YouTube has so many subscribers, it's hard to keep track of them all. But have no fear -- we're here with some tips to get more subscribers faster than ever before!
The average YouTube video gets about 3 million views per month. In addition, there are over 500 hours of new content uploaded every day (and counting). That means you need to stand out in order to be successful in this competitive environment. Here are several ways how you can do just that...
1. Build an email list by asking people to subscribe via email
One way to increase your visibility while building up your email list is through mailing lists. The easiest way to start collecting emails is using an opt-in form where users sign up to receive newsletters or offers only if they agree to let their data be used.
This method of creating leads is great because it doesn't cost anything to create lead forms and collect information. All you need to do is create a simple website or blog post which contains a clear call to action like "signup now" or "join our mailing list".
2. Promote your channels everywhere possible -- social media sites, blogs, forums, etc.
You may already know that one of the quickest ways to build traffic to any site these days is to use online marketing tools such as Facebook PPC advertising. If not, don't worry -- there are plenty of other options available. For example, you could try Google AdWords ads or even promote your pages on Twitter and Instagram.
But what if you want something simpler yet equally effective? Try promoting your page links on relevant websites and forums across the internet. This strategy is called guerrilla marketing. It involves spreading awareness of your brand without spending too much time or effort.
3. Offer freebies or giveaways to gain instant popularity
Another good idea when starting your own YouTube business is offering gifts or prizes to new subscribers who join your channel. You can also offer incentives for those who reach certain milestones such as posting 10 clips within a given period.
If you choose the right giveaway items, chances are high that interested parties will share this info on social networks leading to massive exposure for your channel. Make sure that your gift/prize isn't overly expensive though. Otherwise, you might end up losing potential customers due to shipping costs alone.
4. Create original, engaging content
In today's world, consumers demand quality products and services. They expect nothing less but the truth is that the majority of marketers simply copy ideas from others. Most companies rely solely on reusing old materials instead of producing unique contents.
On top of that, people often find themselves overwhelmed with lots of choices which makes it difficult for them to decide what product or service to buy next. That's why creating a well-made product can bring in loads of viewers. Once visitors see your work, they'll probably become fans of yours.
5. Post educational videos
As mentioned earlier, there are tons of options to market yourself and each approach requires different tactics. One thing remains true regardless of whether you aim to attract casual audiences or serious professionals -- having informative, entertaining or thought provoking videos is essential.
According to research, people spend 90% of their viewing time watching short instructional pieces. Educational videos typically last between two and five minutes long, making them perfect for sharing on social media platforms. By doing so, you can easily drive targeted traffic back to your main channel.
6. Use catchy thumbnails
Your thumbnail image should capture attention quickly. Therefore, it needs to convey exactly what your clip is going to talk about. Your audience members won't wait around for lengthy descriptions, especially since you've got limited space. Instead, focus on telling them straight away what your video will contain.
7. Have fun with editing
Don't feel pressured into trying to produce professional looking videos. As long as your message stays intact, go ahead and experiment with effects, filters, music and colors. After all, you're working to entertain your target group; therefore, your goal shouldn't be getting everything done perfectly.
8. Share useful tips & tricks
A lot of creators believe that their job ends once they've created a piece of art. However, the real value comes from helping others learn what they need to know. What better way to accomplish that than showing them how to master the same skill you possess?
By providing step-by-step instructions on topics related to your niche, you're actually increasing your credibility among peers. Moreover, you're demonstrating that you care enough about your craft to teach someone else how to do things properly. And guess what? People love learning from experts.
9. Give shoutouts to influencers
Sharing credit with others goes hand in hand with being grateful. So whenever you mention another person's name during your speech, always include his username or screenname. Doing so helps viewers recognize him instantly and gives them incentive to check out his content.
10. Ask questions in the comments section
Answering questions left and right keeps the conversation flowing and allows your followers to express opinions. Plus, you never know when someone will stumble upon your comment and watch your video after reading it.
11. Collaborate with fellow content producers
Working together with other artists provides both sides with opportunity to earn extra revenue streams. Why stick to one platform when you can create content that targets multiple niches simultaneously?
For instance, you can partner with bloggers in your industry and write articles together. Then, ask them to add affiliate links to their posts. When readers click on either link, you'll get paid commissions that range anywhere from $0.20-$50 depending on your agreement with partners.
12. Publish multiple versions of the same video
Instead of uploading the exact same version of your clip, consider splitting the footage into three separate parts. Each part should highlight particular aspect of your subject matter and give viewers choice regarding what they would like to see first.
13. Interact with commenters
It may seem counterintuitive but interacting with haters can really pay off. Letting everyone say whatever he wants can potentially turn you into a controversial figure and generate buzz throughout the web. At the very least, you can provide feedback to negative critics and show your appreciation toward positive ones.
14. Start a series
Having a consistent presence on YouTube is key to success. To achieve this, create a storyline that ties together various episodes and then upload them regularly. Don't forget to leave little hints along the way to encourage viewers to come back for more.
15. Take advantage of YouTube Studio features
Did you know that you can monetize your account by utilizing third party apps? There are dozens of solutions designed specifically to enhance your workflow and improve overall production process. Some of them allow adding text overlays or changing background color separately.
16. Partner with brands
There's a growing trend whereby big corporations hire individuals to create and publish custom promotional videos. A lot of famous personalities have joined forces with major businesses including Nike, Adidas, Coca Cola, Red Bull, McDonald's, Sony PlayStation, Samsung, Apple, Toyota etc.
These partnerships usually result in significant growth for both parties involved. Even if you aren't planning on partnering with corporate giants, you can still benefit greatly from selling branded merchandise or signing deals to sponsor events.
After reviewing 15 proven strategies, I'd say that informational videos are currently the most lucrative type of content to create on YouTube. Not surprisingly, almost half of all ad dollars spent on digital ads originate from videos.
Here are several examples of popular informational videos:
Product reviews: How-to guides, tutorials, opinion pieces, comparisons, testimonials, case studies, infographics, interviews, unboxings, overviews, feature presentations, roundups, playlists, etc.
Educational lectures: Short courses, seminars, workshops, speeches, classes, Q&As, podcasts, teleseminars, etc.
Presentations: Presentation demonstrations, pitch decks, keynote addresses, product launches, press conferences, panel discussions, town hall meetings, awards ceremonies, etc.
Interviews: Interviews, debates, conversations, panels, chats, confessions, retrospectives, Q+As, profiles, documentaries, etc.
Reveals: Revealing facts, scandals, secrets, news, gossip, behind the scenes looks, exclusive access, previews, exclusives, etc.
Scripted comedy: Stand-up routines, sketches, skits, pranks, jokes, raps, parodies, spoofs, etc.
Unscripted comedy: Documentaries, fly on the wall looks, hidden camera shows, mini movies, reality TV programs, etc.
Short films: Original shorts, animations, sketch comedies, live performances, compilations, commercials, promos, etc.
Dramas: Dramatic readings, monologues, dialogues, plays, stories, interviews, dramas, etc.
Music videos: Music concert tours, song covers, mashups, dance numbers, concept albums, soundtracks, collaborations, cover songs, etc.
Documentary films: Feature length motion pictures, documentary specials, travelogues, explainer docs, investigative reports, exposés, etc.
So, now you know what type of videos are likely to succeed the most on YouTube. Next stop? Creating your own masterpiece!
Whether you're looking for inspiration, entertainment or education, there's probably some kind of content out there for you -- but how can you tell which ones are going to bring in revenue?
If you want to learn about making money from YouTube, it helps to know what kinds of videos tend to perform best. Here we'll explore several different categories of popular videos -- including funny, educational, music-related and more -- and examine their earning potential. Let's start by taking an inside view at one specific type of video: vloggers.
A vlog is short for "video blog," and these informative, entertaining posts have been around since 2005 when blogger Kristy (Kristen Wiig) posted her first entry online. A vlogger is someone who regularly shares personal experiences via video blogging software like iMovie and Windows Live Movie Maker.
Vlogging has become increasingly popular over time as technology evolved, and today there are millions of people using this tool to share their lives with others. Vloggers post daily updates, ranging from makeup tutorials to shopping hauls. The goal is to build up a loyal following, so it goes without saying that quality matters above all else. But even if you don't aspire to become a professional vlogger, chances are you've stumbled across one while searching for related information!
We won't go into too much detail here because our focus is strictly on actual earnings rather than popularity alone. However, according to statistics compiled by Tubefilter, the average monthly household income in America is $50,054. That means anyone hoping to make enough to support themselves solely through YouTube should aim to produce high-quality videos with plenty of views.
In 2014, Forbes estimated that the highest paid YouTuber earned nearly $12 million dollars per year thanks to his hit web series How To Be Famous. In addition to having 1.5 million subscribers, he also had access to top Hollywood talent such as Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis and Steve Carell. His channel was profitable because viewers spent a lot of time watching him instead of just popping in every few minutes -- they were invested in his story.
For those of us not willing to wait years for fame, let's move onto another category of popular videos: viral hits.
The number varies depending on whether you're promoting an original idea or repurposing something already available on YouTube. While any clip under five minutes could technically qualify as a movie trailer, only clips longer than three minutes get labeled as official trailers. This distinction affects both ad placement opportunities and eligibility for certain marketing programs.
But regardless of length, the general rule of thumb is to keep each video no shorter than two minutes and no longer than 10 minutes. If the main draw is humor, then stick within the 30 second limit. Otherwise, consider adding a little variety if you find yourself running low on ideas.
When deciding between uploading multiple versions of a single video, remember that consistency is key. Viewers expect to see similar footage throughout a given presentation, otherwise they might feel cheated. For example, it would be better to create four separate comedy skits rather than trying to string together one six minute sketch into four parts. When creating new material, try to think beyond simple rewrites. Think outside the box and come up with unique concepts that haven't yet entered mainstream consciousness.
As mentioned earlier, the shortest possible duration for a movie trailer is 60 seconds. Anything less than one minute falls under the heading of teaser trailer. It's important to note that advertisers often use the term "trailer" interchangeably with "teaser." As far as YouTube ads are concerned, however, it actually makes sense to say "ad preview" instead.
Of course, this doesn't mean everything below one minute must necessarily remain free of charge. Some channels break down their entire archive of uploads by date, so you may end up finding one that fits exactly what you want without paying anything extra.
Keep in mind that many companies offer special deals or promotions for creators whose audience reaches a certain threshold. These thresholds vary considerably based on industry standards and market demand, but typically range anywhere from 500 to 25,000 subscribers. Once you reach one of these milestones, it's worth reaching out to relevant parties to discuss promotional arrangements.
As for other types of YouTube videos, the maximum length recommended by experts is roughly eight minutes. After that point, users begin losing interest unless the content keeps improving. Most producers will agree that a good chunk of additional time really isn't necessary to deliver interesting subject matter.
However, if you're producing instructional videos designed to teach people skills, it wouldn't hurt to shoot them in the ballpark of 15 minutes. Not everyone learns effectively through written word, after all! On the flip side, if you're working with live action characters, your options are endless. Just ensure that nothing gets cut off mid-scene.
According to Tubefilter, the median annual salary for American workers is approximately $51k. So, if you plan on relying exclusively on YouTube to pay bills, then you'd need to generate at least 2,200 hours of watchtime per month. At 2000 total views per video, that translates to 40 hours per week. And assuming that each hour produces equal value, you'd need to average 3.33 views per day.
Needless to say, that's pretty unrealistic. Even if you manage to attract 100,000 eyeballs per month, that still leaves room for error. What happens if you suffer equipment malfunction or simply run out of topics? Then again, generating reliable traffic shouldn't always be taken as a signifier of success. Consider the fact that hundreds of thousands of people subscribe to Netflix and never spend a moment watching anything.
Even though the numbers may seem daunting, there are ways to increase your visibility on YouTube. One way to boost your chances is to incorporate targeted keywords and hashtags into titles. Doing so allows viewers to search for specific terms and discover your content en masse. Another tactic involves writing compelling descriptions that entice clickbait junkies in order to improve your page rankings. Lastly, you should give thought to optimizing your profile photo and header image to appear larger and brighter on desktop browsers.
To stay fresh, experiment with various themes. Don't settle on a predictable formula. Instead, change things up whenever you notice a pattern emerging. People love unpredictability. If you aren't sure where to start, check out this list of trending YouTube trends to inspire creativity.
There are countless ways to make money on YouTube, but knowing what works best for you is essential. Keep exploring, and happy streaming!
You've created an awesome new channel with tons of content, but what do you do next? How can you increase engagement among viewers so they'll want to subscribe to your channel and keep coming back for more? You need to know which kinds of videos work best in order to be successful as a creator.
In this article we're going to examine some different categories of popular YouTube videos, how much money each one makes, and what sort of topics people tend to gravitate toward when it comes to spending their free time online. We'll also explore ways you can easily create these sorts of videos yourself without having to spend too long working on them.
If you want to start making money from your channels, there's no point trying to compete against big-name creators who have millions of subscribers already -- instead, focus on creating low-cost or even free videos that appeal directly to the niche audience you serve. If you can get your name out there within your own community, then you can build up loyal followers over time.
The following list contains common genres that often bring in millions of views per week (or day):
How To Videos - These tutorials usually cover something simple enough anyone could learn themselves, like baking a cake, fixing a car, or applying makeup. The beauty of these videos is that because they're relatively easy to produce, many creators turn them into short mini series that release every few days, weeks, or months. This way, if someone wants to watch one episode now, another installment later, or all 10 episodes at once, they can. And since your goal isn't necessarily to drive traffic to your website or product sales, this strategy works great.
Reaction Channels - Reaction videos consist of clips where a person watches a funny clip or movie scene in realtime while other people comment about the reactions happening in front of their faces. Think Saturday Night Live sketches turned sideways. Since reaction videos don't require any special effects, they're cheap and quick to film. They also lend themselves well to editing together into longer shows, which lends itself nicely to building larger followings.
Comedy Sketch Reels - Comedy sketch reels feature multiple actors lip syncing along to prerecorded audio tracks. When done right, comedy sketch reels not only give audiences a laugh, but they also provide entertainment value by giving viewers a glimpse behind the scenes of how professional comedians prepare for live performances, practice lines, rehearse jokes, etc. In addition, there are lots of opportunities for viral success, especially during holidays such as Halloween and Christmas.
Music Video Clips - Music videos were originally designed to promote songs off albums, but today there are plenty of examples where music videos exist independently of album releases. Examples include Justin Bieber's "Baby" and Nicki Minaj's "Anaconda". Sometimes known as lyric videos, music videos typically run anywhere between 3--30 minutes. Because they rarely contain dialogue, music videos generally cost less money to film than regular scripted narrative ones. However, unlike traditional TV commercials, they aren't eligible to win awards from industry organizations like the Academy Awards.
Slime Pics & Funny Photosets - While slime pics may sound disgusting, they actually end up being surprisingly entertaining for both kids and adults alike. Slime pics are basically still photos taken inside a dark room covered in goo, combined with occasional background noise and maybe a silly voiceover. Similarly, funny photo sets consist of a group of related pictures strung together with humorous captions added around the edges. Typically shot using smartphones, funny photo sets are perfect for sharing via social media sites.
Home Life Tutorials - Home life tutorial videos teach viewers how to perform everyday tasks better, faster, smarter, and sometimes even with greater efficiency than before. For example, how to clean a house efficiently, cook a meal quickly, organize files, or improve home decor. Many times, these DIY videos can save money on things like cleaning products, furniture, appliances, food, and other household items.
Travel Documentaries / Food Guides - Traveling is expensive, so why pay high prices for meals, lodging, tours, transportation, souvenirs, and admission fees when you can simply eat cheaply and see everything you wanted to first hand for free? Or alternatively, why not just travel to places you actually enjoy visiting year after year, rather than hitting the road for business reasons? A good travel documentary/food guide gives viewers information on where to find the cheapest eats, coolest sights, and friendliest locals in certain areas. It might seem strange to think that traveling would be useful as a career option, but many independent filmmakers started doing exactly this years ago. Nowadays, it's easier than ever to document your travels through photography and videography, meaning that you can show others what your trip was really like, thus turning travel guides into lucrative side hustles.
Funny Animal Compilations - Whether it's dogs, cats, pigs, monkeys, rabbits, birds, fish, reptiles, insects, horses, cows, goats, chickens, elephants, camels, whales, giraffes, lions, tigers, dolphins, seals, snakes, otters, penguins, parrots, frogs, lizards, spiders, crabs, lobsters, eagles, hawks, owls, geese, turtles, and dozens upon dozens of other exotic animals, animal compilations come in all shapes and sizes. Some are super cute and sweet, while others are downright creepy and gross. Either way, they never fail to entertain.
Sports Highlights - Sports highlight videos are essentially cutdowns of full sporting events intended to help fans stay updated on important happenings throughout the game. Most sports highlight videos are edited down to highlights ranging anywhere from seconds to several minutes depending on sport. Popular sports include football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, gymnastics, tennis, boxing, MMA, NASCAR, Olympics, Formula 1 races, NCAA college sports games, NFL playoff matches, NBA championship finals, WNBA championships, WWE wrestling, FIFA World Cup Soccer, golf tournaments, Olympic medalists, and many more.
Product Reviews - Product reviews consist of honest opinions and commentary about specific brands, gadgets, books, movies, clothing, jewelry, vehicles, electronics, tools, kitchenware, pet supplies, health supplements, hair care products, and pretty much anything else imaginable. As such, reviewing products has become extremely competitive, resulting many reviewers attempting to push their personal biases onto unsuspecting consumers. Although product reviews are controversial, they remain one of the top ways for average Joes to discover products worth buying.
Science & Nature Channel - Science and nature documentaries fall under the umbrella term of educational programming. But unlike formal classroom education, watching science and nature programs doesn't demand students sit quietly in class listening to boring lectures. Instead, they can learn valuable skills, tips, tricks, facts, and insights by sitting back and relaxing while experts discuss various scientific theories, explain complex concepts, analyze data, interview notable figures, and showcase spectacular footage and imagery.
Topical Entertainment News Series - Topical entertainment news series are similar to talk shows except the guests featured are celebrities and public figures whose lives revolve around particular fields. Subjects range from politics to sports to television shows. There are literally hundreds of topical entertainment news series available across cable networks, broadcast stations, websites, podcasts, and streaming services.
Documentary Films - Documentary films are primarily produced by non-profit groups on shoestring budgets, yet they consistently rank #1 among the highest rated television shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO Go, Peacock, SlingTV, Google Play, iTunes, CBS All Access, and NBC Plus. Documentary films can either tell true stories, dramatize real situations, or use dramatic license to fabricate storylines. Unlike scripted dramas, however, most docudramas are devoid of conflict. Rather, they focus on character development, humanizing those involved, and providing insight into their motivations.
As mentioned earlier, the majority of mainstream internet users prefer shorter forms of entertainment, including video blogs, vlogs, and short form webisodes. Vloggers mostly rely on their personalities to draw attention away from the camera lens. Webisodes are usually comprised of 5--20 minute chunks of material filmed on handheld devices that are released sporadically, usually monthly. By combining elements of comedy, drama, animation, action, suspense, romance, horror, sci-fi, and fantasy, webisodes offer viewers a unique experience that cannot be found elsewhere.
Videos in the Educational genre are also very popular on YouTube, mainly due to educators' ability to present informative lessons in a manner that engages learners' imaginations. Educators also benefit greatly from producing engaging videos thanks to recent advancements in technology, specifically digital cameras, computer software, and mobile apps. Finally, instructional design is based on research showing that learning happens better when teachers tailor instruction towards individual student needs.
Now let's say you're interested in starting a new channel dedicated to making fun little cartoon shorts featuring anthropomorphic animals playing practical jokes on humans. What kind of videos should you consider making? Well, here are a few guidelines:
Avoid using excessive profanity or offensive language. Keep sexual innuendos to a minimum.
Keep story arcs brief and punchy. Longer plots tend to bore viewers.
Just follow our battle-tested guidelines and rake in the profits.