How to Become Popular on YouTube

Last Updated: February 9, 2023 References Approved

Successful 'YouTubers' are some of the most glamorous people on the internet. Whether they are making videos about games, makeup, or everyday life (vlogs), these are some of the best-known people on the internet, earning their recognition for their extensive knowledge in their craft. The more engrossed you are with the culture, the more you may be inclined to join in. The first step is to gain popularity. This article provides some steps for gaining that recognition and to finding yourself among other famous YouTubers in the future.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Making Your YouTube Account

1
Decide what sort of YouTube account you'll have. Do you upload music videos? Do you make funny videos? Are you going to do tutorials? Are you a stand-up comedian? Do you tell stories? Choose whichever one you like to do. It can just be a mix up of everything also.^{[1]
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- One way is to get inspired by others. Watch the funniest videos on YouTube. Then think about ways to mix them up, making parodies or remixes. Choose anything you basically love to watch, taking note of what your friends find funny too.
2
Show off your own talents. If you know some dance moves, sing well, can tell a great tale, etc., keep practicing your art to become even better at it. When you feel ready, think about making videos of you showing your friends how to do whatever it is you're excellent at. For example, if it's dance, make a movie about the moves, or create a video dance that is brand new (it might turn into a popular dance if it goes viral).

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3
Create your channel. Decorate it however you like, and make it original! Don’t make the text hard to read. Don't use a white background with yellow text, or blue background with purple text. A white background with black text usually works best.^{[2]
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- Pick a good profile name. For example, don't put your name but a weird or witty sounding name. Don't make it too long; most people won't type a 94- letter long name.
- Use a good profile picture. Don't make it too dumb, because people won't think what you want them to think, and don't make it too cool, because people will know that you got that off the internet. Make your profile photo you or something not too funny.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Creating Your First Video

1
Create a video with the info you want. If you want to make a tutorial, make it simple and easy. If you want to make a funny video, do random things, and use the jump cut effect.
- If you make tutorials, don't make them look complicated and hard. Use clear, short instructions and promise that the end result is something anyone can manage.
2
Edit the video. Here is where you ensure the jump cuts. Cut all of the things that you don’t want. Make sure that it looks professional and is easy on the eye and ear.
- Less is often more. Keep that in mind.
Expert Answer

Q

When asked what software he uses to edit his videos:

Timothy Linetsky
Music Producer & Instructor
Timothy Linetsky is a DJ, producer, and music educator that has been making music for over 15 years. He is a certified Ableton trainer and creates educational YouTube videos focused on producing electronic music. He has over 90,000 YouTube subscribers.

EXPERT ADVICE

Answer from Timothy Linetsky:

Timmy Linetsky, a popular musician on YouTube, says: "For editing, I use Final Cut, which I really learned just by messing around. Now, I mostly just splice clips together and then occasionally put titles and stuff like that."
3
Be aware of what tends to catch people's eye. When deciding whether to watch a new video (especially from a new YouTuber), people want a catchy title. Additionally:
- Include a catchy introduction fanfare at the beginning of every video. This will make your videos seem more professional and interesting. It also helps to build your brand if you use something that identifies your videos each time. You can also include an outtake at the end of each video.
- Introduce yourself and to say your name clearly so viewers will understand you. If they like your video and know who it's by (you), they will watch more.
- Talk with ease and laugh a little at your mistakes. Depending on how interesting they are, you could even make bloopers at the end. Sure people will laugh at you, but you will most likely get a thumbs up.
4
Upload the video. If you're just starting, Windows Movie Maker or iMovie are just fine. You can use more advanced stuff such as VSDC free video editor when your channel becomes more popular.^{[3]
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5
Make one or more videos each week. When someone searches a video, there is a tab under the title saying "NEW". Once a week passes, the tab will vanish. Most people want a YouTuber who is current on YouTube.^{[4]
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- Keep your videos short. Most people don't have time for a 46-minute video. Even if they do, they will probably stop it in the middle of your video.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Clickbait Techniques Carefully

1
Approach "baiting" carefully. Clickbait refers to all the methods you can use to encourage viewers to view your video.^{[5]
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Research source} Use this aggressive tool at the right level: too little will not attract people and too much will give you a bad reputation. The goal is to promise impressive content to the viewer. The limit is not to promise more than your video actually provides.
- On YouTube, clickbait mostly concerns the thumbnail and the title.
2
Use the title to spotlight the most notable features of your video. Do not summarize all of your content—only spotlight the most unusual part to make your video unique. It's not important if the title does not describe the entire content. It only cites the reason why the video deserves to be viewed. Example: you have made a ten-minute video on body training but at 7:23, you have broken the bar.
3
Use emotional features in your title. To create clickbait, you have to search what makes the people react. People react to animals, deaths, births, accidents... If your video is related to this, put the most emotional element in the title.
4
Use shocking concepts, within reason. In western civilization, most people share common values. A video talking about (not supporting) controversial ideas is likely to intrigue the people, make the people react, and make them click on the video. Cite any destabilizing facts mentioned in the video.
5
Use the thumbnail to spotlight the most important features. As with the title, keep the key elements. Choose symbols or iconic images to instantly describe the subject.^{[6]
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Zoom to the most important elements. It's okay if the thumbnail is not realistic—it's only a symbolic representation of the content of the video. A thumbnail is small. The viewer should be able to quickly identify the elements. Example: feature your head and a ball if you are talking about soccer, even if the proportions are not respected.
7
Respect the 180-degree rule. As in film making, your thumbnail should feature people that look at each other, even if the editing is unreal.^{[7]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Developing and Maintaining Your Fan Base

1
Tell all your friends and family about your channel. Tell everyone to check your videos out. Also, subscribe and send friend requests to a bunch of people on YouTube. Make sure you respect all of your subscribers and answer their comments. You can also use social media sites to grow your fanbase such as Twitter, Reddit, and Facebook.^{[8]
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2
Make lots of good quality and interesting videos. The more interesting they are, the more people will be attracted to them. And if there are lots, people will start to take you seriously as someone who is willing to keep feeding their interest. Usually, good quality videos are considered to be 720p HD or 1080 p HD.
3
Focus your video content to what is popular. That way, it might be mentioned in popular channels. For example, if you make something that is an epic fail, submit it to FailBlog and with a little luck, you can be mentioned on FailBlog and maybe RayWilliamJohnson!
4
Don't leave your fans hanging. Once you get a decent amount of views, make and add more content on a regular basis. Make videos focused on you, your friends, pranks, randomness, etc. Or keep building on your original storyline, such as the adventures of your puppy, the learning curve you experience cooking healthy food, or the challenges you've set yourself to learn something new.
- Respond to comments and messages so you can interact with your fans.
5
Market your brand. Making the video and setting up a channel isn't enough. You have to market your "brand" too, so that you get known by people beyond your circle of friends and beginner fans.
- Subscribe to these people; it's an implied way of suggesting they owe you for subscribing!
- If you personally know a popular YouTuber, ask them to give you a shoutout on their videos.
6
Be persistent and patient. It can take a while to build up popularity and it really is a waiting game. If you think too hard about being popular, it can do your head in and you may give up. Instead, keep persevering, adding quality material, and expect more interest in about six to twelve months' time. Of course, after a year has passed, if you're not well known despite doing all you can, you need to reassess what you're doing.

Community Q&A

Question

What should I do if my first comment is a hateful one?

Community Answer

Like Selena Gómez once said, "Kill 'em with Kindness," say something like, "Thank you, for your opinion, but please take your negativity elsewhere." Trolls are often looking for a fight and when they don't get it, they normally go away. Now, this doesn't mean that all trolls will go away but the strategy most people use is, "just ignore them," which almost always works.
Question

I am a teenager. Can I become popular on YouTube?

Community Answer

Of course! A lot of famous YouTubers started out as a teenager. If you think you are old enough and you want to make videos, then go for it. Most people don't usually care about the age aspect provided you're mature and offer interesting content. Just have confidence in yourself and have fun with it, as people respond well to someone with enthusiasm and dedication.
Question

What happens if people hate you?

Community Answer

Nothing. You can keep making videos and not worry about what people say (you can block comments if you prefer). If they have some constructive criticism, you could use it to make future videos better. Or you can just stop making them if you're not getting anything out of it.

Warnings

Do not send multiple private messages to other people. This can get them annoyed and it will give your channel a bad reputation.

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Helpful 21 Not Helpful 1
Be careful in what you say. Avoid any language, imagery, or conceptualizations that suggest or outright denigrate people, race, gender, class, etc. Not only is this illegal in many places, but it's also just plain uncool.

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Screamers lose fans. If you really must have one, place a warning first, so that viewers can avoid it. But the fact that they need to avoid it should tell you something already...it won't be popular.

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Bullying videos are illegal, immoral, and crass. Never upload a video that depicts, encourages, or praises bullying. Be respectful of every person's dignity.

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Don't feed the trolls, haters, and spitfires. These people are there to stir and make trouble; even if they think they are making useful comments, the hateful manner in which they produce their comments immediately downgrades their commentary to trash. Do not engage. Do not take the comments personally.

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Do not post personal information. Keep your street address, phone number, workplace, full name, etc. out of the video. If you are under 18, none of these should ever be included, and do not mention your school or after school activity locations either.

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Things You'll Need

A YouTube account (required)
Computer or laptop (to upload later. Use a mobile device if you make videos with your Android or iOS device)
Webcam (optional)
Camera (optional)
Internet Connection (required)
Video editor (optional)
Connections