How to Grow a YouTube Channel from Scratch in 2025
Are you looking to learn how to grow a YouTube channel from scratch? Or perhaps looking for some time-tested tips to the growth numbers you want to see on an existing YouTube channel?
In this blog, we will explore 13 effective strategies shared by former YouTube employee and successful creator Jon Youshaei to help you skyrocket your growth and reach a wider audience. From optimizing your call-to-action to using the right upload times, these tips will set you on the path to YouTube success.
Introduction
Growing a YouTube channel from scratch can feel daunting, but with the right strategies, you can accelerate your growth and reach a wider audience. In this section, we will explore various techniques that can help you attract new viewers, optimize your content, and keep your audience engaged. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your existing strategies, these insights will provide valuable guidance.
MatPat’s Theory for Gaining More Subscribers
MatPat, known for his engaging content, emphasizes the importance of a compelling call-to-action (CTA). His strategy involved placing the CTA within the first third of a video. By integrating it into the content rather than relegating it to the end, you can engage viewers more effectively. For instance, framing the CTA as a fun challenge, such as encouraging viewers to “punch” the subscribe button, can create a more interactive experience.
When you’re looking to grow a YouTube channel, this (and the other tactics we’ll explore) can make all the difference.
How to Attract New Viewers
Search is a crucial tool for attracting new viewers, especially when you’re just starting. Utilizing Google Trends can reveal what topics are currently popular in your niche. By filtering results specifically for YouTube, you can discover high-traffic keywords and create content that meets audience demand. Additionally, TubeBuddy offers tools that analyze search volume and competition (e.g. Search Explorer and Search Position and Rank Tracking), helping you make informed content decisions.
Best Upload Time for New Channels
Timing your uploads can make a huge difference to your visibility on YouTube. While seasoned creators can check their analytics for peak viewer activity, new creators or struggling channels don’t have reliable data for when their ideal viewer is looking for something to watch. Instead, consider your target audience’s habits. For example, if your audience is primarily students, avoid uploading during school hours. Experiment with less conventional upload times, like 10:07 AM, to stand out from the crowd of creators who post at more common increments.
Check out our post on finding the best time to upload on YouTube for your channel.
Boost Your iPhone Camera Quality Without Upgrading
Your smartphone maybe all the camera gear you need. If you’re creating content with an iPhone, you can bump up the quality of your video with a few taps.
First, navigate to your settings and increase the camera resolution to 4K. And while the front-facing camera is great to see yourself as you record, the rear camera is much better quality for filming.
Look for high-quality upload options too. Wherever you’re uploading your content, ensure high-quality uploads are enabled in the app settings.
The First Frame Rule
When creating YouTube Shorts, the first frame is critical. Shorts don’t have thumbnails (yet?) so it’s essential your first frame captures attention instantly.
Instead of lengthy introductions, focus on visually compelling content from the get-go. For example, using a striking image or intriguing text can set the tone and hook viewers immediately. This approach can lead to higher retention rates, as viewers are more likely to stay engaged with content that piques their curiosity right away.
Also, check out this little work-around to add a thumbnail to YouTube Shorts.
Batch Production, Scheduled Release
For creators balancing jobs and family, batch production can be a game-changer. Allocate specific times to brainstorm, script, and film multiple videos in one sitting. This method reduces context switching and helps maintain creative flow. Once produced, schedule your videos for release at consistent times, ideally during periods when your audience is most active.
In other words, you need a content calendar.
The five-Video Rule
Launching a new channel? Avoid starting with just one video. Instead, follow the five-video rule. By uploading five videos at launch, you provide viewers with enough content to engage with, increasing watch time and retention. This approach signals to YouTube that your channel is worth promoting. Ensure that these videos vary in style and format to determine what resonates most with your audience.
Conclusion
While growing a YouTube channel isn’t easy, it is definitely do-able. By doing the work and implementing these strategies, you’ll up your odds of success.
So, focus on effective CTAs, do your research, shoot the highest-quality video you can, optimize your content for search, and batch produce content as much as you can and you’ll have a thriving channel that attracts and retains viewers.
Reaching a Global Audience
YouTube translation makes your content accessible to non-English speakers. TubeBuddy offers a feature that automatically translates video titles and descriptions into various languages, enhancing your visibility across global markets. This not only allows your videos to be indexed for searches in different languages but also broadens your audience significantly.
And when YouTube’s own auto dubbing feature called YouTube Aloud arrives, you’ll be able to translate the full content of your videos too, which promises to be a game-changer for creators.
Memes & Pop Culture References for Gen Z
Incorporating memes and pop culture references can make your content more relatable and engaging for Gen Z viewers. A great tool for this is PlayPhrase.me, which allows you to search for phrases and find corresponding scenes from popular movies and memes. By editing these clips into your videos, you can create a more dynamic and entertaining experience that resonates with younger audiences.
Ideal Retention Rates for Viral YouTube Shorts
Retention rates are crucial for the success of your YouTube Shorts. Aim for retention rates between 80% to 85% for your videos to achieve viral status. A standout short may even exceed a 90% retention rate. Keep your shorts concise, ideally between 20 to 30 seconds, as viewers are more likely to watch shorter content multiple times, boosting engagement.
Best Free B-Roll & Stock Image Resources
Finding high-quality B-roll footage can elevate your videos significantly. Cover.co offers a fantastic selection of free B-roll footage. Simply search for the type of footage you need, select your favorite clip, and download it. Additionally, Unsplash.com provides free stock images that feel authentic and can enhance your visual storytelling without the typical stock photo vibe.
Storytelling for Better Viewer Engagement (Nas Daily)
Effective storytelling can dramatically enhance viewer engagement. Nas Daily‘s four-step storytelling framework—Intro, Problem, Solution, and Outro—can guide you in creating compelling narratives. Start with a hook to grab attention, present a relatable problem, offer a solution, and conclude with a call to action that connects the story back to the audience’s everyday life. This structure not only captivates viewers but also encourages them to engage with your content on a deeper level.
Shorts to Long
Integrating your Shorts and long-form content can create a cohesive viewing experience. Use your Shorts as teasers for your longer videos, ensuring they provide value and intrigue. For instance, segments from longer interviews can be repurposed as Shorts, attracting viewers to your main content while also catering to those who prefer quick, digestible clips. This strategy not only enhances discoverability but also strengthens your overall channel growth.
TubeBuddy YouTube Suggested Shorts can help here too.
FAQ
- What is the best way to promote my YouTube channel? Utilize social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to drive traffic to your YouTube content. Creating engaging snippets or teasers can attract viewers.
- How important is video quality? High-quality video is essential. Ensure you’re using good lighting and sound equipment, and consider upgrading your camera settings to improve production value.
- How can I determine my audience’s preferences? Analyze your YouTube analytics to understand viewer demographics, watch times, and engagement rates. This data can inform your content strategy.
- Should I focus on one niche or diversify my content? While focusing on a niche helps build a dedicated audience, experimenting with different content can broaden your reach. Just ensure any new content aligns with your brand.
- How do I handle negative comments? Engage constructively with criticism and ignore trolls. Focus on fostering a positive community and encourage supportive dialogue among your viewers.
