The best way to get more views on YouTube is to optimize your videos so they show up in search and recommendations
— and keep viewers engaged once they click. That means mastering clickable thumbnails, compelling titles, and content that delivers on its promise.


With 10+ billion views tracked through coaching and tools, vidIQ provides data-backed insights into what drives video discovery.


In this section, we will break down strategies, examples, and case studies so you can consistently grow your views.

More Views

How To Get More Views on YouTube

The fastest way to get more YouTube subscribers is to publish videos that keep viewers watching and make it easy for them to subscribe.
That means using strong titles and thumbnails, clear calls to action, and building content around topics people are already searching for.


At vidIQ, we analyze millions of channels to see what actually drives subscriber growth, from doubling down on high-retention videos
to packaging content in ways that hook new audiences. Explore our guides and case studies to learn proven tactics that will
help you grow your subscribers faster.

Get Subscribers

How to Get More YouTube Subscribers

To make money on YouTube, creators start by qualifying for the YouTube Partner Program and enabling ads, but that’s just the beginning. Real income comes from combining multiple streams: sponsorships, channel memberships, affiliate marketing, and selling your own products or services. 

At vidIQ, we’ve studied how creators unlock monetization
milestones and scale beyond ad revenue. Here you will learn practical strategies to diversify income and build
a sustainable business from your YouTube channel.

Make Money

How To Make Money on YouTube

YouTube Analytics reveal which videos are working and why, but not all metrics matter equally. Watch time, retention, CTR, and revenue are the numbers that drive real growth. 

At vidIQ, we break down these metrics with examples so you can spot trends, identify weak points, and make smarter decisions for your channel. Here you’ll learn how to use analytics as a growth engine, not just a dashboard.

Data Insights

YouTube Analytics Explained: Metrics That Matter

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 are one of the fastest ways to reach new viewers and grow your channel.


With millions of Shorts analyzed, vidIQ has tracked the formats and strategies that help creators break through. Here you’ll learn how to make Shorts that stand out, and how to use them to boost your long-form videos.

YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts: Tips and Strategies

The best YouTube tips save time and make your videos perform better. From thumbnail tweaks to hidden features in YouTube Studio, small changes can drive big results. 

At vidIQ, we’ve tested countless tactics across millions of videos to see what really works. Here you’ll find quick wins and practical shortcuts you can use right now to grow faster and work smarter.

Quick Tips

YouTube Tips for Creators

The fastest way to grow on YouTube is to create content around trending topics while viewers are searching for them. 

With vidIQ’s data, we track the keywords, niches, and formats that are taking off across millions of channels. Here you’ll find insights into what’s working now, including creator case studies and examples, so you can publish videos that ride the wave of demand and stay ahead of competitors.

Trending Now

YouTube Trends and Insights

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

 has one primary goal: to get their videos recommended to more people. They want YouTube to (finally) notice their content, identify the subject matter, and suggest it to thousands of like-minded viewers.

Your best plan of action, especially as a small creator, is to understand how YouTube recommends videos. You'll want to figure out why the algorithm promotes some content and, well...basically ignores others.

In truth, it's not that the algorithm doesn't favor you or is biased against your channel. 

YouTube doesn't hate small creators. It just doesn't know whom to recommend you to yet. 

In this blog, we'll learn how to fix that.

YouTube Recommendations Are Based on Viewer Behavior

Here's the first mindshift you need to make:

Every single video you upload is treated as a new test. 

YouTube doesn't care if you have 5 subscribers or 5 million. What it cares about is whether people are clicking on your video, sticking around to watch it, and coming back for more.

So even if your last 10 videos flopped, the next one still gets a shot. That's actually good news for small creators. But to pass the test, you've got to send YouTube the right signals about your content and your audience.

Graph showing typical video performance on YouTube

When someone watches your video and has a positive experience, YouTube starts looking for other people with similar viewing patterns and interests. The more positive signals you generate, the wider your reach becomes. This is why you'll sometimes see a small channel with 100 subscribers get a video that hits 50,000 views seemingly overnight.

YouTube’s 3-Tiered Recommendation System

Think of YouTube’s recommendation process like leveling up in a game. Every video is tested in a sequence of audiences:

Your subscribers and repeat viewers. This is your home base. If they enjoy the video, it moves to the next stage.

People in your niche who watch similar videos—maybe they follow your competitors or recently searched for the topic.

Complete strangers. If your video performs well in the first two groups, it “graduates” here and has a shot at virality.

The beauty of this system is that it rewards creators who truly serve their audience, not just those who game the algorithm. When you consistently deliver value to your core viewers, YouTube becomes more confident in recommending you to similar people.

Small creators often treat their channel like a digital diary. One day it's gaming, the next it's cooking, then it's a vlog with your dog. Creative freedom is great, but to the algorithm, it's pretty confusing.

Spoiler: If you make content for everyone, YouTube won't know who to recommend you to.

Think about it from YouTube's perspective. The platform serves billions of hours of content every day. Its job is to keep people watching by showing them exactly what they want to see. When your channel jumps between wildly different topics, YouTube can't build a 

clear picture of who your ideal viewer is.

This doesn't mean you can never evolve or try new things, but especially in your first 50-100 videos, consistency is your best friend.

Keep your thumbnails and titles visually consistent

Develop a recognizable content format or style

You're not just building videos. You're building a brand that YouTube can confidently recommend to the right people.

The biggest point of affirmation for the algorithm to determine whether your videos can be recommended or not is watch time. And the best way to do that is to improve the 

If someone watches your video and then watches another video (yours or someone else's), YouTube rewards you. If your video ends their session (they close the app or tab), that's a negative signal to YouTube recommendations. That's called 

5 Ways to Increase YouTube Watch Time on Any Video

Session time is arguably more important than individual video performance because it shows YouTube that your content fits into the broader viewing experience people want. 

When viewers stay on the platform after watching your video, you're contributing to YouTube's core business model. Here's how you can improve your session time:

Reference your other videos inside your current one

Use verbal handoffs: "Next, watch this…"

Create content series that naturally lead into each other

Use the "Hook – Hold – Handoff" Framework

This framework is used by some of the fastest-growing creators on YouTube. It's how you keep people watching—and signal to YouTube that your content is binge-worthy.

Grab attention in the first 5–10 seconds.

 "I cooked gourmet food for the most dangerous animals on Earth..."

The hook isn't just about being loud or shocking. It's about immediately communicating the value and intrigue of your video. Your hook should make viewers think: "I need to see how this plays out."

Progressive revelations, bigger stakes, deeper insights—whatever your video promises, you need to deliver it in a way that builds momentum rather than plateaus.

This is where pacing becomes crucial. Plan your content like a story with rising action. Each segment should feel more valuable or interesting than the last.

 "If you liked this one, just wait till you see what I did next…"

The result? Binge behavior. And binge behavior is the algorithm's rocket fuel.

A lot of small creators kill their videos with bad titles that are vague, boring, and generic. 

Your title is competing with hundreds of other videos for attention. Generic titles get ignored because they don't create any emotional investment. Specific titles with clear benefits cut through the noise.

Consider the psychology of your viewer when they're scrolling. They're asking themselves: "Is this worth my time?" Your title needs to answer that question with a clear "yes" and a compelling reason why.

In case of thumbnails, make sure to focus on clarity. If your thumbnails look like a chaotic Canva explosion... It's time to clean up. 

Expression that matches the video's emotion

You get 2 seconds on the homepage. Make them count. Your thumbnail needs to generate curiosity and be readable at the size of a postage stamp. If you can't tell what your thumbnail is about when it's tiny, neither can your potential viewers.

How To Create Scroll-Stopping YouTube Thumbnails Faster with AI

Here's a fatal mistake a lot of creators make: You have an awesome title and a killer thumbnail… but your video intro is a snooze fest.

"Hey guys, welcome back to the channel! So glad you're here…"

…you've already lost half your audience. Instead, do this:

Reinforce the promise of the video immediately

If the title is "How YouTube Deleted My Channel," say it right away in the video: "Three days ago, YouTube deleted my channel, and here's exactly what happened…"

The first 15 seconds of your video are crucial for YouTube recommendations. This is where the algorithm decides whether your content is engaging enough to show to more people. A slow start signals that viewers might click away, which hurts your recommendation potential.

This one's sneaky. YouTube transcribes your entire video. Every word.

So, if your video is about YouTube recommendations but you never actually say "YouTube recommendations," the algorithm may not be confident in what your video is about.

Say your main keyword early and naturally

 ("YouTube algorithm," "getting recommended," etc.)

YouTube's automatic captions and transcription feed directly into their understanding of your content. This semantic understanding helps the algorithm match your video with relevant searches and recommend it alongside similar content.

Don't stuff keywords awkwardly, but make sure you're naturally using the language your audience uses when searching for your type of content.

YouTube favors videos that are relevant right now. This is called 

. Your chances of getting recommended skyrocket if you time your video with:

A phone showing the youtube logo next to the youtube homepage on a desktop computer

How does the YouTube algorithm work — specifically, the recommendation engine that promotes videos to billions of viewers? Keep reading to find out and grow your channel!

YouTube's 'Suggested Videos' Algorithm: How to Crack It

For just a moment, let's forget about the growth tips we normally discuss, like using the right keywords, designing thumbnails, and finding the perfect video title. They're crucial on YouTube, but you need more than that to stand out in 2023. These days, it's more important to know 

In other words, what perspective will you bring to YouTube? Turning your small channel into a big one happens much faster when you have something to say and when you target the right viewers.

3 Mistakes to Avoid if You Have a Small YouTube Channel

But by now, you probably know that any old perspective won't cut it on YouTube. It must be 

. Your viewpoint should draw people in and bind them to your channel. It should connect people to you and not just your content.

How to Find Your Unique Perspective on YouTube

Male YouTuber filming a low angle shot in an alleyway

This will sound a bit cliché, but we have to say it: Unique channels are run by creators who know how to be themselves.

You've probably heard that before, but it's 100% true. We don't think of someone as "unique" until they dare to be themselves, and that takes a lot of authenticity — 

So, how do you build a unique perspective? We've seen it happen in multiple ways:

Combine two interests to create an uncommon YouTube niche.

Share your personal story or your life's mission.

Let's play a game real quick. Grab a pen and paper, and then write down all the hobbies and interests you could talk about on YouTube. When you're done, combine any two interests and see how they fare as a YouTube channel topic.

What's the point of doing this? Well, you'll notice that the most interesting channels are pretty unconventional. 

, a channel that reviews the most basic stuff, is the perfect example. Their latest video is a review of cats and their existence, and before that, they reviewed air, water, and anxiety.

Mikasacus has a unique perspective, which is

 — to dull things, common things, hidden things, or, frankly, everything. To illustrate that point, they combine the idea of "video reviews" with the practice of extreme observation. And a new YouTube niche was born: uncommon reviews.

A common misconception is that small creators shouldn't share their personal stories on YouTube — just search-based content. And sure, maybe you don't have thousands of viewers just yet. But if a story connects with 

, it doesn't matter if you're virtually unknown. You can still hook people with relatable content.

. He makes vulnerability a habit by opening up to his audience about his past, explaining his life choices, and encouraging others to hang on through tough times. His latest upload is about choosing a plant-based lifestyle, and it has all the ingredients of a soon-to-be viral video. There's 

 no matter what happens. And his subscribers (180,000) seem to agree.

You're bound to stand out if you do things nobody one else can do. That's why 

, a creator who does elaborate challenges, is so famous today. His main channel has 169 million subscribers, but that wasn't always the case! MrBeast was once a small creator who stood out by doing the impossible on YouTube.

In fact, he first went viral for counting to 100,000 in one sitting!

It was hard. (Seriously, who has the patience to count to 100,000?)

Nobody expected it, so the video caught people by surprise.

You could argue that MrBeast has a unique perspective, but it's not about wild challenges and stunts. He's telling us that 

You've probably heard this a million times:

"The number one way to stand on YouTube is by making content people are searching for."

And while that's correct, it's also true that thousands of people are doing the same thing.

On YouTube, 10,000 videos can share the same keywords. They're in the video title, description, hashtags, or all three. But the 

 video — the one YouTube recommends to viewers — stands out because it's satisfying.

. Use the best keywords, hashtags, and thumbnails in your arsenal. But also, make sure your video has an original, authentic message. That's going to bring 

Female YouTuber vlogging in public on a smartphone

Young woman recording vlog with smartphone and microphone in urban outdoor setting

Getting people to notice you on YouTube is simple in theory but difficult in practice. Let’s explore why (and how) small channels become big ones.

The Secret to Standing Out as a Small YouTube Creator

If you're reading this, you've probably heard that YouTube automation is the best thing since the internet itself. There are stories of creators making $10,000 

 by outsourcing the creative work for their channel, including video scripts, thumbnails, editing, or sometimes the actual videos!

And best of all? The creator doesn't have to do anything. They don't appear in the videos or lift a finger in the process.

This is nothing new, of course. YouTubers have outsourced their work for years and will continue to do so in the future. The only thing that's changing is 

and there are two types of people in the AI world:

Is there any danger in using AI? It all depends! If you want to 

 (YPP) and make money, you could hit a few roadblocks.

Is Your Content 100% AI? Getting Monetized Will Be Tough

A popular question floating around the internet today is, "Can AI videos get monetized on YouTube?" The short answer is yes, they can! However, YouTube has clear rules about using AI responsibly in your content. And one of the biggest rules is actually a warning, in which YouTube says channels with redundant, machine-generated content won't get monetized.

(AdSense is the program that pays creators), and it states that:

"Channels consisting of similar content, where videos are only slightly different from one another, are not eligible for monetization."

Screen shot of YouTube's policy, showing that videos should be unique to one another

So if you're going full speed ahead with YouTube automation, remember to 

. Let AI be your helper, not the star of the show.

'Rain Sound' Videos: An Example of Automation Gone Too Far

Have you seen those rain sound videos on YouTube? That's a good example of repetitive, mass-produced content. Many of those videos have the same thumbnail, the same thunderstorm audio on repeat, and, most of the time, the same title.

In the AdSense policy, YouTube describes videos like these as "mindless" and "low educational." It also says that "templated, mass-produced, or programmatically-generated content" cannot make money.

 YouTube won't monetize videos that are all "machine" and have no human spark. 

If your content is 100% AI (and redundant!), it may fall into that category.

How YouTube Reviews Your Channel for Monetization

If you plan to join the YPP with an automated channel, you should know how the review process works.

One surprising detail is that real humans review your channel. They'll check some key areas, including:

Video titles, thumbnails, and descriptions

A screenshot of YouTube's policy about what they review on creators' channels

But what is YouTube looking for? Reviewers mostly check for 

 violations — hate speech, spam, graphic content, etc. But regarding AI and YouTube automation, they may check your most popular videos for signs of mass production or overly-templated content.

How to Use AI and Still Get Monetized on YouTube

 After all, we're not saying you can't use it in any part of the process; we encourage it! Here at vidIQ, we make a bunch of AI tools to help streamline your workflow:

: Get a content plan for your next video, including a title and description, keywords, video script, thumbnail backgrounds, and voice-over.

 Talk to our AI-powered chatbot to analyze your channel's performance, suggest your next video, and more.

Get a catchy YouTube title to make your video stand out.

Receive up to 50 daily video ideas for your channel.

AI should make creating easier, not replace it altogether. You don't want to generate a bunch of videos with no warmth, depth, or transformative information. Humans will watch your videos, so create videos for the 

Please record that awesome YouTube challenge. Just remember that an AI video editor can help you 

Go ahead and make that long-form video. If you want, plenty of AI tools will 

And if nothing else, let this quote from our senior executive producer guide you:

"The moral of the story is that creators who use AI to aid in content creation instead of fully automating it are going to win," says Dan Carson.

Watch the video below to learn more about AI, YouTube automation, and how to navigate the two, according to Dan.

Here's how to build a success mindset for YouTube, whether your channel is automated or not.

Hand pressing play button on futuristic transparent video player interface on screen

YouTube automation is hot right now, but does it pose any risks to your channel? Spoiler: It depends!

The Truth About AI: Can YouTube Automation Ruin Your Channel?

So, you’ve decided that 2023 will be the year you 

Nice!  You're taking a leap of faith that many don't take, and for that, you deserve heaps of positive energy.

But if you're feeling overwhelmed by the number of tips and suggestions on how to grow a channel, don't worry. Many people feel the same way, but today, we'll address something you need before any of that other stuff: the right mindset for YouTube!

So, let's take it back to the beginning. Do you remember how excited you were the first time you dreamt of 

You could almost taste the thrill of seeing your unique ideas broadcast to the world. And, while passion is a fantastic starting point, what truly propels us to YouTube success is a blend of discipline, perseverance, and above all, 

When you have a growth mindset, you believe that you can improve your abilities through hard work and dedication. This means that brain power and talent are just the beginning. We need a constant love of learning and resilience to accomplish great things over and over again — especially on a platform as competitive as YouTube.

So, let's dive into these "mindset principles" to help you become YouTube-ready!

1. Understand the Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

A "fixed mindset" is a belief that a person cannot improve their abilities, intelligence, and talents over time. It often comes from that voice at the back of your head, always reminding you how impossible your goals are. Simply put: Watch out for it! 

Recognize that this inner troll is trying to protect you from potential threats, but you don't have to let it hold you back.

For example, it's easy to look at a channel like 

 get that many subscribers (167 million). After all, he has resources you don't have access to right now, like a budget, a studio, and a dedicated team. But everyone has to start somewhere. 

Don't let your inner critic tell you what 

 possible. Gently remind it that many people started out just like you, only to overcome hardships and build a solid YouTube community. That's what it means to have a growth mindset!

Whether it's a brutally honest commenter on your video or your sarcastic cousin at a family dinner, constructive feedback can spring up from the most unexpected places. The secret to success lies in identifying good feedback and acting on it quickly.

Not all advice is actionable or benefits your growth in the long run. But sometimes, your entire outlook is changed by new insight, so be humble and lookout for constructive criticism.

to come from a human! At vidIQ, we have an AI Coach that can look at your channel's performance and suggest video ideas and content strategies 

Click here to start chatting with AI coach!

On YouTube, experience trumps perfection. You don't have to spend much time making your videos perfect, but you must believe in the importance of being consistent.

Perfectionism is a real thing that many people struggle with, and it's also a party pooper! Your videos will always have minor flaws, but those are just stepping stones to better content. Embrace those imperfections, click that publish button, and remember: Each upload makes you better than the last!

To be a high-flying creator, you need to stay ahead of the game. This means accumulating more knowledge than all of the competitors in your YouTube niche. 

In an era where 500 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute

Want to take your YouTube channel to the next level? Try developing a growth mindset that keeps you positive and focused.

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

YouTube's 'Suggested Videos' Algorithm: How to Crack It

The Secret to Standing Out as a Small YouTube Creator

The Truth About AI: Can YouTube Automation Ruin Your Channel?

How to Build the Right Mindset for YouTube Success

Shorts, Longs, and Lives: How to Compare YouTube Views from All 3

5 AI Tools to Edit YouTube Videos Quickly

How to Use the YouTube Community Tab and Engage with Viewers

How to Turn Silent Viewers into YouTube Subscribers

Creator Jordan Haber Goes Viral After 'Sneaking' into NBA Draft

How to Monetize on YouTube Without the Partner Program

Going Live on YouTube: 8 Genius Hacks for Monetizing Your Streams

This Update Could Change the YouTube Partner Program Forever

From Burnout to Bliss: Prioritizing Mental Health as a YouTuber