8 Ways To Gain Popularity For Your New YouTube Channel

YouTube is often referred to as the second largest search engine,   with content on almost everything. Reports suggest that most youngsters rely on YouTube not just for entertainment-related videos but also for education and how-to videos. So, whatever be your niche, starting a YouTube channel is always a good idea.

That said, as there is absolutely no barrier for entry, competition is immense. Although viewers appreciate good content and as long as you have that, with the below mentioned hacks, you can be sure to gain lots of traffic on your channel. 

Let us now discuss the eight ways that will help you gain popularity on YouTube.

Post Frequently 

Reports suggest that channels that post more frequently perform better and get more recommended views compared to channels that post once a week or bi-weekly. If you are just starting out, trying to build an audience, it is recommended to post at least thrice a week. 

Having a schedule is imperative to raise your channel within the YouTube algorithm as it would also allow your audience to come back to your channel more frequently. Therefore, before starting your channel, you should plan unique content for at least two months. 

Create Longer Videos

With so many platforms now supporting videos and encouraging shorter videos, it might seem like a good idea to post short videos. However, YouTube boosts longer videos more compared to the short ones. Longer videos mean more watch time, which boosts your content in the algorithm. 

However, you should not make a long video just for the sake of it. That would only lead to a disinterested audience. The right length for a video is just long enough to get all of the information across without stretching your video. 

According to statistics, videos between 7-15 minutes tend to perform best. However, the duration of each video can be different based on the requirement of the content. 

Create a Catchy Thumbnail

Two words that you should keep in mind while creating thumbnails are clean and enigmatic. Thumbnails are what bring the viewer to your channel; therefore, not only should they be relevant to the video, but they should also arouse curiosity in your audience. 

A cluttered thumbnail with too much going on in it will only scare your potential viewers away. YouTube even endorses your video by highlighting it to the viewers as suggested videos. Any YouTube video editor that you may be using will allow you to create a thumbnail.

Ensure that all of your thumbnails have a consistent look, at least when they are in a playlist. This will allow viewers to easily recognize your videos at a glance. You could include a similar text font, logo, familiar colors, shape and design element, or even the same person’s face. 

Impactful Introduction

Starting out, most YouTubers wonder how to make an intro for YouTube, which draws viewers to their channel. If you are wondering what an intro video is, it is alright! You are starting out, and you need not be well-versed with the lingo just yet.

An intro video is a synopsis video that gives a quick snapshot of your brand. For example, if you are planning to start a make-up tutorial channel, your intro video should speak about different cosmetics or what the viewers should expect from your channel. It is important to establish the right tone in your intro video. 

Short Credit Screens 

End screens are interactive graphics that link to another video, playlist, channel, webpage, or prompt your viewers to subscribe to your channel. As you can add end screens only in the last 20 seconds of your video, you have to plan where the end screens will appear. 

A simple option is to frame the subject of your video in a way that you have room for end screens. Most popular YouTubers talk over their end screen in order to continue engaging the viewers.

Use YouTube Cards

If you have ever watched a YouTube video, you must have observed interactive messages with a link to another video popping up on screen every time the creator mentions a video they created in the past. You can five cards to each video, and you can use cards in any video, including ad campaigns.

These are effective because they increase the average watch time of your channel and YouTube rewards channels with longer average watch time. A tactic would be to place these cards at the exact point where users are currently dropping off.

You can check the YouTube analytics to find out the exact point where the viewers are dropping off. Although they may abandon that video, they will be taken to your other content, making them stay longer on your channel, thus increasing your channel’s ranking.

Title, Description, and Tags

We all have heard how keywords are extremely important in order to get a high ranking on any platform. Title, description, and tags are where your keywords come into play. A descriptive and interesting title will provide keywords for the algorithm and attract users while informing them about your video. 

Collaborate With Other YouTubers

Collaborations amongst YouTubers is the best way to reach out to a larger pool of audience. Cross-promoting and working together also ensures better content as it breaks the monotony of the content. 

Although, you should not collaborate with just anyone for the sake of it. You should consider various minor details while looking into this tactic to grow your channel.

You can collaborate not only with other content creators in the same domain but also those in other domains. For example, if you are a game reviewer on YouTube – you could collaborate with YouTubers who create lifestyle or tech-based content.  

Another advice would be to find channels that are slightly larger than yours, but not too big. Super-large channels are asked to do collaborations all the time and usually work only with people they know. Work with small channels and create impactful content initially and then move on to collaborating with larger YouTube channels.