vidIQ Research
Original YouTube Research
Data studies built on aggregated, anonymized first-party creator data. We dig into what actually moves the needle for creators, then publish the numbers and the method so you can apply it to your own channel.
vidIQ Research, July 2026
YouTube Thumbnail Study: What 500 Breakout Thumbnails Reveal
vidIQ coded 500 breakout YouTube thumbnails. Face use climbs from 69% overall to 80% of the top overperformers, while high contrast stays flat near 56%. See the 2026 data.
Read the studyvidIQ Research, July 2026YouTube Upload Frequency Study: How Often Should You Upload?
vidIQ analyzed 10.2 million YouTube channels. Channels uploading 12+ times a month had 4.1x the median monthly view-growth rate of channels uploading less than monthly.
Read the studyHow vidIQ Research works
- Data: aggregated, anonymized first-party creator data from vidIQ's user base, never tied back to an individual channel or person
- Sample and scope: sample size, date range, and selection criteria are disclosed on each individual study
- Methodology: each study documents its own definitions and analysis method, since the signal being studied changes what we measure
- Updates: studies are refreshed as new data comes in, and republished with a new date