Whether you're looking at individual videos or your entire channel, 

 are more than just a vanity metric. They reveal how often (and how well)  you seek to build a community, engage with viewers, and increase your visibility. 

So, how many likes have you gotten lately? Most aren’t aware, but 

 is more likely to promote videos where people have completely 

That's why every creator, big and small, should ask a simple question: 

Every channel is different, so there is no “one-size fits all” answer to this question. For smaller channels, even a few dozen likes can be significant, while larger channels may aim for thousands. Aiming for a like rate of about 

 (of total views) is a reasonable benchmark.

So far, we know that likes can improve your visibility on YouTube. But did you know they can also boost your channel's authority? Viewers tend to click on videos with thousands of likes and views, improving search rankings for that content. 

? Just follow these steps, and let the likes roll in.

The cornerstone of any successful YouTube channel is compelling content. Your videos should resonate with your audience 

 provide value, whether it's through entertainment, information, or inspiration. Learn your viewers' core desires, then make videos that speak directly to those interests and needs.

A good way to do this is by making incentive-based content for your viewers. That way, it feels like they're part of the creation process. 

 viewers to reach a specific number of likes, then do a special giveaway if they're successful.

 viewers to vote for their preferences with the like button. For example, if they want a specific video posted, ask them to reach 1,000 likes, 5,000 likes, 10,000, etc.

 pinned comments to encourage viewers to hit the like button.

Building a loyal community is key, especially if you want people to take specific actions on your channel. You can start by:

These are natural ways to connect with your audience and get them used to engaging with you. Once they're actively participating, it won't seem like a stretch to do other things too (like tapping the like button). 

How to Use the YouTube Community Tab and Engage with Viewers

It's hard to get more likes on YouTube if no one's watching your content. First impressions do matter, so make sure your titles and thumbnails are borderline 

. They should be clear, attractive, and reflective of your video's topic. And most importantly, thumbnails need to stand out amongst the competition.

Collaboration is a powerful tool. By partnering with other creators, you can tap into new audiences and bring fresh eyeballs to your content. If they like what they see, they may drop a like on your video.

Plus, this is a fantastic way to collect likes from people who haven't seen your videos before. And when they do hit that thumbs-up button, YouTube will suggest your content to 

The Top 5 YouTube Collaboration Ideas to Try Right Now

One thing to optimize within your content (and it's very subtle) is the total length of your video. Do your best to align every minute of screen time with the value of your content, and resist the urge to go a second longer! After all, a video won't be engaging if it drags on unnecessarily. Film concise yet exciting content that makes people lean in for a like.

It seems obvious, but the only way to get more likes is to, well...



Upload content regularly, and your audience will keep coming back for more, raising the chance of more likes. After all, 

. So, don't leave your viewers hanging for weeks on end with no new videos. Give them what they want so they can 

One of the best predictors of earning more YouTubes likes is getting more people to watch your content. And you can do that by:

Share them on other platforms to drive traffic back to your channel, increasing views and likes simultaneously.

video descriptions and titles to get your content discovered and create opportunities for more likes.

Encourage viewers to watch more of your content in a single session, so they can like multiple videos.

Trending content is more likely to be shared and liked, as it resonates with what viewers are currently interested in.

Review your YouTube analytics to refine your content strategy and attract more likes.

Of all the tips and tricks, this is the simplest one that creators forget to do. Sometimes, viewers just need a gentle nudge. Reminding them to like a video can do wonders for your numbers now and in the future.

Using all these tips will improve the number of likes on your videos and make your channel a favorite to the algorithm. 

By the way, here's how to make the algorithm recommend your videos!

Cursor hovering over blue thumbs-up like button with 4.1K likes on digital interface

Getting more YouTube likes is a great way to improve your channel's overall performance. Here's how to encourage people to hit the thumbs-up button!

How to Get More YouTube Likes [and Influence the Algorithm]

Every few years, it's wise to look at your YouTube icon and see if it needs updating to better match your channel. Fortunately, it's pretty easy to make the switch, especially when using a desktop computer. 

The tricky part is attempting this on a smartphone.

 There are extra steps, more menus, and a longer process overall.

Don't worry, through: This guide will cover both methods 

 help you achieve the right size and aesthetic for your image.

How to Change Your YouTube Icon (Desktop)

1. Log in to your YouTube account. On your channel's homepage, click your current profile icon.

This will take you to the YouTube Studio, and more specifically, the branding section of the customization page.

Use your computer's file browser to choose a new photo for your channel (you might have to crop it to get the right fit).

the change button to select a new youtube icon

 in the top right corner to save the changes.

How to Change Your YouTube Icon (Mobile App)

2. Go to your YouTube channel's homepage. Click the 

a youtube channel homepage on the mobile app with pencil icon highlighted

3. Under channel settings, click the camera symbol inside of your profile icon.

4. Choose a photo from your camera or gallery. Again, you might have to crop the image to get the right fit.

Options for uploading a channel icon: camera roll or gallery

How big does a YouTube icon have to be? Fortunately, it can be pretty small compared to the rest of your channel art, like YouTube banners and thumbnails. 

, according to YouTube. You can upload a GIF, BMP, JPG, or PNG file. Just make sure the image is 4MB or less.

Also, square or round images work best. That's because YouTube displays every profile image as a tiny circle on mobile devices, desktop computers, and even TVs.

So, orient your image well before you set a YouTube channel icon. It helps to center the subject of the image, and make it large enough for viewers to see!

The best channel icons are simple enough to identify yet bold enough to 

Use bright, attention grabbing colors, such as reds, purples, yellows, and oranges. Try to minimize neutral colors, like white, black, beige, and gray. You want the image to pop!

 has the right idea. The main element of the photo, a cute teddy bear, is in the middle of the frame. The icon also has bright pinks and blues that are hard to miss.

At the same time, not every icon needs to be a 2D illustration. 

 uses a photo of himself with blue and orange colors to make his icon stand out.

Youtube channel icon for feasible creative

If you're chasing the professional look, consider a simple logo. 

 has one of the best profile icons because it's simple, colorful, and large enough to make out.

Now that you have the perfect YouTube icon, what else can you improve on your channel? 

Here's a quick guide to making a YouTube banner!

SET India YouTube channel page on phone with subscriber and video count visible.

Ready to update your YouTube icon? Here's how to upload a new profile image to your channel using a smartphone or laptop.

How to Change Your YouTube Icon [Mobile and Desktop Guide]

Can you make a successful YouTube channel without showing your face?

 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.

Faceless YouTube Channel: A Step-by-Step Guide

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 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, 

Making documentaries is one of the easiest ways to avoid showing your face on YouTube. Instead of focusing on yourself, you'll hold a lens to everything else happening in the world. What's going on with climate change? Why do Americans travel to only a few states? Will physical money disappear one day?

. Armed with B-roll and voice-over, this channel tackles big questions without ever showing the creator's face. The content is based on both facts and rumors, which shows just how far you can take a documentary-style approach.

If you consider yourself a movie critic, we have great news for you.

You don't have to show your face to become a respected reviewer!

 have over 500,000 subscribers, and they don't reveal themselves at all. Instead, they share unique commentary and movie clips to keep things interesting.

Want an example? Watch this video where Steve Reviews reacts to viewers not liking 

"Made for kids" content is popular on YouTube because 

. You can teach toddlers how to sing their ABCs, recognize shapes, count to 10, and much more. You'll charm kids and their parents with fun animations and up-beat music — not your face!

If you need an example, watch this counting video from 

There's been a rise in faceless cooking channels in the past few years. Instead of telling viewers how to cook something, these peaceful creators opt to 

40 faceless YouTube channel ideas without showing your face

Person holding a DSLR camera with flip-out screen, ready to take a photo outdoors

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.

40 Faceless YouTube Channel Ideas That Actually Work in 2025

Writing good YouTube titles is a tricky task. Just when you think you have the right one, you wonder, 

Will the title resonate with viewers and make them click?

How to Title YouTube Videos for More Views

Good news incoming: You don’t have to struggle with YouTube video titles anymore. Instead of rewriting to no end, focus on what makes a good headline:

Imagine going out to dinner with one of your YouTube viewers. Chances are, the two of you will talk about what you have in common during the meal. You might be nervous at first, but you’ll eventually hit a groove where you’re 

If you both love dogs, for example, you might use words like:

Writing video titles is no different. The headline starts a conversation between you and viewers, and relatable dialogue is best.

“This Talking Pitbull Is Smarter Than You Can Imagine!” 

If you're familiar with pit bulls, you know how vocal they are. It’s almost as if they can speak! When the creator adds “talking pitbull” to the title, it’s a nod to people who adore the vocal nature of pitties.

2. Stay Under the YouTube Title Character Limit

Make sure you're using the right YouTube video title length before settling on a headline. It’s easy to fall in love with the words you’ve written, only to realize you have too many!

On YouTube, you have a title limit of 100 characters. But even that’s too long. The best titles are around 

 and display fully on most devices. Anything longer will show up as a truncated title.

It’s true: Sensational headlines attract viewers out of sheer curiosity. Even if something looks too good to be true, viewers will investigate just to be sure.

On its support page, YouTube states that it doesn’t condone “misleading metadata or thumbnails, [such as] using the title, thumbnail, [or] description to trick users” into watching a video.

One example could be a video titled “Buying a Mansion for $1 Million.” If the creator drives around to look at expensive homes with no intention of buying, renting, or even discussing that journey, it’s clickbait.

4. Use the Right Keywords for YouTube Search

 on YouTube. If people aren’t searching for the kind of videos you make, getting views as a new creator is tough.

create a YouTube video title with solid keywords

. Start by studying your niche to see which phrases competitors use in their videos. Then use 

The goal is to find terms with high search volume plus low to medium  competition.

7 Ways to Discover the Best YouTube Keywords for Your Channel

Adding numbers to headlines is an old marketing rule that still works today. According to an 

, people pay special attention to numbers.

“Among our discoveries was that numerals often stop the wandering eye and attract fixations, even when they're embedded within a mass of words that users otherwise ignore,” writes Jakob Nielsen, computer interaction researcher.

people love numbers because they’re associated with facts

. So if you want people to click your titles, don’t skimp on the numerals.

decide to make purchases with their subconscious mind

? Choosing to watch a YouTube video doesn’t cost money, but it’s still a subconscious 

explore what viewers feel subconsciously as they browse YouTube

. What emotions arise when they think of specific topics?

Once you know this, it’s easier to write titles that stick. You’ll know which emotive words to use, such as “lucrative” for finance geeks or “blissful” for hopeless romantics.

Here's how to tap into three emotions that make people click videos: curiosity, fear, and desire.

7. Create Harmony Between the Title and Thumbnail

When people create YouTube video titles, the thumbnail is typically an afterthought. But that’s a costly mistake. 

No title exists in a vacuum because the headline appears beside the preview image on YouTube. So it’s wise to consider how the two combine to attract viewers. 

If the title doesn’t build upon what the thumbnail shows, it's not accurate or strong enough. Do your best to create real harmony, like the thumbnails we paired with these titles.

8. Add Hashtags in Your YouTube Video Title

You want hashtags in your titles because they help viewers find content similar to what they’re already watching. If your title has a hashtag like #growyourchannel, your content could show up on the 

We accomplished this feat on the vidIQ channel. Below, notice we added #growyourchannel to a video titled “YouTube Settings You Need to Know to Grow Your Channel.”

Four years later, that video is still featured on the #growyourchannel hashtag page.

Here’s how to add hashtags in a YouTube video title:

Type the # symbol in your title or description, then start typing the best terms for your topic. YouTube will suggest some popular hashtags; all you have to do is choose the best one for your video.

9. Get Inspiration from Other YouTube Videos

Did you know that seasoned creators don't always brainstorm their video titles? Many of them look at channels in their niche and pull inspiration from videos that went viral!

It takes time to research those channels, so we'll save you a bit of trouble here. We recently interviewed title expert Jake Thomas, who studies trends within the YouTube video space. According to him, 

these emotion-driven titles are working for creators

Viewers get curious when they see these titles, and that motivates them to click on the video!

Similar to the tip above, this piece of advice is about using 

 of the shortcuts available to you. And AI — artificial intelligence — goes a long way in aiding the creative process on YouTube. So, why not use it to write captivating titles? 

If that sounds like productive, check our 

 for every video description you provide. Plus, the ideas are optimized for viewer engagement!

vidIQ ai title generator with the prompt "buttery biscuits grandma style"

YouTube video titles generated by vidIQ's AI Title generator 

11. Write Wholesome Video Titles for YouTube

 when you’re naming YouTube videos. Steer clear of profanity, hate speech, and misinformation that's harmful in the real world.

YouTube Shorts are vertical videos of 60 seconds or less. They're typically shot on a mobile phone, and viewers usually discover them through the Shorts player. This is a section of the YouTube app that's designed for 

 and yes, title do matter there! The rules for writing them are just a tad different.

How to Write the Best Titles for YouTube Shorts



Here are the best practices for titling Shorts:

 Give viewers a snapshot of what to expect.

 Pose a question, or use intriguing adjectives. The goal is to make them stop scrolling and start watching.

 Shorts do appear in YouTube search, so use the right keywords to get more views in that area.

 You have 40 characters to work with before YouTube truncates the rest of your title when viewing Shorts in the app).

Writing Good YouTube Titles Takes Practice

It won't happen overnight, but with regular practice, you can write titles so alluring that people 

Do you need help writing YouTube video titles? Here are 11 ways to give your videos the perfect name and captivate viewers.

YouTube Tips for Creators

How to Get More YouTube Likes [and Influence the Algorithm]

How to Change Your YouTube Icon [Mobile and Desktop Guide]

40 Faceless YouTube Channel Ideas That Actually Work in 2025

11 Ways to Write Exciting YouTube Titles for Your Videos

6 Places to Find Trending YouTube Topics for Your Videos

5 Reasons to Start Vlogging on YouTube (and Quit Faceless Content)

10 Things Every Small YouTube Channel Can Improve

4 Steps to Revive a Stagnant YouTube Channel

From Viewer to YouTube Creator: How to Make the Switch

3 Ways to Discover Viral YouTube Video Ideas

4 Editing Hacks to Make Any YouTube Video Go Viral

The Secret to Standing Out as a Small YouTube Creator