How to Increase YouTube Views (20 Tips to Boost Traffic)
Almost 5 billion videos are watched on YouTube every day. With such a massive audience, how can you increase the views on your YouTube channel? In this article, we will explore 20 tips to boost your YouTube traffic and drive more views.
The Difference Between Impressions and Views
When it comes to increasing YouTube views, it’s important to understand the difference between impressions and views. Impressions refer to how many times viewers see your thumbnail, whereas views count each time someone intentionally plays your video for at least 30 seconds. While impressions are important for exposure, views indicate genuine interest in your content.
1. Killer Content
All the promotion in the world won’t save a channel with lackluster content. To drive traffic to your YouTube channel, you need to deliver informative and high-value content. Find your unique selling proposition and showcase it through video. Design a content strategy specific to your channel and create a timeline for filming, uploading, and promoting each video.
2. YouTube SEO
YouTube is the world’s second-largest search engine, so optimize your content for search. Select relevant keywords, conduct thorough keyword research using tools like Google Keyword Planner and Keywordtool.io, and add tags to your videos. Craft unique YouTube copy and create custom thumbnails to make your videos stand out.
3. Upload Frequently
Upload videos frequently to keep your audience engaged and attract new viewers. Set a schedule that works for you, whether it’s once a week, every other week, or once a month. Alternate between long and short-form video content to provide educational or entertaining content for your audience.
4. Edit for Quality
You don’t need top-of-the-line equipment to create high-quality videos. Focus on producing professional and engaging content. Keep it simple and well-scripted, ensuring your videos are well-lit and visually appealing. Edit together the best parts of multiple recordings for the final product.
5. Use Tools to Drive Traffic
Take advantage of editing software like Adobe, YouTube Editor, and iMovie to streamline the editing process. Additionally, consider using tools like Tubebuddy to manage various tasks associated with running a channel. These tools can improve productivity, optimize video SEO, promote your content, and provide valuable data and research.
6. Choose Custom Thumbnails
First impressions matter, so select custom thumbnails that catch your viewers’ attention. Don’t rely on YouTube’s random selection. Choose an image that accurately represents your video content and use design sites like Canva to create custom thumbnails. Add annotations to your video thumbnails to improve click-through rates with a call-to-action.
7. Use a Call-to-Action (CTA)
Include a call-to-action in your videos to guide your viewers’ actions. Whether it’s subscribing to your channel, liking your video, or clicking a link in the description, clearly communicate what you want your viewers to do. Use CTAs like “Subscribe now!” or “Explore our website today!” to encourage engagement and drive traffic.
8. Interact With Others
Engage with other YouTube users to build your channel’s popularity. Subscribe to similar channels, comment on others’ videos, and even include links to your own videos when relevant. Encourage viewers to leave video recommendations in the comments, fostering engagement and creating a sense of community.
9. Try Live Streaming
Leverage live streaming to connect with your audience in real-time. YouTube’s live streaming feature is perfect for announcements or industry news. Use live streaming as part of your marketing strategy by scheduling broadcasts, promoting them on social media, and engaging with your viewers during the stream. Collaborate with other YouTubers or influencers to increase live attendance.
10. Experiment With Ads
YouTube ads can be highly beneficial for your business. Over 70% of viewers say they have discovered new brands through YouTube, and viewers are more likely to use YouTube for brand discovery compared to other platforms. Explore different types of YouTube ads, such as skippable in-stream ads, in-feed ads, non-skippable in-stream ads, bumper ads, outstream ads, and masthead ads. Experiment to see which types work best for your goals.
11. Timing Is Key
Deliver your content in a timely manner, focusing on videos that are under 5 minutes long. According to HubSpot, engagement is highest for videos that run around 2 minutes. However, don’t limit yourself to a specific duration. Experiment with various video lengths to find what works best for your content and your audience’s preferences.
12. Create Playlists
Make it easier for your audience to navigate your content by organizing your videos into playlists. Separate your videos by subject or popularity, creating customized playlists that allow viewers to explore your past uploads. Playlists can increase engagement and keep viewers on your channel for longer.
13. Include an Intro Video
Introduce yourself and your channel to viewers by creating a channel trailer. This short video should explain what your channel is about, what viewers can expect from your videos, and why they should subscribe. Set your channel’s trailer on your homepage to increase YouTube channel traffic and engage new viewers.
14. Consider Collaboration
Collaborating with other YouTubers or influencers in your niche can expose your channel to a new audience. Identify top players in your industry and reach out for potential collaboration projects. You can also contact popular bloggers to feature your videos in related posts or on their social media channels. Influencer marketing on YouTube is a powerful tool for expanding your reach.
15. Promote Your Videos
Promotion is just as important as production when it comes to YouTube. Utilize your social media channels, blog, newsletters, and website to promote each video. Create blog posts dedicated to each video and share them with your subscribers. Spend as much time promoting your videos as you do creating them. Leverage the power of social platforms, as 82% of Twitter users watch video content on Twitter.
16. Draw Inspiration From Others
When you’re faced with a creative block, find inspiration from other successful creators. Explore your favorite channels and see what kind of content they’ve created recently. Subscribe to channels that consistently produce quality content and browse through your subscriptions daily for inspiration. Identify top channels in your niche and observe their strategies to improve your own content.
17. Optimize Your Channel
Don’t just optimize your videos, optimize your entire channel. Create a keyword-rich biography to show up in YouTube search results. Use an eye-catching banner to make a strong first impression. Add location and contact information to let viewers know where to find you. Organize your videos into playlists to enhance viewer navigation. Take advantage of all available optimization opportunities.
18. Upload 360-Degree Videos
Stand out from the crowd by uploading 360-degree videos. These immersive videos can provide a unique experience for your viewers. They have been shown to have a 14% higher return on investment (ROI) than regular videos. Experiment with 360-degree videos, especially if you’re in the travel, sports, or live entertainment industry.
19. Engage With Your Audience
Engagement is key to building a loyal audience. Respond to comments, subscribe to viewers’ channels, and create response videos to enhance discussions. Run contests to engage your audience and reward their participation. Show appreciation for your viewers’ support by actively engaging with them on your channel.
20. Review Your Analytics
After putting in the effort to increase YouTube traffic, it’s important to review your analytics regularly. Track metrics such as impressions, views, likes/dislikes/comments, shares, subscribers, watch time, and average view duration. Analyzing these metrics will help you understand how your audience engages with your content and whether you’re producing the content they’re looking for.
By following these tips and consistently creating valuable content, you’ll be well on your way to increasing your YouTube views and driving more traffic to your channel. Keep experimenting, engaging with your audience, and reviewing your analytics to continually improve and grow your YouTube presence.
For more information and assistance, visit Mr Reviews. Happy YouTubing!
