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

Let’s stop pretending subscriber count tells the whole story about your channel. For years, creators have relied on subs as the ultimate badge of success. But there's always more than meets the eye. Factors like watch time, retention, and several others have significant effect on your overall growth.

So, YouTube just rolled out a game-changing update that flips the script—introducing a new metric called 

, and with it, a better way to understand who’s really watching your content.

In the video above, Rob explains how this update might be more important than you think. Here, we'll discuss why it is so.

 How Many Videos Does It Take to Get 1,000 Subscribers on YouTube?

, and here’s what it actually measures:

 who watched your content in the past 28 days

This isn’t just a vanity stat. It shows your 

—not how many people hit “subscribe” at some point in the past, but how many are actively engaging with your channel now.

You can also view audience activity by watch behavior. New viewers are the people on your channel for the first time, casual viewers who have watched some time in the last 12 months, and regular viewers ho have watched your content for 6 months in the last year.

, you’re chasing viral hits with little retention. If it’s 

, your content might be too niche to grow.

Here's a reality check: most views don’t come from subscribers.

 subscribed. That might sound bad at first glance, but it’s not. It means your content is being discovered—people are watching it because it’s good, not because they felt like being loyal.

A non-subscriber might binge five videos in a row.

Subscriber count doesn’t equal engagement.

YouTube quietly removed the old “New vs Returning Viewers” graph, and honestly? It won’t be missed. The new audience insights give creators more context, more clarity, and more control over strategy.

How to Turn Silent Viewers into YouTube Subscribers

Plan Smarter: Match Content to Viewer Types

YouTube now goes even further by showing what kind of videos each group prefers:

So how do you turn new eyeballs into a loyal audience?

 = Shorts, trends, virality
→ Pulls in new and casual viewers.

 = Deep dives, stories, behind-the-scenes
→ Builds loyalty and turns casuals into regulars.

How to Get Subscriber Feedback from a YouTube Analytics Deep Dive

Don’t just earn a view—earn a second view. That’s how sustainable YouTube growth works in 2025. If you’ve been obsessing over subscriber numbers, it’s time to shift your focus. This update isn’t just a metric change—it’s a mindset shift. 

Creator holding a board that says "SUBSCRIBE"

Subscriber count is a relic. Monthly Audience is the real KPI.

Creators who adapt to this update will build smarter, more loyal communities. They’ll stop measuring vanity and start measuring value.

So if you haven’t explored your Monthly Audience data yet, do it now. See who’s really watching, what they’re watching, and how you can keep them coming back for more.

In the end, the game isn’t about getting someone to hit “Subscribe.”

If you’ve been obsessing over subscriber numbers, it’s time to shift your focus. YouTube’s new Monthly Audience metric shows real reach—why subs matter less and how to grow loyal, engaged viewers.

What is the YouTube Monthly Audience Metric?

This post was originally written Jun 06, 2023 and has been updated with newer information.

If you're a small creator on YouTube, get ready to 

monetize your channel faster than ever in 2025

. The YouTube Partner Program changes have made it so you won't need as many subscribers or as much watch time to join up.

You can apply for the YouTube Partner Program once you have the following:

3,000 public watch hours in the previous 12 months

Alternatively, you can join the program without 3,000 watch hours, but instead, you'll need 3 million public YouTube Shorts views in the last 90 days.

A list of new requirements for the YPP, which are significantly lowered

These options are much lower than the old requirements, which were 1,000 subscribers plus 4,000 watch hours or 10 million public Shorts views.

Best of all, these rules offer early access to some monetization features. YouTube announced the changes in a recent 

"These new partners will unlock access to fan funding features like 

, and the ability to promote their own products with YouTube Shopping."

One drawback to these changes is that they don't give full access to the YPP. You'll get plenty of fan-funding options but must satisfy 

So, while 500 subs, three videos, and 3,000 watch hours get you into the program, that's just the beginning. You will still need 1,000 subs plus 4,000 watch hours or 10 million Shorts views to monetize with ads.

The good news is that once you're in the YPP, you're in. You don't need to re-apply after reaching older milestones, and you'll unlock the revenue tools you didn't have before.

We know these changes are a lot to take in, so if you need extra details, watch this video to learn more about the new and improved YPP.

Lowering the monetization requirements on YouTube is a fantastic idea. New creators have a chance to make money faster, and the opportunity may motivate them to grow a successful channel. YouTube is looking for ways to listen to, empathize with, and solve problems for small creators, which is always good.

On the flip side, small creators will only get some of what they want from this deal. They can access fan funding, but making money is only possible with an engaged community. And they may need more than 500 subscribers to earn satisfying revenue. A larger creator, with, say, 10,000 subscribers, has an easier time getting video donations, member subscriptions, or product sales because 

For example, if only 1% of 10,000 subscribers choose to fund a creator, that's still 100 active "customers." With 500 subscribers, 1% participation amounts to five customers.

So regardless of how fast you join the YPP, you need an authentic community to seize the entire opportunity. 

The first step is learning how to gain real subscribers on YouTube!

Maximizing Revenue with Fan Funding Features

The new 500-subscriber tier lets you plan your monetization journey sooner. 

Channel Memberships offer a great way to earn steady monthly income from loyal fans. With these perks, you can start earning even without meeting the ad revenue benchmark.

Create clear membership levels that give actual benefits. For example, you might add

. Keep your perks simple and useful for your fans.

Set prices that feel fair. Start with tiers around $1.99 to $4.99, then consider higher-priced levels with extra benefits for devoted fans. Remind your audience of these perks during videos and live sessions. Keep in mind that YouTube takes 30% of membership earnings. 

Phone displays YouTube logo while sitting on top of money

Smartphone displaying YouTube logo on screen with stacks of US hundred-dollar bills.

YouTube's expanded Partner Program lets creators monetize with just 500 subscribers. Learn the requirements and how to access fan funding features faster.

YouTube Partner Program: How to Monetize with Only 500 Subscribers

So, you’ve decided to embark on a YouTube journey. Like many of us, you started because you watched your favorite creators transform their lives through video. You might have thought that after a few videos, you'd start to see some traction. 

But here you are, months in, with countless uploads and barely a hundred views. You’re probably asking yourself, "

Why is YouTube so hard? Maybe I should give up?"

 Well, let us tell you, you’re not alone in this feeling.

With 16 years of experience on YouTube and over 2,500 videos to his name, Rob Wilson, featured in the video above, has discovered that growing a successful channel is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s common to feel overwhelmed, especially in the beginning. So, let’s dive into why YouTube can be so challenging and how you can overcome these hurdles.

10 Things Every Small YouTube Channel Can Improve

When starting your channel, chances are you underestimated the number of skills you’d need to acquire. You need to be a video editor, a thumbnail designer, a scriptwriter, a marketer, and an onscreen talent—all rolled into one! Most of us begin with only a couple of these skills if that. This can make success feel out of reach.

But here’s the good news: you can learn these skills! Rob mentions, “When I started out on YouTube, I didn’t have any of these skills. Heck, it took me five years to get in front of the camera!” If your channel is struggling, take a step back.

13 Skills You Need to Become a Successful YouTuber

Set aside 30 minutes to an hour daily specifically to practice these skills.

 If thumbnails are your weak spot, watch tutorials on effective thumbnail design and create practice thumbnails daily.

 Wake up an hour earlier or replace an hour of leisure time with skill-building.

YouTube has evolved from a small local talent show to a massive platform where hundreds of hours of content are uploaded every minute. This means you’re not just competing with other creators; you’re up against major media companies like Netflix and Disney. It’s tough out there!

Dad, How Do I? YouTube channel success story

But don’t let that deter you. There are countless amateur creators who are winning on YouTube. Take the channel

 as an example. He started during the pandemic with just a phone camera and now boasts over 5 million subscribers. His secret? Providing simple, relatable content that adds value to people’s lives.

Identify a clear, unique angle for your content.

 "How does this video uniquely help my audience?"

Many of us juggle YouTube alongside other commitments—jobs, studies, family responsibilities. This makes it challenging to consistently produce content. And let’s be honest, even full-time creators find it hard to maintain that level of output.

Remember, if you try to force content creation into an already busy life, you risk burning out and ultimately giving up on YouTube. Take the time to find your rhythm and prioritize your mental well-being. Be honest with yourself. If you can only manage to post one video a month, that’s perfectly okay. Find what works for you!

Determine a realistic schedule you can maintain.

Another challenge many creators face is the loneliness of this journey. Often, friends and family don’t understand what you’re trying to achieve, and they might even discourage you. You might feel isolated, thinking that nobody gets it. But here’s the truth: every successful creator has been in your shoes.

When Rob started, he faced skepticism too. But he didn’t let it stop him. If you feel alone, remember, you’re not crazy for pursuing your dreams. You are part of a community of creators who understand your struggles. Consider connecting with other creators and build a community to help support each other on your journeys. The point is, you are not alone!

Join creator groups or forums on Facebook, Discord, or Reddit.

Participate actively in communities like 

Consider finding an accountability partner or a 

 to provide regular feedback and support.

Waking up to find your latest video barely has any views can feel like a punch in the gut. But here’s the thing: every “failed” video is a golden opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve.

Realize that failure is a myth and ask yourself, “for my next video, what’s the one thing I’m going to focus on and improve?”

Analyze what worked, what didn’t, and adapt accordingly. Rob asks himself, “What titles worked? What thumbnails get clicked? What keeps people watching? What makes them click away?”

Think of it as compound interest. Every video you create is stacking up for future rewards. You never know when that breakthrough moment will happen, so keep pushing forward! It’s all about consistency and patience.

 Keep a notebook or spreadsheet to track insights gained from each video.

For your next video, pick one specific improvement and implement it deliberately.

Yes, YouTube is hard. No one who has been through this will sugarcoat it. But, the key is to overcome those mental barriers and master the practical aspects of content creation. Focus on developing your video ideas. Every video is an investment in your future success and remember that you are part of a vibrant community.

Many of your favorite creators have gone through rough patches and questioned their own channels before they found success. Focus on:

Don’t give up on YouTube! Keep creating, keep learning, and stay committed. Your breakthrough is closer than you think. You will thank yourself for putting in the work when you finally reach your YouTube goals.

So, start building the right mindset to get there.

YouTube success takes time! Learn how to improve and why persistence is key. Don’t give up!

YouTube is Tough - But Don't Give Up!

This post was originally written Dec 19, 2022 and has been updated with newer information.

In 2025, YouTube's algorithm continues to evolve, prioritizing not just how long viewers stay on your videos, but how much they engage with your channel. With more creators entering the scene and AI-generated content flooding timelines, authentic, compelling YouTube storytelling skills have become the ultimate differentiator.


In other words, if you want to increase watch times and grow an engaged audience, you need to master the art of YouTube storytelling so you can capture attention from that very first second.


Here’s why storytelling on YouTube has changed in recent years, and why it's more important now than ever.

Why Storytelling on YouTube Matters Even More in 2025

 have placed even greater weight on how well it performs as well as user habits. The idea is to combine these to make sure it’s matching the best content with the type of users who will most appreciate it. If a video pulls this off, YouTube rewards you with more reach.


With the algorithm functioning as it is, and with generative AI making mass content easier to produce, 

 is an opportunity to make your content fresh and valuable to audiences craving real connection. Short-form storytelling, playlist journeys, and even live session narratives have emerged as key tactics to stand out.

If you can make people care about your story, YouTube will care about promoting your content.

A Storytelling Format that Gets More Watch Time

So, how do you make viewers care more about your content? And how do you make it engaging enough for YouTube’s algorithm to notice?

One solution is to use the hero’s journey, a common plot device in 

, and hundreds of other movies. It focuses on a single protagonist, an adventure they take, and what they learn along the way.


Here’s what the hero's journey looks like:

The Ordinary World: We meet the hero and see their normal, mundane life.

The Call of Adventure: The hero feels "called" to go on a mission or adventure.

Refusal of the Call: Fear or discomfort holds the hero back.

Meeting the Mentor: A role model gives the hero advice and wisdom.

Crossing the First Threshold: The hero embarks on the quest.

Tests, Allies, and Enemies: The hero enters a new world, faces challenges, and meets enemies.

Approach to the Inmost Cave: Setbacks occur while the stakes are rising.

The Ordeal: The hero faces their greatest test thus far.

Reward: The hero reaps the rewards of victory (a skill, knowledge, etc.).

The Road Back: The hero heads home, but there are still more enemies to fight.

Resurrection: A final test becomes the story's climax, where the hero draws upon everything they’ve learned.

Return with the Elixir: Evil is defeated, everyone’s safe, and the hero is transformed forever.

A video-game-style graphic showing the hero's journey.

With this plot device, you can explore concepts like fear, loss, growth, and triumph — which is why it works! Each chapter sparks a new emotion in the protagonist 

 the viewer. Thanks to a powerful insight (emotion = attention), we know this plot device can 

Examples of the Hero’s Journey in YouTube Storytelling

You can use the hero’s journey in almost any video, but it works best in challenge or storytime content. 

So as a quick example, we’ll share two videos from those categories. You'll see how both stories follow the hero's journey, even if the creators tweaked them a bit for YouTube.

It's also worth mentioning that these videos got massive views. So there's a good chance they had lots of watch time, which prompted the 

Ryan Trahan: “I Spent 100 Days in Pokémon”

 is known for his legendary challenges, including one where he used 

 to cross North America. In the video below (1 million+ views), he uses the hero’s journey for a gaming challenge.

0:46–1:01: Ryan challenges himself to live inside 

1:02–1:58: Ryan starts his journey by meeting the main characters and choosing his first Pokémon.

Ryan choosing Fuecoco, a fire type, as his first Pokemon.

1:59–3:09: Ryan enters a whole new world by playing the game in “nuzlocke mode." He has to nickname all of his Pokémon, only battle with Pokémon that haven't fainted, and only use the first Pokémon he catches in any given area. If all of them faint, it's game over.

3:10–19:00: Ryan faces battles, missions, and side quests. He loses several Pokémon along the way but defeats every gym leader by day 81!

23:08–23:45: Ryan loses “QuackBoom,” a strong Pokemon that brought him super far in the game. It’s a sad loss! (RIP QuackBoom)

An image of QuackBoom the Pokemon, his achievements in the game, and text that says "RIP QuackBoom"

 Ryan defeats the Elite Four (top trainers in the Pokémon league).

31:07–33:00: Ryan defeats the champion of all champions in the Pokémon league. He gives an emotional speech about what's he’s learned while playing Pokémon over the years.

Lynette Adkins: “I Had to Reprogram My Mind to Create My Dream Life”

 is a lifestyle creator who talks about navigating life and evolving your mindset. In the video below (355,000+ views), she shares a major life update using the hero’s journey.

0:00–1:22: Lynette talks about having an unfulfilling job where she felt overworked.

1:23–2:28: Lynette feels “called” to make a mindset shift to live her dream of becoming an entrepreneur.

2:28–4:28: Lynette meets her “mentor,” which is really her self-conscious. By listening to her innermost thoughts, she starts to believe her true desires can come true.

5:33–6:38: Lynette starts changing her life by avoiding toxic relationships, not overworking, getting hobbies, and more.

6:39–8:35: Lynette enters a new mindset but struggles to create boundaries at school and work. She realizes she’s holding herself back due to self–limiting beliefs.

8:34–10:25: Emerging victorious, Lynette explains how to change your life by removing self–doubt.

Mastering Storytelling on YouTube = More Views & More Fans

To master YouTube storytelling, you must look outside of YouTube. Study the classics that laid the foundation for every plot device we know today. 

. Then you can use those stories as a blueprint to make emotional, captivating content. 

That's how you get more watch time on YouTube!

But if you need more advice for your channel or videos, 

A female YouTuber records a video in her living room

Woman recording video blog at home sitting on couch in cozy living room setting

Want to get more watch time on every YouTube video? Use this storytelling secret to captivate viewers and keep them engaged.

The Art of YouTube Storytelling: A Secret Path to More Watch Time (2025 Update)

Have you ever watched a YouTube video and wanted to share a specific moment without making someone scrub through the entire thing? Maybe you found an epic joke, a crucial tutorial step, or an embarrassing livestream fail—whatever it is, YouTube timestamps let you jump straight to that moment.

A well-placed timestamp doesn't just save time—it creates a better viewing experience for everyone involved. In this guide, we'll show you how to create YouTube timestamp links using different methods, including video descriptions, URLs, and comments. By the end, you'll be able to direct people to an exact second in a video like a pro!

A video timestamp is like a digital bookmark that pinpoints an exact time in a video. Clicking on it skips straight to that moment, making it easier for viewers to find what they're looking for.

 Skip the fluff and jump to the good part.


 Viewers are more likely to stay when they find what they need fast.


YouTube uses timestamps to create video chapters, which can improve rankings in search results.


 No need to tell your friend, "Go to 3 minutes and 45 seconds." Just send a clickable link!

Before we dive into the "how-to," let’s break down the three main types of timestamps on YouTube:

Clickable timestamps added to a video’s description.

Time markers placed in the comment section, turning them into clickable links.

Find out how to create a YouTube timestamp link to specific video moments using share options, URL edits, and timestamps in descriptions.

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

What is the YouTube Monthly Audience Metric?

YouTube Partner Program: How to Monetize with Only 500 Subscribers

YouTube is Tough - But Don't Give Up!

The Art of YouTube Storytelling: A Secret Path to More Watch Time (2025 Update)

How to Make a YouTube Timestamp Link (Step-by-Step Guide)

What is YouTube Frame by Frame Viewing

YouTube Monetization Update: Key Changes for Video Ads

YouTube Automation: Get AI-Powered Titles, Thumbnails, Descriptions, and Vide...

How to Get 4,000 YouTube Watch Hours: 10 Proven Strategies

Understanding the YouTube Algorithm in 2025

The Rise of YouTube on TV

How to Get More Views on YouTube: 12 Powerful Tips

YouTube Communities: Connect with Creators