How To Get More Views On YouTube

YouTube has become more than just a video-sharing platform—it’s a powerful tool for marketing, education, and engagement. For small businesses, it offers an unparalleled opportunity to showcase your expertise, connect with your audience, and grow your brand. However, with increasing competition, success on YouTube requires more than just uploading videos. You need a well-thought-out strategy to stand out. Writing a blog post to accompany each YouTube video can enhance SEO and user engagement by embedding video content within blog posts.

This comprehensive guide walks you through what you need to know, why it matters, and how to do it effectively. Whether you’re new to YouTube or looking to elevate your channel, these strategies will help you succeed in 2025.

Why Are Views Important on YouTube?

What’s the big deal about views?

Every successful YouTube channel starts with views. Views are the gateway to everything else: more subscribers, better engagement, and, most importantly, more business opportunities.

Why Should You Care?

YouTube’s algorithm loves engagement. The more views your videos get, the higher they’ll rank in search results and recommendations. That means more eyeballs on your business—without spending a dime on ads.

What Exactly Counts as a “View”?

Not every click is a view on YouTube! YouTube counts a view only when:

• Someone intentionally clicks on your video.
• They watch for at least 30 seconds (yes, skipping through doesn’t count).
• Auto-played or bot-generated views? They don’t count either.

Pro Tip: Focus on creating content that keeps viewers hooked for at least 30 seconds or more. Hook them with a question, a bold statement, or a jaw-dropping fact right at the start!

How Does YouTube’s Algorithm Work?

What is the YouTube algorithm?

The YouTube algorithm is a system designed to deliver the right video to the right viewer at the right time. It decides:

1. Which videos appear in search results.
2. What videos are recommended on the home page or in the “Up Next” section.
3. How prominently your video is displayed in user feeds.

Why you should care

Understanding the algorithm means creating content that YouTube is likelier to promote. It’s your key to increasing visibility without paying for ads.

How the Algorithm Works in 2025

The algorithm is driven by three main factors:

1. Viewer behavior: The algorithm prioritizes videos that keep viewers engaged. Key metrics include:

   • Click-Through Rate (CTR): How often people click on your video after seeing the thumbnail or title.
   • Watch Time: How long viewers stay on your video (and your channel).
   • Engagement: Likes, comments, shares, and subscriptions.
   • Higher audience retention: where viewers watch the entire YouTube video, can lead to better visibility in searches.

2. Video relevance: YouTube evaluates how well your video matches user searches and interests. Factors include:

   • Keywords in your title, description, and tags.
   • Video content analysis: YouTube’s AI can “watch” your video to identify topics and themes.

3. Consistency and freshness: Channels that regularly upload new content are favored by the algorithm. Regular activity signals to YouTube that your channel is active and worth promoting.

Pro Tip: Focus on engagement and retention. A video with 100 engaged viewers will perform better than a video with 1,000 viewers who drop off after 10 seconds.

How to Grow Your YouTube Channel in 2025

It’s no secret: success on YouTube takes more than uploading videos. To grow, you need a plan. Below, you’ll find step-by-step strategies that are designed to help you thrive in 2025.

1. Find Popular Topics Using Competitive Analysis and YouTube Analytics

Why this is your first step

Finding the right topics to create content around is the first step to success. It involves identifying trends, understanding what your audience wants, and analyzing what works for others in your niche.

Popular and relevant topics help you attract more viewers and establish authority in your industry. Researching ensures you’re investing time in content that your audience genuinely cares about.

How to do it

• Spy on your competitors: Look at successful YouTube channels in your niche. What are their top-performing videos? Tools like TubeBuddy or vidIQ can help you analyze their performance.
• Dig into your own analytics: Check YouTube Analytics for insights on your best-performing videos. What topics or styles are resonating with your audience?
• Use Google Trends: Stay ahead of the curve by spotting emerging trends in your industry.

Next Step: Once you’ve found a winning topic, make it your own. Add your unique perspective to stand out. Keep reading to learn how to craft irresistible video titles!

2. Write Engaging, Must-See Titles

Why titles make or break your video

 A great title grabs attention, sparks curiosity, and clearly communicates the value of your video.

Titles are one of the first things viewers notice. They play a critical role in convincing someone to click on your video amidst countless others.

How to write titles that demand clicks

• Include keywords:Use search-friendly phrases your audience is looking for. Make sure to include relevant keywords in the video’s title to improve visibility in both YouTube and Google search results.
• Keep it clear and concise: Your title should make sense at a glance.
• Spark curiosity: Add intrigue with phrases like “Secrets,” “Proven,” or “Mistakes to Avoid.”

Examples:

• Instead of: “How to Bake a Cake”
  Use: “5 Secrets to Baking the Perfect Cake Every Time”

• Instead of: “Marketing Tips”
  Use: “10 Proven Marketing Tips to Grow Your Small Business in 2025 ”

Want to maximize clicks? Combine an intriguing title with an eye-catching thumbnail (more on thumbnails later!).

3. Optimize Your Videos for Visibility

Why optimization is crucial

Optimization ensures your video is discoverable by viewers, both on YouTube and search engines like Google. 

Even the best videos won’t perform well if no one can find them. Optimization helps you rank higher in search results and reach a broader audience.

How to optimize like a pro

1. Write detailed video descriptions:

   • Add them to your title, description, and tags.
   • Focus on long-tail keywords (specific phrases like “how to fix a leaky faucet”).

2. Write detailed descriptions:

   • Summarize your video and explain why it’s valuable.
   • Add links to your website, products, or related videos.

3. Create custom thumbnails:

   • Use bold text and vibrant colors to grab attention.
   • Ensure the thumbnail matches the content—no clickbait!

4. Add timestamps:

   • Break your video into sections to improve navigation. This works especially well for tutorials and how-to videos.

Next Up: Wondering what kind of content your audience wants? Let’s dig deeper into understanding your viewers.

4. Figure Out What Your Audience Wants

Why this matters

Your viewers are your biggest asset. The better you understand their needs, the more likely they will watch, engage, and share your content. Understanding your audience’s preferences helps you create content that resonates with them. You’ll see better engagement, more shares, and increased loyalty when you meet your audience’s needs.

How to get to know your audience

• Survey them: Use polls or community posts to ask what topics they want to see.
• Analyze comments: Pay attention to the questions and feedback viewers leave on your videos.
• Leverage analytics: YouTube Analytics reveals who’s watching your videos, when they drop off, and which topics resonate most. Understanding your YouTube audience is crucial for tailoring content that meets their needs and preferences.

Keep Them Coming Back: Once you know what works, create a video series to build anticipation and keep viewers hooked.

5. Increase Engagement by Asking for Comments and Likes

Why engagement boosts your growth

Engagement metrics (likes, comments, and shares) tell YouTube that your video is valuable, which boosts its visibility.

Videos with high engagement are more likely to be featured in search results and recommendations.

How to drive engagement

1. Ask questions: End your video with a question like, “What’s your favorite tip from this video?” Engaging with YouTube users by asking questions can drive interaction and keep them invested in your content.
2. Use CTAs: Remind viewers to like, comment, and share your video.
3. Pin a comment: Highlight an important question or link to encourage interaction.

Bonus Tip: Respond to as many comments as possible. It shows your audience you care and boosts engagement further.

6. Schedule Live Streams for Faster Growth

Why live streams are a game-changer

Live streams build real-time connections with your audience, making them feel involved and valued. It lets you connect with your audience in real time, building stronger relationships. Live content fosters immediacy and interactivity, which can lead to higher engagement and longer watch times.

How to make live streams work for you

• Plan interactive sessions: Host Q&As, tutorials, or product demos.
• Promote ahead of time: Announce your stream on social media and email. Notifying subscribers about a new video helps boost views immediately.
• Engage actively: Respond to comments during the stream to foster connection.

7. Maximize Views with YouTube Shorts

Why Shorts are the future

Short-form videos are perfect for grabbing attention in seconds. They’re highly shareable and ideal for mobile users.

YouTube Shorts are 60-second, vertical videos optimized for mobile users. Shorts are an effective way to attract new subscribers and increase visibility, especially with younger audiences.

How to use Shorts effectively

• Focus on one key idea: Keep it concise and impactful.
• Repurpose long-form content: Turn highlights from your main videos into Shorts.
• Follow trends: Use trending music or hashtags to increase visibility.
• Maintain a posting schedule: Provide viewers with a consistent stream of new videos to keep your channel active and attract more views.

Next Steps: Learn how to cross-promote your content for even more views!

8. Customize Your Thumbnails

Thumbnails are the small, clickable images that represent your videos. They are the first thing viewers notice when browsing YouTube, making them a critical component of your video’s success.

Why are thumbnails important?

A compelling thumbnail can dramatically increase your Click-Through Rate (CTR), which is one of the most important factors the YouTube algorithm considers. Even if your video is well-optimized with keywords and great content, a poor thumbnail might cause viewers to scroll past. On the flip side, an eye-catching thumbnail can make your video stand out, even in a crowded feed.

How to create effective thumbnails

Customizing your thumbnails can be the difference between someone clicking on your video or ignoring it. Here’s how to make them stand out:

1. Use High-Quality Images
2. Add Bold and Readable Text
3. Use Bright Colors and High Contrast
4. Focus on Emotion
5. Keep It Simple
6. Maintain Consistency Across Your Channel
7. Test and Iterate

Takeaway: A customized thumbnail is your opportunity to grab viewers’ attention and make them click on your video. It’s your “visual pitch” to the audience—make it count!

 9. Collaborate with Other Creators and Brands

Why collaborations matter

Teaming up with creators in your niche exposes you to a wider audience and adds fresh perspectives to your channel. Partnering with creators in your niche helps you build credibility and attract new subscribers.

How to collaborate effectively

1. Choose the right partners: Look for creators with a similar audience but complementary content.
2. Co-create content: Host joint tutorials, reviews, or challenges.
3. Cross-promote: Share each other’s videos on social media and email newsletters to promote your YouTube channel.

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Master YouTube SEO Fundamentals for Your Channel

Mastering YouTube SEO fundamentals is crucial for increasing your channel’s visibility and attracting more views. By understanding how YouTube’s algorithm works and optimizing your videos accordingly, you can improve your video’s ranking and reach a wider audience.

How to Implement SEO Best Practices

1. Keyword Research: Conduct thorough keyword research to identify relevant keywords and phrases that your target audience is searching for. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, or SEMrush to find the best keywords for your content.
2. Optimize Video Titles: Use your target keywords in your video title, but make sure it’s descriptive, attention-grabbing, and accurately reflects the content of your video.
3. Write Engaging Descriptions: Write detailed and engaging descriptions that include your target keywords. Make sure to include a clear call-to-action and a link to your website or other social media channels.
4. Use Relevant Tags: Use relevant tags to help YouTube understand the content of your video. Use a mix of niche-specific tags and broader tags to attract a wider audience.
5. Thumbnails: Create eye-catching and relevant thumbnails that accurately reflect the content of your video. Use text overlays and graphics to make your thumbnail stand out.
6. Closed Captions: Add closed captions to your videos to make them more accessible and improve watch time. Closed captions also help YouTube understand the content of your video.
7. Video Length: Optimize your video length to improve engagement and watch time. Aim for videos that are at least 10 minutes long, but make sure they’re engaging and informative throughout.
8. Consistency: Consistency is key to improving your YouTube SEO. Regularly upload high-quality content to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.

Promote Your YouTube Videos Through Other Channels

Promoting your YouTube videos through other channels can help you reach a wider audience and drive more traffic to your channel.

Strategies for Cross-Platform Promotion

1. Social Media: Share your YouTube videos on your social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Use relevant hashtags and tag relevant influencers to increase engagement.
2. Blog Posts: Embed your YouTube videos in your blog posts to increase engagement and drive traffic to your channel. Use relevant keywords and meta descriptions to improve your blog post’s SEO.
3. Email Marketing: Share your YouTube videos with your email list to increase engagement and drive traffic to your channel. Use relevant subject lines and descriptions to improve open rates and click-through rates.
4. Influencer Marketing: Collaborate with influencers in your niche to promote your YouTube videos to their audience. Use relevant hashtags and tag relevant influencers to increase engagement.
5. Paid Advertising: Use paid advertising platforms like Google AdWords, Facebook Ads, and LinkedIn Ads to promote your YouTube videos to a wider audience. Use relevant keywords and targeting options to improve ad performance.
6. Community Engagement: Engage with your community by responding to comments and creating a community around your channel. Use relevant hashtags and tag relevant influencers to increase engagement.
7. Optimize Your Website: Optimize your website to promote your YouTube videos. Use relevant keywords and meta descriptions to improve your website’s SEO, and embed your YouTube videos on your website to increase engagement.

Final Thoughts: Grow Smarter, Not Harder

YouTube success isn’t just about uploading content—it’s about understanding how the platform works and using that knowledge to your advantage. By mastering the algorithm, optimizing your videos, and engaging with your audience, you can transform your channel into a powerful tool for growth.

The journey takes time, but the payoff is worth it. Start applying these strategies today, and watch as your small business’s YouTube presence grows into something extraordinary.

So, what’s your next video idea? Let’s make it count.

FAQ

Q: How can I use community features like polls and live streams?

A: YouTube’s community features are great for content planning and optimization. Engage your audience with polls for content decisions and feedback. Go live for real-time interaction, Q&A sessions, and behind-the-scenes content. Schedule streams beforehand to notify subscribers, and share polls on social media. Encourage participation in games or contests during live sessions. Make the Community tab your go-to for updates, teasers, and previews, keeping your audience engaged between video uploads.

Q: My video views are declining. What should I do?

A: If your video views are declining, consider reassessing your content strategy. Analyze audience feedback, adapt to current trends, and optimize titles and thumbnails for better click-through rates. Engage with your community through comments and polls to understand their preferences. Audience trends and preferences change often. Experiment with different content types and schedules. Consistency and adaptability are key; stay responsive to audience needs and platform changes to revitalize your video views.

Q: What are the top YouTubers doing to get more views?

A: The very best YouTubers get there off the strength of their content. However, the best creators are only sometimes the most famous. The most views come from creating a strong, dedicated viewership community. By actively engaging with their audience through comments, polls, and community features, these creators maintain relevance in their niches. The same goes for influencers on TikTok.