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

If you're grinding for hours on each video and still seeing 12 views, including your replays, you're probably wondering: is YouTube too saturated to grow anymore?

That question haunts new creators more than the dreaded "0 views" screen. You put your heart into a video. You meticulously script, shoot, edit, and upload—and then? 

 Meanwhile, big creators are burning stacks of cash for thumbnails, and you're wondering if there's even any oxygen left in the room.

In the video above, Rob talks about all of it. Not in theory. Not with sugar-coated optimism. But with the raw, data-backed reality and the tools you can use to beat it.

How to Build the Right Mindset for YouTube Success

Over 20 million videos are uploaded to YouTube every single day. 

It's not just your niche that feels crowded—it's the whole platform. Even established creators are feeling the heat. Channels that used to pull 500K views per video are now seeing half that. The landscape has shifted dramatically, and the old playbook of "just upload consistently" isn't cutting it anymore.

But here's where it gets interesting. YouTube is thriving. It just hit a historic benchmark—12% of all TV streaming time in the U.S. That's more than Netflix. More than Disney+. It's not that people aren't watching YouTube—it's that they're not watching your video yet.

On top of that, most new creators don't actually create—they copy. You see what works in your niche and replicate it, hoping for similar results. But what you're really doing is blending into the crowd. In a saturated space, sameness is a slow death.

The platform isn't dying; it's evolving. And that evolution means a different approach from creators who want to break through the noise. Stop asking, "Is YouTube Saturated?" That's the Wrong Question. Instead, ask "Am I doing enough to stand out?"

Let's examine how creators breakthrough in oversaturated niches. Take the content space—arguably one of the most overcrowded areas being YouTube. Yet some creators manage to grow rapidly even here.

The secret isn't revolutionary content. It's revolutionary consistency in presentation. Successful creators develop visual and emotional signatures that become instantly recognizable. They use specific color schemes, maintain consistent fonts, and develop a visual language that viewers begin to associate with quality content.

This isn't about expensive production values or professional graphic design. It's about making deliberate choices and sticking to them. When someone scrolls through their subscription feed, your thumbnail should feel like seeing a familiar face in a crowd.

: Open your channel in incognito mode. Scroll through your thumbnails like a stranger would. Do you look like everyone else? If so, you've got work to do.

We've all cursed the algorithm at some point. 

: The algorithm doesn't find viewers for your video. It finds videos for viewers.

Your job is to make content that keeps people watching. That starts with a clear hook, tight editing, and a reason to stay till the end. The algorithm watches how viewers behave with your content. So think like a viewer.

Would you click your own thumbnail? Would you stay past 30 seconds? Would you share that video with a friend? If the answer is "maybe not," start there. The algorithm isn't mysterious—it's responsive. It amplifies content that audiences engage with and buries content that doesn't hold attention.

A lot of creators hit plateaus not because they aren't talented—but because they're inconsistent. And no, we're not talking hustle culture here. This isn't about 4 a.m. wake-up calls and burnout-as-a-badge-of-honor. It's about clarity and commitment.

If you've only got 5 hours a week to give to YouTube, that's not a limitation—it's your blueprint. The key is being intentional about how you spend that time:

Stick to it like clockwork. Put it on your calendar. And tell someone. Accountability is underrated—post your goals publicly, join a community, even hire a coach. But do something to stay consistent. Because in YouTube, momentum isn't just helpful. It's everything.

Creative Compound Interest: The Secret Sauce

Viral growth isn't luck. It's the end result of compound creative effort. Here's how it works in practice.

Better thumbnail design leads to more clicks. More clicks generate more data about what resonates with your audience. More data informs better scripting and pacing decisions. Better pacing results in higher watch time. Higher watch time triggers stronger algorithm recommendations. And the cycle repeats, each iteration building on the last.

The 12 Best YouTube Thumbnails People Love to Click On

But here's the part most people skip over: It takes time. Most creators quit at video 4 or 5 because they didn't blow up. But here's the truth: You're still in tutorial mode. Give it 3 to 6 months. That's 12 to 25 videos. If you're not improving, reassess. But if you are? Then you're not a beginner anymore. You're a builder!

YouTube in 2025 is not the same YouTube of 2015. Back then, you could upload a shaky vlog or a basic tutorial and find an audience. Today, it takes more. More clarity. More consistency. More craft.

But also? More opportunity. The audience is bigger than ever. The tools are better than ever. The path to monetization is clearer than ever. The question isn't whether YouTube is saturated. Are you ready to do what it takes to stand out in the crowd? 

Man overwhelmed with endless streaming options

Is YouTube too saturated to grow in 2025? Discover the truth about YouTube saturation, why most creators struggle, and how to stand out in a crowded platform with branding, consistency, and smart content strategy.

Has YouTube Become Saturated?

The live streaming market has been steadily increasing over the years and shows no signs of slowing down. According to 

a report by the Business Research company

, it will increase from a market share of $1.76 billion to $2.11 billion this year, following a 19.7% CAGR. 

Live streaming global market report by the business company

And with nearly one-third of the world actively watching these platforms, the scope is huge!

As we navigate through 2025, two giants continue to dominate the streaming ecosystem: YouTube and Twitch. While both platforms offer powerful tools for creators, they serve distinctly different purposes and audiences.

6 Things to Do Before Your First YouTube Live Stream

The core distinction between YouTube and Twitch lies in their approach to content visibility and audience engagement. In the video below, Dan breaks down exactly how that manifests on the specific websites, so be sue to check it out!

Twitch thrives on real-time interaction. It’s where your community shows up for you 

 you’re live. The energy is immediate, the audience is engaged, and the experience is immersive. But the downside? When you’re not live, your presence fades fast. Even with new tools like tags and clips, Twitch is still a platform that demands consistent, live availability to stay relevant.

If your strength lies in live performance and community engagement, Twitch makes sense. But know this: you’ll need to be present to stay seen.

YouTube flips the model. Live streams live on as searchable content, feeding an algorithm that keeps pushing your content to new viewers long after you hit "end stream." A strong video or stream on YouTube can keep paying dividends for months. You’re not just building for the now; you’re investing in content that grows legs.

This difference makes YouTube especially valuable if you want your content to be found organically, on viewers’ terms, not just while you're live.

YouTube wins hands down when it comes to accessibility. It’s everywhere—smart TVs, consoles, phones, browsers. Viewers stumble across content casually, which is gold for discovery. Livestreams appear right next to regular videos, so users don’t need to dig for them.

Creator live streaming video games on computer

Twitch, by contrast, is still a niche hub. You go there 

 you want to watch a stream. It’s less integrated into casual media consumption, which limits passive discovery.

YouTube's ubiquity gives it a significant edge in terms of accessibility. The platform is seamlessly integrated into virtually every digital device, from smart TVs and gaming consoles to smartphones and tablets. This universal presence means your content can reach viewers wherever they consume media.

The financial aspect of streaming represents another crucial differentiator between these platforms, with each offering distinct approaches to creator compensation.

different monetization models of YouTube and Twitch

YouTube has lowered its barriers to early monetization

, creating more accessible entry points for emerging creators:

Initial features like Super Chats and Channel Memberships unlock at just 500 subscribers and 3,000 watch hours

Full partnership requires 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 watch hours or 10 million Shorts views in the past 12 months

Content continues generating income long after publication

Perhaps most importantly, YouTube's monetization strength lies in the extended lifecycle of content. Streams that performed well live can continue generating ad revenue indefinitely as VODs, creating a compounding effect that builds sustainable income over time. Major creators like 

 have reported YouTube ad revenue exceeding Twitch earnings by factors of 10x or more for identical content.

Twitch offers a more immediate path to initial monetization but with less favorable terms:

Affiliate status requires just 50 followers and an average of 3 concurrent viewers

Revenue splits are less generous at 50/50 for subscriptions

Income generation effectively stops when streams end

Bits (virtual currency for tipping) and direct donations supplement subscription income

The platform's advantage lies in its audience behavior. Twitch viewers are culturally conditioned to financially support creators through subscriptions, bits, and 

 benefits. This creates a more predictable income stream for established streamers with loyal communities.

Going Live on YouTube: 8 Genius Hacks for Monetizing Your Streams

The Multi-streaming Solution: Combining Platform Strengths

For many creators, the YouTube vs Twitch debate has evolved beyond choosing one platform over another. Multi-streaming, which is broadcasting simultaneously to both platforms, has emerged as a powerful strategy that leverages the strengths of each ecosystem while mitigating their weaknesses.

multi-streaming on different platforms simultaneously

Tools like Restream and Stream Yard have simplified the technical challenges of broadcasting to multiple destinations, allowing creators to:

Maintain their interactive Twitch community while gaining YouTube's discoverability

Let audiences choose their preferred platform without forcing migration

Increase overall reach by existing in multiple content ecosystems

Build platform-specific audience engagement strategies

However, multi-streaming comes with potential drawbacks. Attention divided between multiple chat feeds can dilute engagement quality, and analytics become more complex to track and optimize. The strategy works best when creators have sufficient bandwidth—both technical and attentional—to manage multiple platforms effectively.

Twitch maintains a significant advantage in terms of creator tools and interactive features. The platform's open API has fostered a rich ecosystem of third-party applications and extensions that enhance the streaming experience. This allows for advanced interactivity, including:

Channel point redemptions that trigger on-stream events

These tools facilitate a deeply immersive and participatory viewing experience that keeps audiences engaged throughout longer broadcasts.

YouTube, on the other hand, has made considerable strides in upgrading interactive capabilities too. They now offer:

Fundraising goals for charity streams or creator milestones

Gifted memberships to promote community support

Enhanced chat functionality with improved moderation tools

While these features have narrowed the gap with Twitch, YouTube still lacks the deeply embedded interactivity that makes Twitch streams feel like communal events rather than passive viewing experiences.

Understanding the unique growth mechanics of each platform allows creators to optimize their approach whether choosing one platform or pursuing a multiplatform strategy.

Consistent scheduling to build viewing habits

Heavy emphasis on chat interaction and community building

Strategic use of collaborative streams to tap into established audiences

Leveraging Twitch's newer discoverability features like tags and clips

Creating memorable stream moments that encourage clip sharing

Creating searchable, keyword-optimized titles and descriptions

Developing content that works both live and as VODs

Repurposing stream highlights into shorter, algorithm-friendly clips

Maintaining a regular publishing cadence beyond just livestreams

Utilizing YouTube Shorts as a discovery funnel for your main content

The YouTube vs Twitch debate doesn’t end with a clear winner; it ends with 

. Your style, goals, and bandwidth all factor into the right call. Some creators go all in on one platform. Others multi-stream or even explore YouTube vs Twitch alternatives like 

Adaptability is the name of the game in 2025. The most successful creators don’t just ride trends they stay nimble, explore streaming platforms

Twitch, and meet their audiences wherever they are.

check out these 5 tools that can improve your stream

Understand the difference between the two biggest live streaming platforms on the globe and what works best for you.

YouTube vs Twitch: The Best Choice in 2025

, but it’s not going to get any views by just sitting there.

So how do you optimize YouTube Shorts so they get as many views as possible? First, you need to understand what makes successful Shorts stand out. Once you put that knowledge to use, you can dramatically boost your view count and audience engagement.

So, where do we start? Let’s begin with how you can find new ideas for your YouTube Shorts by leveraging proven methods and practical research techniques.

The Power of Studying Other Successful YouTube Shorts

One of the most effective ways to increase viewership is by studying other creators’ successful content. Watching Shorts regularly helps identify patterns and trends that resonate with audiences. However, determining which Shorts perform exceptionally well isn’t always straightforward.

This is where data-driven research becomes crucial. 

Learning about the YouTube Shorts algorithm

 and having access to performance metrics improves your understanding of what content does well.

Using Data to Identify High-Performing Content

is a game-changer for identifying high performing Shorts. By displaying key metrics as you browse, it highlights valuable insights to help you see what YouTube Shorts do well. This tool provides:

View count relative to channel average (to spot "outliers")

Current hourly view rate
Engagement percentage (likes, comments, etc.)

This data allows you to pinpoint which Shorts are outperforming yours and which aren't gaining traction. The ability to streamline your research will directly impact how effectively you can create engaging Shorts content

When you encounter a YouTube Short with extraordinary performance numbers (e.g., 4.8 million views from a channel with under 100,000 subscribers), take the time to analyze it. For instance, a creator like 

 garnered 25 million views by transforming a Coke can into art, leveraging a visually striking hook right from the start.

When you see a video like this, ask yourself:

Did it have a compelling visual hook in the first second?

How did the creator structure the content?

Learning from underperforming content is just as important as studying successes. For example, you might see a Short that has good content, not many views, but might benefit from something like having multiple camera angles. Avoiding such pitfalls is a key step to optimization.

Key Strategies for Optimizing Your YouTube Shorts


Capturing attention in the first few seconds is critical. Use a striking visual, surprising fact, or engaging question to ensure viewers keep watching.


While Shorts can be up to 3 minutes, shorter videos (15 – 30 seconds) often perform better. Keep your content concise and impactful to maximize watch time and increase views.

 can boost click-through rates. Vibrant colors, bold text, and clear imagery can make your content truly stand out.


Trending sounds and music can enhance your Shorts and increase discoverability. Leveraging audio trends is a smart way to increase traction with your Shorts.


Participating in popular challenges or trends can expose your Shorts to a broader audience. Adding your unique twist will further increase your reach.


Hashtags improve discoverability. Adding trending and niche-specific hashtags ensures your Shorts reach the right audience.


Interacting with viewers builds community and loyalty. 

 and encourage engagement to harness the power of your audience.


Partnering with other YouTubers can introduce you to new audiences, creating opportunities to increase views.

 to monitor metrics like views, watch time, and engagement. Refining your strategy based on data insights is essential to consistently increasing viewership.


Regular uploads keep your audience engaged and returning for more. A consistent posting schedule is key to maintaining momentum with viewers.

After gathering insights, apply them strategically to your content. Test successful hooks, avoid common pitfalls, and adapt winning formats to your niche.

To optimize your YouTube Shorts, you need a combination of data-driven research and creative execution. By studying successful content, optimizing your strategy, and staying consistent, you can create Shorts that both captivate and drive viewership.

4 expert tips to grow your channel using YouTube Shorts

Optimize YouTube Shorts by studying trends, using hooks, optimizing content, leveraging data, and engaging consistently.

How to Optimize YouTube Shorts

The creator economy is experiencing a technological transformation. AI tools with automated features and simplicity of use have democratized thumbnail creation, allowing anyone to produce professional-looking images in seconds. You don’t need to be a design expert to become a thumbnail maker anymore!

creator working with AI thumbnail generator

This is great news for creators of all sizes, but particularly new ones. With minimal input, creators can generate eye-catching graphics complete with bold text, vibrant colors, and visual elements that these tools conjure platform-ready thumbnails within minutes. So, it is no surprise that YouTube is quickly getting filled up with them in all corners.

How To Make Attention Grabbing Custom Thumbnails on YouTube with vidIQ

As OpenAI brought an update on image generation earlier this year

, creating high-quality graphics has become more achievable for every creator. Our creator and thumbnail wizard, John, discusses what all of that would mean in the video below.

But here's the catch: as these AI-generated thumbnails proliferate across YouTube, they're creating a sea of sameness, professionally designed yet strangely hollow. So, the most crucial question here is, how do you retain your identity while using thumbnail generators?

Beyond Pretty Pictures: What Makes Thumbnails Work

A successful YouTube thumbnail isn't just aesthetically pleasing; it's strategically crafted. The best thumbnails consist of what John calls the "Three Cs" in the video:

Does your thumbnail create a question in the viewer's mind? Does it make them want to discover more?

Can someone understand your video's value proposition at a single glance?

Does your thumbnail stand out when placed alongside competitors?

AI may excel at creating visually appealing images, but it often falls short on the first two elements. AI-generated thumbnails catch the eye momentarily, but they rarely tell a story or create emotional resonance. They look good without saying anything meaningful.

That's precisely where human creativity maintains its edge. Effective thumbnail creation isn't just about arranging visual elements—it's about understanding psychology, crafting compelling messages, and thinking like a storyteller.

How to Choose a Winning Thumbnail Style for Your YouTube Channe

The Counter-Intuitive Power of "Anti-Trending"

Here's where things get interesting: in a YouTube landscape increasingly dominated by AI-enhanced perfection, imperfection is becoming a powerful differentiator.

Consider these counter-intuitive approaches:

A simple, unedited screenshot instead of an over-processed image

A minimalist thumbnail with sparse text rather than information overload

An authentic, unfiltered photo instead of an AI-smoothed portrait

These "anti-trend" approaches are gaining traction not because they're easier to produce, but because they signal authenticity in a feed saturated with artificial polish. When everything looks the same—slick, hyper-optimized, and AI-enhanced—different wins the click.

AI can only remix what already exists. Human creativity can innovate, surprise, and connect on a deeper level.

The Platform Response: How YouTube Might Adapt

YouTube's algorithm has always evolved in response to creator behavior. As AI-generated thumbnails flood the system, we might see significant shifts in how YouTube evaluates and promotes content:

Decreased emphasis on CTR (Click-Through Rate): 

YouTube could start prioritizing metrics like watch time or audience retention over raw clicks, especially if flashy thumbnails consistently lead to disappointing content.

 Platforms may eventually implement systems to identify and potentially penalize content using AI in misleading ways.

Returns to automatic thumbnail selection: 

YouTube might revive aspects of its original approach, where the platform selected video frames automatically rather than relying on creator-designed thumbnails.

In essence, the platform could begin rewarding authentic representation over pure aesthetics—a shift that would favor genuine creators over automation.

If you're a content creator feeling the pressure of AI competition, remember that adaptation doesn't mean surrender. Here's how to maintain your edge:

 Approach thumbnails as communication tools, not just pretty pictures. Every thumbnail is essentially a pitch for your video—make it tell a compelling story.

Experiment with "anti-trend" approaches: 

Try using simple screenshots, hand-drawn elements, or authentic candid moments. Test what resonates with your specific audience.

Directly ask your viewers which thumbnails caught their attention or felt most authentic to your brand. Real human feedback trumps algorithmic suggestions.

Leverage AI thumbnail makers for ideation or drafting, but let your creative judgment make the final decisions. AI should enhance your process, not replace your perspective.

Learn strategic approaches to combat the sameness produced by AI thumbnail generators and how to leverage these tools as a thumbnail maker without sacrificing your unique creative edge.

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

Has YouTube Become Saturated?

YouTube vs Twitch: The Best Choice in 2025

How to Optimize YouTube Shorts

Are AI Thumbnail Makers Destroying YouTube?

18 Powerful YouTube Shorts Hooks That Go Viral [2025 Guide]

How to Create Signature YouTube Gaming Content

Monetize Your YouTube Channel in As Little As 30 Days

Creator Earnings Overhaul: YouTube's 2025 Money Update

The TikTok Ban Date is Coming: Are You Prepared?

How to Create Successful YouTube Collaborations: 6 Essential Tips for Creators

How to Make a YouTube Short In 2025: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

How Does the YouTube Shorts Algorithm Work in 2025?

YouTube Partner Program: How to Monetize with Only 500 Subscribers