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 analyzed data from 5.08 million YouTube channels and found a clear trend: 

The more content you post, the faster you grow. 

No matter your size, niche, or starting point.

If you are prioritizing growth, aim to post 

When it comes to YouTube growth, the advice is everywhere: 

Post once a week. Be consistent. Prioritize quality. Don’t burn out.

 But what does the data say about how often you should upload if you actually want to grow?

We studied 5.08 million YouTube channels using vidIQ data from June 2024 to June 2025 and looked at two metrics: 

, grouped by how many videos each channel uploaded per month.

Posting 12+ videos to YouTube per month gets 53% more views than uploading 1-3 times monthly.

YouTube channels posting 12+ videos monthly gain 66% more subscribers than those posting just 1-3 times.

each step up in posting frequency leads to faster view and subscriber growth.

How Often Should You Post on YouTube to Grow?

Based on this data, here’s the short answer:

To grow faster, aim to post more than once a week.

 (around 12+ times per month), even better.

 than those posting less than once a month.

This aligns with a key question we hear from creators all the time: 

If you can build a system that supports 3 or more videos per week, you’re setting your channel up for much stronger, sustained growth.

More frequent uploads don’t just accelerate momentum, they also create faster feedback loops. You’ll quickly spot what’s working (and what’s not), helping you improve the quality of your content with every post.

The Importance of Posting At Least Once a Week

Not ready to post three times a week? There’s still a key threshold that makes a huge difference:

 than those who post less than once a month.

active in YouTube’s recommendation system

trust, consistency, and a repeatable workflow,

Even one video a week is often enough to see steady gains in views, subscribers, and click-through rates.

And once that weekly cadence feels natural? That’s your signal to scale up and accelerate growth.

The Real Challenges of Posting Frequently

Posting 3x a week isn’t always easy, even when you 

 to grow faster. Most creators run into common roadblocks, like:

Juggling a full-time job, school, or family can leave little time to film, edit, and publish regularly.

Coming up with fresh ideas every week (or every day) can feel exhausting, especially without a system.

The constant pressure to perform, edit, upload, and repeat takes a toll mentally and creatively.

Scripting, filming, editing, designing thumbnails… it all adds up, especially if you’re a solo creator.

Not knowing which ideas will actually perform can lead to overthinking and under-posting.

Even the most motivated creators can struggle to keep up. But with the right tools and smarter support, you can post more without working harder.

Here’s how vidIQ can help you get more done and grow faster:

 to break creative blocks and outline videos faster.

 help you design scroll-stopping visuals. No Photoshop needed.

 to see what’s working on other successful videos

. Whether it's a busy season at work, family obligations, travel, or unexpected curveballs, it's not always possible to stick to your ideal upload schedule.

When that happens, it’s okay to take a break, but it helps to have a plan.

Here’s how to pause without losing momentum:

Channels that go completely inactive (less than 1 video per month) see a steep drop in view growth from 9.9%+ down to just 1.9%. Staying minimally active keeps you in the algorithm’s good graces.

If you know a busy period is coming, create a few extra videos and queue them up. Even one scheduled video can help you maintain momentum.

Turn one long video into multiple Shorts.

Break your long-form content into bite-sized moments to create a steady stream of YouTube Shorts. Repurposing your best clips not only saves time, it keeps your channel active.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to stay present.

”. When life gets unpredictable, you can still step back while still moving forward.

We’re seeing similar trends when it comes to YouTube Shorts. While Shorts are typically easier to produce, the upload frequency still follows the same pattern of “

If you’re wondering how often to post on YouTube Shorts, the answer depends on your goals, but from our coaching experience, channels that post Shorts 

 And that’s true, but our data shows that 

That doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice quality or burn yourself out. It means building smart systems that help you scale.

Use AI tools to speed up scripting, titles, thumbnails

Keep posting. Keep growing. We’ll be right here with you.

A blurred graph of how often you should upload to youtube

We analyzed over 5M channels and the answer is clear that consistent posting is key to YouTube growth

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

The creator economy is experiencing a technological transformation. AI tools with automated features and simplicity of use have democratized thumbnail creation, allowing anyone to produce professional-looking images in seconds. You don’t need to be a design expert to become a thumbnail maker anymore!

creator working with AI thumbnail generator

This is great news for creators of all sizes, but particularly new ones. With minimal input, creators can generate eye-catching graphics complete with bold text, vibrant colors, and visual elements that these tools conjure platform-ready thumbnails within minutes. So, it is no surprise that YouTube is quickly getting filled up with them in all corners.

How To Make Attention Grabbing Custom Thumbnails on YouTube with vidIQ

As OpenAI brought an update on image generation earlier this year

, creating high-quality graphics has become more achievable for every creator. Our creator and thumbnail wizard, John, discusses what all of that would mean in the video below.

But here's the catch: as these AI-generated thumbnails proliferate across YouTube, they're creating a sea of sameness, professionally designed yet strangely hollow. So, the most crucial question here is, how do you retain your identity while using thumbnail generators?

Beyond Pretty Pictures: What Makes Thumbnails Work

A successful YouTube thumbnail isn't just aesthetically pleasing; it's strategically crafted. The best thumbnails consist of what John calls the "Three Cs" in the video:

Does your thumbnail create a question in the viewer's mind? Does it make them want to discover more?

Can someone understand your video's value proposition at a single glance?

Does your thumbnail stand out when placed alongside competitors?

AI may excel at creating visually appealing images, but it often falls short on the first two elements. AI-generated thumbnails catch the eye momentarily, but they rarely tell a story or create emotional resonance. They look good without saying anything meaningful.

That's precisely where human creativity maintains its edge. Effective thumbnail creation isn't just about arranging visual elements—it's about understanding psychology, crafting compelling messages, and thinking like a storyteller.

How to Choose a Winning Thumbnail Style for Your YouTube Channe

The Counter-Intuitive Power of "Anti-Trending"

Here's where things get interesting: in a YouTube landscape increasingly dominated by AI-enhanced perfection, imperfection is becoming a powerful differentiator.

Consider these counter-intuitive approaches:

A simple, unedited screenshot instead of an over-processed image

A minimalist thumbnail with sparse text rather than information overload

An authentic, unfiltered photo instead of an AI-smoothed portrait

These "anti-trend" approaches are gaining traction not because they're easier to produce, but because they signal authenticity in a feed saturated with artificial polish. When everything looks the same—slick, hyper-optimized, and AI-enhanced—different wins the click.

AI can only remix what already exists. Human creativity can innovate, surprise, and connect on a deeper level.

The Platform Response: How YouTube Might Adapt

YouTube's algorithm has always evolved in response to creator behavior. As AI-generated thumbnails flood the system, we might see significant shifts in how YouTube evaluates and promotes content:

Decreased emphasis on CTR (Click-Through Rate): 

YouTube could start prioritizing metrics like watch time or audience retention over raw clicks, especially if flashy thumbnails consistently lead to disappointing content.

 Platforms may eventually implement systems to identify and potentially penalize content using AI in misleading ways.

Returns to automatic thumbnail selection: 

YouTube might revive aspects of its original approach, where the platform selected video frames automatically rather than relying on creator-designed thumbnails.

In essence, the platform could begin rewarding authentic representation over pure aesthetics—a shift that would favor genuine creators over automation.

If you're a content creator feeling the pressure of AI competition, remember that adaptation doesn't mean surrender. Here's how to maintain your edge:

 Approach thumbnails as communication tools, not just pretty pictures. Every thumbnail is essentially a pitch for your video—make it tell a compelling story.

Experiment with "anti-trend" approaches: 

Try using simple screenshots, hand-drawn elements, or authentic candid moments. Test what resonates with your specific audience.

Directly ask your viewers which thumbnails caught their attention or felt most authentic to your brand. Real human feedback trumps algorithmic suggestions.

Leverage AI thumbnail makers for ideation or drafting, but let your creative judgment make the final decisions. AI should enhance your process, not replace your perspective.

Look, AI thumbnail makers aren't villains. They're incredibly useful tools that have given many creators without design skills a fighting chance. But relying entirely on AI is like using a dating app to write your wedding vows—it might look good at first glance, but it misses the personal connection that matters.

As more creators lean on these tools, the ones who stand out will be those who know when to use AI and when to let their human creativity shine through.

Before you publish your next video, try this: Show your thumbnail to someone who knows nothing about your channel and ask, "What do you think this video is about? Would you click on it?" Their answer will tell you more than any AI feedback ever could.

Because at the end of the day, no matter how advanced these tools become, they're still just that—tools. Your unique perspective, your genuine connection with your audience, and your creative vision are what truly matter.

In a world of AI-generated sameness, being unmistakably you isn't just an option, it's your superpower. If you're looking for inspiration, 

use these 12 thumbnail ideas that people love to click on!

Adult man enters text prompt in artificial intelligence to generate image

Learn strategic approaches to combat the sameness produced by AI thumbnail generators and how to leverage these tools as a thumbnail maker without sacrificing your unique creative edge.

Are AI Thumbnail Makers Destroying YouTube?

Did you know that the right video introduction can 

? It’s true. We call these "hooks" in the YouTube world, and they have the power to grab viewers' attention in the first three seconds.

The reason you'd want to grab someone's attention, especially with a Short, is to 

 to the next video. Swiping away has a negative effect on your content and stops you from going explosively viral.

There isn't much research about Shorts and their performance, but one study adds some clarity. Paddy Galloway discovered that the best-performing Shorts have 70% of people viewing them versus swiping away from them.

The Psychology Behind Effective YouTube Shorts Hooks

Many YouTube shorts hooks work because they tap into our natural responses. Our minds naturally react to hints and signals that catch our eye. Creators who use these ideas see more viewers stick around.

The best hooks use simple triggers that connect with people:

 - We want to know the missing details when something is left unsaid

 - A feeling that you might miss out on something cool

 - When a video surprises you by breaking the usual flow

 - People tend to follow what others find interesting

Many top creators use strategies like these to set up their YouTube shorts hooks. For instance, saying "Have you heard about..." makes viewers want to learn more. Similarly, phrases like "They don't want you to know this secret" mix curiosity and a sense of rarity, increasing viewer interest.

When you create your YouTube shorts intro ideas, think about which trigger fits your content best. A step-by-step guide might use a clear, useful hook, while fun videos might lean on curiosity or surprise.

As an opening line, “have you heard about” creates a healthy dose of FOMO on YouTube, which stands for "fear of missing out." No one likes to be excluded, so this hook summons a viewer’s natural curiosity.

 (see what we did there? 😉) In the Short below, he immediately asks, “Have you heard about the world’s loneliest toilet?” Most people would say no, and that alone propels them to watch the video. It has over 

2. “They Don’t Want You to Know This Secret…”

This hook has enticing qualities, all of which can make a Short go viral in no time. It's got conspiracy, intrigue, and an “us versus them” dynamic happening all at once. As long as you don't use bad clickbait, this hook should get you more YouTube views.

 after claiming that “Apple doesn’t want people to know” about this password hack for iPhones:

3. “You’ve Never Seen Anything Like This…”

This hook is a straight-up challenge for your audience. You’re asking them to prove whether they know a random fact or not, which sort of feels like a game! It's as if they've been called out, and now they have to answer the call by watching your video.

 with this hook. He claims that viewers have “never seen a pair of headphones like the HHOGene GPods,” and he may be right. Millions of people stuck around to see what all the hype was about.

4. “I Never Do THIS, and Here’s Why…”

 do something, they’re about to share an unpopular opinion. This can be intriguing on YouTube, as many creators repeat the same ideas and beliefs they've heard elsewhere!

 has a popular Short using this magic phrase. In it, 

 says, “I never buy silk, and this is the strange reason why.” The intro must have worked because the video has over 

“Do’s and don’ts when it comes to [topic]..."

5. “This Is the Best Product I’ve Ever Used…”

In just a few words, this hook tells us a valuable recommendation is on the way — maybe even for a life-changing product. But viewers have to keep watching until the product is revealed, making this excellent hook for 

Here’s another example from Mrwhosetheboss. He opens the video by saying, “This is the most powerful charger I’ve ever laid hands on.” Instinctively, you want to keep watching to see which charger he’s talking about. The video has 

6. “I Was ‘Today Years Old’ When I Found This Out…”

"I was today years old" is a humorous way to reveal something you just learned. Maybe you didn’t know a drink tote from Chik-fil-a 

. Perhaps you just realized Ritz crackers have 

Starting a video with this phrase helps you establish common ground and shows that you’re learning alongside the viewer. It’s no wonder a creator like 

 explaining that “news” is an acronym (Notable Events, Weather and Sport).

Do viewers ask you the same questions repeatedly? The next time you make a Short, kick off the video by saying, “Questions I get asked a lot." This implies that you have something relevant to say, and viewers should stick around to hear it.

 answering questions about his experience as a male nurse.

This phrase should catch anyone's attention because most people use Google in 2025. Plus, the phrase “I asked Google” brings so many questions to mind. What did the person search for? What did the results say? Did they learn something funny, shocking, or interesting?

 on a long-jumping video. He asked Google “what the longest jump in history is,” and then attempted to break the long-jump record.

Sometimes, you just can’t beat practicality. If you have a how-to channel, “three things I do before” is the hook you need to provide value and solve problems for your audience.

 “Quick Travel Tips.” She starts out by saying, “Here are three things I do before every flight, coming from a lawyer who travels six months out of the year.” She speaks 

 to travelers and builds credibility by saying how often she travels.

10. “Try This to [Accomplish Goal]...”

“Try this” is a typical call to action on YouTube. It catches a viewer’s attention because the phrase empowers them to learn something new.

 by simply saying, “Try this to get more views on your next YouTube Short.” It’s quick, simple, and works wonders for grabbing attention.

This hook has an element of surprise, which works well for captivating viewers in the first three seconds. But more than that, it promises a rare piece of knowledge you can’t get if you swipe away!

This intro worked well for Nas Daily, who asked a simple question: “Did you know this book is poisonous?” The Short was so intriguing that it got over 

Don’t worry, we’re not talking about math here. “X versus Y” refers to a “this or that” scenario, where you compare two things to see which one is better. Viewers love this intro because it sparks competition.

Again, Mrwhosetheboss sets a great example here. He asks, “The thickest phone case or the thinnest phone case: Which is actually better?” 

 couldn’t resist this two-second experiment!

The value of this hook just can’t be overstated! With three little words, you convince viewers you’re about to solve a problem, teach a skill, and empower them to accomplish their goals.

If you think “how to” content is severely overdone on YouTube, think again. Creators like 

 with openers like “how to create festive outfits.” 

Another variation of this hook is “how to do [virtually anything]...”

14. “I’m Trying This So You Don’t Have To…”

Who doesn’t love a little risk and adventure on YouTube? When you try something bold (so others don't have to), that pretty much makes you a hero! It’s also entertaining to watch a creator set up a challenge, react to it, and share the results.

Once again, Sean Andrew got people’s attention with this creative hook. He tried to survive Chinese water torture and ended up getting 

“Today we’re gonna see if it’s possible to…”

You guessed it: This hook is a variation of the almighty listicle video. Use it to recommend the best vacation spot, indoor vacuum, dog breed, or whatever’s close to your heart! People love this hook because they know they’re about to get 

And here’s a vidIQ example for you: “top three YouTube mistakes.”

Typically, this hook is reserved for serious pursuits, like becoming a fisherman or a doctor. But if you want, you can be a complete goofball and turn this hook into comedic gold.

 did in the Short below. She opens it up with “how to become a mermaid in three steps,” and then 

 watched her take the most ridiculous journey to the sea.

17. “How to Have the Best [Activity/Idea] of Your Life…”

Most people want to do something better, faster, or easier in their daily lives. So opening your Short with “here’s how to have the best [insert common goal]” makes people pay attention to what you’re saying.

 telling people how to have the best sleep ever. The Short has over 

This hook is similar to the previous one, except it’s even better. While you can show someone how to do something thoroughly, providing a shortcut really gets their attention.

We used a variation of this hook recently, stating, “This could get your YouTube Shorts a lot more views.”

 Just don’t give away the juicy part too soon!

How to Test Different Hooks for Your Shorts

Finding the best hooks for YouTube shorts can take some trial and error. What works for one video may not work for another. The secret is in testing and looking at results.

A strong intro is your secret weapon for getting more views with YouTube Shorts. Try these 18 viral video hooks for instant success!

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

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

Are AI Thumbnail Makers Destroying YouTube?

18 Powerful YouTube Shorts Hooks That Go Viral [2025 Guide]

How to Create Signature YouTube Gaming Content

Monetize Your YouTube Channel in As Little As 30 Days

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YouTube Collaboration: How to Collab with Other YouTubers

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

How Does the YouTube Shorts Algorithm Work in 2025?

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YouTube is Tough - But Don't Give Up!

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