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

YouTube has consistently evolved its platform to help creators reach new audiences. In the latest update, YouTube introduces a mobile feature to enhance video discoverability through comments. 

This new update changes how viewers search for content, allowing interactions in the comments section to drive more traffic and engagement to videos. Whether you’re a seasoned YouTuber or just getting started, this update can give a massive edge to your visibility!

YouTube’s latest update allows viewers to search content directly from the comments on long-form videos and Shorts. Here’s how it works:

When viewers post comments with popular search terms, YouTube automatically highlights them as clickable search shortcuts. These are shown as blue, bold phrases accompanied by a magnifying glass icon.

When a viewer clicks on one of these shortcuts, they’re immediately taken to a search results page with content related to the term they clicked. Importantly, the original video continues playing in a mini-player, so they can explore without leaving the video completely.

If viewers are watching a Short, clicking a search shortcut takes them to a Shorts-filtered search page, keeping the browsing experience more streamlined for short-form content.

 creates a seamless connection between comments and content discovery, allowing conversations happening in your comment section to drive more views, not just for that video, but potentially for other related videos.

Improving Discoverability Through Comments

Discoverability on YouTube is crucial. With millions of videos uploaded every day, standing out and getting noticed requires strategic thinking. This new comment-based feature creates an exciting pathway to improve your visibility in several ways:

For new creators, building an audience can feel like shouting into the void. But with this update, comments are no longer just a place for interactions—they can now become an active medium for attracting new viewers. When popular search terms from comments become clickable, it opens up another avenue for users to find your content.

Imagine a viewer scrolling through the comments on a popular creator’s video and noticing a search shortcut. Clicking that term might lead them to one of your videos, even if they weren't directly searching for it. This feature gives smaller creators a chance to compete in more relevant searches.

2. Engaging Conversations Lead to More Exposure

By replying to comments with videos, you're not only creating more content, but you're also extending the lifespan of conversations. This adds more engagement signals to your channel, which can potentially increase your video’s relevance to YouTube’s algorithm.

This also means maintaining a healthy and hygienic comment section for the viewers to talk within. Encouraging a vibrant culture in your comment section and keeping it alive and busy might lead new audiences to discover older content on your channel!

Creators can now offer something unique—a direct video response tailored to a specific comment. This allows for more creative engagement and serves as a powerful tool for answering questions, offering deeper insights, or addressing community topics. The content can then be discovered by others searching for related information.

New creators can encourage their audience to discuss specific topics, products, or questions in the comments. When other users click on these terms, the search will feature content from across the platform, giving smaller channels, like themselves, the chance to pop up in results. 

This is a rare opportunity for new channels to get featured based purely on relevance and engagement, not just on metrics like subscriber count or view history.

YouTube Channel Analytics: The 6 Most Important Video Metrics

Now that YouTube has linked comments more directly with discoverability, it’s important to think strategically about how to use this feature for your channel’s SEO. YouTube’s algorithm prioritizes engagement, and video replies to comments can give you an edge in this area.

Extended Watch Time Through Follow-Up Videos

Watch time is one of the key metrics YouTube uses to determine a video’s relevance. Video replies offer a unique way to extend this watch time. For example, if a comment sparks a video output, viewers who come across this video might be inclined to watch your main content too. This can create a feedback loop where video replies direct more traffic to your primary videos, improving the overall watch time on your channel.

More watch time signals to the algorithm that your content is valuable, which in turn boosts your visibility in search results. When creators use this new video reply feature effectively, it can serve as a gateway to more extensive content on their channels, further increasing SEO value.

10 Types of Videos that Attract More YouTube Watch Time

Incorporating Keywords in Comments and Replies

Another SEO advantage lies in the use of keywords. Creators can make use of comments and replies with relevant keywords, just as they would with their primary content. By incorporating keywords into the title, description, and even the dialogue of your video replies, you can increase the chances of your video replies showing up in search results.

For example, if your channel is focused on fitness, and a comment asks for tips on post-workout recovery, a video reply with relevant keywords like “best post-workout stretches” or “quick recovery methods” could be valuable for YouTube’s search indexing.

This integration of keywords into video replies not only answers user queries but also broadens how new users might find your content.

6 Golden Rules for Responding to YouTube Comments

While this update offers many benefits, it’s important to note a few challenges. Moderating video replies could become more complicated, particularly for creators with large audiences. There’s also the risk of spamming or abuse, as commenters may try to flood replies with irrelevant or harmful content.

However, YouTube is likely to maintain strict guidelines to ensure that the comment sections remain a healthy space for interaction. Creators should also be mindful of these challenges and adopt moderation strategies where necessary.

YouTube’s latest update on discoverability through comments could be a game-changer for creators. This feature not only fosters stronger community interaction but also serves as a tool for boosting search discoverability and SEO performance.

Creators who embrace this feature and strategically integrate it into their content strategy will likely see improved visibility, stronger audience connections, and better performance in YouTube’s algorithm. And 

here's all you need to understand the YouTube algorithm

Colorful chat bubbles with YouTube play button and vidIQ logo on pink background

YouTube has rolled out another exciting update aimed at helping creators get discovered more easily through comments! Learn how that works right here.

Get Discovered By Comments: YouTube Mobile Update

YouTube Shorts are opening new doors for content discovery and driving viewer engagement in ways that are reshaping the YouTube game. And as these vertical videos continue to be pushed to the forefront, creators have a unique opportunity to ride the wave and grow their channels.

 but the challenging part is keeping the momentum going. And with many updates over the years, you may have to think differently about how you create Shorts. 

Shorts are appearing in search results, so you should absolutely create them.

If you focus on making unique Shorts that go viral, subscribers will find you eventually.

Every Short needs a pinned comment that recommends 

Musical Shorts may contain trends or dance challenges, so research those topics before you press record.

Now that you have some background knowledge, here are four tips to grow your channel with YouTube Shorts.

1. YouTube Shorts are More Discoverable; Don’t Hesitate to Post Them!

Getting discovered with YouTube Shorts is a sound strategy, especially as search-based Shorts are getting more views. That means you should absolutely start posting them to 

How Viewers ‘Search’ for YouTube Shorts

Viewers can find your Shorts via YouTube search just like traditional, topic-based videos. Want to learn how? Follow these steps:

Open YouTube on your desktop or mobile app.

Next to your profile icon, click the magnifying glass at the top right corner of the screen.

Type your desired keywords into the search bar and tap the appropriate result when it pops up.

Scroll down past the first few results — the regular, horizontal videos — until you see the Shorts shelf. Here you'll find Shorts related to your search term.

When we search for vidIQ, a shelf filled with 

 called "Latest Shorts from vidIQ" appears in the results. This may contain Shorts we’ve posted as well as those from other creators who talk about vidIQ. So just by posting Shorts, you've created one more way for viewers to 

If you're on the mobile app, you can also simply click the Shorts icon at the bottom and watch a stream of endless Shorts!

What About Topic-Based Searches for YouTube Shorts on Google?

If you're a long-form creator making search-based videos, you know the struggle of trying to rank for a search term, especially a popular one. It's a popular strategy, but long-form videos are almost oversaturated with it.

With the rise of search-based Shorts, you can find new ways to dominate a search term. That’s because although long-form videos show up on Google search pages, there are little to no Shorts. If you’re anything like us, you’d probably want to click on a 40-second Short explaining the search term instead of an 8-minute “how to” tutorial.

YouTube Shorts from Google Search results

For example, do a Google search on "how to make a YouTube Short." You'll notice a Short from vidIQ appears 

which creates more exposure for our channel. So always do 

 so you can make discoverable videos.

Watch Rob explain this in more detail below:

2. Accept That Views, Not Subscribers, Are the Immediate Benefit of Creating Shorts

If you’ve struggled to gain subscribers from Shorts, that might intensify in the future. YouTube made some layout changes to the Shorts player, and the subscribe button is less prominent than it used to be.

In the old layout, the subscribe button was red and higher up on the player. Now the button is gray and very close to the bottom of the screen.

It seems like YouTube wants to take the emphasis off of subscribers, at least for Shorts. We’re not sure why. What we do know is that views, not subscribers, have always been the biggest reward for posting Shorts. Some creators get millions of subscribers, but that’s usually because they’re posting unique content that’s hard to duplicate — like 

Jake Fellman’s animated Among Us Shorts

. Those videos attract millions of subscribers.

For now, create the best Shorts you can possibly make. Make them so entertaining that people deliberately search for the subscribe button, even if it’s harder to see.

18 Viral Video Hooks for YouTube Shorts [Proven Hacks]

3. Use Pinned Comments to Drive Viewers From a Short to Additional Content

Shorts are similar to TikTok videos; viewers watch them quickly, swipe to the next video, and repeat the process as they cycle through content. It’s hard to get people to slow down, but when they do, you should give them something to look at.

The comment section is a good place to do this. Because subscribers are harder to gain with Shorts, you should 

make sure each video has a pinned comment.

 You can highlight additional content — a playlist, a Short that serves as a part two, whatever you like — and encourage people to explore your channel. If people like what they see, they may hit subscribe.

The pinned comment is your best tool because Shorts don’t have info cards or end screens for suggesting content. Even the video description is hidden behind a two-tap journey.

4. Do Some Research to Make Unique, Music-Driven Shorts

 That’s what’s been happening on TikTok and even older platforms like Triller and the unforgettable sensation that was Vine.

Now YouTube wants to create the same appeal on its mobile app. On March 18, 2021, the platform unveiled a feature for 

, and it's been working great. The best part? You won’t be penalized for violating copyright rules.

Not to mention, YouTube is one of the biggest platforms for music listeners and is preferred by many. If you can add music with a high search volume or something that's trending online, your Short might get recommended when people search for the song!

Recommended shorts with song search on YouTube

With more creators using music, it's easy to find out which songs appear in certain videos. Then you can 

 after seeing what others posted, hopefully making your content stand out.

To start researching, look for the icon below. If you see it, that means the creator added a song from the Shorts camera tool.

Tap the icon to see more Shorts using that song. This is where your research will really take off as you discover how the song is being used, if there’s a challenge associated with it, and more. At the top of the page, you can also see the original YouTube video for the song.

YouTube Shorts Are Getting Longer: Is This an Opportunity or a Problem?

Starting October 15th, YouTube will classify any vertical or square videos up to 3 minutes in length as YouTube Shorts. This is a significant shift from the current format, which only allows Shorts to be a maximum of 60 seconds. Watch Rob explain this update in detail below:

There are some challenges to consider with this update. Here's a concise version of what to expect:

 Longer Shorts might not display correctly on your channel at first, and YouTube has acknowledged that traffic sources could be inconsistent for a while.

 Shorts over 60 seconds containing copyrighted material will be automatically blocked, a tougher policy compared to the previous claim system.

 While longer Shorts offer more content space, they won’t count towards the watch time needed for monetization. Creators still need 10 million views from Shorts to qualify.

While these changes might not seem as amazing for new creators, this format might open up a pool of audience that could gravitate towards it. It marks a significant shift in the platform's strategy, and while it may seem daunting, there are ways for aspiring creators to navigate these updates successfully. 

By understanding the new guidelines and preparing for potential challenges, creators can continue to grow their channels while delivering quality content that resonates with audiences. How. you ask? Well, here's a 

90-day plan to get you started on your way to 10 million YouTube Shorts views!

Yellow play button icon with vidIQ logo surrounded by cameras, film strip, and plants.

YouTube Shorts are more popular than ever, and now you can use them to grow your channel in exciting ways. Learn how below!

4 Tips to Grow Your Channel with YouTube Shorts

Amidst the countless creators, getting verified is one of the best ways to distinguish yourself and set your channel apart. Creators that get verified on YouTube are basically recognized by the platform as trusted channels. This can help improve the channel’s visibility and bring various opportunities within and outside the platform.

This is why YouTube verification is highly sought-after status for creators, brands, and businesses alike. This post will delve into the YouTube verification process, explain the necessary steps to qualify, and explore how smaller creators can improve their chances of earning that prestigious checkmark.

What Is YouTube Verification and Why It Matters?

YouTube verification is a process that provides a gray checkmark next to your channel’s name. This symbol is more than just a badge—it indicates to your audience that your channel is authentic, trustworthy, and officially represents the creator, brand, or business it claims to be​.

The checkmark appears across YouTube, from search results to comment sections, making it easier for viewers to distinguish your official account from imposters.

 A verified channel appears more legitimate, making it easier for new viewers to trust and engage with your content​

Verification helps protect your brand from copycat channels and impersonators who may try to capitalize on your name

Verified channels often receive more visibility in search results, increasing the chances of growing your audience.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for YouTube Verification?

To get verified on YouTube, your channel must meet specific criteria. While these requirements may seem stringent, they’re essential for ensuring that only authentic and established channels are granted the checkmark.

For YouTube verification, a channel must meet a few essential criteria that demonstrate its authenticity and activity on the platform. YouTube requires channels to have a minimum of 100,000 subscribers, which shows a significant following and credibility. However, subscriber count alone isn't enough. Your channel must accurately represent the creator, business, or entity it claims to be. This involves having a complete profile, including a well-designed banner, recognizable profile picture, and an informative description that clearly reflects your brand or identity.

Beyond appearance, YouTube values consistent engagement. Channels that actively post content, interact with their audience, and follow community guidelines are much more likely to be approved for verification. In contrast, inactive or dormant channels, regardless of subscriber count, are often rejected. By maintaining both a professional profile and regular activity, your chances of getting verified increase significantly.

How to Get Verified on YouTube: Step-by-Step Process

Once you’ve met the basic requirements, you can apply for YouTube verification. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Ensure your channel meets YouTube’s subscriber and content standards before proceeding. Even if you haven’t hit 100,000 subscribers, building a strong community and consistently creating quality content can improve your chances of approval.

, where you’ll find the form to apply for verification. If your channel qualifies, you will be able to access the form.

You’ll need to input your channel name and ID. If you’re unsure of your Channel ID, you can find it by navigating to your YouTube settings under "View advanced settings."​

Advanced settings feature on YouTube account

Once you’ve filled in your information, submit your application. The review process can take several weeks, and YouTube may ask for additional documentation to confirm your identity​.

After submitting your application, YouTube will review several factors, including your channel’s age, activity, and authenticity. If everything checks out, your channel will receive the verification badge.

Can You Get Verified Without 100K Subscribers?

It’s widely known that you need at least 100,000 subscribers to apply for verification, but there are exceptions. Smaller channels may qualify if they have a substantial presence outside YouTube.

If your channel represents a well-known brand, celebrity, or entity, YouTube may consider verifying you even with fewer subscribers.​ Musicians can also apply for the Official Artist Channel badge, even with fewer than 100,000 subscribers. This requires having an official music video distributed on YouTube and being part of the YouTube Partner Program.

While it is rare, exceptions can occur, so if you believe you have a significant presence or impact outside YouTube, you can reach out to YouTube’s support team for consideration​.

Becoming verified on YouTube is a dream for most small creators. Get a well-rounded understanding needed to achieve this goal through this post!

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

How to Create a YouTube Video Essay: Full Guide

Get Discovered By Comments: YouTube Mobile Update

4 Tips to Grow Your Channel with YouTube Shorts

How to Get Verified on YouTube

Is YouTube Hype a Game Changer for Small Channels?

How to Turn Off Age Restriction on YouTube

How to Find Winning YouTube Video Ideas in Minutes with vidIQ Remix

The Most Profitable AI Niches on YouTube in 2024

How to Effectively Write a YouTube CTA

10 YouTube Channels that Hit 100K Subs FAST! [August]

How to Get More YouTube Shorts Views on Your Channel

6 Small YouTube Channels that Hit 10K Subs [August]

Faceless YouTube Channel: A Step-by-Step Guide