Darryl covers YouTube growth and creator tools at vidIQ, helping creators understand how to grow their channels. 

When not writing, he’s tending to his farm surrounded by horses, chickens, dogs, and somehow cramming more plants into his garden than it could ever reasonably hold.

Darryl Rentz

Graphic comparing YouTube view counts of 130K and 167K after a view-count measurement change.

Starting August 24, 2026, YouTube will count a public view from the moment a video begins playing, starting with the first frame. This could increase the public view counts creators see, but it won’t affect earnings or YouTube Partner Program eligibility. Creators can use engaged views in YouTube Studio to compare performance consistently before and after the change.

YouTube Is Changing How Views Are Counted: What Creators Need to Know

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Many anime clips get claimed by Content ID. Recap channels can earn, but only if the content is genuinely transformative.

Can Anime Recap Channels Be Monetized on YouTube?

In addition to being an avid movie and gaming enthusiast, Uttaran Samaddar is an experienced writer who has lent his creativity and unique perspective to various publications. He loves hearing and telling stories.

Uttaran Samaddar  

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Beginner's guide to faceless YouTube channels

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To start a faceless YouTube channel, choose a niche with audience demand, use a repeatable format such as voiceover plus licensed visuals, and publish three test videos before scaling. Faceless channels can monetize in 2026, but every video needs original value and photorealistic AI content must be disclosed.

How to Start a Faceless YouTube Channel in 2026

Lydia Sweatt is a writer who loves balancing her article/blog time indoors with a healthy dose of nature. She bikes, hikes, and identifies edible plants along the way.

Lydia Sweatt

Close-up of a smiling woman with curly hair wearing a green sweater indoors

A man editing a Youtube video on a desktop computer

Video editor working on color grading using graphics tablet and dual monitors at desk

Use YouTube automation tools to speed up titles, thumbnails, descriptions, and ideas. Automate the boring parts first, then keep strategy and your voice human.

YouTube Automation Tools: 5 AI Tools to Save Hours on Every Video

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YouTube automation means outsourcing your channel's production work (script, voice, edit, thumbnail) to freelancers, AI tools, or both, so you can focus on strategy. Start by picking one repeatable format, produce your first videos yourself, and outsource one role at a time.

How to Start a YouTube Automation Channel in 2026

Analytics for a YouTube account before vidIQ are stagnant and then grow after using vidIQ

Stop guessing. Use real signals to pick topics, improve titles and thumbnails, automate busy work, optimize old videos, and turn analytics into clear next actions.

5 Challenges YouTube Creators Face (and How vidIQ Helps Solve Them)

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Use 1280x720 (16:9), keep it under 2MB, big readable text (3–5 words), high contrast, one clear subject, avoid tiny text, test 2 versions and swap fast.

The Best YouTube Thumbnail Size and Dimensions for 2026

a customization icon under the YouTube logo

YouTube logo with magic wand icon and the word "Customization" representing video settings.

Open YouTube Studio → Customization. Update banner/icon (correct sizes), add trailer + sections, write keyword-rich About, add 1st link CTA, then Publish.

How to Customize Your YouTube Channel

A YouTube banner is your channel’s first impression, so use a clean design with a clear promise and keep all key text and logos inside the safe area so it looks right on every device. Design at 2560×1440, keep the file under 6MB, and use simple text plus niche visuals to create a YouTube channel banner that helps viewers understand your channel instantly.

How to Make a YouTube Banner That Attracts New Subscribers

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Cubes with popular social media logos like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok on blue background

The best apps to promote your YouTube channel are Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), Pinterest, and Twitch. These platforms have millions of active users, support visual content, and include features that direct traffic back to YouTube. Use Stories, teaser clips, and bio links to drive viewers from these apps to your YouTube videos.

6 Best Free Apps to Promote Your YouTube Channel in 2026

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Get ahead of other creators by refreshing your YouTube channel right now. These are the best tips to enhance video titles, thumbnails, and attract more views and subscribers in 2026.

Your Channel Refresh: How to Prepare for YouTube Growth in 2026

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Playlists help viewers binge your content, which increases watch time and makes your channel easier to navigate. Learn how to create, organize, and optimize a YouTube playlist so each viewer watches more videos in a single session.

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