15 Ways to Get More Views on YouTube: Proven Tips & Examples

Ever felt like your awesome videos don’t get more views on YouTube than they deserve? Trust me, we’ve all been there! YouTube welcomes over 2.7 billion active users monthly who watch nearly 1 billion hours of content daily. Mind-blowing, right? Yet somehow, your incredible content might collect dust while cat videos rack up millions of views. Don’t worry – we’re here to change that.

Views are more than just a number—they’re the gateway to channel growth, audience engagement, and monetization. Whether you’re a budding creator or a seasoned pro, cracking the code to boost views can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be!

YouTube success doesn’t happen by accident. Those creators you admire? They follow specific strategies that work. Lucky for you, We’ve packed this guide with 15 proven techniques that actually deliver results. Let’s explore what works and turn your channel into a magnet for success!

via GIPHY

The Four Basics for YouTube Success

Look, before jumping into fancy tricks and advanced strategies, you need a solid foundation. Think of these four basics as your YouTube starter pack – without them, your dream to get more views on YouTube becomes way harder to achieve than necessary.

Define a Clear Niche 

Your channel’s niche is the cornerstone of its identity. Without a clear focus, it’s hard to build authority or attract a loyal audience. Pick one lane and stick with it! Jumping between makeup tutorials and gaming streams just confuses viewers and messes with YouTube’s algorithm. Ask yourself: What value can I consistently deliver?

Here’s what picking a solid niche does for you:

• Helps YouTube understand who should watch your content
• Makes viewers remember what your channel stands about
• Builds trust with your audience faster

Pro-tip: Identify trending sub-niches within your domain. For example,  Instead of making “fitness videos,” narrow down to “15-minute workouts for busy parents”.

Lock Down Your Upload Schedule

Random uploads? That’s YouTube growth poison! Your viewers should know when they can expect new content from you. Maybe you’ll post every Tuesday or perhaps three times weekly – whatever works with your schedule.

Just remember:

• Start with a schedule you can actually maintain
• Let viewers know when new videos drop
• Use YouTube’s scheduling feature for consistency

Nail Your Production Quality

Nobody expects Hollywood-level production right away but basic quality matters big time! Good news? Your smartphone probably shoots better video than many YouTubers had when starting out.

Focus on these basics:

• Steady camera shots (grab a cheap tripod!)
• Good lighting (natural light works great)
• Ensure clear audio, sharp visuals, and clean editing..

Know Your People Inside Out

Creating videos without understanding your audience is like throwing darts blindfolded! Know who you’re speaking to and create content tailored to their preferences. Spend time researching your audience’s age, interests, and viewing habits using YouTube Analytics.

For example, younger viewers might prefer fast-paced, meme-filled videos, while older audiences may lean toward in-depth tutorials.

Study your YouTube Analytics obsessively. Watch what similar channels do successfully. Most importantly, actually talk with your viewers through comments and community posts.

15 Proven Ways to Get More Views on YouTube

Ready for some seriously effective strategies? Each tip works great on its own but combining them? That’s when magic happens! Let’s dive into our proven ways to get more views on YouTube.

1. Optimize YouTube Videos SEO

Want your videos to show up when people search? YouTube SEO is your best friend. Think of it as making your content irresistible not just for viewers, but for search engines too.

The first step? Keywords. These are the phrases your audience types into the search bar. Tools like Answer the Public or Google Keyword Planner can help you uncover these golden search terms. Once you have them, sprinkle them strategically in your video title, description, tags, and even chapters.

Tip: Start with long-tail keywords (like “how to organize a workspace for productivity”) since they’re less competitive and more likely to rank well.

Example: Instead of naming your video “Organizing My Workspace,” try something like “10 Simple Steps to Organize Your Workspace”—it’s clear, keyword-rich, and attention-grabbing.

2. Create Eye-Catching Thumbnails

Thumbnails are your video’s handshake—the first thing viewers see before they decide to click. About 90% of top-performing YouTube videos rock custom thumbnails for good reason. A great thumbnail doesn’t just invite people in; it demands attention.

Make your thumbnails pop with these tricks:

• Use bright contrasting colors that stand out
• Add faces showing clear emotions
• Keep text short and huge (think 3-4 words max)
• Test different styles with your audience

Example: Take a cue from Viva La Dirt League. Their thumbnails for series like Epic NPC Man feature bold visuals, quirky facial expressions, and clean designs that highlight the humor of their skits. This consistent style not only grabs attention but also reinforces their brand identity.

If you ever feel overwhelmed by design tools, no sweat—Vista Social’s Canva integration is like having a creative buddy in your back pocket. It lets you whip up professional thumbnails without switching apps. Easy peasy!

3. Engage Viewers in the First 10 Seconds

Hooking your audience early is the secret sauce to keeping them around. The first 10 seconds of your video can make or break their decision to stay. Your goal is to grab attention, set expectations, and make your viewers think, “I need to see where this goes!”

Tip: Start with a strong hook that dives straight into the value your video offers. Use an intriguing question, surprising fact, or bold statement to capture curiosity.

Example: Begin with a preview of what viewers will learn or experience. For instance, in Ali Abdaal’s intro, he said, “If you can get these three things right, your channel will explode and you will become a millionaire.”.This approach builds excitement and keeps your audience engaged.

4. Create Videos about Trending and Latest Topics

Riding the wave of a trending topic is one of the fastest ways to boost your views. People love fresh content, and YouTube rewards creators who stay current.

Tip: Stay updated on trends in your niche by using tools like Google Trends, monitoring social media buzz, or exploring YouTube’s “Trending” tab. Then, create timely, relevant videos that offer fresh insights or unique takes on those topics.

Example: If you’re in tech, a video reviewing the latest iPhone right after its launch will likely attract a surge in views. Timing is crucial—capitalize on the buzz while it’s at its peak.

5. Add a Call-to-Action (CTA) to Boost Engagement

Never underestimate the power of simply asking. Whether it’s encouraging your viewers to like, comment, or subscribe, a clear call-to-action can go a long way.

Tip: Make your CTAs clear, creative, and natural. Instead of a generic ask, tailor it to the content. For instance, after sharing a tip, say, “If this helped, hit that like button!”

Example: Take a cue from Enes Yilmazer, who always wraps up his luxury home tours with, “If you enjoy our tour, leave us a like, comment, and subscribe for more.” This friendly, consistent asking encourages interaction without feeling forced, and it perfectly aligns with his video content.

6. Use Playlists to Keep Viewers on Your Channel

Playlists are like binge-worthy TV series for your channel. When you group related videos into playlists, viewers are more likely to stick around and watch multiple videos in one go.

Tip: Organize videos into playlists based on themes or topics. For example, if you have multiple tutorials, combine them into a playlist. Give playlists catchy, descriptive titles that spark curiosity.

Example: Yoga with Adriene organizes her videos into playlists like “10-20 min Yoga Practices” and “20-30 min Yoga Practices,” making it easy for viewers to stick with a theme they want

Source

7. Collaborate with Other YouTubers

Two heads are better than one, and the same goes for YouTube channels. Collaborating with other creators can help you tap into their audience while sharing yours, creating a win-win for both.

Tip: Partner with creators in complementary niches rather than direct competitors. This ensures that your content appeals to both audiences. Brainstorm ideas for joint videos that provide value from different angles.

Example: Uncle Roger, known for his comedic food critiques, teamed up with renowned chef Gordon Ramsay in a hilarious video reviewing Gordon’s breakfast bao recipe. This creative collaboration not only entertained fans but also showcased both creators’ distinct styles.

8. Promote on Social Media and Online Communities

YouTube shouldn’t be the only place your videos live. Sharing your content on social platforms and niche communities helps you reach a wider audience and drive traffic to your channel.

Tip: Tailor your posts for each platform. For example, use a short teaser clip for Instagram, an engaging post for Facebook, or a detailed thread for X. Engage in relevant communities like Reddit or Facebook groups to share your videos in a way that adds value, not spam.

9. Optimize Video Length Based on Audience Preferences

When it comes to video length, one size doesn’t fit all. Some audiences prefer quick, digestible clips, while others enjoy longer, in-depth content. Finding the sweet spot is key to maximizing viewer retention.

Tip: Use YouTube Analytics to understand your audience’s viewing habits. Metrics like “average view duration” and “watch time” can reveal whether shorter or longer videos work best. Experiment with different lengths to see what resonates.

If your analytics show viewers dropping off around the 7-minute mark, consider keeping your videos concise and focused, aiming for 5-8 minutes.

10. Analyze and Adjust Based on Analytics

Your YouTube analytics are like a treasure map, showing you what’s working and what’s not. By understanding viewer behavior, you can refine your strategy and create content that resonates.

Tip: Regularly review metrics like audience retention, traffic sources, and click-through rates. Look for patterns in high-performing videos and replicate their success. Adjust based on data rather than guesswork.

For example, if your analytics show a high drop-off rate during long intros, shorten them in future videos. Similarly, if a specific topic gets more views, double down and create similar content.

Vista Social offers detailed analytics for social media platforms, so you can cross-reference engagement data to see how social promotions impact YouTube traffic.

Additionally we have a comprehensive YouTube Management Tools for Business that contains all that you need to grow your YouTube channel!

[Must Read: Essential Social Media Metrics to Track for Success in 2024]

11. Promote Your Videos in Emails and Blogs

Your existing audience on email lists or blog readers can be a goldmine for YouTube traffic. Integrating your videos into these channels provides additional exposure.

Tip: Embed your videos in relevant blog posts to provide extra context or value. Include them in email newsletters with a catchy headline that encourages clicks, like, “Watch this quick tip to boost your productivity!”

Example: Thomas Frank, a productivity guru, embeds his YouTube videos into his blog posts, providing additional context and value to his readers.

Use tools like Vista Social to schedule polls or share updates through the Community Tab on YouTube. Its automation features make it easier to consistently engage with your audience without juggling multiple tasks.

12. Build a Strong Community

A loyal community can make a huge difference in your channel’s growth. Engaged viewers are more likely to interact, share your content, and stick around for the long haul.

Tip: Use the Community Tab to interact with your audience beyond your videos. Share polls, updates, and sneak peeks of upcoming content. Replying to comments on your videos also helps build stronger connections.

Example: PewDiePie regularly uses the Community Tab to share memes, GIFs, and relatable updates that reflect his unique humor and style. He often posts polls to gauge fan opinions on games or trends, sparking discussions and creating a fun, interactive space for his subscribers. 

13. Leverage YouTube Shorts

Short-form content is exploding in popularity, and YouTube Shorts is the perfect way to capitalize on this trend. These bite-sized videos can quickly grab attention and funnel viewers to your longer content.

Tip: Create engaging 15-60 second videos that highlight key moments from your main content. Add a call-to-action in the description or video itself, directing viewers to watch the full video.

Example: Graham Stephan, a finance YouTuber, posts Shorts summarizing key tips, such as “How to Get Rich in Your 20s” linking to his longer, in-depth videos.

If you’re looking to streamline your Shorts publishing process, Vista Social allows you to schedule and publish YouTube Shorts with ease, ensuring that your content reaches your audience at the perfect time without the hassle of manual uploads.

[Must Read: Are Your YouTube Shorts Not Getting Views? Here’s Why…]

14. Use End Screens and Cards to Promote Videos

End screens and cards are simple tools that can keep viewers on your channel longer. They act as breadcrumbs, guiding viewers toward more of your content.

Tip: Use cards to recommend related videos during key moments in your video, and end screens to suggest what viewers should watch next. Keep recommendations focused and relevant to maintain their interest.

Example: Enes Yilmazer, known for luxury house tours, uses cards and end screens to keep viewers engaged. At the end of his videos, his end screen features clickable thumbnails for more property tours, encouraging viewers to explore further content on his channel.

15. Encourage Viewers to Share Your Videos

Sometimes the simplest strategy is the most effective: ask your viewers to share your videos. Shares expand your reach and introduce your content to new audiences organically.

Tip: Make sharing feel natural by framing it as a way for viewers to help others. For example, say something like, “If you know someone who could use these tips, share this video with them!”

Incentivize sharing by offering shoutouts in your next video for viewers who help spread the word. A simple acknowledgment can go a long way in building loyalty.

Your YouTube Journey Starts Here

Growing your channel and expecting to get more views on YouTube doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right strategies, it’s absolutely within reach. Whether you’re optimizing your SEO, creating irresistible thumbnails, or engaging with your community, every small effort compounds into something bigger.

Remember, success on YouTube isn’t just about chasing trends—it’s about staying consistent, experimenting, and truly connecting with your audience. The algorithm may play a role, but your authenticity and creativity are what will keep viewers coming back.

So, start with one or two of these tips today. Implement them with confidence and watch your channel evolve. With time, effort, and persistence, your hard work will pay off, turning your YouTube dreams into reality.

You’ve got this—now go out there and create something amazing!

P.S. If you’re just joining us, Vista Social  is an all-in-one social media management platform crafted for marketing agencies, freelancers, and social media managers. Our advanced features are designed to enhance collaboration, boost efficiency, and maximize the effectiveness of your social media marketing efforts.

Sign up for your  Vista Social account today to discover our tools and elevate your social media strategy!

FAQs to Get More Views On Youtube

How long does it usually take to see results from these strategies?

The time it takes to see significant growth on YouTube varies depending on your niche, audience, and consistency. Some creators notice a difference within weeks, while for others, it can take months. Patience and persistence are key.

Should I focus on YouTube alone, or is it better to grow my presence on multiple platforms?

While focusing on YouTube is essential, diversifying your presence across platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok can help drive traffic to your channel and expand your audience.

How can I create a content calendar for my YouTube channel?

A content calendar helps you stay consistent and organized. Start by identifying key dates, trends, and video ideas, then plan your uploads weekly or monthly using tools like Google Calendar or Trello.