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

YouTube is finally addressing a long-standing monetization issue that has frustrated creators for years, particularly mid-sized channels that depend heavily on AdSense revenue. In a major update to the YouTube monetization policy, the platform is introducing human review for yellow-icon monetization decisions, potentially transforming how creators earn money in 2025. 

In this blog, we’ll dive into the recent updates YouTube is testing to alleviate this issue, how they plan to improve the monetization process, and what this means for creators and advertisers alike.

Content creators are all too familiar with this scenario: You spend hours crafting a video that meets all advertiser guidelines, only to wake up and find YouTube’s dreaded "yellow icon of doom" on your upload. This status has been particularly devastating for mid-sized creators with tens of thousands of subscribers, since this yellow icon signifies that your video is receiving limited or no ads.

This problem with receiving a yellow YouTube icon is significant because:

It disrupts the video’s post-upload period, which is when videos generate the most ad revenue

It puts additional pressure on mid-size channels that rely heavily on AdSense before establishing alternative revenue streams

It could be accidentally assigned. An incorrect automated decision can damage creators’ livelihoods

Disputing the yellow icon can take days to resolve, cutting into earning potential

YouTube's Response to Creator Monetization Challenges

Recognizing the monetization challenges faced by creators, YouTube's solution is refreshingly simple: Adding human reviewers to the process.

 it is experimenting with automatically sending videos that receive a limited or no ads rating for additional review.

Videos flagged by automated systems will receive human review

Creators won't need to manually dispute yellow icons

More videos should maintain full monetization status from launch

Creators can focus on content rather than fighting the system

While this update represents a significant improvement, YouTube has clarified that this feature will roll out to a small portion of creators first, with platform-wide implementation depending on initial results.

The hope is that by having a human validate these automated decisions, videos that deserve full monetization will get it, leading to more green icons and less financial stress for creators.

It’s important to note that this initiative is still in the experimental phase. But what if it’s a huge success for creators and YouTube alike? This leads to questions about the scalability of such a system—how many human reviewers would YouTube need to manage this effectively?

Implementing human review across YouTube would require a substantial workforce and financial investment from the platform. This raises interesting questions about YouTube's automated systems:

Is YouTube leaving significant advertising revenue unclaimed?

Does this signal a broader shift in YouTube's approach to creator support?

The investment suggests YouTube may be recognizing that supporting creators financially ultimately benefits all stakeholders – viewers, advertisers, and the platform itself.

While YouTube’s monetization policy update brings good news, YouTube is simultaneously tightening restrictions on gambling content.

Effective March 19, 2025, the platform now strictly limits how creators can reference gambling sites:

No URLs or links to gambling sites that are not certified by Google

No embedded images or text directing viewers to gambling sites

No verbal references to uncertified gambling platforms

Content that features depictions or promotions of online casino sites may be age-restricted, even if it doesn't violate community guidelines. This represents 

 to protect impressionable viewers, potentially at the cost of advertising dollars.

What This Means for YouTube Creators in 2025

These updates signal YouTube's evolving approach to balancing creator earnings with viewer protection. For most content producers, the human review system should mean:

Higher earnings during the crucial first days after upload

However, channels focused on gambling content may face new challenges adapting to stricter policies.

As these changes roll out, creators should be proactive in understanding the new guidelines and embracing best practices.

How YouTube Creators Can Stay Ahead of the Policy Change

Focus on creating content that adheres to 

Build a loyal community that supports your channel, as this can help mitigate the impact of yellow icons.

YouTube's willingness to invest in human reviewers demonstrates its recognition that creators are essential to the platform's success. As YouTube continues to mature, these changes suggest a more nuanced approach to content policies.

For creators who have experienced unfair demonetization in the past, this update represents a significant improvement. While the experimental nature means it's not yet available to everyone, the direction is promising for YouTube's monetization ecosystem in 2025 and beyond.

Check out another recent YouTube monetization update 

YouTube's 2025 update introduces human reviews for monetization issues, boosts creator earnings, and tightens gambling content rules.

Creator Earnings Overhaul: YouTube's 2025 Money Update

The repeated extensions of the TikTok ban deadline highlight the platform's uncertain future in the U.S. While the immediate threat of a ban has lessened, creators should not become complacent. The ongoing negotiations and geopolitical tensions suggest that the situation remains fluid.

 President Donald Trump extended the deadline by an additional 75 days, citing the need for further negotiations to secure all necessary approvals. This extension follows China's hesitation to approve a deal for selling TikTok's U.S. operations, a response to the U.S. imposing significant tariffs on Chinese goods.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed a historic foreign aid bill

 that stated TikTok would be removed from app stores and blocked by internet service providers because of their ties to Chinese owners, ByteDance. Unless action is taken by the Supreme Court, 

the TikTok ban is scheduled to go into effect on January 19th.

Lawmakers in the U.S. are concerned about TikTok’s ties to China and the security of user data. They’ve questioned whether ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, could be forced to share information with the Chinese government. This has sparked bipartisan support for a ban in 2025.

This isn’t the first time TikTok has been under scrutiny. Remember when the 

Trump administration tried to ban it in 2020?

 Back then, the effort fizzled out in court, but it hinted that the administration might have lifted the ban if ByteDance agreed to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations to an American company. Oracle and Walmart were considered potential buyers, and although no deal was finalized, it showed us that diplomatic and business negotiations could influence the platform’s fate.

Previously, the Biden administration initially focused on privacy regulations rather than an outright ban, pressure has increased due to heightened tensions between the US and China. With many states banning TikTok on government devices and renewed momentum in Congress, the pressure is mounting.

Now, the latest delay underscores the intricate link between international trade policies and technology operations. Creators should remain vigilant, as the evolving political landscape continues to influence the platform's accessibility and future in the U.S.

If TikTok gets banned in the U.S., creators relying on the platform for their income and audience growth face a critical turning point. Not only does this threaten revenue streams, but it also disrupts communities built over the years. Many creators are now asking, "What will replace TikTok if it's banned?" and "Where are people going instead of TikTok?"

The impending TikTok ban presents both challenges and opportunities for content creators who have built their following on the platform. If the platform disappears, here are some ways it could impact your creator journey:

TikTok might be your main platform, and if it goes, so does your audience. That’s a very tough pill to swallow. Losing your existing audience base might affect your current monetization strategies and brand partnerships.

 Those live gifts, brand partnerships, and the Creator Fund payouts? They’re tied to TikTok’s existence, and losing them could hurt your bottom line. Many creators have reported earning between $1,000 to $10,000 monthly through TikTok's Creator Fund and brand collaborations, making this a significant financial consideration.

A lot of brands focus heavily on TikTok campaigns for marketing purposes. If the ban happens, they’ll pivot, leaving creators in limbo. This means interruption of existing marketing strategies and campaigns, especially for those who have scheduled content or ongoing brand partnerships extending into 2025. Many creators have already begun receiving revised contract terms from brands they’re tied to.

Beyond finances, there’s the stress of potentially losing years of work and personal investment.

Short-form content has the highest return on investment,

 with 57% of GenZ users calling it the content of their choice. The format is here to stay, whether TikTok gets banned or not. So, as a creator, it's time to prepare.

Forward-thinking TikTok content creators aren't waiting for the ban to take effect – they're already implementing strategic changes to protect and grow their digital presence. So, it’s time to not panic and take action, before you have to compete with the rest. Here is what you need to do:

If TikTok shuts down, the years of content you have uploaded on the app face massive risk. Don’t leave your best work stranded on TikTok. Try to develop a comprehensive content backup strategy to preserve your existing work. Download all your TikTok content and organize it in a way that makes it easy to repurpose for other platforms. You may also consider using content management tools to streamline this process.

It’s all about reducing your dependency on TikTok. Think of this as your chance to spread your wings. There are a few behemoths that pose as great TikTok alternatives, no matter what your style of content is.

YouTube has a strong algorithm and monetization options, making it a great home for your content.

 Instagram’s established user base gives you a chance to reach a broader audience.

Platforms like Clapper and Triller might not have TikTok’s reach yet, but they’re gaining traction

TikTok creators are diversifying their social media presence across multiple platforms, with Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and a few others emerging as primary alternatives. These platforms offer similar short-form video capabilities and have been actively courting TikTok creators with attractive creator funds and monetization opportunities.

Do you want to make sure your followers stick with you? Then, start building a more direct connection. Create a newsletter, launch a Discord server, or try platforms like Patreon. These tools let you maintain control over your community and income, no matter what happens to TikTok. This way, successful creators are focusing on building platform-agnostic personal brands that can thrive regardless of the specific social media environment.

If TikTok goes away, so do its monetization features. But you can still thrive by exploring new revenue streams. Think online courses, merch, or affiliate marketing. The key is not putting all your eggs in one basket and diversifying your monetization opportunities so that they are not platform-specific.

If you’ve been a TikTok-only creator so far, you might need to learn new skills that could heavily upgrade your content game as a whole. Optimizing your videos for YouTube search and other platforms will become very important with the influx of so many creators. We have a couple of 

tools at vidIQ that could help you with all that!

Content repurposing strategies have become increasingly important too, with creators making relevant content for multiple platforms simultaneously. This approach not only hedges against platform-specific risks but also maximizes the return on your content creation efforts.

The Future of Content Creation Without TikTok

While you still have time before the TikTok ban date is finally here, make sure you use this time wisely. You can leverage your bio to redirect followers to the new social media giants you’re thinking of migrating to. Stay informed about the latest developments regarding the ban and potential alternatives and keep updating your strategies as and when required.

The TikTok ban doesn’t have to mean the end of your creative journey-- it’s quite the opposite. The 

creator economy is supposed to roughly double in size over the next five years 

to $480 billion by 2027 from $250 billion today, and that only means newer and better opportunities! It is an exciting time for creators willing to adapt and explore the potential of their content across other platforms on the internet.

Hand holding smartphone displaying TikTok logo with blurred stock market chart background

As the TikTok ban date approaches rapidly, discover how to adapt and overcome the situation and stay ahead as a creator.

The TikTok Ban Date is Coming: Are You Prepared?

 is a pleasant boost from working alone. It feels good to have a partner share fresh ideas. A friend in your videos might say, "What about trying 

." Such suggestions can bring new life to your content.

Overall, it’s nice to work with someone who loves filming, editing, and posting on YouTube too.

Two YouTube creators collaborating on a video project

Have we inspired you to find collab partners, collect email addresses, and pitch a themed YouTube video?

Before you send a flurry of emails, learn 

Audience size is the first thing to consider when planning great collabs. Don't worry: You don’t need thousands of subscribers for a video project. You just need a collaborator whose channel size is close to your own.

YouTube creators with similar audience sizes collaborating effectively

 for a video collab. His largest channel has more than 80 million subscribers, and even if you have 1 million, that’s not an equivalent partnership. You would gain millions of views and subscribers, but MrBeast wouldn’t get much from the deal. He’s already 

So if you have 1,000 subscribers, for example, look for creators who have between 500 and 5,000. That levels the playing field so you both benefit from a collab.

How to Find Small YouTubers to Collab With

If you're just starting out on YouTube, teaming up with others can help you grow. Early collabs might give you a boost. First, know your 

 well and build a steady collection of videos that show your style.

 is another option. Creators gather there to network and learn YouTube tips, so you’re bound to find YouTubers looking to collab.

2. Collaborate with Creators in Your YouTube Niche

Before you start sending collaboration requests, take time to define your 

. Your niche isn’t just a topic; it’s the specific audience you serve and the style, tone, and value you bring to them. When you know this, it’s easier to identify creators with similar ideas and audiences.

YouTube creators from the same niche collaborating on content

Working with someone outside your niche may confuse viewers and cause unsubscribes. For example, a personal finance channel partnering with a salsa dancer could leave both audiences scratching their heads.

Once you understand your niche and subscriber range, search for creators who share similar topics and audiences. Staying within your niche ensures that both audiences care about the content and are more likely to subscribe after watching. Use tools like vidIQ’s 

YouTube collaborations can be a fast track to growth. Discover tips for finding collab partners, pitching ideas, and creating content that benefits both creators.

Your In-Depth Guide to Building a Successful YouTube Channel

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

Creator Earnings Overhaul: YouTube's 2025 Money Update

The TikTok Ban Date is Coming: Are You Prepared?

YouTube Collaboration: How to Collab with Other YouTubers

How to Make a YouTube Short In 2025: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide

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...

The Rise of YouTube on TV