If you’re creating YouTube videos but not seeing the kind of traction you want — low views, few subscribers, little engagement — it’s probably not your content, it’s your optimisation.
The best creators on YouTube don’t just create good videos. They make them easy to find, appealing to click, and engaging to watch. Here’s how you can do the same.
1. Title Like a Human, Think Like an Algorithm
Your title is your first impression. It should tell the viewer what they’re getting, but it also needs to align with how people search. Tools like TubeBuddy or VidIQ can help, but fundamentally, you’re looking to balance clarity with curiosity.
Bad: “Vlog #27”
Better: “I Tried Waking Up at 5AM for a Week – Here’s What Happened”
Include keywords naturally. Think of what someone would actually type into the search bar if they were trying to find your video.
2. Thumbnails That Pop (Not Scream)
Your thumbnail should be instantly understandable. Bright colours, bold text, and a consistent visual style work. But don’t mislead. If your thumbnail promises one thing and your video delivers another, viewers will bounce.
A/B testing thumbnails (which you can do with TubeBuddy’s A/B Testing tool) is one of the fastest ways to increase CTR.
3. Hook Early
The first 15 seconds of your video need to answer one question: Why should I keep watching?
Give viewers a quick preview of what they’ll learn or experience. Avoid slow intros or generic logos. Attention is fragile — grab it fast.
4. Make It Watchable
Retention matters. YouTube rewards videos that keep viewers watching. That means editing for pace, using music strategically, and creating a narrative arc — even in how-to content.
Chop out the fluff. Add pattern interrupts. Use text or animation if it helps drive clarity. Every second counts. There’s more on retention strategies from YouTube Creator Academy.
5. Clear Calls to Action
Don’t just ask people to subscribe. Give them a reason. What do they get if they do? How often do you post? Who is your channel for?
Instead of: “Like and subscribe!”
Try: “If you want practical tips every week on growing your channel, hit subscribe.”
Also, use end screens and pinned comments to guide viewers to more of your content. Treat every video like the entry point to a larger journey.
6. Optimise Descriptions and Tags
Your description is searchable. It helps YouTube understand what your video is about. Include keywords, related terms, and links to related videos or playlists.
Tags matter less than they used to, but still help a bit. Focus on relevance over quantity. See YouTube’s official guidance on metadata.
7. Consistency Builds Momentum
The algorithm loves signals. When you post regularly, and people respond positively, you build a track record of quality. That tells YouTube, “Hey, show this more often.”
So pick a schedule you can keep. Whether it’s once a week or once a month, just show up. That consistency builds both trust and traffic.
YouTube success isn’t about going viral. It’s about understanding what viewers want, how the algorithm works, and showing up with quality content again and again.
Optimise for humans. Respect the algorithm. And most importantly, make videos you’d actually want to watch.
