How to Become Popular on YouTube

Co-authored by Timothy Linetsky

Updated: October 3, 2019

Explore this Article Creating Your YouTube Account Creating Your First Video Using Clickbait Techniques Carefully Show 2 more... Show less... Article Summary Questions & Answers Related Articles References

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.

Part 1
Creating Your YouTube Account

  1. 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.
    • 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. 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).
  3. 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.
    • 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.

Part 2
Creating Your First Video

  1. 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. 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

    When asked what software he uses to edit his videos:

    Timothy Linetsky

    Timothy Linetsky

    Music Producer & Instructor
    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. 3
    Be aware of what tends to catch people's eye when deciding whether to watch a new video (especially from a new YouTuber). Here are some things that may help:
    • The title has to be catchy. Include popular words if possible.
    • A catchy introduction fanfare that you put onto the beginning of every video will make your videos seem more professional and interesting. It also adds to building your brand if you use something that identifies your videos each time.
    • 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, 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. 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.
  5. 5
    Make one or more videos once a 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.
    • 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.

Part 3
Using Clickbait Techniques Carefully

  1. 1
    Approach "baiting" carefully. Clickbait is all the methods you can use to encourage viewers to view your video.[1] Use this aggressive tool at a right level: too little will not attract the 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. 2
    Use the title to spotlight the most notable features of your video. Do not summarize your whole 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. 3
    Use emotional features in your title. To create clickbait, you have to search what makes the people react. People reacts on animals, deaths, births, accidents... If your video is related to this, put the most emotional element in the title.
  4. 4
    Use shocking concepts, within reason. In the 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. 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. 6
    Zoom to the most important elements. No matter if the thumb is not realistic, it's only a symbolic representation of the content of the video. A thumb 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. 7
    Respect the 180-degree rule.[2]. As in film making, your thumb should feature people that look at each other, even if the editing is unreal.
  8. 8
    Consider creating both a consistent introductory segment that can be added to all videos you create as well as an outer/outtake reel at the very end of the video.

Part 4
Developing and Maintaining Your Fan Base

  1. 1
    Tell all your friends and family. Tell anyone 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 Twitter, Reddit, Facebook and Google Plus.
  2. 2
    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.
  3. 3
    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.

Part 5
Sharing Your Videos to Build Recognition

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.

  1. 1
    If you have a Google+ account, add lots of people on circles. Then put your videos on and share them around (make sure to have clicked on "to" and clicked on everyone on your list).
  2. 2
    Send random private messages to people on YouTube. Ask them politely to watch your videos––try to use an exciting reason that will entice them to look.
    • 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.
  3. 3
    Private message your favorite famous people on YouTube. Again, ask them to watch, subscribe or comment on your videos. If they subscribe, then their millions of followers will see and watch your videos too. This is, of course, a long shot but you never know.
  4. 4
    Tell everyone you know about your channel. Ask them to help you spread the word to their friends. Don't be a pest doing this though; occasional well placed and polite requests are better than lots of groveling.
  5. 5
    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.
  6. 6
    Focus your video content to what is popular. That way, it might be mentioned in popular channels. For example, a channel like Failblog; 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!

Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • 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.
  • Question
    Do you make money when you're a YouTuber?
    Community Answer
    Yes you can and you can turn this feature on or off. When you are beginning and have 20 views or so, you won't earn a lot of money though, so don't quit the day job.
  • Question
    How do I become popular on YouTube if I'm a kid?
    Community Answer
    Aim to have a YouTube channel with about 500 subscribers. Start small and act maturely. Don't openly tell your age. A turn off for many viewers are gaming videos unless that's your sole target community. But you can always start with them. Singing videos and covers tend to do well. Comment on other people's videos a lot, as that encourages them to find you. Don't focus on popularity; instead, focus on having fun and enjoying YouTube.
  • Question
    Can I become famous if I am just a kid or teen?
    Community Answer
    Yes! You can become famous no matter what age you are!
  • Question
    What can I do if I really want to make YouTube videos but I'm afraid people won't like me?
    Community Answer
    Start small and have fun. If you like your videos, there must be someone else out there who likes them too! Show confidence, but don't be cocky.
  • Question
    Does it cost money to become a YouTuber?
    Community Answer
    It doesn’t cost anything to use YouTube, but it can cost money to set up all that you need to make quality videos. For example, you might need camera gear, a microphone, capture card, pop filter, green screen, lighting, recording software, editing software, props, costumes, makeup, sounds, objects, etc. Your time might also need to be included as part of the costs.
  • Question
    Does the quality of the video effect its popularity?
    Community Answer
    Quality is a major aspect when making and editing videos. People won't want to watch videos that are blurry and/or low quality. It's something people notice right away. This doesn't mean you need to get a really expensive camera, just make sure your videos aren't blurry or pixelated.
  • Question
    Would having a good intro, for my videos, help me get popular?
    Community Answer
    Yes! It shows that you are taking your time to make an intro and make your video look more professional. An intro can also show viewers small bits of your video, like a preview, so they know what they're going to be seeing.
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    • Haters will always lurk in YouTube; accept that they exist but don't give them credence inside your head. Their nastiness is a projection of their own personal problems that they refuse to deal with appropriately. Don't buy into it.
    • Don't be afraid to make a total fool of yourself. If you're funny, people will laugh and want to watch you again.
    • Be confident! People won't find your videos good if you're shy on camera.
    • Collaborate with people who you have talked to. For example, if someone really nice commented on your video, and both channels had similarities, you could form a collaboration once you know each other better.
    • Accept constructive feedback to help you improve.
    • Check your comments, this way you will see whether fans enjoyed the video or not, so you know whether to produce a similar video again or not.
    • A star is someone who acts like it. Show the world that you can be that star image they are looking for.
    • Have a good quality video. Grainy, unclear videos do not persuade viewers to keep watching.
    • Don't be fake, just be who you are. Don't get influenced by what other people do as far as changing their personality.
    • Enjoy every minute of filming your videos. If you don't like the way a video comes out, just improve yourself for your next upload.
    • Advertise, don't spam. If you have any social media accounts post a link there, and tell people in other ways respectfully. Spammers are generally unwelcome, never popular.
    • Try to make videos based on popular trends.
    • Treat others the same as you'd like to be treated. Gaining a bad reputation will ruin your chances of becoming popular.
    • If you run out of video ideas, tell people about your problem! They will most likely help you! (Or pity you and subscribe to the video).


    • Bullying videos are illegal, immoral and crass. Never upload a video that depicts, encourages or praises bullying. Be respectful of every person's dignity.
    • Do not post personal information unless you are certain of the repercussions. Keep you 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.
    • 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, it's just plain uncool.
    • Do not send multiple private messages to other people. This can get them annoyed and it will give your channel a bad reputation.
    • 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.
    • 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.

    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

    Article SummaryX

    To become popular on YouTube, try to come up with catchy titles for your videos, such as “5 Most Shocking Moments Caught on Camera,” so that people will want to watch them. Then, choose a thumbnail image that shows the most important parts of your video to tempt people to click on it. You should try to post videos at least once a week to keep your channel current and your subscribers engaged. Additionally, make sure to respond to your viewer’s positive comments and answer their questions as much as you can. For tips on how to get famous people to share your YouTube videos, read on!

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    Article Info


    Categories: Becoming Famous on YouTube

    In other languages:

    Español: ser popular en YouTube, Italiano: Diventare Popolare su YouTube, Português: Se Tornar Popular no YouTube, Русский: стать популярным на YouTube, Deutsch: Berühmt werden auf YouTube, Français: devenir populaire sur YouTube, Bahasa Indonesia: Menjadi Populer di YouTube, العربية: اكتساب شعبية على منصة يوتيوب, 한국어: 유튜브에서 인기를 얻는 방법, Tiếng Việt: Được nhiều người biết đến trên YouTube, Nederlands: Populair worden op YouTube, ไทย: มีชื่อเสียงบนเว็บไซต์ยูทูบ (Youtube), 中文: 成为YouTube网红

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