Creating a YouTube channel is no small feat, but growing it into a thriving community of subscribers is a whole different ball game. The journey may appear daunting, and you might question whether success on the platform is still attainable. However, a glance at YouTube’s biggest stars like Ryan Trahan, MrBeast, or SSSniperwolf, with their millions of subscribers, proves that building a substantial audience is a manageable task.
So, if you’re ready to rekindle your belief in the possibility of YouTube stardom, let’s delve into the essential steps to guide your channel’s growth in 2023.
Craft Compelling Content
Standing out on YouTube requires more than just fancy equipment. The secret to success lies in creating engaging, high-quality videos. In this context, quality isn’t solely determined by your camera gear or lighting. It’s about connecting with your audience and telling a captivating story.
Great content should captivate your viewers, evoking emotions such as inspiration, motivation, curiosity, or even a good laugh. This connection is what transforms casual viewers into dedicated subscribers. So, how can you achieve this?
Start by mastering the art of engaging storytelling:
- Hook your viewers with a snappy, attention-grabbing intro.
- Maintain their interest with creative elements like text, music, images, and diverse camera angles.
- Develop a compelling narrative, drawing inspiration from storytelling techniques in movies and TV shows.
Optimize for Search Engines
YouTube ranks as the second-largest search engine in the world, right after Google. With over 500 hours of video uploaded every minute, YouTube’s recommendation system is crucial in determining the videos that get seen. To enhance your channel’s visibility, you must optimize your content for search engines.
Follow these key optimization steps:
- Select a target keyword for each video.
- Incorporate your chosen keyword and related terms into your video title and description.
- Design a custom thumbnail that reinforces your video’s title.
- Use relevant hashtags to broaden your video’s reach.
- Include captions and subtitles for accessibility.
- Organize your videos into playlists.
- Promote your videos using cards and end screens.
- Practical keyword usage can also help your videos appear in Google search results, broadening your channel’s exposure.
Craft Attention-Grabbing Thumbnails
Custom thumbnails may seem like a minor detail, but they wield a significant influence on your video’s click-through rate. Think of them as colorful billboards that showcase the highlights of your content. The more intriguing and enticing your thumbnail appears the more likely viewers will click on your video.
To create eye-catching thumbnails, consider these tips:
- Use the recommended 16:9 aspect ratio with dimensions of 1280×720 pixels.
- Capture clear, high-resolution images for the background and other elements.
- Keep your design simple and uncluttered.
- Employ bright, inviting colors.
- Add text when necessary.
- Ensure the thumbnail’s theme aligns with the video title.
Craft Engaging Titles and Descriptions
Titles and descriptions are your opportunity to draw viewers in emotionally. A great title goes beyond describing your video’s topic; it taps into your audience’s deepest desires and fears. Whether promising a life-changing workout routine or warning of stock market dangers, an enticing title piques curiosity and compels viewers to click.
As for your video description, accuracy is critical. While no tricks are involved, a well-written description should include essential information about your video. You can enhance it further with these ten elements.
Harness the Power of Hashtags
Hashtags play a significant role in expanding your video’s reach. These clickable tags help viewers discover related content on specific topics. By selecting the right hashtags and researching popular but less saturated ones, you can attract more clicks and grow your YouTube channel.
To use hashtags effectively, insert the # symbol followed by your chosen descriptor in your video title or description.
Encourage Viewer Engagement
Getting viewers to subscribe, like, watch more videos, and leave positive comments requires a nudge in the right direction. Include a call to action at the end of each video, encouraging these interactions.
Build a Strong Audience Connection
Connecting with your viewers is vital for channel growth. Respond to comments, host live stream Q&A sessions, and create polls on the YouTube Community tab. You can foster a deeper relationship by understanding your audience’s preferences and behavior.
Collaborate with Other Creators
Collaborating with fellow YouTubers is an excellent way to introduce new audiences to your content. Work with creators in your niche to ensure successful collaboration, brainstorm video ideas, choose a collaboration style, and actively promote the project.
Leverage YouTube Trends and Challenges
Participating in trending topics and challenges can help your channel grow, especially if you’re a small creator seeking rapid expansion. However, be selective and ensure the trends align with your channel’s focus and long-term goals.
Embrace YouTube Shorts
YouTube is bridging the gap between short-form and long-form content. If successful, this change means that YouTube Shorts can promote your long-form videos. By creating engaging Shorts, you increase the likelihood of expanding your audience.
Cross-Promote Your Videos
Promoting your videos is a straightforward yet effective way to grow your YouTube channel. Use YouTube cards and end screens to recommend other content on your channel, and include related video links in your descriptions.
Create Playlists
Playlists organize your content and encourage viewers to explore more of your videos. They contribute to higher watch time, a crucial factor in YouTube’s promotion algorithm.
Host Live Streams
YouTube promotes live streams significantly, and featured streams can attract substantial attention. Even with a modest number of viewers, your live streams can gain recognition, provided you engage with your audience effectively.
Analyze Your YouTube Analytics
Regularly checking your analytics is essential for understanding your content’s performance and identifying areas for improvement. Key metrics to track include click-through rate, audience retention, traffic sources, subscriber gains, engagement, and viewer demographics.
Consistent Upload Schedule
Consistency is vital to building a loyal audience. Maintain a solid upload schedule and stick to it.
FAQ for Aspiring YouTubers
Is it too late to grow a YouTube channel?
Actually, there is still time to start and grow a YouTube channel. Authenticity, vulnerability, and unique storytelling are essential.
Which type of YouTube channel grows fast?
Many channels grow the fastest, but content combining entertainment, education, and inspiration tends to attract dedicated audiences.
How can I get my first 1,000 subscribers on YouTube?
To reach 1,000 subscribers, break your goal into manageable steps, use a YouTube subscribe button in your videos, study analytics, optimize your video descriptions, collaborate, use relevant keywords, promote your channel, deliver on your promises, and maintain a consistent posting schedule.