Hitting the Sweet Spot: Top 5 Tips for Channel Growth

5 Tips to Get More Views with YouTube Optimization [Free Checklist]

Richard Bennett

Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions

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We all want our videos to get a lot of views, and in turn, lead to more subscribers. In order to do so, we have to prepare it for success. If you are hoping to optimize a video after it has already been published to YouTube, then you aren’t going to get the best result, because much of optimization is done before the video is even shot.a

In this article, we will give youa checklist , which you should have with you at the very beginning of creating a YouTube video: the ideation stage. As you go through your process, check off each task. By doing so, you can ensure that you have given the video the best chance to rank high and be discovered.

How to Optimize Your Video to Rank Higher on YouTube?

1. Keep Your Audience’s Attention
2. Do Keyword Research
3. Engage Your Audience
4. Upload YouTube Video in Proper Length

1. Keep Your Audience’s Attention:

Even though your view count is going up, it doesn’t mean your audience is watching your video. And if they are not, then YouTube is going to consider your video less valuable and therefore, lowering its rank.

Audience Retention is an important metric to keep an eye on after every video you’ve published.

Before you start your next project, take a look back at the Audience Retention of your previous videos.

1. Enter YouTube Studio in your channel
2. Access to Analytics
3. Select the video you want to review
4. Click into engagement
5. See where a dip in watch time

What is Good Audience Retention?

If you want to see how your Audience Retention is performing, the Average Percentage Viewed will give you a broad perspective. The higher the percentage, the more people are watching your entire video.

If you get above 60% Average Percentage Viewed, you should feel very proud. In our modern world with our short attention span, that is considered good retention.

In the example above, we see that on average, a viewer will only see 44% of the video. For the video below, we see that it only has 30% of the video viewed. Overall, the first video is performing better.

There is also a dip that happens at the beginning in the second example, which indicates that viewers are skipping forward and about 20% then deciding it’s not worth continuing. It’s good data to help you improve your introduction and the hook.

If there is important information that you are presenting at a given point and in the Audience Retention you see that only a small percentage of your viewers actually see it, then for the next video, you might want to position the details in a different point in the video.

How to Improve Audience Retention

Here are a few ways you can retain your audience’s attention if you noticed a drop in viewership:

- Film a hook (introduce your video to let the audience know what to expect)

- Add b-roll (having supplemental footage to cut to makes your video more interesting to watch)

- Have a co-host (Having someone on screen gives the video more dynamic interactions)

- Edit out the unimportant stuff

- Write a conclusion (having a conclusion prepared will allow you to transition from the content of the video to the call to action without the audience even knowing) See this example by PolyMatter below and notice how seamless their ending is.

If you have a video that is doing a good job retaining the audience, then replicate it. If there isn’t, keep experimenting with new structures. Improving audience retention is not simply important for your ranking, but it will affirm that you are building quality videos.

Knowing how to structure your video will allow you to be strategic as you build out your content.

2. Do Keyword Research:

Many viewers find YouTube videos via search, and if you aren’t using the appropriate keywords, then YouTube won’t be able to identify your content and display it for your viewers.

Where Do Keywords Appear on YouTube?

- Title: Have keywords at the beginning of the title and limit them up to approximately 60 characters so it appears in full in search.

- Tags: Include 10-15 tags from general keywords to more specific.

- Descriptions: Put important information and keywords at the beginning of the description so both searcher and the search engine understands what the video is about.

Why Keywords Matter

keyword arrangement is an integral part of YouTube optimization because the robots behind YouTube don’t associate the value of the actual video content with what the viewer is actually seeking. You should pay attention to the relevance of keywords.

Even when you add closed captions, it doesn’t mean the best keywords are present to the Youtube search engine when we speak.

That is why it is important to know your audience and what words and phrases they are going to use to search for your video.

Here is how you can see what keywords were used to find your video:

1. Enter YouTube Studio in your channel
2. Access Analytics
3. Select Reach
4. Click into Traffic Source
5. Click Traffic Source: YouTube Search

If you want to find some new keywords for your upcoming video, you will need to do some research.

1. Enter Keywords You Want to Rank for In YouTube Search: This allows you to see what the most popular phrases are in the YouTube search engine.

2. Study the Competitors: See which videos are ranking high for your search term. Use a tool called VidIQ to see the keywords that the top videos are performing.

3. Search for Related Keywords and Evaluate Relevancy: A tool called Ubersuggest can help you find related keywords and allow you to identify the search volume, cost per click (aka CPC is used for determining the budget for paid search), and the competitiveness of the word or phrase.

Search volume: The number of searches with that particular keyword. The higher the number the more popular it is. You should aim to use keywords with a high search volume.

Keyword competition score: This score is usually indicated by a number and it represents how difficult it is for a keyword to rank due to other pages already ranking for that word or phrase. You want to find a keyword with a low competition score.

Pro tip: The best combination is high search volume and low competition score. But if you can’t get that perfect mix, go for the low competitive score, as it will give you a better chance to rank, even if it isn’t searched as often.

4. Come Up With Content Related to Those Keywords: To come up with topic ideas around a keyword, you can use a tool called Answer the Public , which gives you all the most popular questions searched online.

3. Engage Your Audience:

It’s been highly discussed on forums all over the Internet, and there appears to be a strong correlation between YouTube video ranking and the number of likes, dislikes, and comments the video received.

While YouTube itself might not be using the number of likes and comments to determine where your video rank, having high engagement allows your video to be discovered through other means.

Here is an example of how it would work:

- A YouTuber with 100,000 subscribers views your video and likes it

- Then your video might be visible to a fraction of those 100,000 subscribers.

- Boom! Domino effect!

- More people will see your video and like it, increasing your network of viewers and your watch time, which is one of the main factors that YouTube takes into consideration.

Get engagements with a call to action:

- Don’t be afraid to ask for an engagement at the beginning of the video to avoid fall off on retention.

- Encourage them to leave a comment or start a discussion by asking a question at the end of your video.

- Monitor comments and responds to them so you can build a relationship with your audience over time.

It’s all about creating a community and that is what YouTube encourages.

4. Upload YouTube Video in Proper Length:

YouTube puts a lot of weight on watch time, and in addition to that, it puts more weight on session watch time.

Session watch time is counted when people watch your video and then continue to watch others, it doesn’t have to be your own. The more time people spend watching YouTube videos, as a result of your content, the more likely YouTube will increase your ranking.

Since YouTube puts importance on time spent watching videos, the length of your video will play a key role.

If you have 5 videos and all of them are a minute long, a 100% watch through will only get you 5 minutes total.

However, if you have 1 video that is 20 minutes, and an average viewer only watches half of it, then you have an average watch time of over 10 minutes. That’s more than double what your five short videos can do. This longer video is worth more. However, if that 20-minute video is really boring and people drop off in the first minute, then it’s not any better than 1 of the 5 short videos.

If your format allows, go for a longer video instead of a shorter one. But the most important thing is that you can keep people watching your videos: so use end screen and playlist links to keep them engaged.

End screen: Pick related videos for your audience, so they know exactly what they should watch next. You can even create a background template for your end screens .

Playlist: If you have multiple videos that fit a specific topic, add them to a playlist so the viewer can enjoy them all in one viewing.

Key Takeaways:

1. Use Audience Retention to better understand how to structure your video for the best results.
2. Perform Keyword Research to find the keywords that your competitors are using and your audience is searching for.
3. Increasing Subscribers gets your video in front of more people the moment it is published.
4. Encourage Comments and respond to establish a relationship with your viewers.
5. Ensure that Viewers Continue Watching videos on YouTube after they finish watching yours.

Other Things That Affects Your YouTube Ranking

Except for the above-mentioned factors, there are also other issues that affect the ranking of your YouTube video. YouTube has stated that the number of subscribers doesn’t play a key role in your video ranking.

For example, if a YouTuber has a million subscribers and then overnight they lose 100 thousand, a video they had ranking number 1 will still be ranked number 1.

However, the number of subscribers has a lot of indirect effects on your channel.

- Subscribers know the moment your video is published

- Subscribers will watch your video in the first week (YouTube will rank your video higher if they see a lift in the first week of publishing)

- YouTube put a higher value on subscribers than views and social shares, because it’s harder to fake subscribers

Growing subscribers take time and effort, and even though it shouldn’t be your main focus, there are tactics you can do to gain more subscribers .

Don’t miss a chance to optimize your YouTube video, download, and print out this checklist for your next video project. For more information on SEO(Search Engine Optimization) on YouTube, you can also read the following article.

How to Fast Rank Video Higher with Video SEO >>

10 Best YouTube Keyword Tools to Use with Bonus Tips>>

If you want to find a video editing solution that empowers your imagination and creativity yet takes less effort, please try this robust and user-friendly video editing software Wondershare Filmora. It provides special effects, stock photo & video, sound library, etc., which will definitely enhance your productivity and helps to make money by making videos much accessible.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Humor Hits: The Best Funny YouTube Short Ideas on the Block

The 10 Funniest YouTube Shorts Video Ideas in 2024

Shanoon Cox

Feb 20, 2024• Proven solutions

YouTube is a well-known brand for videos globally. This time, it comes with its extension feature with YouTube Shorts. It is a short video version of 15 to 60 seconds duration using a short camera present in the YouTube application and your smartphone. So, you can use YouTube Shorts ideas for watching and creating those funny and interesting short videos right from your mobile camera with ease.

That sounds great, doesn’t it? Let’s move ahead to get a good grab over some funny, engaging, and eye-catching ideas to have YouTube Shorts videos here. No need for a lengthy tutorial to become the real YouTube Shorts champion with the following tips. Let’s roll on, guys!

Part 1: Top 10 Funny YouTube Shorts Video Ideas

Your wait gets over here. Yes, you heard it right. If you are eager to explore the world of YouTube Shorts Channel and some funny ideas, take a big leap towards your journey.

Then the right platform with a plethora of pictures is covered hereunder the following points. That will spark your mind with the right way that you must be looking around to get a base under the YouTube user world. And gain popularity among them by trending your videos.

Idea 1: Talk the Dream

Yeah! The first idea looks so catchy. Everyone holds some dreams. And if you have such beautiful dreams that you would like to share with your loved ones. Then YouTube Shorts ideas are the right platform full of views, likes, and lovers from around the world. Just give a thrust to it.

Also, you can discuss different sorts of dreams that the human genre has been dreaming of for years. You can even add a flavor of future dreams that will open up the space of excellent speculation one can think of.

Idea 2: Story Timeline Series

Who doesn’t love the stories? Everyone is somewhat fond of listening to different kinds of stories. And, if you can trim those long stories into small ones or can create some short stories. Then, you can make the best YouTube Shorts stories ideas that will go a long way, not only kids but unique and exciting stories loved by all.

So, pen down some compelling stories that do not need long writing work. But, like a comic strip, you need to create and join such a series under YouTube Shorts ideas.

Idea 3: Picture Story

Pictures are a unique way to express feelings, especially when those funny pictures come with background voices, music, etc., it will create a different audio/visual effect.

Using different online software, you can enhance the pictures or modify the background voice. Such a combination under YouTube Shorts Video ideas brings a different aura to your channel.

Idea 4: Daily Experiences

Life is indeed full of surprises, events, and glory. Then, why not tailor some of its moments under best YouTube Shorts ideas. These experiences vary from your home, neighbor, society, college, office, or anywhere.

You need to keep your judging eyes open to catch all the moments, and you can also note it down to make a series so as not to miss any exciting experience.

Living every moment creates a wonder. Let others also make a part of this journey and inspire them to build your YouTube shorts ideas.

Idea 5: Experimentation

If experimenting with chemicals or anything that surrounds you makes you out of the world, then there is the chance that you can come out as YouTube Shorts ideas Star. By just showing how one chemical, when mixed with another, creates something new and marvelous to see, look or feel.

Just review all your collection of experiments you did and combine them under YouTube Shorts Channel ideas. And make a big bust with such chemical/physical experiments.

Idea 6: Funny Competition

Competition creates a zeal to lead, and if you add some flavor to it. Then, people will love to take part in it. So, waiting for what? Just come out with YouTube Shorts funny Video Competition ideas to grab the audience to watch the videos and become active participants.

Funny competition can vary from a weird hairstyle, odd season festival celebration, or anything that you think of interesting, different, and eye-catching.

Idea 7: Quirky Music

The dripping sound of water, raindrops, flowing trees, and blowing air make some distinct sound. So, look around to find your inspiration to make some quirky sound, whether the musical instrument or can create your kind of instrument such as tumbler, glass, bowl, etc. And see the natural flow of music that resides all around us.

Just give it a try and dance with the music you create with all the worldwide listeners of YouTube Shorts Channel with this idea.

Idea 8: Mimic Cartoon character

Kids love cartoons, but the hidden fact is that everyone enjoys watching cartoon or cartoon characters to a certain extent. Then why not try mimicking some cartoon characters. If you are a fun-loving person, and in your life, you mimic any person’s character, then try mimicking cartoon characters under YouTube Short Video ideas.

Mixing some comedy flavor to life will add more fun and enjoyment to all those seeking funny moments to reflect their days. Come on; show up your humor with this unique style.

Idea 9: Funny act with pets

Pets are the favorite of those who own them. They are excellent; they play, dance, and do different kinds of fun activities. Have you ever noticed that, if not, they must take notice now?

You will be surprised to see how much fun-loving these cute pets are—so, geared up to capture the funny acts of pets through YouTube Shorts ideas. It will bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Idea 10: Talent showcase

Everybody holds some unique talent. You just need to identify it. If you have some talent, then showcasing talent ideas for YouTube Shorts will apt you. The whole world is waiting to see something unique that only you can do. So, shred your shyness and let the world see how talented you are.

Here, you got to know about the top 10 funny ideas for YouTube Shorts videos. Choose the one that fits you and start creating YouTube Shorts Channel with these ideas.

Wait, there is much more than these best YouTube Shorts ideas. Yes, you heard that right! The following paragraph will lead you to get some important tips, with the help of which you can raise YouTube Short Videos views. So, without waiting anymore, move on to the next paragraph to get a glimpse of it.

Part 2: Tips to Get More Views for Your YouTube Shorts Videos

Creating ideas for YouTube Shorts videos alone is not sufficient to grab more views. Some specific golden rules or tips will leap while catching more views to the YouTube Short Videos while applying the above ideas. Let’s understand them.

1. Correct hashtag - #shorts

Using the right Hashtag for the YouTube Shorts videos is a must, reflecting that the video posted is specifically for YouTube Shorts, not the routine videos. And the right one is #shorts.

2. Keeping user choices in mind/Follow what’s trending

One of the vital rules for any work is user choices. So, if you are planning for the best YouTube Shorts ideas and their implementation effectively, you must take care of user choices and post videos accordingly. That will give a pace to the YouTube Shorts videos views.

3. Edit videos

Before posting YouTube Shorts videos, utilize some video editor present online to edit, trim, modify the video to provide an excellent visual experience. Check the voice quality; remove any distractions as much as possible.

4. Detailed description

To get the correct user base and good views, you must provide detailed information under the description section. It helps the platform and the viewers understand your YouTube Shorts Channel and get attached to it accordingly.

5. Create playlist

If your YouTube Shorts Video Channel contains a series of videos, you can create a playlist to get all the video series under the same playlist. That will help to ease out the searching videos under the same playlist.

6. Be regular

Regularity is a must to gain more and more views with each day passing. So, make sure that you keep posting your YouTube Shorts Video ideas constantly and gain more perspectives with time.

7. Unique content

Do not copy others’ content. Try to create something new, something that belongs to you so that it will instantly catch the viewers’ eyes.

8. Other social media for promotion

You can also take the help of other social media platforms to promote your YouTube Shorts Channel ideas among your friends and known ones. This is something called a World of mouth marketing strategy.

Conclusion

With its already acknowledged global presence, YouTube came up with the new exciting add-on with YouTube Shorts Channel ideas this time. That is indeed trending and will spread soon among the user in the coming future. And, if you also want to be a part of this hot startup of this best YouTube Shorts ideas.

Then, indeed, this guide is the pathway. You will get different funny YouTube Shorts Video ideas and tips to get more views on your videos.

Thus, start utilizing these powerful ideas and tips and head towards your YouTube Shorts journey.

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

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