As a small creator, you’ll quickly learn that 

. At this point, you’re probably facing the biggest challenge, which is struggling to get views when no one knows who you are.

But don’t worry: You can beat the odds with a little advice and hard work. The first step is understanding the most common YouTube mistakes. With that information, you can fix costly errors and focus on 

Fortunately, Dan Carson, senior executive producer at vidIQ, knows how to grow a small channel. In the video below, he lists the top mistakes holding creators back (and how to fix them).

But if you want a quick summary of all the tips, keep reading to see what’s stalling your progress.

1. Believing YouTube Owes You Views and Subscribers

Wouldn’t it be great if YouTube rewarded every channel equally? In that case, you could relax while collecting hundreds of views and subscribers, even if your videos don’t engage anyone. You would simply press publish and wait for good things to happen.

That’s not how YouTube works, of course. But many creators wish it 

 is believing YouTube owes you any form of success. While it’s time-consuming to research, 

, shoot videos, and edit a bunch of clips together, Dan says that’s the cost of becoming a successful YouTuber. All of that experience builds you up to make better content!

“Before you can take that footage, put it onto YouTube, and expect a bunch of views and subscribers, you need to first provide value — value to viewers and value to YouTube as a platform,” he says.

2. Ignoring the Power of First Impressions

They say first impressions are everything, and that’s also true for YouTube videos. After all, viewers don't click on the first video they see; 

 before finding something interesting to watch. And there's a lot competition!

For example, what happens when you compare these thumbnails for 

 Which of the two is more appealing, and which one is easier to understand?

Now imagine that each viewer is going through

 How would you tweak your thumbnails to help them notice your content first?

12 Types of YouTube Thumbnails People Love to Click On

“Try to keep them from being too complex,” Dan says. “Use minimal, clear, and readable text. Use bright colors. The foreground should be brighter than the background so everything stands out a lot nicer…. The thumbnail should relate to the content you made and the people who see it.”

Overall, whatever time you spend on titles and thumbnails, 

, but you can grow it by “decorating” your videos and attracting more viewers.

3. Not Enhancing the First 30 Seconds of a Video

After the first 30 seconds, many people abandon the video they’re watching in search of a new one. But don’t panic! 

This is a common and well-known habit on YouTube.

Just look at the retention graph for most YouTube videos. You’ll notice the viewership line falls sharply after 30 seconds and keeps declining.

Audience retention graph for a YouTube video

You can’t stop this 100%, but you can slow it down by getting to the point faster. Think about it this way: You’ve already sold viewers on the value of your content with a compelling title and thumbnail. Now all you need to do is 

“Jump right into the topic,” Dan says. “Give them 

, and then maybe ask an intriguing question that encourages them to engage with you in the comments.”

But the other stuff — asking viewers to subscribe, introducing yourself — should come at the end, not the beginning, Dan clarifies. This allows you to give people what they want up-front, which is whatever you promised in the title and thumbnail.

Giving people what they want ASAP typically leads to 

. That sends a positive signal to the YouTube algorithm, which means the system could 

 to more people. Eventually, that gives you a shot at more YouTube views!

From the start, creators are trained to focus on specific metrics if they want to enter the YouTube Partner Program, such as:

But these numbers take time to reach, and this is where smaller creators lose heart. So, try to look at these metric in a new light.

Consider a new channel that has only uploaded a couple of videos. Because YouTube doesn’t know much about the channel or the content, the videos will probably have low impressions on the platform, which might result in fewer views. But if the video has a high click-through rate, it’s capable of generating enough 

in the first place — and that is a huge positive for a small creator. So, depending on how you look at it, metrics can inform you differently.

Narrow it down to the things that matter. Make sure your average view duration and audience retention are steadily increasing with each upload. Keep an eye out for returning viewers and the videos that keep bringing them back. Following this data over time will give you actionable areas to work on.

How to Get Subscriber Feedback from a YouTube Analytics Deep Dive

If you’ve made a few mistakes on your channel, remember that it’s never too late to turn things around. Embrace the lessons, then chart a new course of action!

Here are five things you can do right now:

Instead of focusing on views and subscribers, 

. Find your target audience and cater to their specific interests.

Don’t prioritize video tags and descriptions before everything else; put your time, energy, and resources into 

Create titles and thumbnails that complement one another instead of copying each other. For example, don’t turn the video title into thumbnail text; choose unique words that add context to the video.

 to include a quick hook and your video’s main topic.

To sum it all up in a single word, the differentiating factor that your channel needs is 

 Maybe the content you want to upload has already been done by larger creators, but that's OK. Tap into your creativity and find a way to stand out or add something new to the conversation.

In one of our recent videos, popular personal finance YouTuber 

 describes how he achieved this exact feat despite being a small creator in a competitive niche. Watch his journey below and maybe you'll find inspiration to do the same!

Have you fixed these basic mistakes on your channel? That means you're ready for the next step: 

using emotional triggers to get more views

Do you need help growing a small YouTube channel? Here's some advice to get you back on track while avoiding the most common YouTube mistakes.

4 Mistakes to Avoid if You Have a Small YouTube Channel

Creating tutorials is an awesome (yet sneaky) way to grow a YouTube channel. For one, it makes you look more authoritative because you're solving problems for viewers, one video at a time. Not to mention, teaching what you know is a whole lot easier now that 

The only question is, how do you make a YouTube tutorial? First, know that instructional content, no matter how cut and dry, is still 

. Tutorials are fiercely competing with each other just like pranks and memes face off on YouTube.

That means every tutorial could use a little razzle-dazzle to stand out. You need to get viewers' attention, solve their problems, and make sure they leave the video feeling satisfied. It's art, science, and personal flair.

Whether you're into cooking, tech tips, or DIY projects, here's how to film the best YouTube tutorial.

The main purpose of a video tutorial is to teach viewers how to do something. These videos explain how to perform a task, use a product, or understand a concept. Tutorials are popular because they help people accomplish their goals, like training a young puppy or building a bookcase. Also, YouTube says 

"how to" videos are the most attention-grabbing format

Best of all, most channels will benefit from having a few tutorials. That's because any tutorial you make will involve your channel's main topic — nothing more, nothing less.


Keep reading to learn exactly how it's done!

Before you start recording, choose a topic that's in demand and worth filming on your channel. For example, few people want someone else to show them how to skip a rock across a lake. And we know this because "skip a rock" is searched less than 2,000 times a month on YouTube, according to vidIQ.

vidIQ shows a low search volume for "skip a rock"

Compare that to the mysterious yet intriguing phrase, "lasagna soup." YouTube viewers type it into the search bar 

. vidIQ tells us the topic isn't competitive, which means a "lasagna soup tutorial" 

vidIQ shows a medium search volume for lasagna soup

So, before you start creating, always look for high demand. And remember that a good tutorial video fits into your niche

YouTube was launched in 2005, so there's a good chance the video you're planning already exists. That's not a bad thing, though. You just have to see which tutorials are out there and try to make something that's 10 times better.

Typing your topic into the YouTube search bar (using the phrase "how to)

Watching the top three videos on the search page.

Noticing which information isn't included (and adding that to your version).

A well-crafted script is the backbone of any good tutorial. It guides your delivery, ensuring that you cover the key points clearly and concisely. 

But writing scripts is hard work, so don't do it from scratch. Instead, use a 

 to push your ideas in the right direction.

Once you have a script, spruce it up by indicating what will appear on the screen while you're talking. That way, you know exactly what's happening visually and textually.

For instructional videos, it also helps to 

. This helps you visually imagine how you'll break down a complex topic, scene by scene.

an example of an empty storyboard filled with boxes

The best video tutorials are easy to understand, which means you'll have to explain everything in chronological order. So, go step by step so viewers have a firm understanding of what they need to do. This is pretty easy if you followed step three: create a video script/storyboard.

It isn't enough to tell viewers what to do; you have to show them 

when filming a tutorial to make sure they understand.

While you're speaking, pick up the camera and show people what you're doing or referring to. This ensures that no matter how hard a task is, there's a visual perspective to aid viewers in the process.

Every tutorial needs proper lighting, visuals, and audio to truly help anyone. After all, if viewers can't see 

 you're doing it, the video can't do its job. Consider using a ring light or an LED panel if you're filming in a dark location. Get a high-quality microphone or simply get closer to the one you're using if you need better sound.

As for visuals, you might not need a fancy DSLR camera to shoot your tutorial. But at the very least, use a smartphone with a decent video camera.

A standard tutorial has some sort of audio or human voiceover, plus a visual demonstration. However, most videos need more than that to get a point across, especially in the art of teaching. That's why editing your video with more elements is so important.

 to your tutorial as you explain each step, especially the tricky parts. These short descriptions truly speed up the learning process. 

, a finance creator, is notorious for adding text to all of his videos.

, those are helpful too. You can include maps, diagrams, tables, charts, or anything that cements the viewer's understanding of a concept. For example, check out this inflation graphic from 

 tutorial on knowing when to buy a house.

a graph showing inflation averages across industry in the UK

 are great for tutorials that involve computers, the internet, or applications. They allow you to show viewers where you're navigating, which is extremely helpful. You can even overlay them on top of another video frame, picture-in-picture style. Check out the example below, where 

a man records his screen while giving a Figma tutorial

 in your video. That makes your tutorial accessible to a wider audience, including those with hearing impairments. They're also helpful for anyone who is following along and doesn't want to miss something important!

8. Add Video Chapters (if YouTube Hasn't Already)

 split your content up into sections and make it easier for people to navigate your tutorial. They can easily skip ahead or move backward to see something they originally missed.

YouTube does provide auto chapters in most cases. But if not, you can manually create chapters in the YouTube Studio and name them accordingly.

If you aren't careful, tutorials can end up sounding a bit dry, especially if they only focus on the task at hand. That's why throwing in some personality is essential. You don't have to overdo it, but have fun where necessary and try to be engaging throughout the video.

After all, what's going to bring viewers back to your channel once they get their problem solved? Your personality!

Tutorials are great for growing a new channel, but they aren't the only format to consider. 

Here are nine videos to make when launching a new YouTube channel!

What makes a good video tutorial? Here's everything you need to know, from choosing a topic to adding the best visual elements for instruction.

How to Create a YouTube Tutorial Video: Full Guide

 on the internet? That means every year, an entire country’s worth of people create videos to express themselves, start a side hustle, or grow a large community.

Are you one of them? If so, you’ll need some tips for 

, the most important being video ideas. After all, finding fascinating themes that lead to interesting videos is hard work.

One way to do this better is to think in terms of 

. Knowing whether you want to make tutorials, story times, or even reaction videos is the first step in crafting brilliant ideas.

Ready to get started? Here are nine videos that turn new creators into successful YouTubers!

How-to content is educational and teaches viewers 

 No matter how hard the task is, an effective tutorial is clear enough to understand while guiding viewers to the best solution.

Making tutorials has several benefits. For one, the process molds you into an expert, making your channel more authoritative. In fact, YouTube says 

how-to videos are more attention-grabbing

Check out “How to Sell a Product” by entrepreneur Dan Lok if you need an example. Tutorials can take many shapes, but this one explains how to sell anything to anyone.

Trending videos are part of the "YouTube growth recipe." A buzz-worthy video can get thousands of views in a short period, so make a habit of following news within your niche.

Skibidi Toilet” and “Grimace Shake” were the 

. For Skibidi Toilet at least, we saw creators in the vidIQ community go from zero to 

 just by covering the topic. By the way, Skibidi Toilet is a web series of YouTube videos and Shorts created by DaFuq!?Boom!, an animator.

The video below — “Skibidi Toilet Explained” — capitalizes on this trend flawlessly. It explains the hype, uses a trending keyword, and answers questions about the viral topic.

List videos rank the top items or ideas in any category, from the best movies to the cheapest cities to the most durable hiking shoes. Think about videos boasting the "top 10 cities to visit in France" or the "top 10 video games of 2024", and you have the right idea.

List videos are powerful because they attract lots of viewers. The content is engaging, easy to digest, and best of all, polarizing. Viewers enjoy debating in the comment section because everyone has an opinion when it comes to ranking things. And that's the type of engagement you need to 

Top 10 Action Movies on Netflix Right Now.”

Unlike some content, reacting on YouTube is the perfect way to show off your personality. You get to wield every part of your identity — charm, wit, sarcasm, etc. — when reacting to other videos.

Best of all, most reaction channels aren’t faceless, so viewers get to see you in the flesh. This is important when you’re new to YouTube and want people to connect with you (and not just your content).

Need an example? Check out “Non K-Pop Fan Reacts to BTS” by Don Townsend.

Did you know that two out of three people are more likely to buy something 

? That’s the power of reviews. Luckily, we’re all customers, which means you can review any product you’ve ever used and turn that into content! This is a great way to build trust with your audience and make a name for yourself.

If products aren’t your thing, don’t stop there. Create videos sharing your personal opinion on ideas, predictions, abstract concepts, or anything else. We’ve seen creators "review" air, 

, the idea of going to college, entrepreneurship, and more.

But to give you a general idea, here’s a review of 

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

A channel trailer is a short video that introduces your content to non-subscribers. These videos appear at the top of your homepage and play automatically, so viewers can’t miss it.

Trailers are short and punchy, and there are two ways to create one. You can either film it from scratch or set a current YouTube video as your official trailer.

 trailers motivate people to watch your videos. If you aren't making one from scratch, choose an existing video that consistently moves people to 

Here’s a captivating example from Ben Johnson, a seasoned creative.

Every new creator should experiment with Shorts. This content type receives over 

 on YouTube, which means the potential to reach new viewers and turn them into subscribers is massive.

But let’s back up a second. On YouTube, a Short is a vertical video no longer than 60 seconds. They’re typically shot on a phone and then enhanced with music, sound effects, text, and other visual elements. Thousands of creators, both large and small, have gotten millions of views posting Shorts. After all, Google says 

Watch the video below to understand this content type better. Many Shorts contain viral trends, comedy, and a quick story — like this Grimace Shake video.

As a new creator, it's wise to make content that you 

 people are searching for, at least in the beginning. 

 (which recommends videos to viewers) doesn’t have much information about your channel yet. However, it 

 pull metadata from your content, identify any keywords, and place your videos on the correct search pages.

Be sure to upload videos that appeal to YouTube's search engine. You can do this by:

Filming content that fully addresses a topic

Adding keywords to your YouTube content, especially titles and descriptions

For example, this video targets the keyword “small channels” and has 1.9 million views.

Truth moment: While search-driven content is helpful, you shouldn’t rely on it as a new creator. That's because 

 people watch on YouTube were recommended to them. That means you also need to target the recommendation algorithm, and not just YouTube search.

The simplest method? Look at the videos YouTube is recommending next to your content. Often enough, those videos belong to your competitors. If YouTube is recommending them, that means they're worthy videos and you should study them to see if you can make something similar (and 

By experimenting with these nine videos, you'll not only discover what resonates with your audience but also develop engaging content.

Remember, the key to YouTube success is consistency, quality, and a willingness to learn and adapt! Trying new things, especially in the beginning, is the best way to learn quickly and grow your subscribers.

If you haven’t already, learn how to set a YouTube subscriber goal for your channel this year.

A woman filming a youtube video with a smartphone and ring light

New year, new YouTube channel! Here are 9 popular videos every creator should make in their YouTube journey.

Starting a YouTube Channel? 9 Videos to Make Right Now

What is a good YouTube channel name? Is it something spicy that no one else has claimed? Or can it be as simple as using your first and last name?

Both are good options depending on your goals, but there’s more to the equation.

Choosing a YouTube channel name is a big deal because it’s how everyone will recognize you — and not just viewers. The YouTube algorithm will analyze your name for relevant keywords. Brands will look at it before they offer you a partnership deal. Every day, you want this part of your channel to shine.

If your channel name is missing something important, 

. That’s the best way get back on track and rebrand your channel, which is very important in 2024.

Before we discuss channel names, it helps to know they're 

 are a unique identifier for your channel. They look and function like the handles you've seen on other social media platforms, such as Instagram, X, and TikTok. And of course, they begin with the iconic @ symbol.

For example, @vidIQ is our YouTube handle. Viewers can use it to:

Search for our channel on YouTube (and distinguish us from duplicates).

Go directly to our channel via URL (https://www.youtube.com/

While handles help you interact with others, your channel name is entirely distinct from that. You can use your channel name to explain your niche better and attract the right audience.

So, whether you’re choosing a name for the first time or seeking a new one, here are six ways to pick a YouTube channel name.

1. Follow YouTube’s Community Guidelines

Before you pick a channel name, make sure it’s appropriate for YouTube. You can do that by following the 

, which covers things like spam, impersonating other creators, and words you shouldn’t say (or write) on the platform.

After all, what’s the point of finally figuring out a channel name, only to have someone report it?

2. Make Your Channel Name Short and Sweet

On YouTube, a short channel name is always better than a long one. Why? They’re just easier to remember. When someone is searching for your channel, you don’t want them stumbling over a 50-character name. Choose something 

You should pick a YouTube channel name that's:

. You won’t have any problems typing that into YouTube’s search bar. The same goes for channels like 

Did you know it’s against YouTube’s rules to 

? Intentional or not, anyone who does that is misleading their viewers. So that’s the first reason to have an original channel name. It keeps you honest, and YouTube won’t have a reason to strike down your channel.

 is a famous YouTube creator, and someone is always trying to impersonate him. Dozens of people steal his channel name and profile icon to create bogus accounts. Take a look at all the copycat channels below.

What’s the end goal, if not to impersonate MrBeast? And what will these users do with the influence they stole? It can’t be anything good.

4. Pick a Name That Represents Your Niche

When someone comes to your channel, they should know three things immediately:

The right YouTube channel name can express all three.

 But how do you come up with a name so powerful that people understand your channel’s worth?

It’s not as difficult as you think. Whatever your YouTube niche is — hockey, nail art, marine biology — start thinking about that subject. Next, challenge yourself to create a channel name based on your niche.

, a channel with dozens of Microsoft Excel tutorials, is a great example. The channel name comes from combining “Excel” and “excellent.” It’s a clever way to say, “I have the best Excel tutorials on YouTube'' without  saying exactly that.

5. Building a Personal Brand? It’s OK to Use Your Real Name

If you’re building an online persona, your channel name doesn’t have to represent your niche. After all, the content revolves around you. Your personality is the star of the show, not tutorials and how-to advice. It seems fitting that your first and last name are what people see.

It’s tempting to do the opposite, though. You may be thinking to yourself, 

“Who clicks on a channel showing a stranger’s full name? Will I get less search traffic because I’m using my name, which no one cares about yet?”

Maybe, but don’t worry about that. If your goal is building a personal brand, have some faith and trust the process.

? This creator has a self-titled channel with more than 600,000 subscribers. And no, it didn’t take her 10 years to build that following as a personality-driven channel. After posting some popular New York videos, her subscriber count ballooned in 2019!

Stamps’ channel is about many things: minimalism, making money, traveling, and more. She could’ve named her channel something edgy and off-kilter, like Minimal Money. But even that would be too limiting for the content she creates.

OK, let’s get back to YouTube tutorials. If you’re making videos about searchable topics, like “how to change a tire,” it’s worth having a channel name that’s searchable too.

Think of all the keywords someone would use to find your content. When you have a solid list, build your YouTube channel name using a couple of those keywords. Over time, this will help you attract your target audience.

How to Find YouTube Keywords that Grow Your Channel

Here’s an example. Let’s say you have a tech channel that focuses on Apple products. You could potentially add any of these keywords to your channel name:

Some channels are using these keywords already

Are you struggling to name your YouTube channel? Keep reading to learn 6 tips for choosing the right channel name, plus tons of examples to move you in the right direction.

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