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

Throughout the last year, YouTube has rolled out many updates on the platform for creators. While some of these updates are minor, several have changed how we look at YouTube forever. And when we peek into the future, it doesn't look like the pace of innovation will be slowing anytime soon.

To help you stay informed, we've compiled the biggest YouTube updates every creator should know!

phone laying on pile of money and showing youtube logo

 is the most important step in growing a sustainable career. And YouTube seems to have acknowledged that loud and clear. Changes to the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), Shorts monetization, and the positioning of video ads are helping creators earn 

 for joining the YPP. However, this new monetization tier doesn't include ad revenue. Creators can make money through fan funding instead, via features like Super Chats, Super Thanks, Channel Memberships, and the shopping feature.

You can apply to the YPP as soon as you have:

3,000 public watch hours in the previous 12 months (instead of 4,000)

If YouTube rejects your YPP application, you can re-apply in 21 days instead of waiting the original 30 days. Also, creators who are rejected a second time will have to wait 90 days before reapplying.

This Update Could Change the YouTube Partner Program Forever

Creators can earn ad revenue from YouTube Shorts now, and there's a new pathway to get there: 1,000 subscribers plus 10 million Shorts views over 90 days. However,

 the monetization structure for Shorts is different.

YouTube pools all of the Shorts ad revenue on its platform.

YouTube calculates how much money goes to the creator pool, which depends on views and music usage across all Shorts. If creators use no music in their Shorts, they retain all of the revenue at this point. If they use music, the revenue is split between the creator pool and music publishers.

YouTube distributes the ad revenue to monetized Shorts creators. This is based on a creator's total share of Shorts views on the platform, whether that's 5%, 10%, 15%, etc.

Creators keep 45% of their revenue share.

Instead of allowing you to select the video ads you want to show, such as pre-rolls, post-rolls, skippable, or non-skippable, YouTube will make those decisions for you. It will happen automatically when you decide to monetize an upload.

YouTube Monetization Update: Key Changes for Video Ads

YouTube has said that activating pre-roll ads can potentially boost revenue by over 15%, with a watch time reduction of less than 5%. Creators will still have full control over mid-roll ads and can place them manually.

Creators who use coarse language in the first 7 seconds of a video are still eligible for monetization (unless harsh profanity is used throughout the video). Here are the exact rules:

Not all kinds of profanity will be treated the same. Words like "f**k" are now classified as "stronger profanity," while "b***h," "d***ebag," "a**hole," and "s**t" are all considered "moderate" profanities.

Videos containing “moderate” profanity will be eligible for complete monetization. Those containing “stronger” profanity in the first 7 seconds will receive limited monetization.

You won't be demonetized for profanity in background music, backing tracks, or intro or outro music.

Profanity in thumbnails or video titles will still lead to demonetization.

YouTube is taking steps to discourage the use of ad blockers

, encouraging viewers to support creators through YouTube Premium. This is happening for several reasons:

To continue producing high-quality content, creators need financial support. Ads provide that cushion.

 By watching ads, viewers help to compensate creators for their effort and time.

 Ad revenue creates long-term sustainability for the platform.

wrench with the red and white youtube logo

YouTube launched a host of tools last year (and some are yet to come in 2024) to aid creators in their process and make life easier. YouTube isn’t just providing a space to upload videos anymore; it wants to enhance your creative process with a slew of shortcuts!

YouTube will share AI-powered insights with creators, which they can use to make engaging content. The new tool suggests video ideas and even provides a content outline using powerful data and analytics! Essentially, YouTube is going to share personalized insights for your channel based on what people are viewing.

Using the assistive search feature for Creator Music, you can swiftly pinpoint the perfect tracks for your YouTube videos. Just describe what you need, be it lively dance tunes or mellow lo-fi beats, and the search assistant will recommend tracks. This is much faster than sifting through YouTube's Audio Library.

In 2024, YouTube will test a new tool called Dream Screen. The name of this feature is spot-on because it sounds exactly like what it does. Whatever you can “dream of”, YouTube will place it in the background of your YouTube Shorts! Just describe what you want to see, and the AI will make it happen.

Coming Soon: YouTube Announces New AI Tools for Video Creation

Late last year, YouTube introduced a new feature that draws attention to the subscribe button as well as the like button. Now, the buttons light up with colorful animations when a creator says "like" or "subscribe."

YouTube will now have a video editor that creators can use for their content. Here’s what it can do:

Synchronize video clips to the beat of your music.

YouTube Create is in beta right now, but a few Android markets have access to the free app.

Creators can now test up to three thumbnails

 per video, with YouTube selecting the best one based on share of watch time. This is a significant update for those who want to optimize their video's packaging.

In 2024, YouTube will introduce labels to indicate 

, aiming to prevent misinformation and creator impersonation. Soon, creators must self-certify their AI content or risk harsh penalties, like content removal or suspension from the YPP.

YouTube has recently launched a brand-new product that allows creators to stream their content in a vertical, 9:16 format that is usually popular with platforms like TikTok and Instagram. With this new live format, both veterans and newbies of the "Shorts" and "Live" categories have a new way of growing their channel and audience.

 A new feature in the community tab allows creators to engage with their audience through quizzes.

 A new section on channel pages recommends content based on viewer interests.

 Enhanced integration of podcasts into the YouTube ecosystem, including a dedicated tab and playlist.

 Creators can now select a frame from their Shorts as a thumbnail, but custom uploads are not yet supported.

 External links have been removed from Shorts descriptions to combat spam and scams. However, now you can link your Shorts to a related long-form video and redirect your viewers to more monetizable content.

 Updated policies require fan channels to disclose that they don't represent the actual artist or creator.

New detailed activity graphs in analytics, changes to the About section on channel pages, and new metrics for analyzing audience behavior.

Want more details about these updates? Watch our video below for a deeper guide.

While the community hasn’t always been on the same page with YouTube’s changes, most of these updates have been received well. We can expect more updates coming our way in 2024. 

kickstart your year on YouTube the right way!

From monetization changes to quirky new tools, check out the biggest YouTube updates from the past year.

20 YouTube Updates that Will Affect Your Channel in 2024

As a creator, only a few feelings compare to reaching 10,000 subscribers on YouTube. And it’s even more impressive when this feat is achieved in just 30 days. That’s why we are celebrating creators who accomplished that! To all those talented creators, welcome to the 10K Subs Club!

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

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

Top Channels Passing 10,000 Subscribers in March:

 helps you level up in life through personal development and productivity tips.

 makes videos about delicious food items and recipes.

 gives makeup tips and tutorials with her videos.

 posts refreshed versions of classic jokes in the form of comics.

, as the name suggests, tells interesting facts on many topics.

 creates animated fictional videos about cats.

 creates playlists of popular Bengali songs.

 creates cool edits on popular movies and T.V shows.

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.

Plus, swing by our top YouTube channels section to discover even more creators:

Celebrating these 10 creators from the vidIQ community who reached 10,000 subscribers in just a month.

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

It’s no secret that great titles make great videos. In the universe of content on YouTube, captivating titles make your videos stand out from the crowd and draw viewers in, compelling them to click. While most of us might believe that thumbnails weigh much more than titles in lifting the performance of a video, it might not always be the case.

This is exactly what our residential YouTube expert Rob Wilson discussed with another YouTube expert, Jake Thomas, who has helped many creators improve their title games and bring in positive results. With the help of their discussion, we have managed to compile 10 types of YouTube titles that have proven to be very effective over the years and have a positive impact on your click-through rate. Let’s dive right into it!

11 Ways to Write Exciting YouTube Titles for Your Videos

This kind of title plays on contrast and curiosity, making the viewer feel like they are privy to some kind of information that others might not be. The information that the viewer can potentially find through the video seems too lucrative to miss out on.

Example: "The BEST R6 Attacker NOBODY Plays"

“First, there is contrast between best R6 attacker and nobody plays. It’s kinda counter intuitive, why is nobody playing it if it is the best? Also, it’s a cliffhanger. Who is this R6 attacker? So, you’ve gotta click and find out,” Jake says.

Don’t you love it when you come across a video from a creator showing how you can achieve a given goal within a certain period? Timeframes offer a tangible lens through which viewers can gauge the content, making the challenge or experiment feel attainable and relatable.


Example: "We Ran Every Day For 30 Days, Here's What Happened"

To make a claim or establish an opinion, you need to back it up with credible sources. And nothing beats a good source than an authoritative voice whom you could call an “insider.”


Example: "Ex-Employee Warns Us About Taco Bell's Meat"


What helps this title perform is the fact that people have a general suspicion toward the topic in question already, so it is always important to remember the amount of interest viewers might have while considering these types of titles.

As bad as it might sound to some of you, negativity does bring with it a healthy dose of attention. It is nothing new in the content world and creators have been using it since the very beginning. Focusing on drama and negativity, such as devastating losses, capitalizes on viewers’ love and interest for epic narratives.

Example: "Top 10 Most Devastating Wild Card Losses of All-Time"

“People on YouTube love drama! And then you have got the fact that it is really epic and extreme. It’s extremes because it is the most devastating losses,” says Jake.

Nobody wants to make the same mistakes people made before them. And what’s better than someone telling you what to avoid and how? The fear of regret can be one of the most powerful motivators for many people and curating content around that can bring you much success!


Example: "I wished I knew these BEFORE I upgraded to Windows 11!"

One of the best ways to inspire people is by showing them instead of instructing them. Sharing your accomplishments and documenting the journey can help you make impactful content that can actually change people’s lives for the better.


Videos like these can motivate viewers to aspire for the same and change their lives for the better. This is where the value of your content pays off!

The good, old, reliable strategy that seems to work most of the time–simply answer the questions your viewers want answered. Sometimes it’s all about the phrasing. If you can put a creative spin on an inquiry that is already popular, people might flock to it.


Example: "What Happens If You Jump Rope for 30 Minutes Every Day?"


It’s all about finding a new perspective to the same old queries. By posing a question, the title creates a narrative cliffhanger that viewers feel compelled to resolve by watching.

Whenever you’re in doubt, you can always fall back on being relatable to your audience. At the end of the day, people want to be heard and seen. If you can consistently and reliably address the pain points of your audience, you have yourself a solid content strategy. 
Titles that suggest everyday accessibility and relatability increase the likelihood of viewers clicking, and believing the content is directly applicable to them.


Example: "Five Dog Training Exercises You Should Do Every Day At Home"

As the culture of YouTube becomes more vast, certain words tend to attract more attention than others. Using terms like “best”, “worst”, or, “viral” taps into the desires and language of the YouTube community, instantly attracting attention. But, with that comes heavy competition for these keywords, which can make life a lot more difficult.


Example: "Testing Viral Minecraft Hacks That 100% Work"

 can help you massively with this problem. The tool analyzes monthly search volume, competitiveness, related terms, and additional questions people ask.
Read More: 

How to Find YouTube Keywords that Grow Your Channel

What if you could propose an idea that sounds preposterous and actually delivered on it? Well, if nothing else, you’d sure have tons of happy viewers! Offering to deliver on a promise adds an element of sensationalism and intrigue, promising viewers insight into highly coveted knowledge.

Example: "1000 Days of Coding in 10 Minutes ( Self-Taught Developer Journey )"

Irrespective of the niche these examples are used from, the cool thing about understanding this concept is realizing that it can be applied all across YouTube. That’s the skill that would help you utilize those 100 characters to the fullest. The best titles are short and sweet and if used correctly can change the YouTube content creation game for you.

The other important factor that drives clicks to your videos, as mentioned earlier, is thumbnails. 

Learn how to make thumbnails that work for you right here!

Certain types of titles seem to have greater success than others on YouTube. Find out what they are!

10 Types of YouTube Titles That Go Insanely Viral

In the fast-paced world of YouTube, it’s easy to get caught up in the latest trends and tactics for growing your channel. However, it's important to remember that what works today may not necessarily work in the future. With that in mind, here are ten pieces of YouTube advice to ignore.

From the outside, this looks like good advice for creators of all sizes. After all, more videos mean more opportunities to get those numbers up. But is it applicable to everyone?

Woman looking frustrated at the work desk

If you're primarily a Shorts creator and do not require long hours for each video, putting out content daily might be doable. But, for creators who are primarily focused on long-form videos, it does not seem feasible. If you're trying to give your audience the highest-quality videos, posting every day stands contrary to that. So, depending on the type of creator you are, you can choose your strategy accordingly.

Alright, this might sound controversial right off the bat, given that we've encouraged new creators to follow this advice in the past. And it does make sense to do so. But not everyone has the same creative style or is inspired by the same kind of content.

A more attuned way would be to follow the type of content that draws you in, not the creator. Simply put, make the kind of videos you would want to watch and try to give your best shot at it.

3. Starting a Separate Channel for Your YouTube Shorts

Some creators worry that mixing long videos with shorter ones will hurt their channel. It makes sense when you’re following the most crucial rule of YouTube growth: Make videos for your audience and no one else.

That begs the question: If viewers support your Shorts, why would they suddenly want longs? And if they currently like your longs, why would they want Shorts?

Fortunately, that’s a problem you no longer have to worry about. YouTube has bridged the gap between longs and Shorts so they can exist on the same channel. The platform will recommend your longs as people watch your Shorts, allowing you to grow your channel with both content types.



YouTube Will Recommend Long-Form Videos to Shorts Viewers [Algorithm Update]

There’s nothing wrong with saying “hello” at the start of a video, but try not to introduce yourself, your channel, and your niche every time. Once a viewer knows this information, repeating it is pointless.

 you promised viewers before they clicked on the video. That could be the main idea or storyline they saw in your title, thumbnail, or video description. After all, that’s what they came to see!

YouTube Intros - 8 Ways to Hook Viewers In the First 8 Seconds

Many people think they get more views by adding tags to a video, but that’s not how they work. Tags help people find your content, especially if the topic is frequently misspelled.

“Tomatoes” is a good example. Many people leave the E out by typing “tomatos,” so if you’re video is about growing that vegetable, you can add the common misspelling (tomatos) as a tag.

Overall, tags play a minimal role in boosting your views. The video title, description, and thumbnail are most important for video discovery, according to YouTube.

An image from YouTube's support page, which explains that tags don't lead to more views

A magnifying glass enlarges the YouTube logo on a smartphone

People discover videos in many parts of the YouTube app or website. Search pages are just one of those places, so you don’t need to prioritize them over everywhere else.

So if you’re only making search-based videos that rely on keywords, you’re missing out on tons of views. We know this because 

That means it’s better to make videos that complement the popular, viral content within your niche (so YouTube recommends your video next).

Two women filming a YouTube video on one phone

Going viral on YouTube comes with many benefits, like attracting new viewers and boosting your confidence as a creator.

But no one talks about how these benefits turn into setbacks for creators who aren’t used to going viral. They could spend months trying to chase that high again, all while targeting the wrong audience and burning out creatively.

That’s why going viral on YouTube is overrated

Going viral is addictive — a pressure you don’t need this early.

The views don't always come from your “real” audience.

Sometimes, going viral comes with criticism.

Going viral skews your perception of quantity vs. quality.

You think less about your audience and more about yourself.

A seasoned creator can resist those things, but it’s more challenging when you’re new to YouTube.

8. Doing ‘Sub4Sub’ to Get More Subscribers

A person tapping the YouTube subscribe button on their phone

Sub4Sub is when two creators subscribe to one another’s channel to boost their overall subscriber count. It sounds harmless enough, but this is the worst thing you can do for two reasons:

According to YouTube, you’re not allowed to “cause or encourage any inaccurate measurements of genuine user engagement with the service, including by paying people or providing them with incentives to increase a video’s views, likes, or dislikes, 

There’s a lot of advice on how to grow a YouTube channel, but which information should you trust?

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