17 Proven Ways to Skyrocket Your YouTube Views
Are you looking to take your YouTube channel to the next level? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll reveal 17 powerful techniques to dramatically increase your YouTube views and grow your audience. As experts in YouTube optimization, we at IncRev have tested and refined these strategies to help channels of all sizes gain more exposure.
1. Create Eye-Catching Thumbnails with BOGY Colors
Your video thumbnail is critical for attracting clicks. YouTube itself states that 90% of top-performing videos use custom thumbnails. The key is to use colors that stand out from YouTube’s red, black and white color scheme.
We recommend using the “BOGY” color palette:
- Blue
- Orange
- Green
- Yellow
These colors pop against YouTube’s interface and grab viewers’ attention. For example, channels like 5-Minute Crafts use lots of blue and yellow in their thumbnails to great effect.
2. Optimize Your Video Descriptions
Your video description is prime real estate for YouTube SEO. Here’s a proven template to maximize its impact:
- Strong Intro (2-3 sentences): Include your target keyword and sell your video
- 150+ Word Outline: Summarize key points, using relevant keywords
- Links: Add links to your website, social profiles, etc.
This structure helps YouTube understand your content while encouraging clicks and engagement.
3. Craft Click-Worthy Titles
Your video title can make or break your video’s performance. Follow these tips for titles that get clicks:
- Add brackets or parentheses at the end
- Include numbers when relevant
- Keep titles between 40-50 characters
For example, instead of “Advanced SEO Tutorial”, try “Advanced SEO Tutorial: 5-Step Blueprint [New for 2025]”.
4. Optimize for Suggested Videos
Getting your videos to appear in YouTube’s “Suggested Videos” can lead to a huge boost in views. The key is to use tags that match popular videos in your niche. This signals to YouTube that your content is related and more likely to be recommended.
5. Master the MVC Formula for Tags
When adding tags to your videos, follow the MVC (Main keyword, Variations, Category) formula:
- Main Keyword: Your primary target keyword
- Variations: Related keywords and phrases
- Category: 1-2 broad tags describing your video’s topic
This balanced approach helps YouTube fully understand your content.
6. Promote Videos in Online Communities
Share your videos on relevant Reddit threads, Quora answers, and niche forums. Be sure to add value to the discussion rather than just dropping links. This can drive highly targeted traffic to your videos.
7. Optimize for Google Search Results
Don’t forget about optimizing for Google search as well as YouTube. Some key tactics:
- Say your target keyword out loud in the video
- Upload a transcript/closed captions
- Create keyword-rich titles and descriptions
This can help your videos appear in Google’s video carousel results, driving additional views.
8. Boost Engagement Signals
YouTube’s algorithm favors videos with high engagement. Encourage viewers to:
- Like the video
- Leave a comment
- Subscribe to your channel
Simply asking for these actions at the end of your video can significantly increase engagement.
9. Increase Session Time
Session time (how long viewers stay on YouTube after watching your video) is a key metric for the algorithm. To improve it:
- Feature your best videos prominently on your channel page
- Create playlists that encourage binge-watching
- Use end screens to promote related videos
10. Optimize Your End Screens
Use YouTube analytics to identify where viewers typically drop off in your videos. Then, add an end screen card just before that point to keep them watching another of your videos.
11. Master YouTube SEO Fundamentals
Dive deep into YouTube SEO best practices, including:
- Keyword research for videos
- On-video optimization (titles, descriptions, tags)
- Improving watch time and audience retention
- Understanding YouTube analytics
12. Create Compelling Playlist Titles
Don’t overlook your playlist titles – they’re another opportunity to attract viewers. Instead of generic titles like “SEO Tips”, try something more compelling like “How to Skyrocket Your Google Rankings”.
13. Embed Videos on Your Website
Embedding your YouTube videos on relevant blog posts can drive significant views. It also creates backlinks to your videos, which may help with YouTube SEO.
14. Share Video Clips on Social Media
Instead of just sharing links to your full videos, create short teaser clips to post natively on platforms like Facebook and Twitter. This can dramatically increase engagement and drive viewers to your full video on YouTube.
15. Post at the Right Time
Experiment with posting times to see when your audience is most active. Tools like VidIQ can help analyze your channel for optimal posting schedules.
16. Use “The Card Bridge” Technique
Analyze your audience retention graphs and add a card (link to another video) just before major drop-off points. This can help retain viewers and increase overall watch time.
17. Get Featured on the YouTube Homepage
While you can’t directly control homepage placement, you can increase your chances by:
- Promoting heavily in the first 48 hours after publishing
- Growing your subscriber base
- Consistently creating engaging content
Bonus Tips
Double Down on What Works
Analyze your most successful videos and replicate elements that drove high retention and engagement in future content.
Use the Community Tab
Build anticipation for upcoming videos by teasing them in your channel’s Community tab.
Conclusion
Implementing these strategies can significantly boost your YouTube views and grow your channel. Remember, consistency and quality content are key. Keep refining your approach based on your analytics, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new techniques.
At IncRev, we specialize in helping content creators and businesses maximize their YouTube presence. Our team of experts can provide personalized strategies to take your channel to new heights. Contact us today to learn how we can help you dominate YouTube.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I post new videos on YouTube?
Consistency is key on YouTube. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, many successful channels post at least once per week. The most important factor is maintaining a regular schedule that your audience can rely on.
What’s the ideal length for a YouTube video?
Video length should be dictated by your content, not an arbitrary time limit. That said, most successful videos tend to be between 7-15 minutes long. Longer videos (20+ minutes) can work well for in-depth tutorials or interviews.
How important are tags for YouTube SEO?
While not as critical as they once were, tags still play a role in helping YouTube understand your content. Focus on a mix of specific and broad tags related to your video topic.
Can I use copyrighted music in my YouTube videos?
It’s best to avoid using copyrighted music without permission. YouTube’s Content ID system can detect unauthorized use, potentially resulting in your video being demonetized or taken down. Instead, use royalty-free music or get proper licenses for any copyrighted material.
How can I collaborate with other YouTubers?
Start by engaging with other creators in your niche – comment on their videos, share their content, and build relationships. Once you’ve established a connection, reach out with specific collaboration ideas that benefit both channels.
