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 often talk about having certain goals through different stages of your YouTube journey which drives your motivation to create newer, better content. But what goals do you hope to achieve through every video?

Whether it is liking a video, subscribing to your channel, or purchasing a product, you want the viewer to engage with your content through an action. A Call to Action (CTA) is pivotal in turning passive viewers into active subscribers, loyal followers, and even paying customers.

When done right, they guide your audience to take the next logical and effective step. Let's dive into actionable strategies for integrating CTAs effectively within your YouTube content.

How to Increase Audience Retention on Every YouTube Video

A well-placed CTA is more than just a directive—it’s a crucial touchpoint that nudges viewers closer to your goals. Whether you're building a community or driving sales, your CTAs need to be clear, strategic, and aligned with your objectives. Without them, you're leaving potential engagement on the table.

Graphic reading "Thanks for watching subscribe"

Understanding how to add CTAs on YouTube effectively is not just about pushing buttons or asking for favors; it’s about guiding viewers through a seamless journey from content consumer to brand advocate.

Types of YouTube CTAs and Where to Use Them

The effectiveness of YouTube CTAs hinges on not just what you say but how and where you say it. Below are the key types of CTAs and the contexts in which they work best:

The most natural way to integrate a CTA is through spoken prompts during the video. Simple statements like “If you found value in this content, consider subscribing” or “Hit the like button if this tip helped you” should be strategically placed at instances when engagement is most likely. Typically, creators introduce these CTAs at the beginning of the video (to capture early engagement), the middle (where viewer interest is peaking), or the end (when summarizing and encouraging a final action).

Visual reinforcement of verbal CTAs enhances their impact. Animations, like a "Subscribe" button or an arrow pointing toward the like button, can subtly remind viewers to take action without breaking the flow of your content. These visual cues should be tastefully done, complementing rather than distracting from the main message. 

When considering how to add CTAs on YouTube effectively, consistent branding and appealing design play a critical role in ensuring your graphics align with your video’s overall aesthetic.

YouTube’s built-in features like end screens and cards offer powerful ways to direct viewer actions. End screens can be used to promote related videos, and playlists, or direct users to specific links such as your website or a lead magnet. 

Cards, on the other hand, provide clickable prompts at key moments in your video. For example, while discussing a relevant topic, a card can pop up offering additional information or a related video. However, use cards sparingly and time them carefully—too many or poorly placed cards can distract viewers and even lower retention rates.

YouTube End Screens: How to Make Cool Video Outros

Often overlooked, the video description and pinned comments are persistent CTAs that remain visible regardless of when someone watches your content. This space can be used to direct viewers to external resources, product pages, or community discussions.

Here, CTAs need clarity and conciseness—ensure that your message is direct and that your links are easy to find. Additionally, using pinned comments as a CTA hub allows you to engage with your audience directly while reiterating your primary message.

While all this may sound simple enough, crafting an effective YouTube CTA involves more than just a catchy phrase; it requires strategy. Here are some key considerations when optimizing your CTAs for maximum engagement.

Clarity is key when encouraging viewers to take action. A vague statement like “Check out my website” is far less effective than “Visit my website for a free eBook on mastering YouTube analytics.” The more specific and actionable your CTA, the easier it becomes for your audience to follow through. Provide a clear benefit or value proposition that directly aligns with the content they just consumed.

For time-sensitive offers or limited-time events, adding a sense of urgency can push viewers to act quickly. Phrases like “Join now before it’s too late” or “Subscribe today for early access” tap into the fear of missing out (FOMO), encouraging immediate action. However, use urgency sparingly; if overdone, it can feel disingenuous and lead to viewer fatigue.

One of the biggest mistakes creators make is overwhelming viewers with too many CTAs at once. When faced with multiple options, viewers are likely to face choice paralysis. Instead, focus on one primary action per video that aligns most closely with your goals. 

For instance, if you aim to grow your subscriber base, prioritize the “Subscribe” prompt over secondary actions like following on social media or downloading a guide. Consistency in your messaging will also reinforce this single focus throughout your content.

Your CTA should feel like a natural extension of the content, not a forced add-on. For example, a video tutorial on video editing might naturally lead to a CTA like, "Download my free preset pack," rather than an unrelated prompt like "Subscribe to the channel." The more seamless the integration, the higher the likelihood of conversion. This alignment also boosts viewer trust since your recommendations feel relevant and timely.

Implementing CTAs is only half the battle; monitoring their performance is crucial for refining your approach. YouTube Analytics is your best friend in this regard, providing data on click-through rates (CTRs) for cards, end screens, and links. Regularly reviewing this data allows you to pinpoint what’s working and what isn’t. Experiment with different placements, wording, and designs until you find the combination that consistently drives results.

Getting a Good Click-Through Rate on YouTube: 6 Powerful Tips

For example, you might consider reallocating your CTA focus if you notice higher CTRs on end screens than on cards. Similarly, if certain phrases or prompts show better engagement, incorporate those into future content. Optimizing your strategy is an ongoing process that evolves as you gather more data and insights.


When used methodically, YouTube CTAs can be the catalyst that transforms passive viewers into active participants in your community. By adding clear, contextually relevant prompts at key moments, you can give your audience what they want the most and also do what matters most to your channel's growth.

The key is to remain consistent, test new approaches, and refine them based on what your analytics tell you. Keep testing, keep refining, and remember: a great CTA isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how, when, and where you say it.

How to Grow Your YouTube Channel in 2024: The Ultimate Guide

Graphic with YouTube logo with vidIQ inscribed

Master YouTube CTA techniques to boost engagement in 2024. Learn the best strategies to encourage subscribers, likes, and comments with effective calls to action.

How to Effectively Write a YouTube CTA

Do you want to skyrocket your YouTube views and become a leading influencer? Breaking through as a small creator can be tough, but we've got your back with a curated list of hot YouTube topics.

Yes, you heard it right — we're serving up 10 trending keywords that are not only popular but also have low competition. This means you won't have to go head-to-head with major channels to get noticed, making it easier to rack up those views on YouTube.

By the way, these keywords come from a new tool called 

. It shows you rising topics on YouTube, their monthly search volume, competition scores, and so much more. 

vidIQ's rising keywords tool with search volume, volume change, and competition

As you explore these topics, keep an eye on the

. The higher it is, the more views you can get!

Hey, manga enthusiasts! Have you heard about 

 This manga is making waves on YouTube, and creators are pulling in thousands of views just by reacting to the TV episodes. Focused on the life of an elven mage after defeating the demon king, it's a fresh take on fantasy that has people calling it 

vidIQ shows a keyword score of 82 for Frieren Reaction

 and how it's speeding across YouTube. It blends the nostalgia of classic 8- and 16-bit games with modern elements like car customization and multiplayer modes.

vidIQ shows a high keyword score of 82 for the topic Horizon Chase 2

 is a simulator that's blowing up on YouTube, and creators are all over it. The game lets you battle with anime characters from shows like 

vidIQ shows a high keyword score of 81 for the topic Anime Champions Simulator

4. How to Create a WhatsApp Channel (mobile app)

If you're a tech creator, this is the perfect topic for you. Viewers want to know how to start a WhatsApp channel, and they're searching YouTube for guidance. Could you be the next creator to solve their problem?

Keyword stats for How to Create a WhatsApp Channel:

vidIQ shows a high keyword score of 76 for the topic How to Create a WhatsApp Channel

how to create WhatsApp channel on Android phone

This new film is lighting up YouTube with reviews and discussions. Directed by Gareth Edwards (

 explores a future where AI and humans coexist. While it has its critics, the consensus is that it's a must-watch for anyone intrigued by the future of AI and humanity.

vidIQ shows a high keyword score of 74 for The Creator review

? If so, you probably know that the character Jax received a visual update. YouTube is buzzing with gameplay spotlights and guides that break down his new abilities too. Whether you're a Jax fan or just curious about the changes, there's a lot to explore for this topic.

vidIQ shows a keyword score of 71 for jax rework

 for a spin yet? After a six-year hiatus, the game is back and seems to be better than ever. Whether you're a sim-racer fanatic or just love the thrill of the track, creators are saying this is a must-play. From its stunning graphics to its realistic gameplay, don't miss out on what could be the racing game of the year!

Keyword stats for Forza Motorsport Review:

vidIQ shows a keyword score of 68 for the topic Forza Motorsport

 is a smartwatch with an OLED display, Google Wear integration, and 65 hours of battery life. If you're a tech creator with a love for watches, this one is trending and has plenty of exciting features.

A graphic lots of small, physical YouTube logos

Discover the best trending topics to grow a small YouTube channel in record time!

10 Trending Topics to Grow a Small YouTube Channel [October]

Hitting that 10,000-subscriber milestone is like climbing a YouTube mountain, especially with the avalanche of new content dropping every second. 

That's why we're celebrating 10 creators who pushed through! They used creativity, relentlessness, and vidIQ tools to reach 10,000 YouTube subscribers. To all those amazing creators, welcome to the 10K Subs Club!

Remember, being part of the vidIQ community means you're on a journey to stardom using 

. Whether you've hopped aboard to jazz up your videos, hunt down the perfect keywords, or spark fresh video ideas, this celebration is all about you. Here's to every victory, big and small! 🎈🎊

Top Channels Passing 10,000 Subscribers in October

 makes entertaining videos for kids featuring toys, animals, and animated sing-alongs.

 makes satirical videos about gaming culture.

DM Garib Vlogs displays the "village lifestyle" through planting, harvesting, cooking, and more.

 makes videos about artificial intelligence, content creation, and online marketing.

 creates playlists filled with lo-fi music.


6. かまぼこ屋の娘 (Kamaboko shop's daughter)

 shares what it's like to work at a family business.

 makes funny videos about gaming culture.

8. Живой организм (Living Organism)

 educates viewers about how their organs respond to different foods.

 shares insightful talks, interviews, case studies, and guides about how to succeed at product management.

Congrats to everyone who had amazing subscriber growth last month! 🥳 If you want to see your channel grow, don't forget to 

 and get robust tools, data, and video ideas.

A graphic showing the words 10,000 subscribers 

These phenomenal YouTubers got 10,000 subs in just 30 days! Meet 10 rising creators who talk about AI, gaming culture, health, and more.

10 Small YouTube Channels that Hit 10K Subs [October]

The YouTube Studio is your backstage pass to 

 happening on your channel. It's where you upload videos, brand your homepage, and set up ways to make some serious cash. 

Curious about how your latest video is performing? There are video analytics to help you out. Ready to apply for monetization? A dedicated page shows you which milestones to reach and how to start earning from your videos. Frankly, there's a tool, page, or panel for everything! 

l, you'll want to get familiar with the YouTube Studio.

Creators use the YouTube Studio to manage their channels and track video performance. It's a designated space to upload videos, edit content, create playlists, write back to commenters, and even apply for YouTube monetization. 

Plus, there are tons of dashboards showing your channel's overall views, 

, subscribers, and revenue. Best of all, the YouTube Studio is free!

1. To open the YouTube creator studio, log in to your channel and click your profile icon. Select 

If you've never used the YouTube Studio before, it's easy to feel overwhelmed considering how huge the platform is. Here, we'll cover the basics of navigating the site and uploading videos — because creating content is all you should have to worry about!

1. Go to the YouTube homepage, then click the 

3. Follow the prompts on the next screen to add a video title, description, thumbnail, tags, and more.

Label your video as 'made for kids' (or not).

Set your video as public, private, or unlisted.

Not quite ready to publish your video content? The good news is you can edit videos in the YouTube Studio and give them a nice, finishing touch. Here's how!

 tab within the studio's navigation bar. It's on the left side of the screen.

2. Hover over the video you want to edit, then click the pencil icon.

Now you're ready to edit! You can do some easy "sprucing up" with the YouTube Studio editor, such as:

Adding free music from the YouTube Audio Library

video editing options for youtube video editor

As you work, use the video timeline to select scenes that need editing.

 you need to find in the creator studio is accessible from the navigation bar? Whether you're looking for monetization data, video analytics, or something else, this section will help you find it. Open the studio, look to your immediate left, and start exploring!

The channel dashboard gives a broad overview of how you're doing on YouTube. It shows recent activity in the past month or so, so you'll get to see:

Subscribers, views, watch time, and revenue in the last month

YouTube also puts creator news on this dashboard, so it's a great place to learn about new tools and features!

The YouTube Studio has a content manager where you can edit everything you've posted so far. It's organized into six distinct tabs:

Select any of the tabs, and you'll see the content you've uploaded within that category. 

From there, you can change the visibility of your content (to public, private, or unlisted), edit video details (title, description, tags, etc.), schedule publish dates, reply to comments, and turn on monetization for your videos.

Want to see how your videos are performing? There's an entire section dedicated to YouTube Studio analytics, such as audience demographics,  click-through rates, traffic sources, and more. You can also view your real-time subscriber count.

YouTube Channel Analytics: The 6 Most Important Video Metrics

But the first thing you'll notice is a huge dashboard showing the basics: views, watch time, subscribers, and estimated revenue for your channel in the last 28 days. Below that is an interactive graph showing how each metric "trended" over the last month. And of course, you can change the time period to get the full picture.

. The next screen lets you filter the graph for 

 time period. Frankly, this is where the real magic happens!

see more button under youtube analytics dashboard

Lastly, there are tons of navigation tabs to take you where you need to go. They will guide you to content, audience, revenue, and research data, the latter showing content gaps and popular search terms on your channel.

Near the bottom is a list of popular content you made in the last month, which is nice to see at a glance.

top youtube content for channel analytics

Like the name suggests, this area focuses on the comment section of your YouTube channel. Here, you can:

Subtitles allow viewers to "read along" as they listen to the audio from your video. They also help viewers with some degree of hearing loss enjoy your content on YouTube.

 translate those captions into their other languages, such as French, German, and Arabic.

channel subtitles for a list of youtube videos

Copyright is a big deal on YouTube. You'll visit this section 

to make sure you haven't "stolen" content from other creators and to keep your channel in good standing. On the flip side, you can browse a list of YouTube videos that contain portions of your own content, which 

YouTube helps you manage all of this. There are tabs for viewing video removal requests, messages you've sent to creators surrounding copyright, and much more. So, this is the best place to 

handle YouTube copyright claims and strikes

A list of channels with copyright matches on YouTube

This guide is for every creator who needs an introduction to the YouTube Studio and its most crucial menus.

The Beginner's Guide to the YouTube Studio

 make thousands of dollars using other people’s content? It seems impossible now that YouTube is dishing out copyright notices, and yet, creators are still getting monetized.

careful when starting a YouTube automation channel, especially with copyrighted material. That's because YouTube automation — the process of using AI or freelancers to create, edit, and publish videos — is hard to accomplish without referencing 

Who is Noah and how does he know any of this, 

great question! Noah isn’t a legal expert, but he’s a genius at running automated YouTube channels. In fact, he oversees 20 of them. They pull in six figures each month, so Noah has seen his fair share of claims, disputes, and lawyers. 

The Truth About AI: Can YouTube Automation Ruin Your Channel?

Our goal is to help you avoid any hiccups, so here’s how to dodge copyright claims on a faceless channel.

Person holding up a sign showing the copyright symbol

Before we dive into the deep stuff, let’s cover the basics. 

 gives the owner of a creative work the exclusive right to use, distribute, and monetize their intellectual property. That could be a song, image, movie, book, TV show, or countless other creations.

YouTube doesn’t like creators using copyrighted material in their videos unless they have permission from the owner. If they don’t have permission, YouTube issues a 

 when it detects “stolen” content in a video.

Creators can dispute these claims, but a 

 is more serious. A strike occurs when a creator notifies YouTube that their content has been used without their permission. The copyright owner can request that the video be removed, or they can choose to monetize it for their benefit. But after three strikes, YouTube can delete your channel permanently — a devastating consequence for any creator.

Copyright Claims vs. Copyright Strikes: Here's the Difference

Making automated content is tricky, but it gets easier when you understand 

When there's a copyright case, U.S. law examines:

The source of the copyrighted work (movie, TV show, song, etc.)

How the copyrighted work is used (commercial, non-commercial, educational, etc.)

The amount of copyrighted material used in a work

Now that you know what copyright law examines, we can answer the burning question. How do creators make money using other people’s work? This typically happens through 

In U.S. copyright law, you can sometimes use small parts of someone else's work for things like reviews, news, teaching, or research without asking for permission or paying the owner. This is called fair use, but it isn't a guaranteed way to make money from YouTube automation.

“What does transformative mean? You have to add value to the original copyrighted work. This means educational value. You have to give commentary, a different perspective, a parody, perhaps. That is what transformative means,” Noah says.

How to Dodge Copyright Issues with an Automated Channel

Want to automate your channel in the safest way possible? Keep reading to learn how, or watch the video below for a visual guide!

1. Don’t Just Borrow Clips — Build a Storyline

The simplest way to dodge copyright claims is to 

 with the clips you've gathered. Bring your educational insight or perspective 

, then use copyrighted content to support your views.

“Is the video revolving around you and not the copyrighted content? If the video is revolving around the copyrighted content, that is not adding value,” Noah says.

For example, taking a video from one channel and posting it to another with a few edits isn't fair use. The creator would have to add 

Some copyrighted content is more risky to use than others. These sources include:

Sports broadcasts (Formula One, Premiere League, NFL)

Video licensing agencies (such as ViralHog)

These entities have lawyers and a system for tracking theft, so you’ll get in trouble pretty quickly for using their content.

, like bodycam footage, public domain works, news clips, and documentaries used for educational purposes. It’s also safer to find user-generated content, i.e., someone who recorded cellphone footage of a “copyrighted event" (the Super Bowl, for example).

Some creators think their videos are more likely to get demonetized if they use several copyrighted clips. But, according to Noah, it’s the other way around. Sourcing a variety of materials, instead of one, is the safest option on YouTube.

“Let's say you want to add stock footage, animations, podcast clips, and news clips; the more different types of footage you use in your YouTube video, the less likely it is for YouTube to detect that copyrighted footage,” Noah says.

If you’re going to use a copyrighted clip, make sure it isn't 

 of the original work. That increases the likelihood of a copyright claim because you’re using the heart of a story — not the supporting pieces. Typically, the heart of the story is significant, impactful, and easy for YouTube or the copyright holder to spot.

For example, it’s a good idea to avoid plot twists that made a movie "famous" overnight. Or a scene that everyone references from a popular TV show. If it's well-known, try to pick something else.

It’s always wise to use shorter clips when it comes to copyrighted material. There’s no set duration to ward off YouTube claims or strikes, but it's harder to detect a three-second clip versus a 10-second one, according to Noah.

of another creator’s work, and you’ll have a better success rate.

Once you have a bunch of clips to use, try mixing them up as best as you can. Use 10 seconds of someone else's content, then switch to 10 seconds of yourself talking or another piece of original content. Then keep alternating like that for the rest of the video. This makes it harder for YouTube to realize you're using copyrighted content.

Using other people’s content is frowned upon, but somehow, automated channels are still getting monetized on YouTube. Here's how they do it.

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

10 Trending Topics to Grow a Small YouTube Channel [October]

Published

10 Small YouTube Channels that Hit 10K Subs [October]

Published

The Beginner's Guide to the YouTube Studio

Published

YouTube Automation: How to Avoid Copyright Claims on Faceless Channels

Published

10 Small YouTube Channels that Hit 1,000 Subs FAST [September]

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How to Write the Best Titles for YouTube Shorts

Published

6 Places to Find Trending YouTube Topics for Your Videos

Published

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

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Coming Soon: YouTube Announces New AI Tools for Video Creation

Published

How to Start a YouTube Automation Channel (up to $500K in 90 Days!)

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10 Trending Topics to Grow a Small YouTube Channel [September]

Published

10 Small YouTube Channels that Hit 10K Subs [September]

Published