How to Get More Views on YouTube

YouTube is the second most visited website in the world, and has the power to put your content in front of millions. So it’s no surprise that many people are researching how to get more views on YouTube. Having more views can amplify your visibility, increase subscribers, and help you earn more money.

In this guide, we’ll define what counts as a “view” then break down 8 tried-and-true strategies for increasing your view counts.

What Counts as a View on YouTube?

What YouTube counts as a view is based on several factors, but one of its most essential rules is the 30-second rule. Simply put, a viewer must watch at least 30 seconds of your video for a view to be counted. Because of this, it’s important to have an engaging intro that hooks your audience.

Multi-view count is another aspect to consider. Generally, each time you or someone else watches your video that will count as a legitimate view. However, YouTube has systems in place to detect and prevent artificial inflation of view counts. In fact, if you’re caught trying to game your view counts, your content or even channel can be taken down.

Views from various devices and platforms also matter. Whether someone watches your video on a mobile device, TV, or laptop, the view will count as long as it satisfies YouTube’s viewing conditions. And, be aware that views from embedded videos using auto-play may not count.

8 Ways to Get More Views on YouTube

If you’re looking to grow your YouTube audience, you’re in luck. There are many dependable tactics that millions of YouTubers have come to rely on. In this guide, we will dive deep into eight proven strategies that can help you gain views and build a committed audience of subscribers.

1. Create high-quality content
2. Optimize your videos for search engines
3. Run ads on YouTube
4. Promote your videos on social media
5. Collaborate with other YouTubers
6. Use YouTube Analytics to track your progress
7. Build your subscriber base
8. Be the first to cover a new or trending topic

1. Create High-Quality Content

The cornerstone of any successful YouTube channel is high-quality content. But how do you make a high-quality video?

• Choose a niche you’re passionate about. Dive into a niche that fuels your passion and aligns with your expertise. For instance, if cooking excites you and you have unique recipes, a cooking channel can be both rewarding and sustainable. Genuine enthusiasm in your content can act as a powerful magnet, drawing in a devoted audience.
• Think outside the box. Your niche doesn’t need to reflect your day job. It could be a quirky hobby or an unconventional interest that ignites a bond with others. Take, for instance, StarWarsTheory. This Canadian content creator embarked on his YouTube journey in 2016, delving into Star Wars mythos and devising intriguing “what if” fan tales. Today, with over 3 million subscribers, his channel is not only a testament to his passion but also his primary source of income.

• Prioritize your audience. Ensure your content is valuable, addresses their needs, or solves a problem. If you’re a business targeting a specific market, research their interests. Utilize tools like Google Trends or Ahrefs to understand what topics related to your niche are currently popular.
• Focus on production quality. Consider the technical aspects of your production, like video and audio clarity, lighting, and editing. Investing in a solid camera and microphone can make a world of difference. However, remember that you don’t necessarily need the most expensive gear—just equipment that gets the job done well.
• Post regularly. Follow a consistent posting schedule. Consistency fosters engagement, which can cascade into an increase in views and subscribers. Consider launching episodic content to reel in recurring viewers. A predictable content schedule assures viewers, adding a layer of trust to your channel.

Related: The 9 Most Profitable YouTube Niches in 2023

2. Optimize Your Videos For Search Engines

Just as you’d fine-tune a blog post for Google search, it’s vital to optimize YouTube videos for the platform’s search algorithm. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements to focus on:

• Video title. Your video title significantly influences its visibility. Ensure it’s compelling, relevant, and keyword-rich. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, YouTube’s search suggest, or VidIQ to incorporate sought-after keywords. Furthermore, analyze competitor titles to identify effective patterns.
• Video description. Video descriptions are a prime area for optimization. Start with a concise summary of your video, incorporate relevant keywords, and add compelling calls-to-action, like urging viewers to like or subscribe. Enhance user experience by including timestamps for key segments. This can result in prolonged watch durations.
• Thumbnails. Thumbnails play a pivotal role in enticing clicks. Opt for vibrant, high-resolution images, ensure legible text, even on compact displays, and periodically A/B test different thumbnails to determine the most effective design.
• Tags. The jury is still out on whether tags impact video discoverability, but in case they do you should include tags that Directly describe your video’s content and associate with trending videos in your niche.

Read more: YouTube SEO: A Complete Guide 2023

3. Run Ads on YouTube

Paid promotion is a quick way to get your videos in front of a larger audience. Here’s are key things to consider when starting on YouTube Ads:

• Ad formats. YouTube boasts a rich variety of ad formats to cater to different needs. These include Display Ads, Overlay Ads, and Skippable & Non-skippable Video Ads.

• Ad targeting. Precision is paramount. Channel your ads to specific demographics, interests, or keywords. This ensures relevant views, an uptick in potential subscribers, and heightened viewer engagement.
• Budgeting. YouTube ad budgeting offers flexibility. Begin modestly and scale up correlating with performance results. The overarching goal is audience relevance and ensuring effective view conversion.
• Ad Quality. Your ad’s success isn’t just about targeting; it’s about the video’s essence. Prioritize a gripping start that engages viewers within the initial moments. Without quality content, even impeccable targeting may fall flat in retaining viewer interest.
• Analytics and optimization. Harness the power of YouTube’s comprehensive analytics to gauge ad performance. Metrics such as views, watch time, and click-through rates unveil campaign effectiveness. This data-driven approach illuminates areas of success and potential enhancements, setting the stage for future campaign optimization.

4. Promote Your Videos on Social Media

Social media platforms are powerful tools to amplify your YouTube channel. Sharing your videos on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly known as Twitter) can dramatically increase your reach. To maximize this potential:

• Choose the right platforms. Sharing your content across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X (previously Twitter) can exponentially increase visibility. However, the key lies in the nuances.
• Tailor your posts. Merely posting your video or its link won’t suffice. Craft engaging captions, incorporate trending keywords, and pick the optimal posting times to ensure higher engagement.
• Tap into trends. Stay on top of what’s trending. If a popular topic or sound (especially on TikTok) aligns with your channel’s theme, incorporate it in your promotions.
• Consider paid promotions. Paid ads can be instrumental if you target them towards demographics that align with your YouTube content’s audience.
• Create platform-specific content. Instead of simply sharing your YouTube video link, consider crafting content specific to each platform. For instance, to promote your video you can post a teaser on Instagram Reels, summarize the main points as a thread on X, or highlight a captivating segment on TikTok. Such tailored content not only boosts visibility on individual platforms but also adds unique value to your followers, increasing the chances of them exploring your YouTube channel
• Engage with online communities. Identify and participate in online communities that resonate with your niche. It’s crucial not just to share your videos but to genuinely contribute to the discussions. Avoid spamming your links; instead, focus on being a valuable member. Engage, discuss, and share your content only when it truly complements the ongoing conversation. By nurturing these relationships, you’re laying the foundation for a loyal community, which will undoubtedly have long-term benefits.

5. Collaborate With Other YouTubers

A collaboration is a win-win partnership. When you collaborate with another YouTuber, especially one with a subscriber base that aligns with your content, both parties benefit. You are sharing your content with their audience, and they are sharing theirs with your audience. This cross-promotion can lead to a significant increase in views and potentially new subscribers for both channels.

Identify YouTubers in your niche who have a similar or slightly larger subscriber base. Feel free to do some preliminary networking by engaging in their comments or with them on other social media platforms.

It is crucial to do your due diligence before committing to a collaboration. Check out the other YouTuber’s content, audience engagement, and overall vibe to ensure that it aligns with your channel’s brand and values. The last thing you want is to collaborate with someone who could tarnish your reputation or disengage your audience.

When you’re ready, reach out to them with a collaboration proposal outlining a video idea and why you think this collaboration would be mutually beneficial.

Types of Collaborations

A collaboration with another YouTuber could take many forms—joint videos, challenges, interviews, or even guest appearances on each other’s channels. The key is to offer something of value not just to the YouTuber you’re partnering with but also to their audience. There are also potential monetization partnerships you could explore.

During the collaboration, make it easy for viewers to find both channels by including each other’s channel links in the video descriptions, using cards, and mentioning each other’s channel names in the videos. And don’t forget to promote the collaboration extensively on your other social media channels for maximum exposure.

6. Use YouTube Analytics to Track Your Progress

Analytics are your best friend when it comes to growing your YouTube channel. Understanding your metrics and what they signify can give you insights into what you’re doing right and what you’re doing wrong. Here’s a breakdown of YouTube Analytics and how you can capitalize on its features:

• Start with the overview tab. Utilize the “Overview” tab in YouTube Analytics to get a summary of your channel’s metrics. This tab includes key metrics like views, watch time, and subscribers. It also offers insights like “Typical Performance,” which compares your channel or video to its average performance, and real-time metrics that show your performance over the last 48 hours or 60 minutes. A high view count coupled with a long watch time suggests that your content is engaging audiences.
• Dig deeper with the content tab. Navigate to the “Content” tab to explore how your audience discovers and engages with your videos. This tab breaks down the performance of different content types like videos, Shorts, and live streams. It offers metrics like impressions, click-through rates, and subscribers gained from each content type.
• Focus on audience insights. Don’t underestimate the “Audience” tab. This section provides granular details about your viewers’ demographics, activity timings, and even other channels they watch. This data lets you strategically schedule your video uploads and engagement activities. You can also see metrics like “When your viewers are on YouTube,” which can help optimize your video publishing schedule.
• Evaluate video discovery through the reach tab. Switch to the “Reach” tab at the individual video level. This section helps you understand how your audience finds your videos, whether through direct searches, suggested videos, or external sources like articles and social media. Pay attention to “Traffic Source Types,” which categorizes how your content is being discovered.
• Gauge Engagement metrics. Turn your attention to the “Engagement” tab to get insight into how viewers interact with your videos. This tab features key metrics like watch time, average view duration, likes, dislikes, and shares. Negative metrics, like dislikes, serve as valuable feedback that can help you refine your future videos.
• Monitor Revenue and earnings. If you’re part of the YouTube Partner Program, the “Revenue” tab is your go-to for tracking earnings. This tab provides a comprehensive report on how you’re making money on YouTube, including revenue streams like Watch Page Ads, Memberships, and Shopping Affiliates.
• Utilize the Research Tab for content ideas. The Research tab provides insights into trending search topics and terms your audience searches for on YouTube. Utilize this data to create content that fills gaps and meets viewer needs.

7. Build Your Subscriber Base

Having a large and engaged subscriber base is every YouTuber’s dream. Subscribers are your loyal viewers; they’ve clicked that subscribe button because they find your content valuable and want to see more. Every time you upload a new video, your subscribers are notified, giving your videos a built-in audience.

While your content might initially attract viewers, it’s the community and engagement that transforms them into loyal subscribers. Here’s how to nourish that relationship:

• Include tactful calls-to-action (CTAs). Integrate CTAs seamlessly into your content. While it’s essential to encourage viewers to subscribe both within the video and its description, subtlety is key. An effective CTA is a gentle reminder, not an aggressive push. Consider adding a ‘Subscribe’ watermark on your videos for easy access.
• Make a compelling channel trailer. Your channel trailer is your elevator pitch. It’s the first impression for many potential subscribers. Craft it with intention, ensuring it encapsulates the essence and quality of your content. An engaging trailer can swiftly transition a passerby to an enthusiastic subscriber.
• Reward your subscribers. Elevate your subscribers’ experience by offering unique perks. YouTube’s features like Community Posts and Memberships allow creators to roll out exclusive content and advantages like custom emojis, badges, chats, and more. This fosters a sense of belonging, making viewers more inclined to subscribe and join your community.
• Interact and engage. Make it a point to engage with your audience. Respond to comments, host Q&A sessions, or even conduct live streams. When viewers feel seen and heard, they’re more likely to foster a deeper connection with your channel.

Remember, a solid subscriber base isn’t just about quantity but the quality of the community you build. Foster genuine connections and prioritize authenticity in every interaction.

Read more: How to Get More Subscribers on YouTube

8. Be the First to Cover a New or Trending Topic

Being the first to cover something new or trending in a world flooded with content can be a game-changer for your YouTube channel. Whether it’s the first look at a newly released product, reaction to a significant news event, or fresh gameplay from a highly anticipated video game, being among the first to provide content on these topics can give you a considerable advantage. People searching for this new information are more likely to come across your video, leading to an influx of new views and potentially new subscribers.

To stay ahead:

• Stay informed. Immerse yourself in your niche. Bookmark pertinent news outlets, subscribe to industry-specific bulletins, and monitor social media for trending conversations. Speed is crucial; when a trend gains momentum, your window to lead narrows.
• Learn from the leaders. Channels like IGN’s game reviews or Marques Brownlee’s tech breakdowns not only capitalize on their early access but also uphold impeccable content quality. Their success underscores a vital lesson: timeliness paired with excellence creates a compelling combination.
• Prioritize quality over quickness. Speed is valuable, but not at the cost of content integrity. Aim for videos that reflect thorough research and high production standards. Audiences value insightful content that isn’t hastily assembled.
• Harness data-driven insights. Platforms like Google Trends offer a real-time snapshot of trending topics and their trajectories. Harness this data to pinpoint trending topics and strategize the optimal video release timing for heightened impact.
• Optimize your videos. Once you’ve uploaded your timely video, amplify its reach using optimization techniques discussed earlier. As the digital tide rises with more content on the same topic, effective optimization ensures your video stays afloat and prominently visible.

Consistently being a forerunner in presenting new trends establishes you as a trailblazer in your niche. It signifies to viewers that your channel is the go-to source for the latest updates, encouraging them to subscribe and remain loyal followers in anticipation of your next big reveal.

Bottom Line

The journey to becoming a successful YouTuber requires consistent effort, a willingness to adapt, and a genuine connection with your audience. Whether you’re still trying to get your first hundred views or are looking to take your channel to the next level, these strategies offer a concrete pathway to increasing your visibility on the platform.

And remember, success on YouTube doesn’t happen overnight. So don’t be disheartened if things don’t pick up immediately; stay committed, keep iterating, and the views will come.