In this article, we will explore 17 proven techniques to help you gain more views on YouTube. Brian Dean successfully used these strategies to grow his channel to an impressive 189k views per month. Let's dive right in and discover how you can boost your YouTube views.
1. Utilize Eye-Catching Thumbnails:
YouTube has emphasized the importance of thumbnails, as they are often the first thing viewers notice. To stand out from the crowd, consider using BOGY Thumbnails, which incorporate vibrant colors like blue, orange, green, and yellow. By avoiding the common red, black, and white color scheme, your videos will capture attention and increase the likelihood of clicks.
2. Implement a Proven Video Description Template:
Your video descriptions are crucial in informing YouTube's algorithms about your content. Brian Dean has developed an effective video description template that works exceptionally well. The template consists of a strong introduction, a 150-word outline highlighting the video's key takeaways, and strategically placed links to your website and social media channels.
3. Optimize Your Video Titles for Click-Through Rate (CTR):
Your video title is a major factor in determining its success. Research by HubSpot suggests that adding brackets or parentheses to your title can increase clicks by 33%. Additionally, incorporating numbers in your title, such as the number of tips or the current year, can make it more engaging. Aim for titles between 40-50 characters in length, as shorter titles tend to perform better in YouTube search results.
4. Maximize Views from Suggested Videos:
Successful YouTube channels attract a significant number of views from the "Suggested Videos" section. To increase your chances of being recommended, use similar tags to popular videos. YouTube considers video metadata, including titles, descriptions, and tags, when determining which videos to suggest. Aligning your tags with those of well-performing videos can improve your visibility and generate more views.
5. Leverage the MVC Formula for Video Tags:
The "MVC Formula" is a recommended approach for tagging your videos. It involves using tags that describe the:
- Main keyword: Your primary focus keyword for the video.
- Variations: Related keywords and synonyms that expand on the main topic.
- Category: Specific tags that classify your video within a broader category.
By employing the MVC Formula, you provide YouTube with comprehensive metadata, increasing the chances of your video appearing in relevant search results and suggested videos.
6. Share Videos on Quora, Reddit, and Forums:
Expand your reach by promoting your videos on platforms like Quora, Reddit, and industry-specific forums. Engage with relevant communities, answer questions, and provide valuable insights while subtly incorporating links to your YouTube videos. This approach can drive targeted traffic to your channel and increase views.
7. Rank Your Videos in Google Search:
Optimizing your videos for Google search can significantly boost your views. Conduct thorough keyword research and incorporate relevant keywords in your video titles, descriptions, and tags. Additionally, create high-quality, informative content that aligns with search intent. By ranking well in Google search results, you can attract organic traffic to your videos and increase their visibility.
8. Optimize Videos for Engagement Metrics:
YouTube considers various engagement metrics, such as comments, likes, and subscribers, to determine the popularity and relevance of a video. Encourage viewers to engage with your content by including clear calls to action and interactive elements within your videos. Engaged viewers are more likely to share your content, leading to increased views and exposure.
9. Enhance Your Channel's "Session Time":
Session time refers to the duration viewers spend on your channel and its videos. To improve session time, organize your content into playlists, ensuring a seamless viewing experience. Create compelling playlist titles that grab attention and entice viewers to watch multiple videos. By keeping viewers engaged and on your channel for longer periods, you can increase your overall view count.
10. Optimize Your End Screen for Views:
The end screen is a valuable real estate on YouTube that allows you to promote additional content. Utilize this space strategically by featuring related videos or playlists, encouraging viewers to continue watching. By enticing viewers with relevant and intriguing content on your end screens, you can maximize views and extend watch time.
11. Master YouTube SEO Fundamentals:
Develop a solid understanding of YouTube's search engine optimization (SEO) principles. This includes optimizing your video titles, descriptions, tags, and captions with relevant keywords. Pay attention to video metadata, engagement metrics, and viewer retention to improve your video's visibility and attract more views.
12. Feature Your Videos on Your Blog:
If you have a blog, leverage its reach by embedding your YouTube videos within relevant blog posts. This cross-promotion can drive traffic to your channel and increase views. Write engaging introductions to your blog posts, enticing readers to watch the accompanying videos for more in-depth content.
13. Share Video Clips on Social Media:
Leverage the power of social media platforms to share snippets or shorter clips of your YouTube videos. Create visually appealing and attention-grabbing previews that entice viewers to click and watch the full video on YouTube. Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to reach a wider audience and drive more views to your channel.
14. Upload Videos When Your Audience is Active on YouTube:
Timing plays a crucial role in maximizing your video's reach and views. Analyze your audience's demographics and behavior to identify peak times when they are most active on YouTube. Schedule your video uploads accordingly to ensure that your content appears in their feeds when they are most likely to engage with it.
15. Utilize "The Card Bridge" Technique:
"The Card Bridge" technique involves using YouTube cards strategically within your videos. These interactive cards can link to related videos, playlists, or external websites. By strategically placing cards at key moments during your video, you can guide viewers to watch more of your content, increasing views and overall engagement.
16. Aim to Get Featured on the YouTube Homepage:
Getting featured on the YouTube homepage can provide a massive boost to your views. To increase your chances, consistently produce high-quality, engaging content that aligns with current trends and interests. Focus on creating videos that have the potential to go viral and capture the attention of YouTube's curators.
Bonus Tips:
1. Double Down on What Works: Analyze your YouTube analytics to identify the types of videos that perform exceptionally well. Double down on creating similar content that resonates with your audience and generates high view counts.
2. Utilize the Community Tab: Take advantage of YouTube's Community Tab feature to engage directly with your subscribers. Share updates, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive previews to keep your audience excited and actively involved in your channel, resulting in increased views.
Conclusion:
By implementing these 17 strategies and utilizing the bonus tips, you can effectively increase your YouTube views in 2024. Remember to optimize your thumbnails, titles, descriptions, and tags, engage with relevant communities, and leverage social media platforms. Additionally, focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that aligns with YouTube's search algorithms and viewer preferences. With consistency and strategic efforts, you can grow your YouTube channel and attract a wider audience.
