share is

“Great thumbnails don’t just get viewers to click,” YouTube states. “They also help viewers understand what the video is about, so that they can make informed decisions about what to watch.”

Learn how to use YouTube’s thumbnail A/B testing to upload multiple designs, compare their performance, and grow your views with data-backed decisions.

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

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

The 12 Best YouTube Thumbnails People Love to Click On

How to Use the YouTube Thumbnail Tester to Boost Views

What is the YouTube Monthly Audience Metric?

6 Ways to Make YouTube Thumbnails in Record Time

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

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