Creating tutorials is an awesome (yet sneaky) way to grow a YouTube channel. For one, it makes you look more authoritative because you're solving problems for viewers, one video at a time. Not to mention, teaching what you know is a whole lot easier now that 

The only question is, how do you make a YouTube tutorial? First, know that instructional content, no matter how cut and dry, is still 

. Tutorials are fiercely competing with each other just like pranks and memes face off on YouTube.

That means every tutorial could use a little razzle-dazzle to stand out. You need to get viewers' attention, solve their problems, and make sure they leave the video feeling satisfied. It's art, science, and personal flair.

Whether you're into cooking, tech tips, or DIY projects, here's how to film the best YouTube tutorial.

The main purpose of a video tutorial is to teach viewers how to do something. These videos explain how to perform a task, use a product, or understand a concept. Tutorials are popular because they help people accomplish their goals, like training a young puppy or building a bookcase. Also, YouTube says 

"how to" videos are the most attention-grabbing format

Best of all, most channels will benefit from having a few tutorials. That's because any tutorial you make will involve your channel's main topic — nothing more, nothing less.


Keep reading to learn exactly how it's done!

Before you start recording, choose a topic that's in demand and worth filming on your channel. For example, few people want someone else to show them how to skip a rock across a lake. And we know this because "skip a rock" is searched less than 2,000 times a month on YouTube, according to vidIQ.

vidIQ shows a low search volume for "skip a rock"

Compare that to the mysterious yet intriguing phrase, "lasagna soup." YouTube viewers type it into the search bar 

. vidIQ tells us the topic isn't competitive, which means a "lasagna soup tutorial" 

vidIQ shows a medium search volume for lasagna soup

So, before you start creating, always look for high demand. And remember that a good tutorial video fits into your niche

YouTube was launched in 2005, so there's a good chance the video you're planning already exists. That's not a bad thing, though. You just have to see which tutorials are out there and try to make something that's 10 times better.

Typing your topic into the YouTube search bar (using the phrase "how to)

Watching the top three videos on the search page.

Noticing which information isn't included (and adding that to your version).

A well-crafted script is the backbone of any good tutorial. It guides your delivery, ensuring that you cover the key points clearly and concisely. 

But writing scripts is hard work, so don't do it from scratch. Instead, use a 

 to push your ideas in the right direction.

Once you have a script, spruce it up by indicating what will appear on the screen while you're talking. That way, you know exactly what's happening visually and textually.

For instructional videos, it also helps to 

. This helps you visually imagine how you'll break down a complex topic, scene by scene.

an example of an empty storyboard filled with boxes

The best video tutorials are easy to understand, which means you'll have to explain everything in chronological order. So, go step by step so viewers have a firm understanding of what they need to do. This is pretty easy if you followed step three: create a video script/storyboard.

It isn't enough to tell viewers what to do; you have to show them 

when filming a tutorial to make sure they understand.

While you're speaking, pick up the camera and show people what you're doing or referring to. This ensures that no matter how hard a task is, there's a visual perspective to aid viewers in the process.

Every tutorial needs proper lighting, visuals, and audio to truly help anyone. After all, if viewers can't see 

 you're doing it, the video can't do its job. Consider using a ring light or an LED panel if you're filming in a dark location. Get a high-quality microphone or simply get closer to the one you're using if you need better sound.

As for visuals, you might not need a fancy DSLR camera to shoot your tutorial. But at the very least, use a smartphone with a decent video camera.

A standard tutorial has some sort of audio or human voiceover, plus a visual demonstration. However, most videos need more than that to get a point across, especially in the art of teaching. That's why editing your video with more elements is so important.

 to your tutorial as you explain each step, especially the tricky parts. These short descriptions truly speed up the learning process. 

, a finance creator, is notorious for adding text to all of his videos.

, those are helpful too. You can include maps, diagrams, tables, charts, or anything that cements the viewer's understanding of a concept. For example, check out this inflation graphic from 

 tutorial on knowing when to buy a house.

a graph showing inflation averages across industry in the UK

 are great for tutorials that involve computers, the internet, or applications. They allow you to show viewers where you're navigating, which is extremely helpful. You can even overlay them on top of another video frame, picture-in-picture style. Check out the example below, where 

a man records his screen while giving a Figma tutorial

 in your video. That makes your tutorial accessible to a wider audience, including those with hearing impairments. They're also helpful for anyone who is following along and doesn't want to miss something important!

8. Add Video Chapters (if YouTube Hasn't Already)

 split your content up into sections and make it easier for people to navigate your tutorial. They can easily skip ahead or move backward to see something they originally missed.

YouTube does provide auto chapters in most cases. But if not, you can manually create chapters in the YouTube Studio and name them accordingly.

If you aren't careful, tutorials can end up sounding a bit dry, especially if they only focus on the task at hand. That's why throwing in some personality is essential. You don't have to overdo it, but have fun where necessary and try to be engaging throughout the video.

After all, what's going to bring viewers back to your channel once they get their problem solved? Your personality!

Tutorials are great for growing a new channel, but they aren't the only format to consider. 

Here are nine videos to make when launching a new YouTube channel!

Digital camera recording a cooking video with a person chopping vegetables in kitchen

What makes a good video tutorial? Here's everything you need to know, from choosing a topic to adding the best visual elements for instruction.

How to Create a YouTube Tutorial Video: Full Guide

 on the internet? That means every year, an entire country’s worth of people create videos to express themselves, start a side hustle, or grow a large community.

Are you one of them? If so, you’ll need some tips for 

, the most important being video ideas. After all, finding fascinating themes that lead to interesting videos is hard work.

One way to do this better is to think in terms of 

. Knowing whether you want to make tutorials, story times, or even reaction videos is the first step in crafting brilliant ideas.

Ready to get started? Here are nine videos that turn new creators into successful YouTubers!

How-to content is educational and teaches viewers 

 No matter how hard the task is, an effective tutorial is clear enough to understand while guiding viewers to the best solution.

Making tutorials has several benefits. For one, the process molds you into an expert, making your channel more authoritative. In fact, YouTube says 

how-to videos are more attention-grabbing

Check out “How to Sell a Product” by entrepreneur Dan Lok if you need an example. Tutorials can take many shapes, but this one explains how to sell anything to anyone.

Trending videos are part of the "YouTube growth recipe." A buzz-worthy video can get thousands of views in a short period, so make a habit of following news within your niche.

Skibidi Toilet” and “Grimace Shake” were the 

. For Skibidi Toilet at least, we saw creators in the vidIQ community go from zero to 

 just by covering the topic. By the way, Skibidi Toilet is a web series of YouTube videos and Shorts created by DaFuq!?Boom!, an animator.

The video below — “Skibidi Toilet Explained” — capitalizes on this trend flawlessly. It explains the hype, uses a trending keyword, and answers questions about the viral topic.

List videos rank the top items or ideas in any category, from the best movies to the cheapest cities to the most durable hiking shoes. Think about videos boasting the "top 10 cities to visit in France" or the "top 10 video games of 2024", and you have the right idea.

List videos are powerful because they attract lots of viewers. The content is engaging, easy to digest, and best of all, polarizing. Viewers enjoy debating in the comment section because everyone has an opinion when it comes to ranking things. And that's the type of engagement you need to 

Top 10 Action Movies on Netflix Right Now.”

Unlike some content, reacting on YouTube is the perfect way to show off your personality. You get to wield every part of your identity — charm, wit, sarcasm, etc. — when reacting to other videos.

Best of all, most reaction channels aren’t faceless, so viewers get to see you in the flesh. This is important when you’re new to YouTube and want people to connect with you (and not just your content).

Need an example? Check out “Non K-Pop Fan Reacts to BTS” by Don Townsend.

Did you know that two out of three people are more likely to buy something 

? That’s the power of reviews. Luckily, we’re all customers, which means you can review any product you’ve ever used and turn that into content! This is a great way to build trust with your audience and make a name for yourself.

If products aren’t your thing, don’t stop there. Create videos sharing your personal opinion on ideas, predictions, abstract concepts, or anything else. We’ve seen creators "review" air, 

, the idea of going to college, entrepreneurship, and more.

But to give you a general idea, here’s a review of 

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

A channel trailer is a short video that introduces your content to non-subscribers. These videos appear at the top of your homepage and play automatically, so viewers can’t miss it.

Trailers are short and punchy, and there are two ways to create one. You can either film it from scratch or set a current YouTube video as your official trailer.

 trailers motivate people to watch your videos. If you aren't making one from scratch, choose an existing video that consistently moves people to 

Here’s a captivating example from Ben Johnson, a seasoned creative.

Every new creator should experiment with Shorts. This content type receives over 

 on YouTube, which means the potential to reach new viewers and turn them into subscribers is massive.

But let’s back up a second. On YouTube, a Short is a vertical video no longer than 60 seconds. They’re typically shot on a phone and then enhanced with music, sound effects, text, and other visual elements. Thousands of creators, both large and small, have gotten millions of views posting Shorts. After all, Google says 

Watch the video below to understand this content type better. Many Shorts contain viral trends, comedy, and a quick story — like this Grimace Shake video.

As a new creator, it's wise to make content that you 

 people are searching for, at least in the beginning. 

 (which recommends videos to viewers) doesn’t have much information about your channel yet. However, it 

 pull metadata from your content, identify any keywords, and place your videos on the correct search pages.

Be sure to upload videos that appeal to YouTube's search engine. You can do this by:

Filming content that fully addresses a topic

Adding keywords to your YouTube content, especially titles and descriptions

For example, this video targets the keyword “small channels” and has 1.9 million views.

Truth moment: While search-driven content is helpful, you shouldn’t rely on it as a new creator. That's because 

 people watch on YouTube were recommended to them. That means you also need to target the recommendation algorithm, and not just YouTube search.

The simplest method? Look at the videos YouTube is recommending next to your content. Often enough, those videos belong to your competitors. If YouTube is recommending them, that means they're worthy videos and you should study them to see if you can make something similar (and 

By experimenting with these nine videos, you'll not only discover what resonates with your audience but also develop engaging content.

Remember, the key to YouTube success is consistency, quality, and a willingness to learn and adapt! Trying new things, especially in the beginning, is the best way to learn quickly and grow your subscribers.

If you haven’t already, learn how to set a YouTube subscriber goal for your channel this year.

A woman filming a youtube video with a smartphone and ring light

Young woman with pink headphones recording video using smartphone and ring light outdoors

New year, new YouTube channel! Here are 9 popular videos every creator should make in their YouTube journey.

Starting a YouTube Channel? 9 Videos to Make Right Now

What makes a perfect YouTube channel name in 2025? Is it something catchy and one-of-a-kind, or can it be as simple as your real name? Your choice can have a big impact on your channel's growth and how easy it is to find.

Both are good options depending on your goals, but there’s more to the equation.

Choosing a YouTube channel name is a big deal because it’s how everyone will recognize you — and not just viewers. The YouTube algorithm will analyze your name for relevant keywords. Brands will look at it before they offer you a partnership deal. Every day, you want this part of your channel to shine.

If your channel name is missing something important, 

. That’s the best way get back on track and rebrand your channel, which is very important in 2025.

Before we discuss channel names, it helps to know they're 

 are a unique identifier for your channel. They look and function like the handles you've seen on other social media platforms, such as Instagram, X, and TikTok. And of course, they begin with the iconic @ symbol.

For example, @vidIQ is our YouTube handle. Viewers can use it to:

Search for our channel on YouTube (and distinguish us from duplicates).

Go directly to our channel via URL (https://www.youtube.com/

YouTube handle example showing @vidIQ as a unique channel identifier

While handles help you interact with others, your channel name is entirely distinct from that. You can use your channel name to explain your niche better and attract the right audience.

So, whether you’re choosing a name for the first time or seeking a new one, here are six ways to pick a YouTube channel name.

1. Follow YouTube’s Community Guidelines

Before you pick a channel name, make sure it’s appropriate for YouTube. You can do that by following the 

, which covers things like spam, impersonating other creators, and words you shouldn’t say (or write) on the platform.

After all, what’s the point of finally figuring out a channel name, only to have someone report it?

YouTube Community Guidelines warning screen for channel name compliance

2. Make Your Channel Name Short and Sweet

On YouTube, a short channel name is always better than a long one. Why? They’re just easier to remember. When someone is searching for your channel, you don’t want them stumbling over a 50-character name. Choose something 

You should pick a YouTube channel name that's:

. You won’t have any problems typing that into YouTube’s search bar. The same goes for channels like 

Did you know it’s against YouTube’s rules to 

? Intentional or not, anyone who does that is misleading their viewers. So that’s the first reason to have an original channel name. It keeps you honest, and YouTube won’t have a reason to strike down your channel.

 is a famous YouTube creator, and someone is always trying to impersonate him. Dozens of people steal his channel name and profile icon to create bogus accounts. Take a look at all the copycat channels below.

MrBeast copycat channels showing why unique YouTube channel names are important

What’s the end goal, if not to impersonate MrBeast? And what will these users do with the influence they stole? It can’t be anything good.

4. Pick a Name That Represents Your Niche

When someone comes to your channel, they should know three things immediately:

The right YouTube channel name can express all three.

 But how do you come up with a name so powerful that people understand your channel’s worth?

It’s not as difficult as you think. Whatever your YouTube niche is — gaming, cooking, fitness, tech reviews, or anything else — start thinking about that subject. Next, challenge yourself to create a channel name based on your niche.

, a channel with dozens of Microsoft Excel tutorials, is a great example. The channel name comes from combining “Excel” and “excellent.” It’s a clever way to say, “I have the best Excel tutorials on YouTube'' without  saying exactly that.

Excellent Dude YouTube channel showing niche-specific naming strategy for Excel tutorials

5. Building a Personal Brand? It’s OK to Use Your Real Name

If you’re building an online persona, your channel name doesn’t have to represent your niche. After all, the content revolves around you. Your personality is the star of the show, not tutorials and how-to advice. It seems fitting that your first and last name are what people see.

It’s tempting to do the opposite, though. You may be thinking to yourself, 

“Who clicks on a channel showing a stranger’s full name? Will I get less search traffic because I’m using my name, which no one cares about yet?”

Maybe, but don’t worry about that. If your goal is building a personal brand, have some faith and trust the process.

? This creator has a self-titled channel with more than 600,000 subscribers. And no, it didn’t take her 10 years to build that following as a personality-driven channel. After posting some popular New York videos, her subscriber count ballooned in 2019!

Stamps’ channel is about many things: minimalism, making money, traveling, and more. She could’ve named her channel something edgy and off-kilter, like Minimal Money. But even that would be too limiting for the content she creates.

OK, let’s get back to YouTube tutorials. If you’re making videos about searchable topics, like “how to change a tire,” it’s worth having a channel name that’s searchable too.

Think of all the keywords someone would use to find your content. When you have a solid list, build your YouTube channel name using a couple of those keywords. Over time, this will help you attract your target audience.

How to Find YouTube Keywords that Grow Your Channel

Here’s an example. Let’s say you have a tech channel that focuses on Apple products. You could potentially add any of these keywords to your channel name:

Some channels are using these keywords already

. They cover Apple products differently, but each channel has a keyword aligning with its purpose.

Channel Name Consistency Across Social Platforms

Your YouTube channel name goes beyond the YouTube platform. It should work well on other sites like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to create a solid identity. Consistency here makes it easier for your fans to find you.

Before settling on a name, check its availability on the most popular platforms. Even if you use them later, holding onto a consistent name avoids confusion and builds trust.

If the exact name is taken, consider adding terms like "official" or "real"

Avoid terms that tie you to one specific platform

 use nearly the same name everywhere. Consistency makes it simpler for fans and helps your brand stand out.

How to Brainstorm the Perfect YouTube Channel Name

Sometimes the best channel names are hiding in your head, and you need to solid way to pull them out. Here’s a quick brainstorming activity to get your wheels turning:

Write down some words associated with your content.

 Need an example? As a YouTube education channel, we’d write a list of creator-focused words: subscribers, views, channel growth, monetization, etc.

Write a list of words emphasizing your channel’s goal.

 Maybe you want to motivate, inspire, share news, or entertain. There’s no right or wrong answer as long as you’re honest.

Create some channel names using words from both lists.

 Don’t put yourself under too much pressure here. Even if you fail at naming your YouTube channel, you’ll have a better idea of what it 

YouTube Channel Naming Strategies by Type

 from vidIQ to get some ideas. It's an AI tool and super easy to use.

1. Enter the type of channel you want to make in the prompt box. Here, we use "Video Essays," as an example. Click Generate.

vidIQ YouTube Channel Name Generator tool interface for creating channel name ideas

2. That's it! The AI generates a list of cool YouTube channel names for you to choose from.

AI-generated YouTube channel name suggestions for content creators

More Examples of Good YouTube Channel Names

Great YouTube channel names tend to stick. Our minds remember names that bring up clear images or stir up feelings. If you're exploring YouTube channel name ideas, think about these points:

Here are some channel names that embody everything we’ve discussed:

 Reading that channel name, you know this creator shares tips to improve your charisma. Plus, “Charisma on Command” is short and catchy. We would have a hard time forgetting this channel.

 Can you craft something in five minutes? This channel says, 

. Technically, the name breaks one of our rules: Don't add a number to your YouTube channel name. But this is a rare instance where it works well and makes sense for the channel.

 If you play Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you understand what this channel is offering. “100 Percent” implies that no other games will be played – just Breath of the Wild. You might get some gameplay footage, tutorials, or how-to explainers. It’s the most accurate channel name we’ve seen and another outlier that breaks our “no numbers” rule.

 This channel shares random facts about the various blocks in Minecraft. It doesn’t have the shiniest name out there, but you know what type of content you’re getting. On top of that, “Block Facts” is easy to type without making mistakes.

 We’ve all asked our Dads how to do something, right? That’s what makes “Dad, how do I?” the perfect YouTube channel name. It’s relatable, and you know that fatherly advice is incoming.

 This channel shows viewers how to live better lives through animated storytelling. For what the channel promises, who could ask for a better name?

Picking a channel name takes some deep reflection but so does defining your channel's ultimate purpose. 



Here's how to find your niche on YouTube and stand out from other creators

YouTube play button icon with placeholder text for a customizable channel name URL.

Struggling to name your YouTube channel? Discover 6 proven tips for choosing a memorable channel name that attracts subscribers, plus real examples that work.

How to Pick a Good YouTube Channel Name

Getting 100,000 subscribers isn't easy, but we know 10 creators who pulled it off in just a few weeks. Many of them used lifelong skills, such as candy making, drawing, and video game design, to pull in hundreds of thousands of views. This proves that almost 

can find their audience on YouTube, especially when making videos about their expertise. 

These lucky creators are in the vidIQ community, so we're doubly excited about their success this month. Congratulations and welcome to 

As always, we define the vidIQ community as anyone using our growth tools to reach YouTube success. So if you've 

 to optimize your videos, find keywords, or even get video ideas, this roundup is for you. We're celebrating 

Top Channels Passing 100,000 Subscribers in December

Koryer makes skits that combine funny voiceovers and 

Great Gadgets makes videos about technology and appliances that make life easier.

Andulord posts daily Shorts about the signs of normal versus genius intelligence.

EiCurioso! Español shares tales of legendary monsters.

Quizzer Kayra shares entertaining memory tests, puzzles, and "find this" challenges.

Artist Abhimanyu makes drawing tutorials for kids and adults.

Linda Vilay makes beauty, fashion, and music videos.

 is an indie game studio that shares the reality of making video games.

They've done it again! 10 creators, who once had small channels, hit 100,000 subscribers on YouTube. Discover who they are and how they blew up so quickly!

Lydia Sweatt

Posts Written By Lydia Sweatt

How to Create a YouTube Tutorial Video: Full Guide

Starting a YouTube Channel? 9 Videos to Make Right Now

How to Pick a Good YouTube Channel Name

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

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

6 Popular Apps to Promote Your YouTube Channel

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

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

How Jenny Hoyos Gets 10M Views Per YouTube Short

How to Change Your YouTube Icon [Mobile and Desktop Guide]

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

Sam Sulek Breaks Every YouTube Rule, Still Goes Insanely Viral