Ask any YouTuber and they will tell you that generating significant views and subscribers isn't easy. But with the right strategy and tools, any video creator can build an engaged subscriber base when they understand what those subscribers want to watch.

Appealing to an audience to watch content you are passionate about making is just the first step, you need to know how to reach them and get your videos discovered. Our guides to how to guide more views on YouTube will give you the best tips to succeed on the platform.

Getting Views

How To Get More Views on YouTube

Getting thousands or even millions of YouTube subscribers is a dream for most creators. In the articles below, we'll show you how to turn casual viewers into long-term fans. 

Subscribers

YouTube Subscribers

Do you want to make money on YouTube? Millions of creators are earning a very good living from monetizing the platform and uploading content that drives huge views and engagements. Whether that YouTube income is from advertising revenue, merchandise sales, or brand deals, or subscriptions, we keep you updated with best practices and ideas.

Monetization

How To Make Money on YouTube

Want to see how your channel is performing? Read these YouTube analytics articles to discover what's working and what isn't. You'll learn how to identify which videos have the most Watch Time, clicks, audience retention, revenue, and more.

Analytics

YouTube Analytics

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 content is set to explode! 

All the latest tips, tricks, and rock-solid advice you need for this new feature.

YouTube Shorts

Do you know how to do keyword research so you understand what videos people are actually searching for on YouTube? Do you know how to create a custom YouTube thumbnail? Do you know how to create a Playlist on YouTube?

vidIQ has a ton of tips that will help every creator maximise their video content. We publish content every week to keep you up to date with all the best practices.

Tips & Tricks

YouTube Tips & Tricks

At vidIQ we have incredible insights into what viewers are searching for on YouTube. Not only can we confirm the top keywords being searched for, we can also show you how you can leverage that interest to create content around trending topics and tentpole events. That's going to give you a clear edge over other creators!

Insights

YouTube Insights

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

We’ve been hard at work refining our tools that help creators grow, and this summer’s drop is proof that vidIQ today isn’t what it was even three months ago.

a brand-new feature and other major updates

 - all built to help you stop the scroll, boost engagement, and turn casual viewers into loyal fans.

 you’ll want to experience the new power we’ve packed in.

One of the biggest struggles for creators is getting viewers to click on their content. With millions of videos out there, you need to stand out in a pool of endless scrolling.

Stopping the scroll is more of a science than an art. And like all sciences, you need tools to accomplish your goals. You haven’t seen vidIQ tools like this. Smarter AI. Faster workflows. Real results.

. This tool is like your own personal AI-powered design studio.

If you’ve been in the YouTube game for more than five minutes, you understand that 

 and best way to stop the scroll. A great thumbnail is clear, compelling, and makes viewers think, “I need to click this.”

Now it’s easier than ever to make thumbnails that 

. Whether you start with a prompt or upload your own assets, our AI builds out designs that look pro — without you needing any Photoshop skills.

 (we’ll remove backgrounds automatically)

 to match a visual style you love. Upload your own or choose from our library of top-performing YouTube templates. 

 to influence your thumbnail’s aesthetic

 with easy prompt tweaks, image edits, or by dropping in text

Thumbnails aren’t just art - they’re strategy. They’re decision points. The better your thumbnail, the higher your click-through rate. And a higher CTR means the algorithm actually works for you.

, you’re not just making something that 

 good — you’re making something that 

You stopped the scroll with killer thumbnails. Now keep them watching.

 helps you write stronger YouTube scripts in a fraction of the time, backed by real YouTube psychology.

: Continuously trained on what’s working 

: Include callback cues, pacing variations, and cliffhangers

: Adjust your scripts’ tone, add keywords, sound more like your favorite creator. All with one click.

 Automated research provides accurate and relevant information and stats.

 helps keep your message clear, your viewers hooked, and your content performing. And now, it doesn’t have to take days. With 

, you can go from idea to polished script in just 3 minutes - making it easier to publish consistently and keep your channel growing.

“I used to spend an hour and a half scripting videos that came out wordy and boring. Someone even commented saying my videos were 'so wordy' — that really stung. But vidIQ's Script Writer changed everything. Now I get organized, concise scripts in just 10–15 minutes.”

“When I used it for my next tutorial, I was so impressed I printed it out to study it. For creators like me who tend to over-explain on camera, this tool does wonders.”

Shorts are still one of the fastest paths to YouTube growth - but understanding why one takes off while another flops? That used to be a mystery.

We built our Shorts tools to tell you exactly what’s working, what’s not, and how to make your next one blow up.

Think of it as your personal highlight reel, performance breakdown, and growth strategist all in one. Now you can discover when a video truly gained popularity and understand what made them successful. 

All of these statistics can be seen directly in-line without having to exit the Shorts view:

including views & views per hour, engagement rate, views history graph, and outlier score.

including channel subscriber count, monthly & total uploads, and subscriber and view growth graphs. 

 now supports YouTube Shorts, giving you even more insight into what’s trending and outperforming expectations across the platform. 

Instead of just surfacing the most-viewed content, Outliers identifies videos that are gaining momentum relative to the creator’s usual performance. That means you’re seeing videos that are beating the odds, not just riding on big subscriber counts. 

Now that this includes Shorts, it’s an incredibly powerful way to discover smart video ideas, fresh angles, and unexpected winners across any niche.

Let’s say you search for a keyword like “budget travel.” Outliers might surface a Short from a smaller creator that’s getting unusually high engagement and rapid growth, even outperforming videos from much larger channels. That’s your signal: something in that format, topic, or style is connecting. Use it to guide your next idea, ride the wave, and post with confidence.

 now works with YouTube Shorts, giving short-form creators the same data-backed recommendations long-form creators have used to increase views and visibility.

Optimize analyzes your video and delivers clear, actionable recommendations for improving your title and adding the right tags to your description. You’ll also get an overall optimization score, so you can instantly see how well your content is aligned with what’s working — and where there’s room to improve.

Most Shorts get lost in a sea of swipes. To rise to the top you need smart packaging. Optimize helps ensure your content gets the visibility it deserves, boosting your chances of landing on the Shorts feed, reaching new audiences, and turning quick views into long-term growth.

 can now submit a video for personalized feedback from one of our expert creator coaches.

A coach will watch your video and record a response, pausing at key moments to explain what’s working, what’s not, and what changes could help you get more views and subscribers. You’ll see the exact moment-by-moment breakdown behind every suggestion. No vague advice, just direct, actionable advice.


Our initial rollout supports Boost users in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and New Zealand, for English language videos only.

__________________________________________________________________

If you’re looking for more than just one video review, you can work directly with a 

 who will take a deep dive into your entire channel and build a custom-tailored growth plan designed to break through the roadblocks holding you back. 

These aren’t cookie-cutter tips, they’re real, personalized strategies you can start applying immediately to unlock quick wins and build lasting momentum.

Want to see what’s possible with coaching?

. After joining vidIQ Coaching, they refined their content, followed their tailored plan, and watched their channel take off.

TL;DR: This Summer, You Grow or You Ghost

Here’s the latest features you get with the vidIQ Summer 2025 Drop:

 - Create high-impact, click-worthy thumbnails with AI and proven templates

 - Hook viewers and keep them watching with YouTube-optimized storytelling

 - Instantly spot top-performing Shorts and track breakout metrics

 - Discover overperforming videos across YouTube to inspire your next big hit

 - Find the best title and keywords to get your Shorts discovered

The Summer 2025 Drop is here: scroll-stopping science, smarter tools, and real coaching to help you grow on YouTube.

☀️ Welcome to the vidIQ Summer 2025 Drop!

Unlike content creators in other industries, YouTubers in the skincare market face a unique challenge: each and every one of them has a similar purpose. 

Within the skincare industry, virtually everyone is attempting to provide information on what works for the skin and what does not. So, how do you distinguish your channel given this saturation? 

Here are five tips from skincare expert and YouTuber 

 on how to make your channel rise above the crowd. 

The Topic of Skincare is VERY Broad so Find a Niche

Over the past 10 years, Cassandra Bankson’s skincare channel has generated over 1.3 million subscribers. Her videos attract a high level of engagement, and she has consistently been able to monetize her content. How was she able to achieve this? Cassandra told us that:

“The most important thing to understand is choosing what you’re passionate about within the skincare industry. I was a sufferer of cystic acne for a really long time so I wanted to create skincare content that focused on viewers with severe skin complications and even skin disorders. People with severe skin disorders have a lot of questions that don’t really come up in everyday conversations so I decided to make a channel that specifically addresses the concerns of this audience. I wanted my channel to be by an acne sufferer and for an acne sufferer. It needed to be realistic.” 

For example, in 2010, Cassandra posted the video below, 

Foundation Routine For Acne: How To Cover Pimples, Scars, Cystic Acne, Blackheads & Oil.

​This video garnered over 28 million views on YouTube and propelled Cassandra to success as a YouTube skincare influencer. Before even clicking on the content, the viewer can see from the title that the video is tailored to acne sufferers and to any potential questions that they may have about specific problems.

 While every skincare content creator does not necessarily have a challenging skin story, every YouTuber in this market has the ability to decide what they’re passionate about. Find what is important to you. This will help you create unique content.

How to Make Money on YouTube as a Beauty Professional

2. Establish Your YouTube Channel's Values

As a rule in marketing, viewers consume content they are emotionally invested in. They also consume content they can readily relate and identify with. This connection between content creator and viewer is achieved by expressing clear values. 

Values add humanity to your channel. Values make you a real person to viewers rather than someone who just talks about a concept. 

suggests that an emotional connection to a brand can actually enable a 50% increase in sales or consumption. To succeed in finding the values you want your channel to uphold, ask yourself: 

What does my channel stand for, and outside of skincare, why would it be important to my viewer’s everyday life?

Cassandra’s channel consistently communicates three values that apply to everyday life: 

Her channel hones in on the journey of getting to know your skin and yourself through the act of self-care rather than the perceived win of flawless skin. She also affirms the presence and community of individuals with underrepresented skin types. Furthermore, not only do values like this help the consumer, but they help YouTubers be more organized and creative. Cassandra confirms that:

“For my videos, values help me understand which products will make my viewers want to embrace themselves rather than want to change themselves. This is the basic structure that I apply to new ideas." 

When you chose a topic for a video, let your values be your core thesis. What do you want your channel to prove or change about skincare? This mission is what will set your content apart from other skincare YouTubers.

3. Answer Your Audience's Questions and Concerns to Create New Content

Targeting a specific audience is crucial to the success of your YouTube channel. Then engaging with that audience helps you gain a better understanding of their identity, their needs, and their wants. As a skincare YouTuber, Cassandra confirms that there are a couple of ways to do this:

“Having conversations with viewers in the comments is extraordinarily important. 

Not only does it help build your community, but it helps you gain a better understanding of who your community is and what your community needs the most. Another effective way of learning about your audience is live streaming.”

 By hosting a live stream, you can have actual conversations with your viewers. By actively answer their questions, and you can gain a better understanding of what's important to them. Use this tip to produce relevant and novel content.

Treat Other Skincare Creators as Inspiration, Not Competition

Compared to other markets that YouTubers serve, the skincare industry has a very unique culture. As a content creator of any genre, it is best to know that culture and the norms within your industry. 

For skincare on YouTube, the different communities of content creators are more like an ecosystem as opposed to a hierarchy. Ideas are shared and exchanged, not trumped. Cassandra does not see other skincare YouTubers as competition. She sees them as co-workers. 

“Everyone in the skincare area is so kind, understanding, and intelligent," she says. "I watch all of my other favorite YouTubers, and because I watch them, I can react, compliment, and comment on what they say.” 

Doing this actually helps Cassandra stay on top of other trends in skincare. In addition, it helps broaden her own community by presenting herself in a positive light to a new community. 

 The skincare industry is all about positivity, so taking the time to do a shout-out and interact with other communities is a great way to stand out and increase your exposure to new audiences.

Overall, your experience is such an important part of why your channel matters. It is so impactful to share the narrative behind your channel and values because it not only tells viewers who you are, but it personalizes your mission.

Cassandra has always been very open with her viewers about how she grew up feeling incredibly insecure about her acne and shares that:

“My viewers were really the first exposure to friendship and humanity," she says. "I was isolated from social relationships. I suffered from a lot of anxiety and depression."

Cassandra openly describes how she did not have a source of skin positivity, and she noticed the adverse effect this was having on people like her. For that reason, she decided to do something about it by starting her own YouTube channel. Her story is the inspiration behind her values and her channel. She confirms that:

“When you have lived through the same struggles as your viewers and share them openly, there is a deeper level of empathy and connection to them. Because there is only one you, sharing your story helps to set you apart as an authentic content creator for skincare. That is the best advantage of being a skincare YouTuber. You are what makes your channel different.” 

Only by living through her own experiences and sharing those openly has Cassandra generated authenticity for her content. Her unique perspective allows her to make enlightening and informative videos for her community like this one:

 Don't be afraid to share your experiences around skin and skincare with your audience. You may connect on a level you've only dreamed about.

Want to Grow Your YouTube Beauty Channel?

If you're new to vidIQ, our creator-obsessed goal is to educate you on your YouTube journey. We help you 

 and create an outstanding career on YouTube, one you can be proud of. For competitor research tools, video analysis, and helpful channel audits, 

And if you’re really serious about growing your YouTube views and subscribers, sign up for exclusive access to the 

 and learn how to launch a successful YouTube Channel in just 30 days.

Woman with cream on cheek holding Fenty Night Cream container questioning its use

Standing out on YouTube isn't easy, especially for skincare creators. Here's how Cassandra Bankson, a veteran in this niche, found her way to YouTube success. 

Success as a Skincare YouTuber: 5 Tips From Cassandra Bankson on Standing Out

You've spent the time and effort crafting the perfect YouTube video, so why not leverage that content on other platforms too?

On this episode of TubeTalk, we chat with 

, a professional video editor who specializes in taking existing YouTube videos and extracting mico-video content that can then be uploaded to Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.

This is a fantastic way to build new communities, engage with a new audience, and even earn more revenue! Take a listen and learn:

What does it mean to reuse content elsewhere?

What is the right and wrong way to do this?

How does the audience react to micro-content?

How long or short should a repurposed video be?

What are some good video ideas that you can use right now?

How can you take content from a YouTube Livestream and repurpose that?

You can learn more about repurposing video

Want to Know the First Steps to YouTube Success?

Every creator wants their videos to go big on YouTube. But not every creator takes the time to plan out their content strategy beforehand. Take a listen to vidIQ's very own team on the steps you need to take before you even pick up a camera to ensure your content gets the 

TubeTalk has been informing video creators and marketers since 2014, and is one of the most respected and listened to podcasts in the online video industry. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to TubeTalk on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode!

You can also find the complete list of all the

Man smiling in front of a camera with TubeTalk logo on a blue background panel

Find out how to repurpose your videos for other platforms and squeeze as much juice as you can from your content.

How to Repurpose YouTube Videos for Other Platforms

The process of creating a successful YouTube video begins way before you upload it to the platform. In fact, it begins way before you even pick up your camera!

On this episode of TubeTalk, the vidIQ team discuss the elements that go into making the best content you can create and publish, something we put into practice on 

Should you research vs. relying on your gut instinct?

TubeTalk logo with three men in black and white showing expressions on a white background.

The secret sauce to success on YouTube is all in the preparation. Find out why on this episode of TubeTalk.

The First Steps to a Successful YouTube Video!

The ability to screen-record your computer, smartphone, or gaming console simplifies the YouTube journey - especially for gaming or reaction-style channels.

For these types of creators, what takes place on 

 screens is exactly what viewers want to see. They’re looking for action-packed gameplay and visual tutorials that add more context to a video. 

If that perfectly describes your channel, watch our video highlighting the best screen recording software right now:

Now that you have some background knowledge, it’s time to take your video content to the next level. But before you do that, answer this one simple question: 

What type of videos do you produce for YouTube?

Keep your answer in mind as you read this guide. There’s a wide variety of screen-recording apps and products, and it’s important to choose the best software for your content.

If you have a Nvidia graphics card, you may already unknowingly have this screen recording software. ShadowPlay

is built into modern graphics cards, and once you set it up, all you have to do is issue a quick keyboard command to activate it. From there, ShadowPlay will start capturing your screen.

If you discover that you do have ShadowPlay, don’t get rid of it. This fantastic software yields the highest frame-rate footage you’ll ever see.

Just keep in mind that it doesn’t work with every program and can sometimes fail when you’re using it. We don’t know why it happens, but maybe it’s just a sacrifice of capturing high-quality video on a PC.

With OBS Studio, you may have to adjust your settings to get the highest video quality from screen captures. But don’t worry - there are plenty of tutorials to help you do that. OBS is free, open-source, and definitely worth the learning curve.

 if you’re into live streaming. It’s the same thing as regular OBS, except it’s strongly tailored toward gamers. For example, you can use Streamlabs OBS to go live on Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook within minutes. You also get personalized streaming overlays, 46 handy apps, and fun alerts when viewers send monetary donations during live streams.

Let's shift gears for a minute and talk about screen recording on a mobile device. First of all, consider yourself lucky if you have an iPhone. iOS users don’t need to hunt for screen capturing software because it’s already built into their devices. If you're an Android user, capturing your screen isn’t always easy. Certain versions of Android have a built-in screen capture, and some don't.

If your device doesn’t, our top recommendation for screen capture software is AZ Screen Recorder. It’s a great choice because the free version doesn’t add a watermark to your captures. Plus, there's no limit on how much footage you can record.

Capturing Video Footage on a Gaming Console

Compared to PC recording, capturing the screen of your gaming console is a different process. Gamers ask us how to do this all the time, so we’re happy to finally share an answer.

The PS4 and Xbox One both feature built-in screen capture software. Of course, a new generation of consoles is on the horizon with the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, but there’s a good chance they’ll both have that feature. As far as the Nintendo Switch goes, there's a built-in screen capture software, but it only grabs 30-second clips.

Purchase a Capture Card to Record Gaming Console Screens

If you haven’t bought a capture card yet, it may be time to invest in one. This wonderful device lets you record and stream content from your video game consoles - and honestly, it’s the mark of a serious gamer.

Dan, our executive producer here at vidIQ, uses the 

 from Elgato. There are newer, fancier capture cards out there, but it does a great job for him.

And guess what? Even if you’re using a PlayStation or Xbox with built-in screen capture, it’s still a good idea to use a capture card. You’ll get high-quality clips that you can quickly drag from your desktop to any video-editing software. From there, you can work your magic and upload the finished video to YouTube.

That about covers it for screen capture software! Here’s a quick recap of all your options:

Capturing your desktop or your mobile screen is free and produces high-quality recordings.

Capturing your console's screen is trickier. It requires some money, but in the end, you'll get high-quality footage. And that’s totally worth it.

So, which will it be for you: Nvidia's ShadowPlay, OBS Studio, AZ Screen Recorder, or a capture card for your console? We always love hearing from the vidIQ community, so tweet us your thoughts 

Want To Get More Views as a Gamer on YouTube?

If you want to take your YouTube gaming channel to the next level and 

 then make sure to download vidIQ. Join over 1 million other users (many of them gamers!) and use vidIQ to help you research YouTube, analyze videos, audit your own channel, and take actionable steps 

Man pointing at text "Record Any Screen?" with YouTube logo and vidIQ watermark

Want to take screen recordings of your computer, smartphone, or gaming console? Here’s a list of free and paid software to try.

The Best Screen Recording Software for YouTube

 is something most creators aspire to. While YouTube’s basic tools are helpful for any user, YPP grants 

 for building a career on the platform, such as:

access to all of YouTube’s monetization features

access to YouTube’s creator support teams

a copyright match tool to ensure your content isn’t stolen

Of course, these perks aren’t granted to just anyone. 

1,000 subscribers and 4,000 hours of Watch Time

 on your channel. And even then, you need to set up an AdSense account and accept all of YouTube’s terms and conditions to move forward with the application.

But once you’ve achieved those milestones and clicked apply, how long does it take YouTube to review an application? Is it a matter of days, a fast turnaround few creators would complain about? Or is it closer to weeks, perhaps months?

If you want the answer with a bit of entertainment, watch this video about our experience applying to YPP for the first time in eight years:

On the other hand, if you want to read the full story of what really happened - plus the time period for YPP’s acceptance - keep reading.

How long does it take to get accepted into the YouTube Partner Program? Well, the answer may shock you...

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

☀️ Welcome to the vidIQ Summer 2025 Drop!

Success as a Skincare YouTuber: 5 Tips From Cassandra Bankson on Standing Out

How to Repurpose YouTube Videos for Other Platforms

The First Steps to a Successful YouTube Video!

The Best Screen Recording Software for YouTube

This Is How Long It Takes To Get Monetized on YouTube

5 Quick & Easy Tips for Growing Your YouTube Channel

YouTube Shorts: The Ultimate Guide

How to Get More Views from YouTube’s Audience Data Tool

What YouTube Creators Need to Focus on for the Rest of 2020

6 Honest Reasons You Might Be Losing YouTube Subscribers

How to Blur Anything You Need to in Your YouTube Video

What Happens When You Publish a YouTube Video? [Timelapse]