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

Does it feel like the YouTube algorithm is ignoring your small channel?

We hate to bring bad news, but you might be right. There's a chance YouTube 

It's probably not for the reasons you think, like the algorithm changing or YouTube favoring large, popular channels. More than likely, you need to know 

We hate to see so many channels stall out, so we asked Todd Beaupre, director of product management at YouTube, how to stop it. As he explained the algorithm, we learned 

 creators must know to grow an audience.

So if you want to turn your small channel into a large one, keep reading for some YouTube algorithm hacks!

Secret No. 1: The Algorithm Serves the Viewer, Not the Other Way Around

Spoiler: Many people know this secret already. They realize the YouTube algorithm is a recommendation system; its job is to 

But while many people know this, plenty of creators don't have that information. Some think the algorithm or video creators 

 what people watch, but that's not true.

"The main job of the algorithm is to serve the user when they show up," Beaupre says. "A lot of creators think about things from the creator's perspective, like 'Oh, I make a video, and then YouTube pushes it out to a bunch of people.'"

"For the most part, recommendations and [YouTube videos from search] don't get pushed out. They're pulled from viewers."

In other words, viewing patterns on YouTube influence the algorithm. You can post thousands of high-quality videos, but they'll only get views if they appeal to a specific audience.

Secret No 2: The Algorithm Uses Watch History to Recommend Videos

So far, we've learned that viewers determine what they like, and the algorithm delivers that experience.

But that raises a few questions: How do you get 

 content to show up on a video suggestion list? How do you make the algorithm 

First, get your content into someone's watch history, Beaupre says. The algorithm will notice your channel as more people watch your videos.

"We use watch history as probably the most important signal we know about a viewer to figure out what they want to watch next," Beaupre says.

So if the algorithm knows Viewer A watches your videos, it may conclude that Viewer A wants to see more of your content — which is exactly what you want to happen.

Secret No. 3: The Algorithm Looks at Titles and Descriptions When You Have No Views/Subscribers

Every channel has to start somewhere, and YouTube knows this. That's why new channels with no behavioral data, such as watch history, are analyzed for their metadata instead.

"I would say YouTube search is probably the first place for fresh videos," Beaupre says. "You upload a brand new video around Minecraft, [for example], and we're going to consider that video when someone searches for Minecraft based on the title and description."

So if you're a new creator with no views or subscribers, 

 to get the algorithm's attention. Do some 

Secret No. 4: Sometimes Your Niche Is too Competitive

We typically say there's an audience for every interest, especially on YouTube. But what if millions of people create videos on the same topic? That makes it harder to stand out no matter what you do.

Beaupre's advice? Take the road less traveled.

"I would discourage creators from trying to compete in the most competitive spaces in the word," he says. "Rather than go after the Minecraft query, for example, you might want to find a niche that isn't already being served by a million other videos."

finding trending topics for your YouTube videos

. Go to Google Trends and research people's interests, or head to platforms like TikTok and Twitter to discover subcultures in various niches. If you can find an underserved community, you'll be one step closer to finding your niche.

Secret No. 5: Don't Rely on YouTube to Promote Your Small Channel

Remember what we said about the algorithm and watch history?

To satisfy viewers, YouTube will make recommendations that mirror 

Once again, that raises another question: What do you do when no one has watched your videos yet?

If you're in this situation, Beaupre says it's time to look beyond YouTube.

"I wouldn't rely entirely on YouTube as the only way to drive attention to your content," he says. "Identify other places where your content might be relevant. That could be anything from Facebook groups to Discord servers to Twitter."

"Seed your video in places where you're going to get some watch history and kickstart that signal [to the algorithm]."

That doesn't mean you should spam your videos in community forums. Be intentional about where you share videos, ensuring that A) your ideal viewers hang out there and B) your videos solve their biggest problems. That's how you do clean, effective promotion.

You won't have to do this forever, but it's a powerful way to kick off your YouTube journey.

Small YouTube Channels Benefit from These Tips

YouTube's recommendation algorithm is complicated, but we hope this post explained the trickier parts. At the very least, you should understand five things to grow a small YouTube channel:

The algorithm serves the viewer, not the other way around.

The algorithm uses watch history to recommend videos.

The algorithm looks at titles and descriptions when you have no views/subscribers.

A competitive niche = less opportunity for views.

You can't rely on YouTube to promote your small channel, so leverage other social media.

Want to hear more advice about these tips? Watch this video to strengthen your knowledge of the YouTube algorithm.

Now that you understand the algorithm, here's how to make people watch multiple videos on your channel.

YouTube video views spike to 184.8K, showing a 999% growth rate on chart.

How does the YouTube algorithm work? In this post, we get helpful answers from YouTube's director of product management.

5 Secrets You Didn’t Know About the YouTube Algorithm

New creators have a lot to learn when they join YouTube, TikTok, or any platform for the first time. For one, there's the task of turning random viewers into loyal, long-term fans. After that, making money from content becomes a real possibility.

What rarely makes the list, though, is understanding the creator economy, 

which is estimated to be worth $104.2 billion

. After all, who has time to explore the vast content ecosystem? That means learning to thrive on multiple platforms, understanding all the money-making tools, and keeping up with industry news.

Which raises an important question: Is learning the creator economy worth it for everyone? Should it be required for every YouTuber, TikToker, or anyone building an audience?

Jim Louderback and Renee Teeley, co-hosts of 

, say, "No." Only certain types of creators need to go that far.

"If you just want to get noticed, have fun, and find a girlfriend or boyfriend, you don't need to follow the creator economy," Jim says. "But if you're planning to make a career out of community-first media, then the second thing you should do after posting your first video, podcast, or episode is subscribe to The Creator Feed."

The Creator Feed is a weekly show exploring industry news, trends, updates, and how all of it affects creators. For instance, 

, and how can entrepreneurs leverage that perk? Will AI-generated art change the look and feel of YouTube thumbnails forever?

No matter the topic, Jim and Renee break down the major points, share insights, and advise creators on how to move forward.

They can do this because they're both content experts. Jim is the editor and publisher of 

, a weekly newsletter presenting news, strategy, and analysis on the creator economy, web3, and the metaverse. He's also the former general manager of VidCon.

Renee is a creator economy executive and the former senior vice president of Content and Community at TubeBuddy. She has helped creators and brands grow their businesses through video and is a longtime creator herself.

Want to explore the creator economy? Listen to The Creator Feed podcast on 

, or your favorite podcast platform. You can also read this fun interview with Renee and Jim to get acquainted with the show!

Q: Why did you start The Creator Feed podcast? What's your ultimate goal?

: We had nothing better to do at the time. No, seriously, there was a gap in the market between more interview shows and pure tip shows. We wanted to fill it.

We cover the mix of creator business news, advice, and insights for those who are higher-end or professional creators. We're great for people who aspire to 

, as well as the Creator Economy Curious (CEC). But really, professional creators are our target.

Q: Have you seen creators directly benefit from following news in the creator economy? If so, how?

: Absolutely. Many creators are building businesses and offering products and services to help others. Following news and trends can highlight gaps in the market.

For example, Paddy Galloway noticed a market gap for creator resources and developed a job site for YouTube creators called 

Q: There are so many places to make and monetize content. How can people learn about the creator economy without feeling overwhelmed?

: Start small. Listen to our podcast. Read my newsletter. Follow some smart folks on Twitter and LinkedIn. Go to some events like VidCon or VidSummit.

But in the end, make a bunch of content, experiment, and find out what works for you. We have ideas, but no one has the answers to every question. And every creator is different.

Q: On your podcast, how do you determine which news is most important to share with creators?

: I talk about what I think is most interesting, important, and strategic. Or who I want to make fun of that week. Depends on the mood.

: Same as Jim. I try to pick stories that will impact creators. I especially like discussing complex topics to provide some clarity or at least our opinion on what it means for the industry long term.

Q: For each piece of news, you share the pros and cons creators could face. It's very balanced and honest. What guides your process?

: Be honest, and be beholden to no one. I worked off and on in corporate America for most of my career and found that it's hard to say what you think at a big company. My paycheck — or lack thereof — is not determined by any company, platform, or creator. It's freeing and fun.

: Same! We're having honest conversations about the creator economy — the good and the bad.

Q: Speaking of pros and cons, creators have mixed emotions about how YouTube will monetize Shorts in 2023 — requiring 1,000 subscribers and 10 million Shorts views in 90 days. What's your take?

 is a positive move for the industry. It puts pressure on other platforms to figure out more sustainable monetization options.

However, YouTube hasn't been direct about the amount of money going to creators. YouTube stated, "From the overall amount allocated to creators, they will keep 45% of the revenue."

What is the allocated amount? Are creators receiving 45% of the total ad revenue or just a portion of the money coming in from advertising?

Also, 10 million Shorts views in 90 days is still challenging for many new creators. I'd like to see that number come down, so the average creator has a path into the YouTube Partner Program within six months.

Q: You've both built businesses in the creator economy. What's the hardest part about going from creator to entrepreneur?

: Well, I'm sort of going the other way. I wrote for top computer magazines and newspapers and hosted a TV show on TechTV in the late '90s and early '00s, but then I didn't do anything for 15 years. Now I'm leaning back into my creator roots in the world of no gatekeepers. So far, it's not hard. It's more freeing.

: I'm sort of going the other way as well. I started my career helping brands and creators with tech solutions. Then shifted to creating content that empowers creators and brands to grow their communities and build their businesses using video.

I'm doubling down on content this year. Not only does it help others, but I also love the creative process. Our podcast can help creators navigate the creator economy and think about their content strategically as a business.

Q: Have you noticed any traits of successful digital entrepreneurs?

: Being able to do the hustle. It also helps if you can 

, build a company, and have fun along the way. I'm not sure there's a correct path, but I prefer the latter.

: There are many paths to success, but it's a lot more fun to build a company if you love the product and the team.

Q: What makes The Creator Feed stand out from other podcasts?

: I think the background of our cover art for the podcast is really popping. That helps us stand out. Plus, Renee's picture is great.

: What helps us stand out is our commentary and perspective based on years of experience in the industry. Plus, Jim's picture is great.

Q: What can creators expect to learn in future podcast episodes?

You know the value of getting views and followers, but what about navigating the creator economy? In this Q&A, The Creator Feed podcast explains why you should 'study' like a content pro.

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

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

5 Secrets You Didn’t Know About the YouTube Algorithm

The Creator Feed Podcast: Why Learning the Creator Economy Is Worth it

How to Write a YouTube Video Script That Keeps Viewers Watching

How to Make Money on TikTok as a Creator [Step by Step]

A Simple Trick to Make Viewers Watch Multiple YouTube Videos

YouTube Intros: 8 Ways to Hook Viewers In the First 8 Seconds

How to Choose Between a TikTok Business or Personal Account

Should You Start a YouTube Channel Membership or Video Subscription Website?

4 YouTube Updates That Will Help You Get Monetized Faster

Meet Tim Schmoyer, Your New YouTube Coach at vidIQ

YouTube Will Recommend Long-Form Videos to Shorts Viewers [Algorithm Update]

3 Secrets for Writing Click-Worthy YouTube Titles