The Art of Augmenting YouTube Video Views

Table of Contents

• Leverage Suggested Video Optimization
• Harness the Power of Cards
• SEO-Optimized Videos
• Craft Titles to Drive Clicks
• Create Eye-Catching Thumbnails
• Timely Publishing
• Google Video Rankings

The digital world is constantly evolving, offering content creators a multitude of opportunities. One platform that has risen to prominence is YouTube, the second most popular website on the internet, with over a billion hours of video consumed daily. This vast reach presents a potential audience in the thousands, if not millions, for your videos. However, with such immense potential comes fierce competition. Every minute, 400 hours of video content are uploaded to YouTube, making it increasingly challenging for your videos to stand out amidst this sea of content.

But fear not, for I am about to share seven proven strategies that are certain to increase your video views and help you rise above the competition.

Leverage Suggested Video Optimization

One common mistake made by new YouTubers is focusing solely on ranking their videos in YouTube search results. While this is important, it is not the only source of views. For many channels, Suggested Videos are the key driver of views. Take my channel, Backlinko, for example. 42% of our views come from Suggested Videos, compared to only 26% from YouTube search.

So how can you get your videos to appear as Suggested Videos? The answer lies in gaining more YouTube subscribers. Additionally, try using the same tags as popular videos in your niche. This will increase the likelihood of your videos being recommended to viewers who are already interested in similar content.

Harness the Power of Cards

Every video has moments when viewer engagement drops. These “drop-off points” can be detrimental to your video’s success. However, you can retain these viewers by using YouTube cards. Identify when your audience typically stops watching and insert a card at that exact moment, directing them to another one of your videos. This will keep them engaged and increase the chances of them exploring more of your content.

SEO-Optimized Videos

Ranking your videos on YouTube requires a nuanced understanding of SEO. There are a few key principles to keep in mind:

• Keywords: Conduct comprehensive keyword research to identify the phrases that people use when searching for content on YouTube. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your video title, description, and tags.
• Watch Time: YouTube’s algorithm favors videos that engage viewers for longer periods. Create compelling content that keeps viewers hooked and encourages them to watch until the end.
• Optimization: Make sure to optimize your video title, description, and tags with your target keyword and related keywords. This will help YouTube understand the topic of your video and improve its chances of ranking higher in search results.

Craft Titles to Drive Clicks

Your video title plays a crucial role in enticing potential viewers to click on your video. It should accurately describe your content while also compelling users to click. Avoid clickbait tactics, as they can lead to disappointment and a negative perception of your channel. Instead, focus on creating titles that are both informative and intriguing.

Create Eye-Catching Thumbnails

Custom thumbnails are a powerful tool for attracting viewers. In fact, nine out of ten popular videos use custom thumbnails. Here are some tips for creating eye-catching thumbnails:

• Use “GOBY” thumbnails: These are thumbnails that incorporate green, orange, blue, or yellow colors. These colors stand out against YouTube’s red, white, and black palette.
• Incorporate attention-grabbing graphics: Use visuals that pique curiosity or convey the essence of your video’s content.
• Experiment with different styles and images: Test different thumbnail designs to see which ones resonate best with your audience. Over time, you’ll discover a style that maximizes views and clicks.

Timely Publishing

Publishing your content when your audience is most active on YouTube can significantly boost your views. Use tools like VidIQ’s “Best Time to Post” feature to analyze subscriber activity and determine the optimal time to release your videos. By aligning your publishing schedule with your audience’s habits, you increase the chances of your videos being seen and shared.

Google Video Rankings

Did you know that 88% of video results on Google’s first page come from YouTube? This presents a tremendous opportunity to increase your video views by ranking on Google. Here’s how you can optimize for Google video rankings:

• Optimize for “Video Keywords”: These are search terms that already have video results on Google. By targeting these keywords in your video title, description, and tags, you increase the likelihood of your video appearing in Google’s search results.
• Strong SEO: Just like with YouTube, strong SEO practices are essential for ranking on Google. Use relevant keywords in your title, description, and tags to help Google understand the topic of your video.
• Embed Your Videos: Embedding your videos on other websites creates backlinks to your video, which is a key ranking factor for Google. Share your videos on relevant blogs, forums, and social media platforms to increase their visibility and improve their chances of ranking on Google.

In conclusion, YouTube has evolved into a powerful tool for content creators worldwide. By implementing these strategies, you can navigate the competitive landscape and claim your share of YouTube’s billion-plus hours of daily video consumption.

It’s important to note that these strategies are not silver bullets and won’t yield overnight success. They require persistence and constant tweaking based on viewer response. But with patience and perseverance, you will witness a steady growth in your YouTube views. So go forth, create compelling content, optimize it for search engines, and watch your video views soar.

If you’re looking for a tool to help you create and optimize your YouTube content, check out Content Cannon. We offer a range of features to streamline your content creation process. Visit our pricing page to learn more.