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

Thumbnails are one of the biggest pain points for new creators, and an important one to solve. Thumbnails are the "book cover" of your video—something that needs to grab attention in just a fraction of a second. 

There are so many elements that go into making that winning thumbnail for your content, and it's simply not possible to address all of that here. So, 

 with expert, John Scott, to get all your thumbnail queries answered.

In this post, we'll walk you through the ideal 

, some key best practices for creating thumbnails that stand out!

12 Types of YouTube Thumbnails People Love to Click On

First impressions are critical in the endless ocean of YouTube content. The thumbnail plays a massive role in getting viewers to click on your video over countless others. For new YouTubers trying to gain traction, getting your thumbnail right can be the difference between a low-performing video and that ever-alluring viral hit. Here’s why size specifically matters:

: YouTube thumbnails appear across a wide range of devices—desktops, tablets, and, most importantly, mobile phones. Therefore, you need a thumbnail that remains sharp and eye-catching across all these platforms.

: Thumbnails with the correct size and dimensions ensure a polished, professional look. Low-quality, blurry images won’t just make your video less appealing—they’ll make it look amateurish.

 Faster Than Ever: 6 Ways to Make YouTube Thumbnails in Record Time

The Best Size for YouTube Thumbnails in 2024

When designing your thumbnail, the recommended size is 

 with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This size works across devices and ensures your thumbnail looks pleasing to the eye. Additionally, the minimum width YouTube accepts is 640 pixels but going lower than the recommended size is probably not a good idea. To keep things simple, here's what you need to follow.

: 16:9 (standard YouTube video aspect ratio)

https://www.oberlo.com/blog/youtube-thumbnail-size

Using the optimal size guarantees that your thumbnail will look crisp, regardless of the screen size it's being viewed on. It also helps your video stand out in YouTube search results and suggested video sections, making it an essential element of your overall video SEO strategy.

Best Practices for Creating YouTube Thumbnails

Creating a well-designed thumbnail is more than just getting the size right. It’s about crafting something that resonates with your audience and drives them to click. Let’s break down some important design strategies that’ll help your thumbnails pop in 2024:

Your thumbnail needs to deliver a clear message in a split second. Overloading it with too many details, colors, or text can be overwhelming, especially when viewed on smaller screens like mobile phones. Stick to one focal point and keep the design clean.

Text on thumbnails can be incredibly effective—if done right. Use 

 that stand out against the background. Avoid cramming too many words; instead, aim for short, snappy phrases that intrigue viewers. Also, contrast is essential. If your background is dark, make sure your text is light, and vice versa.

Your thumbnail should immediately grab attention, even when it’s displayed alongside hundreds of others. Using high-contrast colors can help your image stand out. Consider using colors that are complementary or that contrast sharply with YouTube’s default red, black, and white color scheme.

Thumbnails that feature human faces—especially ones that show strong emotions—tend to get higher engagement. Whether it’s excitement, surprise, or curiosity, showing a human expression can create an instant connection with potential viewers.

One great trick for building brand recognition is to use a consistent style for all your thumbnails. This could include specific color schemes, text placement, or the use of your logo in a corner. Over time, viewers will come to recognize your videos at a glance, making it more likely they’ll click on your content.

For example, this is how the vidIQ channel home page looks at first glance. As you can see, there is homogeneity in the way we use our creators faces and other graphical elements across videos./

While designing thumbnails can be fun, it’s wise to avoid a few traps. Here are some common mistakes that you should avoid at all costs:

: Never use clickbait or misleading images that have nothing to do with your video’s content. This will only frustrate viewers, hurt your channel’s reputation, and lead to a high bounce rate—something YouTube’s algorithm won’t like.

: You don’t want to clutter your thumbnail with unnecessary text. Keep it short and to the point. Let the title of your video do the talking, and use text on your thumbnail sparingly.

: More than half of YouTube’s traffic comes from mobile devices, so always ensure your thumbnails are legible on small screens. If you’re adding text, make sure it’s large and bold enough to read easily on a smartphone.

: A blurry or pixelated thumbnail can significantly reduce your video’s chances of getting clicked. Always use high-resolution images, and if you’re unsure, err on the side of larger file sizes (

Tips for Testing and Optimizing Thumbnails

If you’re not sure which thumbnail design will work best, don’t be afraid to experiment. YouTube allows you to change thumbnails even after your video has been published. Here are some tips for testing and optimizing your thumbnails over time:

: Try switching between different thumbnails on the same video and track their performance in 

. This way, you can identify which design drives more clicks.

 of your videos. A higher CTR means more people are engaging with your content, which helps boost your visibility in YouTube’s algorithm.

: Beyond the CTR, also look at how long people are watching your video. If your audience is dropping off quickly after clicking, your thumbnail might not accurately represent your content. 

 for optimizing, testing, and comparing different thumbnail options for the same video by using the above metrics. 

According to YouTube, 90% of the best-performing videos use custom thumbnails.

 In 2024, making it on YouTube involves more than just creating great content—you need to package it well, starting with your thumbnail. Understanding the 

 and following design best practices will set you on the path to success. 

Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up your YouTube game, getting your thumbnail right is a crucial step to increasing your views, engagement, and subscriber count. 

Now it’s time to create that killer thumbnail

Learn the correct YouTube thumbnail measurements for 2024 and how to optimize them for the best quality and viewer engagement!

YouTube Thumbnail Measurements: The Right Size for 2024

In an era where technology intertwines with our daily routines, YouTube's tech channels are a cornerstone for the digitally savvy. Not only do they help people stay updated, but they also empower others to make informed decisions about today's gadgets. From the latest smartphone features to life-enhancing software hacks, YouTubers are the gurus, guiding millions of people through the tech landscape.

In fact, YouTube's influence is undeniable. It eclipses even the most popular cable networks among adults ages 18-34 in the U.S. 

And,  64% of tech purchases are influenced by its content. 

This power has sparked a new wave of tech creators, each vying to be the trusted source for your next iPhone, tablet, laptop, and countless other devices.

As we spotlight the fastest-growing tech channels from the vidIQ community, here are 10 innovators who truly stand out.

 teaches non-technical audiences to build and automate their online businesses.

 makes insightful content on data comparisons and analyses.

 makes videos about making money online leveraging AI tools.

 tells fascinating stories about technology and engineering.

 provides informative product reviews on everything tech-related.

 specializes in giving low-cost or no-cost ways to leverage AI.

 creates tutorials for using AI platforms.

 creates tutorials on different editing platforms.

 creates comprehensive videos on all your data and analytics queries.

Congrats to every tech creator 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.

Celebrating the latest tech stars on YouTube! This list showcases 10 tech creators from the vidIQ community who performed brilliantly!

10 Fastest-Growing Tech Channels on YouTube [November]

Nothing hurts more than spending hours on a YouTube video only to get 

 views in return. It’s discouraging for any creator, but the sting of failure hits some people harder

Unfortunately, it's the creators running small YouTube channels (and struggling to get noticed) who tend to feel the burn the most.

This raises an important question: How do you go viral on YouTube? 

To get the answer, we interviewed three small creators about how they did it and their advice for fellow YouTubers. We spoke with 

, a basketball enthusiast (1.68K subscribers); 

, a documentary-style creator (9.8K subscribers); and 

, a Minecraft gamer who's into storytelling (16.6K subscribers). 

Collectively, they earned over 1 million views without the luxury of having anything close to a million subscribers. So, in their own words, here's how to make your YouTube videos go viral!

1. Experiment Until You Have a Clear Passion/Expertise

It’s best to have a clear niche lined up for your YouTube channel, but it’s not a big deal if you’re still searching for the right fit. After all, there’s no rush to grow your channel. You can try different things until a topic resonates with you, your audience, and the goals you've set as a creator.

Esiar, who went viral with a few thousand subscribers, explored many ideas before settling on one. He went from gaming videos to YouTube growth advice to documentaries about online personalities. It was his final idea — documenting the rise of famous YouTubers — that birthed the viral video below. It has over 

2. Choose a Topic You Know Well or Love Deeply

Whether you stumble upon a topic or develop it over time, one thing is true on YouTube. It's easier to go viral when you understand the ins and outs of what you're posting. The more you know, the faster you grow.

And truthfully, you’ll need plenty of time to brainstorm new ideas and test them on your channel. That’s why creators like NuHoops find it easier to film what they know or showcase hobbies they already enjoy. In his case, covering the NBA was the perfect fit.

“During the season, I would already spend a couple of hours each night just watching the games. And so for me, it was a no-brainer. If I’m already invested so heavily in the NBA, why not double down on that and create a channel about it?” he says.

3. Figure Out What’s Not Going Viral Yet

Now that you’ve found your niche, the next step is crafting a video that truly stands out. It sounds impossible in theory, but don’t be discouraged by the sheer size of this challenge. Your competitors are a great resource for 

Here’s a strategy you’ll find useful:

1. Go to a channel that explores the same topic you’re interested in.

The videos tab on a youtube channel, with popular videos selected

Now, look at the viral videos on this channel. What do they have in common? Better yet, can you make something in the same genre but with 

“In the NBA niche, for example, videos about masks have done really well,” NuHoops explains. “There are countless videos on masks, and so I’m thinking to myself, what about another accessory? I searched ‘arm sleeve’, and there were 

Shortly after this realizing this, NuHoops made a video about arm sleeves (below) and went insanely viral with over 

And that brings us to our next tip: Steer clear of YouTube videos that are “too general” or aimed at a broad swath of viewers. That creates an unfair level of competition, especially for a small channel looking for big opportunities. But, one workaround is to find a topic within a topic.

In NuHoop’s case, he created two levels of separation within his content. He covered sports, but not just any sport: Basketball was his focus. And he didn’t limit himself to the competitive aspect of the game, either. He narrowed his vision again to discover the world of basketball

So, if you're wondering how to make a YouTube video go viral, start with a popular topic, identify its viral videos, then expose something people are overlooking in the conversation.

5. Don’t Just Film an Idea — Tell a Gripping Story

It’s easy to believe that most videos go viral because the creator decided to chase the perfect idea. There’s some truth to the concept, but it’s missing a vital ingredient, and that’s 

. A viral video is just a popular concept that was turned into a story! It has emotion, conflict, and a sweet resolution that leaves viewers feeling inspired.

ImJustJR took this advice to heart. He filmed a 20-minute story about 

 players can use in Minecraft, and the video attracted over 

“I went from just highlighting content and funny moments, when you’re recording with friends, to telling more of a story,” he says. “I feel like storytelling on YouTube is taking this huge wave on the platform.”

6. Create a Thumbnail Anyone Can Understand in Seconds

Did you know that visitors can assess a website’s visual appeal within 

? That happens in the blink of an eye! Now, imagine how quickly they'll judge something simple, like 

. These quick perceptions are why you need an uncluttered yet appealing image for your video.

“I don’t want to crowd the thumbnail, and I don’t want to put too much copy on the thumbnail,” NuHoops says. “I want to make sure that the packaging — the title and thumbnail — are very clear, and people know what they’re clicking on.”

After all, it sets off a bad chain reaction when people can't find a reason to click. They avoid the video, which ruins any chance of it being watched, shared, or even going viral.

7. Gain Viewers’ Trust in the First 30 Seconds

Getting your first viral video is about more than collecting millions of clicks. Once a person is on the watch page, you have to convince them to stay there! A study posted by Harvard Business Review says that 

 is what makes it go viral; and viewers must watch enough of a video to be moved toward that action.

“I feel like something that’s overlooked is trust,” Esiar says. “A lot of creators don’t make you trust them. But [it’s good] to have someone you can trust to say the right information in the first couple of seconds or minutes.”

So, how do you gain viewers' trust on YouTube? You can start by:

 Get to point quickly so viewers won’t have a reason to question your videos.

For example, saying something like, “I'm a car mechanic of 15 years, and this is why I never buy Ford trucks,” is a fascinating way to 

One piece of advice that’s always floating around is to “keep making videos because you'll slowly get better at it." But how helpful is it to pump out content without knowing 

Or the mistakes you’re making on YouTube?

It’s great to read your viewers’ opinions in the comment section. But Esiar says you have to go deeper to hear

“Get feedback circles,” he says. “Get several people who are in and out of your niche to see your videos. That will help you improve a lot.”

9. Know the Real Definition of Consistency

After going viral, ImJustJR says it’s better to make great videos infrequently instead of pumping out lukewarm content. This contradicts a long-held belief that the key to YouTube success is to 

“Consistency is important but not a priority,” ImJustJR admits. “Consistency isn’t what makes a YouTuber great. It’s the content you post.”

So, try to make outstanding videos as often as possible. That could look like posting one video a week instead of 20 videos a month!

10. Remember, Failing Is Part of the Journey

 get lucky, creating a viral video doesn’t happen overnight. Most people work hard to research topics, understand their audience, and sharpen their storytelling skills until something, 

“You might know the perfect idea, but if [the YouTube Studio] says, ‘Hey, this one didn’t didn’t do well,’ just continue to the next one,” ImJustJR says.

Be patient. Be persistent. And most importantly, don’t give up!

Want to learn more about the small creators who went viral on YouTube? If so, press play below to hear their journeys. The mistakes and triumphs they faced may guide you toward a strategy that brings more views!

And if you’re looking for more tips, here’s another guide for crafting your first viral YouTube video

Do small channels go viral on YouTube? Absolutely! Here are 10 tips to get millions of views on your videos, even if you have a few hundred subscribers.

Creating Viral YouTube Videos: 10 Tips for Small Channels

Can you make a YouTube channel without showing your face?

But we'll be honest: Starting a faceless YouTube channel is no easier than starting one where everybody knows your name. To make up for the lack of face time, you'll need more visual elements, such as stock videos, images, graphics, and text. So in the long run, you'll spend more time editing than other creators.

But making faceless content comes with many advantages, such as:

Keeping your employer from knowing you have a channel

Shielding yourself from unwanted opinions (family and friends)

Having a comfortable experience on YouTube

Ready to get started? Here are the best faceless YouTube channel ideas.

Are you in college or high school? If so, this may be the perfect idea for your YouTube channel. "Study With Me" videos create a virtual library atmosphere, where high levels of productivity meet unwavering concentration. So, crack open your textbooks, point the camera away from yourself, and get to studying! And if you need some inspiration, check out 

Have you ever wondered why flamingos are pink or how many times a bee flaps its wings per second? Chances are, someone else is thinking the exact same thing. Well, this is your sign to create a channel dedicated to interesting facts! They'll be the star of the show while you remain 100% anonymous. 

 is a good example, as the channel is faceless but has thousands of facts to share.

Who says you can't create your own game show on YouTube? If your friends call you the trivia king or queen, put your knowledge to the test by creating games and quizzes in video format. These channels throw down the gauntlet on topics from pop culture to physics, and you won't see the quizmaster — just the challenge they've set. By the way, 

You might not have the face of a magician, but then again, you don't exactly need one. Plenty of YouTubers are performing magic tricks with just their hands showing, and you can follow their lead to grow your YouTube channel. Check out this card illusion from 

Imagine starting a plant care channel using your backyard, patio, or the space beside your kitchen window. You wouldn't have to show your face, especially when filming educational videos. For example, 

 has a viral video exposing indoor plants that grow in 

 (no soil required). It's greenery galore without a gardener in sight!

6. Silent Vlogs (Day in the Life Without Talking)

If silence is golden, then silent vlogs are pure treasure on YouTube. These videos strip away the chatter, letting the visuals do all the talking. It's life, unscripted and unspoken, and sometimes that says more than words ever could. For a little inspiration, check out 

With this channel idea, puppets have the full stage. If you're crafty and creative, this type of content is a great way to grow on YouTube while staying out of the spotlight. There aren't many puppet channels on YouTube, either, so you won't face overwhelming competition. Check out 

8. Remote Control Vehicles and Competitions

This YouTube idea offers the thrill of racing without having to drive (or crash) a real car. It's all about the machines and their maneuvers, so you can definitely show that without appearing on camera. For example, 

 is one channel cashing in on this easy idea!

Who's really the boss at home? Pet vlogs are a great way to showcase the daily drama and delights of our animal overlords. After all, it's a pet's world — we're just living in it (and filming it). There's no better example of this than 

If you a wildlife enthusiast, you're fortunate in that you'll 

 have to appear on camera. You can go bird watching, whale watching, or any type of watching for that matter — and let the animals steal the show. Check out 


 to see how majestic this channel idea can be!

You don't have to go to Europe, Asia, Africa, or any other continent to show the world around you. Plenty of faceless channels are using stock footage and imagery to show the most exciting cities on Earth! Best of all, these videos get massive buzz. 

 snagged 8.7 millions views with their viral guide, "25 Most Beautiful Destinations in Europe."

Do you love reading books? Have you always believed that animated videos are the 

? If so, it's time to start your faceless channel and make "book summaries" the sole focus! Many people don't have time to read a full book, so you'll help them out by summarizing the main takeaways. That's how 

A science experiment is the perfect activity for starting a faceless YouTube channel. After all, people come to see a shocking treat, and not necessarily the creator performing them. So, no worries here: You can keep the camera on your hands and rake in millions of YouTube views. Check out this video by 

, which got 26 million views showing a compilation of experiments!

Telling a personal story is one of the best ways to connect with viewers around the world. And, you don't have to be on camera to do it! Many creators take the comic book or cartoon approach, sketching out their story so it's visually compelling. 

 is the king of animated storytimes, and he pulls in millions of views with each upload!

Tech reviews are popular on YouTube, but it's also an oversaturated niche with lots of competition. And guess what? Most techies on YouTube show their face. But you can stand out by focusing on the product you're reviewing and having sharp, insightful narration! If you need inspiration, check out 

Some people are solving the hardest puzzles on Earth without 

 is one of those fascinating creators. This channel has over a billion views, so don't underestimate the joy of solving a good puzzle!

. This DIY creator (do it yourself) shows viewers how to craft cool things without necessarily 

 how to do it. Nonetheless, people still love the content! Check out the video below, which earned 5.3 million views for turning a Coke bottle into a table lamp!

If you understand money on an academic level, try explaining it to millions of viewers on a faceless channel! Finance has been popular on YouTube for years, so why not snag some of those views for yourself? Creators like 

 are practically going viral with each video. The one below explains the psychology of money, and it has 3.5 million views!

Do dogs watch TV? Some creators are proving that they do. Several YouTube channels are producing TV shows for dogs, which includes scenic nature, animals grazing, other dogs playing, and calming music. With this type of channel, you can go faceless for as long as you wish; 

Cleaning videos are popular on YouTube, especially the satisfying ones. So break out the heavy cleaning agents, scrubbers, and rubber gloves because this channel idea is 100% faceless!

Is Halloween your favorite time of the year? Do you live for mysteries, suspense, and jump scares in movies?

Maybe it's time to start a horror channel on YouTube. Your videos don't have to be bone-chillingly scary, but a healthy dose of suspense will bring viewers to your channel.

And if you want to flex your creativity, horror content is the perfect playground. Some channels mix animation, true crime, and narration to tell the creepiest, most entertaining stories on YouTube.

: "3 True McDonald's Horror Stories Animated."

Do you like to research any and everything in your free time? If so, that's a skill you can quickly bring to YouTube. Depending on what you're interested in, you could spend your days ranking the top 10 movies, vacation spots, pizza restaurants, and more. But instead of showing your face, you'll fill in the visual gaps with images, graphics, and voice-over.

And course, we have a great example. Check out this video from 

Many poets recite their work on-stage in front of a live audience. But with the freedom YouTube provides, there are plenty of ways to share the same performance without ever showing your face.

. This channel re-enacts popular poems using dramatic B-roll, captions, and voice-over. You can't see the speaker or their body language, but the emotions are just as real on this channel. Here's their rendition of Robert Frost's poem, 

Don't want to show your face on YouTube? No problem. These faceless YouTube channel ideas will help you stay anonymous while building a strong community.

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

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