How to Get More Views on YouTube: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2023

YouTube is the second largest search engine after Google and getting views on YouTube can seem like an impossible task. With over 2 billion monthly active users, the competition for views is fierce. However, there are proven strategies that can help your videos get more visibility and engagement on the platform.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through actionable tips to optimize your YouTube channel and videos to get more views consistently.

Optimize Your Videos for Maximum Visibility

The first step is to optimize each video you upload for the best chance of appearing in search results and suggested videos This increases the potential of getting views from both external traffic and YouTube’s internal recommendation algorithm

Use Relevant, Search-Friendly Titles

The title is the first thing viewers see and it tells them what the video is about. Make sure to:

• Include the primary keyword or topic that best describes the video content
• Keep titles concise, compelling and curiosity-sparking
• Use titles that make the content easy to understand at a glance
• Capitalize the first letter of each word for readability

For example, a title like “How I Trained My Dog in Two Weeks” tells viewers what to expect and is more search-friendly than a vague title like “Dog Training Video”.

Write Detailed Video Descriptions

The description is your chance to elaborate on the title and content of the video. Optimize the first 2 lines to include relevant keywords and hooks that capture attention. Then expand on what the video covers and includes timestamps if it’s helpful.

Use Tags Relevant to the Content

Add relevant keywords to the video tags so it has a better chance of getting found in searches. Include variations and related keywords that potential viewers may use when looking for that type of content.

Make Custom Thumbnails

A custom thumbnail gives each video a unique brand and makes it more likely to get clicks. Use bold text and imagery that conveys what the video is about.

Transcribe and Close Caption Your Videos

Adding a transcript and closed captions not only makes videos more accessible, but also improves SEO by allowing YouTube’s algorithm to index the textual content.

Understand Your Target Audience’s Interests

The most powerful driver of YouTube success is consistently creating videos optimized for what your audience wants to see.

Analyze Your Analytics for Insights

Look at audience retention reports, traffic sources and demographic data to understand viewer behavior. This reveals the types of content that resonate best with your subscribers.

Pay Attention to Your Best Performing Content

See which of your current videos are getting the most views and engagement. Make more content that is similar to your most popular videos.

Ask Your Audience What They Want

No one knows better than your own community. Ask them for video ideas and what they want to see more of through polls, comments and live chat sessions.

Study Your Competitors and Influencers

See what types of videos are working well for other creators in your niche. This can give you ideas for new content formats and topics to cover.

Actively Engage with the YouTube Community

YouTube is built around community, so it’s essential to interact with viewers, other creators and participate in broader conversations. This signals to the YouTube algorithm that your channel adds value.

Reply to Comments on Your Videos

Responding to comments shows viewers you care about their feedback. It also keeps driving engagement which tells YouTube the video is resonating.

Give Meaningful Comments on Other Channels

Comment on videos in your niche to organically connect with the community. Don’t spam – add thoughtful comments that show you watched the video.

Collaborate with Complementary Creators

Collaborations help cross-promote your content to new audiences. Look for channels making videos for the same target viewer as you.

Join Facebook Groups and Subreddits

Engage YouTube communities outside the platform itself. Be helpful and build relationships before promoting your content.

Make Your Thumbnails Stand Out in Search Results

Custom thumbnails drive clicks, but they need to catch viewer attention quickly in the crowded search results.

Use High-Contrast Text and Colors

Opt for contrasting text/background colors so the thumbnail text pops. Bright primary colors tend to work best.

Include Recognizable Faces

Using your own face or influencers/celebs who appear in the video makes it more likely to get clicked.

Use Numbers and Lists When Relevant

Thumbnails with “Top 10” or numbered lists intrigue viewers who want digestible info. Just be sure it matches the content.

Make Text Big and Bold

Viewers skim thumbnails rapidly, so key text needs to be short and readable at small sizes. Use fonts like Arial Black.

Keep It Simple

Cluttered, overly busy thumbnails won’t attract attention quickly. Use clean, minimalist designs focused on essential info.

Promote Your Videos Across Your YouTube Channel

YouTube makes it easy to leverage your own channel to increase viewership of each new video.

Link to Your Newest Videos in End Screens

End screens let viewers click directly to another one of your videos after watching. Link to your best new content.

Create Playlists to Group Related Videos

Playlists help viewers binge watch your content around specific topics. Make focused playlists to convert viewers into binge watchers.

Pin Important Videos to Your Channel Homepage

Pinning a video makes it the first thing new visitors see on your channel. Pin your most valuable lead magnet video.

Mention Your Other Videos in Cards

Video cards enable you to overlay links during the video itself. Use them to mention related videos from your channel.

Promote New Uploads in Your Channel Feed

Let viewers who have subscribed know about your latest videos through Channel posts. Share new uploads 1-2 times a week.

Target Search Traffic Beyond Just YouTube Itself

While discovery on YouTube itself is important, most viewers find videos through Google search. SEO best practices apply.

Include Your Main Keyword In the First Part of Your Title

Google search results highlight the first few words. Put the most SEO-relevant part of the title up front.

Write a Meta Description for Each Video

The search result snippet comes from the meta description. A compelling description that uses keywords can get more clicks.

Make Your Thumbnails Relevant to the Title/Keywords

The thumbnail appears next to the title and description in search listings. It should match what viewers are searching for.

Include Links to Your Website in the Description

This helps associate your YouTube channel with your website in Google’s indexing, bringing in viewers from searches for your brand name or products.

Turn on Link Alternatives for YouTube Embed Codes

When your videos get embedded elsewhere, a link back to your channel helps build inbound links and brand awareness.

Run Contests and Giveaways to Increase Engagement

Contests are a proven way to quickly get more views while involving your audience. The thrill of winning a prize entices viewers to participate.

Require Viewing a Specific Video to Enter

Increase views on one video by making it mandatory to enter your contest. You can also require liking, commenting and subscribing.

Choose Prizes Related to Your Niche

Pick prizes like your own merchandise or products used by your target viewers. This attracts the right audience.

Promote the Contest Across Your Social Channels

Post about your contest on all your platforms leading up viewers back to the video on YouTube.

Consider Paid Ads to Amplify the Reach

For maximum impact, run paid YouTube and social media ads promoting your contest to get it in front of more potential participants.

Keep the Contest Simple with Clear Mechanics

Confusion kills contests. Establish clear rules, prizing details and use simple entry mechanisms like email opt-ins or comment submissions.

Structure Your Content in Playlists and Series

YouTube rewards consistent posting in series and playlists. This trains the algorithm to show future videos to engaged viewers.

Create a Section on Your Channel Home Just for Playlists

This surfaces your playlists to new visitors right when they land on your channel, prompting them to hit play.

Release Predictable Cadences of Videos in a Series

Consistent playlists and series that viewers can rely on and look forward to will perform better long term.

Remind Viewers to Watch the Next Video at the End

End each video in a series or playlist with a strong call to action prompt to watch the next video that autoplays.

Name Playlists and Series Clearly

Titles like “30 Days of Yoga Challenge” or “Cooking Basics Playlist” communicate the series theme at a glance.

Link Between Videos in Each Series

Mention previous videos/topics covered at the start and tease the next video in the end card/annotations.

By implementing the tips outlined in this guide, you can develop an effective YouTube strategy tailored to your niche that makes your videos more discoverable. Consistently incorporate these best practices into your channel and be persistent. Gaining loyal viewers who engage with your