Gaining your first 1,000 subscribers on YouTube

 is a common goal but often feels like an uphill battle, right? Even if you’re producing quality content, the initial struggle can feel endless. So, what’s the deal? Why does it seem so challenging to reach this milestone, even for creators who pour hours into their videos? What is the easiest way to get 1,000 subscribers on YouTube? Should you try to go viral with a trendy video that gets millions of views?

How to Get More YouTube Subscribers on a Small Channel

All these are valid questions and need to be inspected deeper. So, let’s dive into what might be holding you back—and, more importantly, what can propel you forward. Here’s a three-pillar strategy that simplifies the path to 1,000 subscribers, no matter what niche you're in.

But first, watch the video below to learn more about these pillars of YouTube growth from the main man Rob Wilson himself:

Why is it Hard to Reach 1,000 Subscribers?

Before we jump into strategies, knowing why this milestone can be tricky is helpful. Most creators face a few main challenges:

With millions of videos on YouTube, standing out is hard.

YouTube’s algorithm favors channels that keep viewers on the platform longer. If your videos aren’t connected, they may not keep viewers coming back.

Many creators start off strong but hit a wall when they realize it takes more than quality content to grow.

Sound familiar? These factors make gaining traction tough, but with the right strategy, you can set yourself up for quicker growth. Let’s explore a three-pillar strategy to get you there.

How to Get 1,000 Subscribers on YouTube (Fast and Free)

1. Identify Your Top ‘Suggested’ Videos and Make ‘Linked’ Videos 

Think of your videos as a connected series rather than standalone content. When each video naturally links to the next, viewers are more likely to stay on your channel and watch multiple videos—this improves watch time, viewer retention, and eventually, subscriber count.

OK, here’s where the fun starts. Now that you have dozens of videos to analyze, you can go into the YouTube Studio and see which ones perform well. This is crucial to gaining 1,000 subscribers; your absolute best videos – not the average performers – are more likely to make people subscribe.

 These are the videos YouTube recommends to viewers based on what they’ve already watched or what they might watch next. So essentially, YouTube will “pair” one video with another if people frequently watch them “together” on the platform.

Understanding the YouTube Algorithm in 2024

If someone watches a video about how to get more subscribers on YouTube, they might see some of the suggested videos below. These could appear as a “watch next” prompt within the video, on the right side of the screen (pictured below, as seen on desktop), or below the video being watched (mobile).

Follow these steps to see your top five suggested videos:

Make sure you’re on the Overview tab, then click 

 below the graph that shows views, Watch Time, estimated revenue, and subscribers.

From the list of secondary metrics, select 

 (in the top right corner) to make sure you get enough data.

Your suggested videos list should look something like this:

Top suggested videos from vidIQ's channel

Write down the top five videos on your list, and for each one, film a companion video on the same topic. As YouTube suggests "pairs" of videos to viewers, you'll give the algorithm popular but similar content to pull from.

: If each of your videos feels random or disconnected, you risk losing viewer interest after just one. Ask yourself: 

How can I connect this video to the previous one?

: Staying within a niche builds a recognizable brand and helps YouTube understand where to categorize your content. Think of a mini-series approach to keep the audience engaged and the algorithm in your favor.

When your content is interconnected, it’s easier to build a dedicated audience who keep coming back--and it's something we witnessed first-hand in the vidIQ YouTube channel itself. 

2. Use Shock Value for Clickable Titles and Thumbnails

Why it Works: People are busy, and you’ve got a fraction of a second to grab their attention. Titles and thumbnails are often the deciding factor on whether someone clicks on your video or scrolls past. Add a bit of “shock value” to make them stop, look, and click.

This doesn’t mean over-the-top clickbait but something that piques curiosity. Could you make the viewer wonder, How did they do that? Or why did they say that?

Use elements of surprise or contrast in your titles and thumbnails. For example, instead of “Easy Pasta Recipe,” try something like, “How to Make Restaurant-Quality Pasta in 3 Minutes.”

1. What would make your title more clickable without being misleading? Would adding a time constraint (e.g., “in 3 minutes”) make it more intriguing?

2. Can you include a surprise element in your thumbnail? For example, if you’re showing a recipe, maybe a “before” and “after” shot could create curiosity.

Ask yourself, “What will make someone do a double-take on my thumbnail or title?” Sometimes, the simplest tweaks (like “fastest,” “weirdest,” or “easiest”) can make a huge difference.

If your thumbnails are too “safe,” consider adding bold text, split screens, or emojis to create a visual contrast that draws in the eye.

Think of your titles and thumbnails as the first impression of your video—make sure they grab attention without losing credibility. Don’t leave these crucial elements as an afterthought. Plan your titles and thumbnails before filming to ensure you deliver what’s promised and keep your content focused.

3. Identify Your Top 5 ‘Search’ Topics. Make Similar Content

Out of all the videos you’ve made, how many of them are searchable? Do they address problems people are always trying to solve? If so, find out which video topics are most helpful to viewers.

You can do this by identifying the top five search terms on your channel. These are video topics that perform well in the 

. Getting views in this area means people are clicking on your videos after searching a specific term or phrase.

YouTube SERP for "how to get 1000 subscribers"

Here’s how to find your most popular search topics:

From the list of traffic sources, select 

Next, you’ll see a list of your channel's popular search content.

Traffic source from YouTube search on vidIQ's channel

 Then make additional content using the same topics. If things work out, you’ll reach new viewers who are constantly searching for such videos. That creates an opportunity to snag more subscribers.

4. Figure Out Which Videos Attract the Most Subscribers

This might be the most straightforward tip on our list. When viewers hit subscribe, they probably watched an awesome video beforehand. But not every video convinces people to join your community. That’s why our next strategy is pure gold: Go into the YouTube Studio and identify which videos bring in the most subscribers.

Source of subscribers from YouTube watch page in vidIQ's channel.

Take a look at your top five videos; this is the content that convinces viewers to hit subscribe.

Pick one video from your list and make an additional video about the same topic. If the original video is working for you, a follow-up could potentially increase your subscribers.

Viewer retention, or how long people watch your videos, is a key metric that YouTube’s algorithm uses to recommend your content. Viewers who stay engaged signal to YouTube that your video is worth promoting.

: The longer people watch, the better your video will rank and be recommended. Hook viewers in from the beginning and keep them watching till the end.

: Try mini hooks at various points in your video, like posing a question or offering an incentive (e.g., a downloadable guide at the end).

What can you do in the first 10 seconds to make viewers stay? Could you ask a question or share an interesting fact?

Are there spots in your video where viewer interest may dip? Can you add a teaser or “re-hook” at these points?

: Drop hints about what’s coming up later in the video to keep curiosity high. For example, “Stay tuned to find out the one trick that saved me $100…”

: If your video is a tutorial, promise a free checklist or resource at the end to motivate viewers to stick around.

When you prioritize retention, you’re more likely to see organic growth through YouTube’s recommendations. And you don't have to accept the claim just because we say it. From our channel analytics, we found out that videos optimized for retention saw an improved view count compared to others. 

Reaching 1,000 subscribers doesn’t have to be an endless grind. With a strategic approach that focuses on linked videos, eye-catching thumbnails, and retention-boosting tactics, you can simplify the process. And if you're in need of more motivation, check out 

how much money you can expect to earn once you reach 1,000 subscribers!

Orange play button with vidIQ logo, green vines, and upward trending arrow on orange background

Is there a foolproof way to get 1,000 subscribers on YouTube? Yes! Here are five amazing tips to reach that big goal.

The Easiest Way to Get 1,000 Subscribers on YouTube

Are you looking for the best way to get more subscribers on YouTube? You're in luck because this post is all about growing a small YouTube channel from scratch! We'll show you how to get discovered by the right viewers, convince them to hit subscribe, and attract loyal fans for years to come.

In this 9-minute video above, Rob talks about how small channels can hack the algorithm to get more subscribers and views with increasing consistency. Watch to know more!

But that's just the beginning. With these tips, you can join the YouTube Partner Program 

 with these tips and monetize your content through fan funding. You could even snag 

! 

So, do you have a topic you want to explore on YouTube? If so, that's all you need to get started. Let's dive in!

1. Search for High Volume, Low Competition Keywords

A YouTube keyword, "anime champions simulator," showing high search volume and low competition

To get discovered on YouTube, it's best to enhance your content with keywords. 

 is a word (or group of words) that allows search engines, particularly on YouTube, to understand your content and recommend it to viewers. You can place keywords in video titles, video descriptions, chapters, and even captions.

However, you'll get views faster if you choose keywords with a high volume of searches and low competition.

 = Thousands of viewers type the keyword into the YouTube search bar every month.

 = Few channels use the keyword or rank highly for it on YouTube.

Our newest tool, global rising keywords, will help you find popular, non-competitive terms for your channel. 

2. Write Titles and Descriptions that Spark Emotion

Finance youtuber graham stephen uses video title, "why I stopped drinking alcohol."

Crafting video titles (and descriptions) that pull an emotional response out of viewers is a game-changer. Whether it's curiosity, excitement, or even controversy, intriguing titles are what bring viewers to your channel so they can eventually become subscribers.

Title writing is a skill that takes years to develop. But you can 

 by simply adding power phrases to them, such as:

These conversation starters are designed to put viewers on 

What am I missing out on? What does this person know that I don't?

Take this same approach when writing your video description, which should give an accurate summary of the video and get viewers excited to click on it. Don't forget to add relevant keywords throughout!

3. Create Videos that Target Your Viewers' Desires

An excited man looking at his phone in shock

Connecting with viewers is about more than chasing the right topics. It helps to know 

 people care about those topics so you can cater to the deeper, stickier desire they're feeling. Those details are usually hiding within a sub-niche!

For instance, let's say you have a YouTube channel for camera enthusiasts. While 

, you notice that viewers are using popular search terms like "how to create cinematic videos" and "how to make colors pop in a video." 

Reading those keywords, it's clear that viewers aren't merely interested in cameras as a technology; 

 of subscribers on YouTube by making videos and 

The 47 Best YouTube Niches, According to Viewers

4. Use YouTube Shorts to Drive Viewers to Long-Form Content 

someone laying down watching a youtube short

YouTube Shorts are a fantastic way to get discovered, but let's be honest: 60 seconds isn't a lot of time to fully engage a viewer. The real magic happens in your longer videos. So, why not use Shorts as a teaser for your meatier content? This is easier than ever with 

, a new feature YouTube announced in September.

Related links appear near the bottom of a YouTube Short and direct viewers to a video of the creator's choosing. That could be a livestream, a long-form video, or another Short they created. However, linking to a longer video will help you generate more subscribers on YouTube.

5. Study and Master YouTube Storytelling 

 — not just making lots of videos — is the key to growing your subscriber count quickly. A compelling video makes people stick around for longer, engage with more content, and understand 

You don't have to learn storytelling from scratch, though. There's a proven format used in movies, books, and even TV shows to keep audience members engaged. It's called the three-act story structure.

): Set the stage, introduce your characters, and give them a challenge that pushes them out of their comfort zone.

: Throw your characters into action and let the story escalate until there's an all-out crisis.

: Keep escalating the conflict until there's a climax, then let your protagonist save the day.

6. Create a Video Series Based on Your Viewers' Interests

Creating a series is an underrated way to gain more subscribers on YouTube. It gives your existing subscribers something to look forward to while making your channel look more attractive to new viewers. If your series solves a core problem for viewers, such as making more money, beating a video game, or cooking on a budget, they'll find a reason to stick around.

To get started, identify which topics or videos have the highest engagement on your channel. Then 

7. Create Unique, Remixed Versions of Popular Videos

Running out of video ideas is a problem many people face on YouTube. But what if we told you that YouTube is filled with ideas you can remix and mold to your perspective? To get started, you just need to know 

 and what their popular videos are about. Then you can add something unique to the conversation!

This doesn't mean copying other creators outright; it means rehashing and reinterpreting those ideas through your own creative lens. This will attract viewers who enjoyed the original content but are looking for something fresh. And remember: Fresh channels are bound to gain fresh subscribers!

While you may have launched your YouTube channel as a platform for self-expression, remember that you're ultimately creating content for an audience. One of the most effective ways to earn their trust and loyalty is to involve them in the video-making process. 

How can you do this? Consider running a YouTube poll to ask viewers which videos they want to see next! This, hands down, is the easiest way to get more subscribers on YouTube for free. You're seeking direction from the people you serve, and you can't go wrong with that approach!

9. Identify Videos that Attract Subscribers

The best way to add more subscribers to your channel is by identifying videos that turn viewers into subscribers. 

In the YouTube Studio, go to Analytics > See more > Subscribers by content. This will show you a list of videos that attract the most subscribers to your channel. Study the list carefully, then devise a plan to make similar videos in the future.

a youtube video that convinces thousands to subscribe to vidIQ

On YouTube, a content gap is any video that's missing from your channel, especially when compared to your overall niche. For example, an ice cream channel may have covered everything about the sweet treat, including flavors, textures, and colors. But what about 

 That's a content gap if the ice cream channel 

And just imagine: What if viewers are interested in the topic, but the creator just isn't making that video? They're losing out on crucial views that may lead to subscriptions.

Closing these gaps doesn't take much effort — just observational research! Go to other channels in your niche and see what they're posting on YouTube. If you notice ideas and concepts that aren't on your channel, pick up your camera and start recording them!

11. Try New Video Ideas While Retaining What Makes You Special

YouTube moves fast, so keeping up is imperative if you want to see thousands of people flock to your channel. That's why experimenting is such a fantastic idea when you're just starting out. It never hurts to try new video ideas or storytelling formats because that's the best way to learn your audience. Just be careful not to abandon the spark that makes you...you!

Before you make a new video, ask yourself three questions:

Is this idea more innovative than my last one?

Does it cater to a specific interest of my viewers?

If you can say yes three times, it's a good idea to try!

Growing a Small Channel Is Tough, But Not Impossible

We know growing a small channel isn't easy, so these aren't your everyday, run-of-the-mill tips. They are unique strategies to help you stand out and find your footing as a creator.

Remember, every big YouTuber started with zero subscribers, just like you. So keep creating, keep engaging, and most importantly, keep being you!

In the meantime, learn 8 ways to help viewers subscribe to your channel.

image showing 2,300 subscribers on small youtube channel

Green upward arrow with YouTube, vidIQ logos, megaphone, and thumbs-up icons on green background

Boosting your subscriber count on YouTube just got a million times easier. With these 11 tips and tricks, you can cut through the confusion and grow your audience!

In today’s world of endless streaming content, quality is what differentiates engaging videos from those that fail to hold attention. For creators on YouTube, focusing on what viewers value most can lead to higher watch times, increased viewer loyalty, and ultimately, a successful channel.

But what is quality and how do viewers on YouTube define it? While the answer might seem entirely subjective, certain factors need consideration.

, research on this very subject unearths that

91% of EMEA viewers that high-quality content is what delivers both technically and emotionally.

Let’s understand what that means and dive further into the topic!

To stand out on YouTube, it’s essential to understand how viewers perceive quality, which isn’t just about technical polish. Quality content on YouTube blends visual standards with emotional resonance, and the platform’s recent research backs this up.

10 Things Every Small YouTube Channel Can Improve

High-definition visuals and clear audio are essential, but they’re only a baseline expectation. While technical clarity ensures that viewers can easily follow along, it doesn’t necessarily create engagement.

According to the studies, when videos meet basic technical standards, they retain viewers better because there’s no disruption or distraction caused by poor video or audio quality.

 What truly engages viewers is content that resonates on a personal level. Neuroscience research highlighted in YouTube’s study shows that people are more likely to remember content that elicits a strong emotional response. Ads embedded within such content are better received and more effective because viewers feel more connected to the material.

man and woman watching content and enjoying

 Personal storytelling is particularly effective; creators who share genuine stories or connect on relatable experiences draw higher engagement and build lasting viewer relationships. This explains why genres like vlogging, storytelling, and heartfelt commentary are so popular on the platform.

 For younger audiences, particularly Gen Z, personalized content plays a key role in engagement. This group values content that reflects their specific interests and perspectives, contributing to higher satisfaction and repeated viewership.

Consider focusing on niche topics that resonate with your target audience. If your content aligns with viewers’ values or passions, you’re more likely to cultivate a loyal following.

How to Make the Viewing Experience Easier as a Creator

Ensuring a smooth, user-friendly viewing experience is very important for creators. YouTube creators can enhance watch time by optimizing accessibility and meeting viewers where they are in their watching habits.

How to Turn Silent Viewers into YouTube Subscribers

Accessibility features like subtitles and clear, descriptive thumbnails make a big difference. Subtitles allow viewers to follow along without sound and make content accessible to non-native or hearing-impaired speakers.

Additionally, organizing content into playlists creates a natural flow that encourages viewers to continue watching related videos.

YouTube’s analytics tools provide creators with data on peak viewing times, preferred video lengths, and viewer demographics. Tailoring content around these insights increases the chance of catching viewers when they’re most likely to engage.

Example: Creators who post shorter videos may find increased watch times if their audience skews younger and prefers concise content.

Prompting Viewer Engagement with Calls to Action

By strategically using calls to action (CTAs), creators can turn passive viewers into engaged subscribers. Asking viewers to comment or share their thoughts provides a sense of involvement while prompting them to subscribe ensures that they’ll be notified of future uploads.

Rather than inserting CTAs only at the end, creators can prompt engagement throughout the video, making it a more natural part of the experience.

What Makes Good Quality Content on YouTube?

Creating quality content requires a balanced approach between high production standards and authentic storytelling. Let’s break down what that looks like:

Viewers expect quality, but they’re also drawn to authenticity. Content that feels “real” tends to perform better than overly produced or scripted material. YouTube’s findings show that authenticity fosters trust, which directly translates to viewer loyalty.

Two women enjoying content on the computer

 “Behind-the-scenes” glimpses, or creators who share their honest opinions, offer a level of relatability that appeals to audiences. Content that shows creators as they are, without filters, helps bridge the gap between creator and viewer.

Providing Value with Purposeful Content: 

Quality content provides clear value, whether it’s educating, entertaining, or inspiring viewers. Each video should have a purpose, and delivering on that purpose helps build a reputation as a reliable content source.

Identify the intent behind each piece of content. A “how-to” video should prioritize clarity and actionable steps, while a lifestyle vlog may focus on creating an entertaining narrative.

Consistency in Style and Upload Frequency: 

To build an audience, creators must be consistent in both their style and posting schedule. A cohesive aesthetic or tone helps establish a recognizable brand, while regular uploads build anticipation and habit among viewers.

How to Find Out the Best Time to Publish a Video on YouTube

Aim for a regular upload schedule and stick to it. Channels with dependable posting patterns retain viewers because audiences know when to expect new content.

To maximize watch time, creators should understand that quality goes beyond just production value. It’s about blending the technical with the emotional, delivering a memorable experience that feels both accessible and genuinely engaging.

Wondering what kind of content would help you deliver that? We've got you covered! Here are 

10 types of videos that attract more watch time on YouTube.

Family enjoying content viewing experience

vidIQ logo with clock, YouTube icon, trophy, and upward arrow symbolizing video growth

What does quality mean for YouTube viewers? Find out how to create valuable content while attracting more watch time!

Quality Watch Time: How Viewers Define It

Halloween is right around the corner and one of the biggest and most celebrated tentpole events of the year. Thousands of creators have already been publishing content around the topic on YouTube like every other year. But, like always, there are still major opportunities to create videos about the holiday 
So, what keywords and terms related to Halloween have YouTube users been searching for around this event in the last 30 days? Let's dive in.

If you plan on a Halloween-inspired video, you need to know what keywords YouTube viewers search for. You should also know when they are searching for that content so you can maximize your video’s viewing potential. 

vidIQ Keyword tool results for matching keywords with halloween

, we can confirm that the following are the most searched Halloween keywords and phrases on YouTube right now:

When Are Viewers Searching for Halloween Content on YouTube?

YouTube is an extraordinary place to find content on almost any subject under the sun. However, interest in that content is often seasonal, especially when it comes to tentpole or holiday events.

According to Google Trends for YouTube, interest from YouTube viewers in Halloween has risen steadily over the past five years. Interest starts to peak around the end of August and lasts right through to the beginning of November. Of course, there are no big surprises there, but a good strategy would be to publish a couple of weeks ahead of October 31st to attract those views and engagements.

Don’t forget that tentpole content is evergreen so if you’ve published any Halloween clips on YouTube in the past, and you believe the videos are still relevant, 

update your titles and custom thumbnails to see if can leverage the interest in the content that always comes this way this time of year.

Halloween search volume over 5 years on Google Trends

When viewers search for content on YouTube, they usually have a question or an intent in mind. They want an answer on a particular topic or a query with this topical interest around Halloween. 

Having said that, there are broadly three categories under which most of these highly searched terms fall under. These are the kinds of videos viewers look for the most, so as a creator, you'd want to give special attention to them. Let's break them down below:

Top 10 Halloween Costume Keywords: YouTube

A look at the topmost searched-for keywords brings up a lot of search intent around costumes for Halloween, so let’s take a deeper dive into what viewers are interested in around this category:

matching terms for "halloween costumes" on vidIQ keyword tool

Most of the keywords in this category have a medium difficulty for an opportunity to rank on search, as indicated by the number denoted beside them.

If you want an idea of the type of Halloween costume videos that YouTube viewers love, the search results will give you one. It seems like tutorial-type videos perform the best

Top 10 Halloween Music Keywords on YouTube

Another big winner in this topic is music. Content on this search term generates great interest. Here are the top keywords in this category:

matching terms for "halloween music" on vidIQ keyword tool

Halloween is just around the corner! Here are the most searched keywords on YouTube around this spooky event.

Uttaran Samaddar

Posts Written By Uttaran Samaddar

The Easiest Way to Get 1,000 Subscribers on YouTube

How to Get More YouTube Subscribers on a Small Channel

Quality Watch Time: How Viewers Define It

Top 15 Halloween Keywords on YouTube

4 Reasons to Start Adding YouTube Captions to Your Videos

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