YouTube Best Practices (2021)

In the world of digital media, YouTube reigns supreme. With over 2 billion users, it’s a powerful platform for sharing content, promoting brands, and connecting with audiences worldwide. But succeeding on YouTube takes more than just uploading videos; it requires a solid understanding of best practices to maximize your channel’s reach and impact.

In this guide, I’ll outline the top 20 YouTube best practices that can significantly improve your channel’s performance and attract more viewers. Let’s dive in.

 

1. Set Up a Brand Account

Having a brand account on YouTube allows you to manage multiple channels and add multiple users to a single channel. This feature is especially helpful if you have a team working on your YouTube channel.

2. Prioritize Audio and Lighting Quality

Clear audio and lighting can dramatically improve your viewers’ experience. Regardless of your content’s quality, if viewers can’t see or hear you clearly, they’re likely to move on. Consider investing in a good microphone and lighting equipment to enhance your video quality.

3. Use Custom Thumbnails

Custom thumbnails that reflect your brand’s style and colors can make your videos stand out. When creating thumbnails, remember to use a large, readable font, as thumbnails appear as small images on YouTube.

4. Research Keywords for Titles

Your video title plays a critical role in attracting viewers. Use relevant keywords in your title to make it more searchable. Tools like vidIQ or Google Keyword Planner can help you find the right keywords.

5. Optimize Your Videos with SEO

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is key to making your videos more discoverable. Incorporate relevant keywords in your video title, description, and tags. Remember, a well-optimized video can rank higher in search results, leading to more views.

6. Include Calls to Action

Adding calls to action (CTAs) in your video description encourages viewers to engage with your content. CTAs can direct viewers to subscribe, share your video, visit your website, or check out your products.

7. Utilize Playlists

Playlists can help keep your videos organized and guide the algorithm to suggest the next video from your channel to the viewer. This not only improves the user experience but also increases your channel’s watch time.

8. Promote Your Videos

Don’t rely solely on YouTube to get views. Share your videos on other platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or your website, and encourage your audience to do the same.

9. Encourage Viewer Engagement

Engagement signals, like comments and likes, can boost your video’s visibility on YouTube. Ask your viewers to engage with your content by subscribing, liking, or leaving a comment.

10. Analyze Your Audience

Use YouTube Analytics to gain insights into your audience’s behavior. Understanding your audience can help you create content that resonates with them and keeps them coming back.

11. Make Your Videos Accessible

Subtitles can make your videos more accessible to viewers who prefer or need to watch without sound. Use transcription services to add subtitles to your videos.

12. Add End Cards to Your Videos

End cards can increase viewer engagement by suggesting other videos on your channel for them to watch next. This keeps viewers on your channel longer, boosting your watch time.

13. Maintain a Consistent Posting Schedule

Posting consistently can help retain your audience as

they know when to expect new content from you. Try to upload at least one video per week.

14. Length Matters

According to YouTube’s algorithm, longer videos tend to outperform shorter ones. But remember, your content still needs to be engaging to keep viewers watching. Consider creating in-depth videos on topics your audience finds valuable.

15. Reply to Viewer Comments

Engaging with your viewers can foster a sense of community around your channel. Respond to comments on your videos to show your viewers that you value their feedback.

16. Pay Attention to Analytics

YouTube provides a wealth of data about your videos. Use this data to identify what works well and what doesn’t. Pay attention to metrics like view duration, click-through rates, and viewer demographics.

17. Test Different Formats

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different video formats. Tutorials, Q&As, vlogs, and interviews can all add variety to your content and keep viewers interested.

18. Stay Updated on Trends

YouTube trends are continually changing. Stay updated on popular trends and consider incorporating them into your videos to attract more viewers.

19. Showcase Your Personality

People subscribe to YouTube channels because they connect with the creators. Be genuine and showcase your personality in your videos to build a strong relationship with your audience.

20. Collaborate with Other YouTubers

Collaborations can help you reach a broader audience. Consider partnering with YouTubers who have a similar audience to yours for a joint video or a shout-out.

Conclusion

YouTube is a powerful platform, and by utilizing these 20 best practices, you can maximize your channel’s reach and performance. Remember, the key to YouTube success is understanding your audience, creating quality content, and engaging with your viewers. Thank you for reading, and I hope you found these tips helpful. Don’t forget to share this post with your fellow YouTubers and subscribe for more tips and advice on growing your YouTube channel!