Ask any YouTuber and they will tell you that generating significant views and subscribers isn't easy. But with the right strategy and tools, any video creator can build an engaged subscriber base when they understand what those subscribers want to watch.

Appealing to an audience to watch content you are passionate about making is just the first step, you need to know how to reach them and get your videos discovered. Our guides to how to guide more views on YouTube will give you the best tips to succeed on the platform.

Getting Views

How To Get More Views on YouTube

Getting thousands or even millions of YouTube subscribers is a dream for most creators. In the articles below, we'll show you how to turn casual viewers into long-term fans. 

Subscribers

YouTube Subscribers

Do you want to make money on YouTube? Millions of creators are earning a very good living from monetizing the platform and uploading content that drives huge views and engagements. Whether that YouTube income is from advertising revenue, merchandise sales, or brand deals, or subscriptions, we keep you updated with best practices and ideas.

Monetization

How To Make Money on YouTube

Want to see how your channel is performing? Read these YouTube analytics articles to discover what's working and what isn't. You'll learn how to identify which videos have the most Watch Time, clicks, audience retention, revenue, and more.

Analytics

YouTube Analytics

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

Watch Time

YouTube Watch Time

YouTube Shorts content is set to explode! 

All the latest tips, tricks, and rock-solid advice you need for this new feature.

YouTube Shorts

Do you know how to do keyword research so you understand what videos people are actually searching for on YouTube? Do you know how to create a custom YouTube thumbnail? Do you know how to create a Playlist on YouTube?

vidIQ has a ton of tips that will help every creator maximise their video content. We publish content every week to keep you up to date with all the best practices.

Tips & Tricks

YouTube Tips & Tricks

At vidIQ we have incredible insights into what viewers are searching for on YouTube. Not only can we confirm the top keywords being searched for, we can also show you how you can leverage that interest to create content around trending topics and tentpole events. That's going to give you a clear edge over other creators!

Insights

YouTube Insights

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

We’ve been hard at work refining our tools that help creators grow, and this summer’s drop is proof that vidIQ today isn’t what it was even three months ago.

a brand-new feature and other major updates

 - all built to help you stop the scroll, boost engagement, and turn casual viewers into loyal fans.

 you’ll want to experience the new power we’ve packed in.

One of the biggest struggles for creators is getting viewers to click on their content. With millions of videos out there, you need to stand out in a pool of endless scrolling.

Stopping the scroll is more of a science than an art. And like all sciences, you need tools to accomplish your goals. You haven’t seen vidIQ tools like this. Smarter AI. Faster workflows. Real results.

. This tool is like your own personal AI-powered design studio.

If you’ve been in the YouTube game for more than five minutes, you understand that 

 and best way to stop the scroll. A great thumbnail is clear, compelling, and makes viewers think, “I need to click this.”

Now it’s easier than ever to make thumbnails that 

. Whether you start with a prompt or upload your own assets, our AI builds out designs that look pro — without you needing any Photoshop skills.

 (we’ll remove backgrounds automatically)

 to match a visual style you love. Upload your own or choose from our library of top-performing YouTube templates. 

 to influence your thumbnail’s aesthetic

 with easy prompt tweaks, image edits, or by dropping in text

Thumbnails aren’t just art - they’re strategy. They’re decision points. The better your thumbnail, the higher your click-through rate. And a higher CTR means the algorithm actually works for you.

, you’re not just making something that 

 good — you’re making something that 

You stopped the scroll with killer thumbnails. Now keep them watching.

 helps you write stronger YouTube scripts in a fraction of the time, backed by real YouTube psychology.

: Continuously trained on what’s working 

: Include callback cues, pacing variations, and cliffhangers

: Adjust your scripts’ tone, add keywords, sound more like your favorite creator. All with one click.

 Automated research provides accurate and relevant information and stats.

 helps keep your message clear, your viewers hooked, and your content performing. And now, it doesn’t have to take days. With 

, you can go from idea to polished script in just 3 minutes - making it easier to publish consistently and keep your channel growing.

“I used to spend an hour and a half scripting videos that came out wordy and boring. Someone even commented saying my videos were 'so wordy' — that really stung. But vidIQ's Script Writer changed everything. Now I get organized, concise scripts in just 10–15 minutes.”

“When I used it for my next tutorial, I was so impressed I printed it out to study it. For creators like me who tend to over-explain on camera, this tool does wonders.”

Shorts are still one of the fastest paths to YouTube growth - but understanding why one takes off while another flops? That used to be a mystery.

We built our Shorts tools to tell you exactly what’s working, what’s not, and how to make your next one blow up.

Think of it as your personal highlight reel, performance breakdown, and growth strategist all in one. Now you can discover when a video truly gained popularity and understand what made them successful. 

All of these statistics can be seen directly in-line without having to exit the Shorts view:

including views & views per hour, engagement rate, views history graph, and outlier score.

including channel subscriber count, monthly & total uploads, and subscriber and view growth graphs. 

 now supports YouTube Shorts, giving you even more insight into what’s trending and outperforming expectations across the platform. 

Instead of just surfacing the most-viewed content, Outliers identifies videos that are gaining momentum relative to the creator’s usual performance. That means you’re seeing videos that are beating the odds, not just riding on big subscriber counts. 

Now that this includes Shorts, it’s an incredibly powerful way to discover smart video ideas, fresh angles, and unexpected winners across any niche.

Let’s say you search for a keyword like “budget travel.” Outliers might surface a Short from a smaller creator that’s getting unusually high engagement and rapid growth, even outperforming videos from much larger channels. That’s your signal: something in that format, topic, or style is connecting. Use it to guide your next idea, ride the wave, and post with confidence.

 now works with YouTube Shorts, giving short-form creators the same data-backed recommendations long-form creators have used to increase views and visibility.

Optimize analyzes your video and delivers clear, actionable recommendations for improving your title and adding the right tags to your description. You’ll also get an overall optimization score, so you can instantly see how well your content is aligned with what’s working — and where there’s room to improve.

Most Shorts get lost in a sea of swipes. To rise to the top you need smart packaging. Optimize helps ensure your content gets the visibility it deserves, boosting your chances of landing on the Shorts feed, reaching new audiences, and turning quick views into long-term growth.

 can now submit a video for personalized feedback from one of our expert creator coaches.

A coach will watch your video and record a response, pausing at key moments to explain what’s working, what’s not, and what changes could help you get more views and subscribers. You’ll see the exact moment-by-moment breakdown behind every suggestion. No vague advice, just direct, actionable advice.


Our initial rollout supports Boost users in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and New Zealand, for English language videos only.

__________________________________________________________________

If you’re looking for more than just one video review, you can work directly with a 

 who will take a deep dive into your entire channel and build a custom-tailored growth plan designed to break through the roadblocks holding you back. 

These aren’t cookie-cutter tips, they’re real, personalized strategies you can start applying immediately to unlock quick wins and build lasting momentum.

Want to see what’s possible with coaching?

. After joining vidIQ Coaching, they refined their content, followed their tailored plan, and watched their channel take off.

TL;DR: This Summer, You Grow or You Ghost

Here’s the latest features you get with the vidIQ Summer 2025 Drop:

 - Create high-impact, click-worthy thumbnails with AI and proven templates

 - Hook viewers and keep them watching with YouTube-optimized storytelling

 - Instantly spot top-performing Shorts and track breakout metrics

 - Discover overperforming videos across YouTube to inspire your next big hit

 - Find the best title and keywords to get your Shorts discovered

The Summer 2025 Drop is here: scroll-stopping science, smarter tools, and real coaching to help you grow on YouTube.

☀️ Welcome to the vidIQ Summer 2025 Drop!

YouTube is finally addressing a long-standing monetization issue that has frustrated creators for years, particularly mid-sized channels that depend heavily on AdSense revenue. In a major update to the YouTube monetization policy, the platform is introducing human review for yellow-icon monetization decisions, potentially transforming how creators earn money in 2025. 

In this blog, we’ll dive into the recent updates YouTube is testing to alleviate this issue, how they plan to improve the monetization process, and what this means for creators and advertisers alike.

Content creators are all too familiar with this scenario: You spend hours crafting a video that meets all advertiser guidelines, only to wake up and find YouTube’s dreaded "yellow icon of doom" on your upload. This status has been particularly devastating for mid-sized creators with tens of thousands of subscribers, since this yellow icon signifies that your video is receiving limited or no ads.

This problem with receiving a yellow YouTube icon is significant because:

It disrupts the video’s post-upload period, which is when videos generate the most ad revenue

It puts additional pressure on mid-size channels that rely heavily on AdSense before establishing alternative revenue streams

It could be accidentally assigned. An incorrect automated decision can damage creators’ livelihoods

Disputing the yellow icon can take days to resolve, cutting into earning potential

YouTube's Response to Creator Monetization Challenges

Recognizing the monetization challenges faced by creators, YouTube's solution is refreshingly simple: Adding human reviewers to the process.

 it is experimenting with automatically sending videos that receive a limited or no ads rating for additional review.

Videos flagged by automated systems will receive human review

Creators won't need to manually dispute yellow icons

More videos should maintain full monetization status from launch

Creators can focus on content rather than fighting the system

While this update represents a significant improvement, YouTube has clarified that this feature will roll out to a small portion of creators first, with platform-wide implementation depending on initial results.

The hope is that by having a human validate these automated decisions, videos that deserve full monetization will get it, leading to more green icons and less financial stress for creators.

It’s important to note that this initiative is still in the experimental phase. But what if it’s a huge success for creators and YouTube alike? This leads to questions about the scalability of such a system—how many human reviewers would YouTube need to manage this effectively?

Implementing human review across YouTube would require a substantial workforce and financial investment from the platform. This raises interesting questions about YouTube's automated systems:

Is YouTube leaving significant advertising revenue unclaimed?

Does this signal a broader shift in YouTube's approach to creator support?

The investment suggests YouTube may be recognizing that supporting creators financially ultimately benefits all stakeholders – viewers, advertisers, and the platform itself.

While YouTube’s monetization policy update brings good news, YouTube is simultaneously tightening restrictions on gambling content.

Effective March 19, 2025, the platform now strictly limits how creators can reference gambling sites:

No URLs or links to gambling sites that are not certified by Google

No embedded images or text directing viewers to gambling sites

No verbal references to uncertified gambling platforms

Content that features depictions or promotions of online casino sites may be age-restricted, even if it doesn't violate community guidelines. This represents 

 to protect impressionable viewers, potentially at the cost of advertising dollars.

What This Means for YouTube Creators in 2025

These updates signal YouTube's evolving approach to balancing creator earnings with viewer protection. For most content producers, the human review system should mean:

Higher earnings during the crucial first days after upload

However, channels focused on gambling content may face new challenges adapting to stricter policies.

As these changes roll out, creators should be proactive in understanding the new guidelines and embracing best practices.

How YouTube Creators Can Stay Ahead of the Policy Change

Focus on creating content that adheres to 

Build a loyal community that supports your channel, as this can help mitigate the impact of yellow icons.

YouTube's willingness to invest in human reviewers demonstrates its recognition that creators are essential to the platform's success. As YouTube continues to mature, these changes suggest a more nuanced approach to content policies.

For creators who have experienced unfair demonetization in the past, this update represents a significant improvement. While the experimental nature means it's not yet available to everyone, the direction is promising for YouTube's monetization ecosystem in 2025 and beyond.

Check out another recent YouTube monetization update 

YouTube's 2025 update introduces human reviews for monetization issues, boosts creator earnings, and tightens gambling content rules.

Creator Earnings Overhaul: YouTube's 2025 Money Update

The repeated extensions of the TikTok ban deadline highlight the platform's uncertain future in the U.S. While the immediate threat of a ban has lessened, creators should not become complacent. The ongoing negotiations and geopolitical tensions suggest that the situation remains fluid.

 President Donald Trump extended the deadline by an additional 75 days, citing the need for further negotiations to secure all necessary approvals. This extension follows China's hesitation to approve a deal for selling TikTok's U.S. operations, a response to the U.S. imposing significant tariffs on Chinese goods.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed a historic foreign aid bill

 that stated TikTok would be removed from app stores and blocked by internet service providers because of their ties to Chinese owners, ByteDance. Unless action is taken by the Supreme Court, 

the TikTok ban is scheduled to go into effect on January 19th.

Lawmakers in the U.S. are concerned about TikTok’s ties to China and the security of user data. They’ve questioned whether ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, could be forced to share information with the Chinese government. This has sparked bipartisan support for a ban in 2025.

This isn’t the first time TikTok has been under scrutiny. Remember when the 

Trump administration tried to ban it in 2020?

 Back then, the effort fizzled out in court, but it hinted that the administration might have lifted the ban if ByteDance agreed to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations to an American company. Oracle and Walmart were considered potential buyers, and although no deal was finalized, it showed us that diplomatic and business negotiations could influence the platform’s fate.

Previously, the Biden administration initially focused on privacy regulations rather than an outright ban, pressure has increased due to heightened tensions between the US and China. With many states banning TikTok on government devices and renewed momentum in Congress, the pressure is mounting.

Now, the latest delay underscores the intricate link between international trade policies and technology operations. Creators should remain vigilant, as the evolving political landscape continues to influence the platform's accessibility and future in the U.S.

If TikTok gets banned in the U.S., creators relying on the platform for their income and audience growth face a critical turning point. Not only does this threaten revenue streams, but it also disrupts communities built over the years. Many creators are now asking, "What will replace TikTok if it's banned?" and "Where are people going instead of TikTok?"

The impending TikTok ban presents both challenges and opportunities for content creators who have built their following on the platform. If the platform disappears, here are some ways it could impact your creator journey:

TikTok might be your main platform, and if it goes, so does your audience. That’s a very tough pill to swallow. Losing your existing audience base might affect your current monetization strategies and brand partnerships.

 Those live gifts, brand partnerships, and the Creator Fund payouts? They’re tied to TikTok’s existence, and losing them could hurt your bottom line. Many creators have reported earning between $1,000 to $10,000 monthly through TikTok's Creator Fund and brand collaborations, making this a significant financial consideration.

A lot of brands focus heavily on TikTok campaigns for marketing purposes. If the ban happens, they’ll pivot, leaving creators in limbo. This means interruption of existing marketing strategies and campaigns, especially for those who have scheduled content or ongoing brand partnerships extending into 2025. Many creators have already begun receiving revised contract terms from brands they’re tied to.

Beyond finances, there’s the stress of potentially losing years of work and personal investment.

Short-form content has the highest return on investment,

 with 57% of GenZ users calling it the content of their choice. The format is here to stay, whether TikTok gets banned or not. So, as a creator, it's time to prepare.

Forward-thinking TikTok content creators aren't waiting for the ban to take effect – they're already implementing strategic changes to protect and grow their digital presence. So, it’s time to not panic and take action, before you have to compete with the rest. Here is what you need to do:

If TikTok shuts down, the years of content you have uploaded on the app face massive risk. Don’t leave your best work stranded on TikTok. Try to develop a comprehensive content backup strategy to preserve your existing work. Download all your TikTok content and organize it in a way that makes it easy to repurpose for other platforms. You may also consider using content management tools to streamline this process.

It’s all about reducing your dependency on TikTok. Think of this as your chance to spread your wings. There are a few behemoths that pose as great TikTok alternatives, no matter what your style of content is.

YouTube has a strong algorithm and monetization options, making it a great home for your content.

 Instagram’s established user base gives you a chance to reach a broader audience.

Platforms like Clapper and Triller might not have TikTok’s reach yet, but they’re gaining traction

TikTok creators are diversifying their social media presence across multiple platforms, with Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and a few others emerging as primary alternatives. These platforms offer similar short-form video capabilities and have been actively courting TikTok creators with attractive creator funds and monetization opportunities.

Do you want to make sure your followers stick with you? Then, start building a more direct connection. Create a newsletter, launch a Discord server, or try platforms like Patreon. These tools let you maintain control over your community and income, no matter what happens to TikTok. This way, successful creators are focusing on building platform-agnostic personal brands that can thrive regardless of the specific social media environment.

If TikTok goes away, so do its monetization features. But you can still thrive by exploring new revenue streams. Think online courses, merch, or affiliate marketing. The key is not putting all your eggs in one basket and diversifying your monetization opportunities so that they are not platform-specific.

If you’ve been a TikTok-only creator so far, you might need to learn new skills that could heavily upgrade your content game as a whole. Optimizing your videos for YouTube search and other platforms will become very important with the influx of so many creators. We have a couple of 

tools at vidIQ that could help you with all that!

Content repurposing strategies have become increasingly important too, with creators making relevant content for multiple platforms simultaneously. This approach not only hedges against platform-specific risks but also maximizes the return on your content creation efforts.

The Future of Content Creation Without TikTok

While you still have time before the TikTok ban date is finally here, make sure you use this time wisely. You can leverage your bio to redirect followers to the new social media giants you’re thinking of migrating to. Stay informed about the latest developments regarding the ban and potential alternatives and keep updating your strategies as and when required.

The TikTok ban doesn’t have to mean the end of your creative journey-- it’s quite the opposite. The 

creator economy is supposed to roughly double in size over the next five years 

to $480 billion by 2027 from $250 billion today, and that only means newer and better opportunities! It is an exciting time for creators willing to adapt and explore the potential of their content across other platforms on the internet.

Hand holding smartphone displaying TikTok logo with blurred stock market chart background

As the TikTok ban date approaches rapidly, discover how to adapt and overcome the situation and stay ahead as a creator.

The TikTok Ban Date is Coming: Are You Prepared?

 is a pleasant boost from working alone. It feels good to have a partner share fresh ideas. A friend in your videos might say, "What about trying 

." Such suggestions can bring new life to your content.

Overall, it’s nice to work with someone who loves filming, editing, and posting on YouTube too.

Two YouTube creators collaborating on a video project

Have we inspired you to find collab partners, collect email addresses, and pitch a themed YouTube video?

Before you send a flurry of emails, learn 

Audience size is the first thing to consider when planning great collabs. Don't worry: 

You don’t need thousands of subscribers for a video project

. You just need a collaborator whose channel size is close to your own.

YouTube creators with similar audience sizes collaborating effectively

 for a video collab. His largest channel has more than 80 million subscribers, and even if you have 1 million, that’s not an equivalent partnership. You would gain millions of views and subscribers, but MrBeast wouldn’t get much from the deal. He’s already 

So if you have 1,000 subscribers, for example, look for creators who have between 500 and 5,000. That levels the playing field so you both benefit from a collab.

How to Find Small YouTubers to Collab With

If you're just starting out on YouTube, teaming up with others can help you grow. Early collabs might give you a boost. First, know your 

 well and build a steady collection of videos that show your style.

 chat room is another option. Creators gather there to network and learn YouTube tips, so you’re bound to find YouTubers looking to collab.

2. Collaborate with Creators in Your YouTube Niche

Don’t forget about your channel’s theme when seeking collaborations. Even if a creator shares your channel size, that doesn’t mean they fit your YouTube niche. Find someone who covers the same topics as you, whether that's beauty, gaming, real estate, or something else.

YouTube creators from the same niche collaborating on content

 If your channel is about personal finance, and you collaborate with a salsa dancer, that’s going to confuse your viewers; they might even unsubscribe from your channel.

3. Brainstorm Video Ideas Before You Send Collab Emails

Many YouTubers are looking for partners, but they don’t have unlimited time to search for one. People are busy filming, editing, and spending extra time on their YouTube thumbnails. The worst thing anyone could do is ask for a collab without sharing YouTube collab ideas.

7 Tips to Craft Irresistible Video Ideas on YouTube

Before you email creators, come up with three to five video ideas. Explain how the partnership would benefit their channel, and overall, just make it easy for the person to say 

 agree to collaborate with you, the next step is nailing a video style.

There are four ways to do a YouTube collab:

 and film two different videos. The first video will go on creator A’s channel, and the second video will go on creator B’s channel. However, both creators appear in each video.

Both creators film their scenes separately

 and send clips back and forth to create a single video.

 on each other’s channels. So, for example, creator A makes a video that 

 include creator B, but the video gets published on creator B’s channel. Then they do the same thing for creator A. This is best for popular YouTube channels of 500,00 or more subscribers.

. For this idea, creator A appears in the first half of the video, and creator B appears in the second half. For example, in a video titled “6 Ways to Get Free Airline Tickets,” the creators each present three tips within the same video.

5. Set a Realistic Date to Publish Video Collabs

YouTube collaborations are fun, but they take time to plan and execute. That’s why you need realistic deadlines for everything: when to film collabs, when to edit them, and when to push them live.

Learn how to find the right YouTube collaboration partners, choose engaging video ideas, and successfully grow both channels with these 6 proven strategies.

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

☀️ Welcome to the vidIQ Summer 2025 Drop!

Creator Earnings Overhaul: YouTube's 2025 Money Update

The TikTok Ban Date is Coming: Are You Prepared?

How to Create Successful YouTube Collaborations: 6 Essential Tips for Creators

How to Make a YouTube Short In 2025: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

How Does the YouTube Shorts Algorithm Work in 2025?

YouTube is Tough - But Don't Give Up!

How to Make a YouTube Timestamp Link (Step-by-Step Guide)

What is YouTube Frame by Frame Viewing

YouTube Monetization Update: Key Changes for Video Ads

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How to Get 4,000 YouTube Watch Hours: 10 Proven Strategies

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