Starting a YouTube channel is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Many beginners upload a few videos and then get frustrated when the views don’t roll in. The truth is, building an audience on YouTube takes more than just hitting record. It requires habits, systems, and strategies that help your videos reach more people and keep them watching.
In this article, we’ll go through 20+ essential tips and good habits that every new creator should follow. These are practical, beginner-friendly steps you can apply immediately, without expensive gear or years of experience.
If you’re ready to grow your channel and get more YouTube views, let’s dive in step by step.
1. Pick One Topic for Your First Videos
When you’re just starting, it’s tempting to make videos about everything you’re interested in. One day it’s gaming, the next day cooking, then a travel vlog. But YouTube—and your viewers—prefer patterns.
Consistency helps both the algorithm and your audience understand what your channel is about. So, for your first 5–10 videos, pick a single topic or “ballpark.” For example, if you choose gaming, stick to tutorials, playthroughs, or reviews within that theme.
👉 You don’t need a permanent niche yet, but early focus builds recognition and trust.
2. Keep Your First Videos Short and Focused
Think of your first videos as snacks, not full meals. Beginners often over-explain, creating long videos without social proof to keep viewers hooked.
Instead:
- Deliver value quickly.
- Trim unnecessary parts.
- Aim for short, engaging videos that are easy to finish.
Why? When viewers finish your video, it signals to YouTube that your content is satisfying. This boosts recommendations and discoverability.
3. Use Your Phone Before Buying Equipment
A common trap is spending months researching cameras, microphones, and lighting gear instead of actually making content. The phone you already have likely records in HD or even 4K.
Start with that. Focus on:
- Good lighting (natural daylight works).
- Clear speech and delivery.
- Stability (a simple tripod can help).
Upgrade equipment later when your skills and audience demand it.
4. Plan Your Thumbnail Before Filming
Your thumbnail is often the first thing people see. If you plan it before filming, you’ll know the “promise” your video makes and can capture the perfect image while recording.
This prevents the painful task of scrolling through video frames later, trying to find a usable (and not awkward) shot of yourself.
5. Borrow Ideas, Not Entire Videos
Learning from others is smart—copying them is not. Instead of plagiarizing, analyze creators you admire:
- How do they make titles compelling?
- What’s the hook in their first 30 seconds?
- How fast do they deliver on the video’s promise?
Then adapt these principles in your own unique way.
6. Engage With Your First 10 Viewers
Your early viewers are your foundation. Reply to every comment, thank them by name, and check out their channels if possible.
Treating your first supporters like VIPs builds loyalty and encourages them to keep watching.
7. Film Standing Up for More Energy
If possible, stand while recording. It naturally increases energy, improves body language, and projects your voice better. Small physical adjustments make a big difference in how engaging you appear on camera.
8. Batch Film Your First Three Videos
Momentum is key. If you film one video, edit it, and then wait weeks to film another, life gets in the way.
Instead, batch film three videos back-to-back. Benefits include:
- Efficient setup (lighting, background, camera).
- Staying in the creative “zone.”
- Having a backlog in case you get busy.
9. Write Your Title First and Deliver on It
Your title is the promise. If you name your video “How to Cook Pasta Perfectly” but burn pasta in the first minute, your viewers will leave.
Always:
- Create the title first.
- Ensure your content fulfills that title.
- Adjust the title before uploading if necessary.
👉 Broken promises are punished on YouTube through poor retention.
10. Use Online Tools like VidIQ/Tubemate for Research and Optimization
Tools help with:
- Keyword research.
- Generating title ideas.
- Analyzing competitors.
- Tracking performance.
The browser extension also reveals valuable metrics while browsing YouTube. Think of it as a digital coach to guide your content decisions.
11. Keep a “Next Video” Idea List
Inspiration often strikes unexpectedly. Keep a dedicated notebook or digital note to jot down video ideas immediately.
Forcing ideas under pressure leads to weaker content. Having a list ensures you’re always ready to create.
12. Learn Basic Editing Shortcuts
Editing eats up time—but shortcuts save hours. Learn hotkeys in your chosen editing software.
Also:
- Trim silent moments.
- Cut at natural sound edges.
- Keep the pace tight to maintain engagement.
13. Upload Consistently
YouTube doesn’t demand daily uploads, but it rewards consistency. Choose a schedule you can maintain: daily, weekly, or monthly.
Consistency builds trust with your audience and helps the algorithm recognize your commitment.
14. Prioritize Audio Quality
Viewers forgive shaky visuals, but bad audio drives them away fast.
If possible, invest in:
- A lapel microphone.
- A USB microphone for desktop recordings.
If budget is tight, even affordable mics improve sound compared to built-in phone mics.
15. Script the First 15 Seconds
The opening is your “don’t lose them” zone. Plan it word-for-word.
Instead of: “Hey guys, welcome back…”
Say: “In this video, you’ll learn X in just 5 minutes.”
Clear, confident openings build trust and keep viewers watching.
16. Check Analytics Without Obsessing
Analytics are a guide, not a judgment. Look for:
- Which videos get higher click-through rates.
- Which hold attention longer.
- Audience demographics.
But don’t obsess over hourly updates or early performance—it takes time for videos to find an audience.
17. Use Curiosity, Not Clickbait
Clickbait may get initial clicks, but it kills trust when viewers feel cheated.
Instead:
- Pose intriguing questions.
- Create curiosity gaps your video answers.
- Deliver on your promise.
Curiosity builds long-term relationships; clickbait destroys them.
18. Repeat Your Winning Ideas
If one of your early videos performs well, make follow-ups. Many beginners avoid repetition, but repeating successful topics attracts new viewers while keeping existing ones engaged.
Remember: every video only reaches a fraction of your potential audience.
19. Make Titles and Thumbnails Work Together
Titles and thumbnails should complement, not duplicate. Example:
- Thumbnail: “I Tried This in 7 Days”
- Title: “What Happened When I Meditated for a Week”
Combined, they create curiosity.
20. Focus on Improving One Skill at a Time
Don’t overwhelm yourself trying to master editing, thumbnails, delivery, AND SEO at once.
Instead, choose one focus area per batch of videos. Master titles first, then thumbnails, then hooks, and so on.
21. Watch Time Over Subscribers
Subscribers are important, but watch time rules YouTube’s algorithm.
If people watch until the end, YouTube recommends your video more. Focus on making content engaging enough to keep people watching. Subscribers will follow naturally.
22. Review Your Videos Like a Viewer
A month after uploading, re-watch your video. You’ll spot mistakes, boring sections, or areas that could be improved.
Apply these lessons to your next upload. Each video becomes a step forward.
23. Accept That You’ll Be Bad Before Good
Every creator starts rough. The difference between successful channels and abandoned ones is persistence.
Keep going through the awkward early stages. Improvement only comes with practice.
24. End With Another Video, Not a Dead End
Don’t let YouTube send your viewer to random unrelated content. At the end of your video:
- Suggest another of your videos.
- Use end screens and cards to guide them.
This keeps viewers inside your channel, boosting watch time and views.
25. Final Thoughts
YouTube success doesn’t come from luck. It comes from building good habits, being consistent, and improving step by step.
From focusing your first videos on one topic to mastering thumbnails, watch time, and consistency, these 20+ tips are your foundation. Stick with them, and your audience—and views—will grow.
26. FAQs
Q1: How long should my first YouTube videos be?
Keep them short, ideally 3–6 minutes. Shorter videos are easier to finish, boosting retention.
Q2: Should I buy expensive equipment before starting?
No. Start with your phone and natural lighting. Upgrade later.
Q3: What’s more important: subscribers or watch time?
Watch time. Subscribers matter, but YouTube recommends videos based on viewer satisfaction, not subscriber counts.
Q4: How do I come up with video ideas?
Keep a running list of ideas. Inspiration often strikes unexpectedly—don’t rely on memory.
Q5: How often should I upload?
Choose a schedule you can stick to consistently. Weekly uploads are a good balance for beginners.
27. Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only. Success on YouTube depends on many factors including creativity, persistence, and external market trends. While these tips provide a strong foundation, results may vary.
Tags
youtube beginner tips, grow youtube channel, get more youtube views, youtube consistency, youtube thumbnail tips, improve watch time, youtube analytics
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#YouTubeTips #ContentCreator #GrowOnYouTube #YouTubeViews #BeginnerGuide
