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

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

Getting Views

How To Get More Views on YouTube

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

Subscribers

YouTube Subscribers

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

Monetization

How To Make Money on YouTube

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

Analytics

YouTube Analytics

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

Watch Time

YouTube Watch Time

YouTube Shorts content is set to explode! 

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

YouTube Shorts

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

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

Tips & Tricks

YouTube Tips & Tricks

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

Insights

YouTube Insights

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

average video length on YouTube still hovers around 11.7 minutes

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

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

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

How to Create a YouTube Tutorial Video: Full Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Secret to Standing Out as a Small YouTube Creator

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

Copying another creator's presentation format

: Your authentic self coming through the screen

: The unique understanding you bring to topics

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

: Your areas of expertise or deep knowledge

: The unique perspective only you can provide

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

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

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

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

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

You cannot provide insightful analysis when you have no insight.

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

Before you make your first video essay, ask yourself:

Have I studied beyond surface-level takes?

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

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

Choosing Your Niche: Become a Student First

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

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

Film analysis (specific genres, directors, or eras)

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

Take online courses from reputable institutions

Join communities of serious students and practitioners

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

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

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

The 54 Best YouTube Niches, According to Viewers

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

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

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

Clear structure (intro, body, conclusion)

Read it out loud—does it sound like you?

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

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

Use visuals to support your points, not distract

Add transitions only where they make sense

4 Editing Hacks to Make Any YouTube Video Go Viral

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

How to Create a YouTube Video Essay: Full Guide

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:

“This is the advice I wish I had before wasting two years on YouTube.”

It’s real. It’s emotional. And it makes people lean in.

6. The Contrarian Hook: Say What No One Else Will

The best intros often flip the script. They challenge what people think they know and make them want to hear your reasoning.

Contrarian hooks work because they disrupt expectations. But they only work if you back them up with logic and proof. Find the sacred elements in your niche—and ask if they’re really helping your audience.

7. The Visual Hook: Show Something They Can’t Ignore

Words are optional when the visuals say it all.

A creator in a wedding dress talking business. A serious tutorial that opens with a cat in a suit. An otherwise polished YouTuber looking like they haven’t slept in a week.

. It sparks curiosity before you say a word. But here’s the rule: 

. Your visual must tie into your message—or it’s just noise.

Numbers hit different. They carry weight, authority, and curiosity in one punch.

“Only 6.6% of YouTube channels ever reach 1,000 subscribers.”

Boom. Now your viewer wants to know: How do I get into that 6.6%?

Make sure the stat is relevant, surprising, and tied directly to a viewer pain point. Then immediately follow up with the 

9. The Unanswered Question: Spark Self-Reflection

Sometimes the best intro doesn’t need to give an answer. It just has to plant a thought.

“What if everything you know about success is wrong?”

“When was the last time you were actually proud of something you made?”

These intros make people pause—not just to keep watching, but to think. You’re not just making content. You’re starting a conversation inside their head.

 combine multiple techniques. A stat. A story. A visual. A question. They hit from different angles—and hit fast.

Because the job of your intro isn’t just to 

So, the next time you’re prepping a video, spend as much time crafting your first 30 seconds as you do scripting the rest. Without a killer intro, nobody sticks around to see how great your content really is.

 is more than an opening. It’s the handshake, the hook, the first impression. 

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

9 YouTube Intros That Keep Viewers Watching

Why Quitting a YouTube Channel Might Be Your Biggest Mistake

Building a YouTube channel is often described as a marathon, not a sprint. But for many creators, this marathon can feel more like running in circles around an algorithm that seems to mock them.

If you've ever thought about quitting your YouTube channel, it might help to remember that most creators give up just before they are about to hit a breakthrough. Don’t make the premature decision of quitting a YouTube channel before understanding how YouTube’s compound interest can lead to long-term success.

One of the harsh realities of YouTube is that most creators quit before they ever see any form of success.

Whether it's due to bad luck, poor content, or simply a lack of patience, many have unrealistic expectations. They see viral videos and assume that success should come easily and quickly, when the opposite is true. Take these numbers for instance:

The struggle isn’t just limited to new creators with even the top channels facing significant failure rates.

Successful YouTube channels operate like investments

Think of your channel as a savings account, with every video you upload acting like a small deposit. Initially, you may not see significant growth, but as you keep feeding your channel quality content, YouTube will start to reward you. This is where the concept of YouTube's “compound interest” comes into play. The more you invest in your channel, the greater the potential payout down the road.

When it comes to the idea of YouTube’s compound interest, think of it in three phases:

The key is to keep showing up, even when the views are low and the engagement seems non-existent. You don’t have to be the most talented or the most charismatic; what matters is your persistence.

, known as MKBHD. In the early days of his channel, his videos were not the best in terms of production quality, yet he kept posting. His tenacity paid off, and he is now a leading figure in the tech space.

The bottom line? It’s not about being perfect. It's about being relentless.

When you adopt a long-term “investment” perspective, each video becomes a stepping stone toward something greater. Instead of fixating on the video that didn’t perform well, focus on what you are building over the next few years. This long-term strategy will help you weather the ups and downs of content creation.

Feeling stuck in the grind is completely normal

, but quitting a YouTube channel during this phase means giving up on future breakthroughs. Remember, even seasoned creators are always learning and evolving, so don’t feel discouraged if you still have a lot to learn yourself.

What many creators miss are the subtle indicators that precede meaningful growth, such as:

1. Shifting focus from numbers to community

When you start thinking more about serving your existing audience than chasing new viewers, you're aligning with YouTube's core algorithm values.

If your 10th video is better than your first, and your 20th better than your 10th, you're building the foundation for eventual success.

Success rarely arrives as one viral explosion—it often appears as small, consistent increases in retention, subscribers, or engagement.

every day you continue to play this YouTube game, you're beating everybody who's quit already.

Moving Beyond YouTube Algorithm Obsession

Impatience kills more YouTube channels than poor content ever could.

 rewards long-term commitment. When you stop worrying about immediate views and start focusing on the value you provide, your channel will begin to grow. This shift in mindset often occurs around the time of monetization. Many creators find that once they achieve the milestone of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, they realize that the focus should be on serving their audience rather than chasing the algorithm.

Remember: Expecting to become an overnight sensation is unrealistic. The obsession with going viral can lead to a gambling mentality where each video is a desperate swing for success. Even if a viral moment happens, it often leaves creators unprepared for sustained growth.

The YouTube journey includes inevitable periods of creative explosion followed by burnout—experienced by creators of all sizes. Before quitting a YouTube channel, recognize that these cycles are normal and that success often arrives just beyond your breaking point.

By treating your channel as a long-term investment, you position yourself to experience the rewards that come to those with the patience to persist when others quit.

Remember, every creator has their unique journey, and yours is just beginning.

You are closer to your YouTube goals than you think

Discover why quitting a YouTube channel too soon could be your biggest mistake and how persistence leads to success.

is an experienced YouTuber and prolific content creator, known for crafting engaging and educational videos that resonate with millions of viewers. With years of experience building successful channels, Hank offers invaluable insights into the art of creating compelling content.

Creating compelling and engaging YouTube content goes far beyond just pointing a camera and hitting “record.”

In fact, great videos often start with great writing. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or 

, understanding how to craft strong YouTube video concepts is crucial to growing your channel and connecting with your audience.

This guide draws on Hank Green’s expertise to break down five actionable tips to help you write better YouTube videos.

1. Start with a Clear Topic and Frame It Creatively

The first step in writing any YouTube video is to 

 and then decide how you want to approach it. Hank emphasizes the importance of working 

—an angle or perspective that shapes how you present the subject matter.

For example, if your video is about a recent scientific development, you could frame it as:

A straightforward explanation of the discovery

An analysis of its implications for the future

Hank shares his own experience covering the news of 

. Instead of making a purely positive or purely negative video, he chose to frame it as 

 This approach teases apart the complexity of the topic, piquing viewers’ curiosity by promising a nuanced exploration rather than a one-sided opinion.

If I made a video that was like, ‘This direwolf thing is crap,’ everybody would know the answer and lose curiosity. But if I say, ‘This is good and also bad and some of it’s really bad,’ then you’re curious which parts fit where.

2. Strike While the Iron Is Hot: Act Quickly on Trending Topics

Timing can be everything on YouTube. When a 

 or newsworthy, producing content quickly can significantly boost your video’s reach and relevance. Hank points out that when you’re starting out, it’s easier to act fast because you have fewer layers of production and approval to navigate.

For example, Hank started making the direwolf de-extinction video the day after the news broke. This immediacy helped capture the audience while the topic was still fresh in their minds. However, creators with longer production timelines may find it challenging to capitalize on breaking news.

If you can be aware of what people are excited about and act fast, you get more opportunities. But it’s a lot of work because you have to do research really fast.

To effectively act on trending topics, you’ll need to:

Stay plugged into current events, trends, and conversations in your niche

Develop a streamlined research and scripting process

Be ready to pivot your content plans quickly

. It’s designed to keep you informed about emerging topics in your niche, so you can identify opportunities before they peak. By leveraging tools like this, you can ensure your content stays relevant and reaches audiences hungry for timely information.

This agility allows you to ride the wave of interest and attract viewers who are hungry for timely information.

3. Escalate the Stakes to Keep Viewers Engaged

When someone clicks on your video, they’re taking a risk—they might be disappointed, bored, amused, or blown away. It all depends on how you engage with them.

 throughout your video. This means demonstrating why the topic matters and building anticipation for the insights or revelations you’re about to share.

Hank recommends reaffirming that your video will deliver on the promise made in the title, but also hinting that there’s an even bigger story or consequence that viewers might not expect.

He does caution against manipulative clickbait tactics, however. Authenticity is always key. If you exaggerate stakes without follow-through, you risk losing trust and alienating your audience.

Highlighting the real-world impact of the topic

Learn five actionable tips from Hank Green to craft engaging YouTube videos that hook, inspire, and keep viewers watching.

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

How to Create a YouTube Video Essay: Full Guide

9 YouTube Intros That Keep Viewers Watching

Why Quitting a YouTube Channel Might Be Your Biggest Mistake

5 Essential Tips for Better YouTube Video Concepts

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

How to Test Videos with YouTube Groups