How To Grow a YouTube Channel Fast (12 Proven Strategies)

How To Grow a YouTube Channel Fast (12 Proven Strategies)

Growing a YouTube channel takes strategy and consistency. In this guide, I share 12 proven tips to help you optimize videos, master SEO, use Shorts, and build lasting engagement to grow your channel in 2025.

How To Grow a YouTube Channel Fast

Growing a YouTube channel in 2025 isn’t just about uploading videos—it’s about playing the right game with the right strategy. With over 2.5 billion active users, YouTube is the second-largest search engine, and creators upload 500+ hours of content daily. To stand out and grow your YouTube channel, you need more than just great content, you need a proper plan of action.

I’ve been where you are—overwhelmed and wondering if it’s worth the effort. With 35K+ YouTube subscribers, I’ve cracked the code on what works and what doesn’t.

In this guide, I’ll share 12 expert strategies that helped me and countless creators grow from zero to thousands of subscribers without paying a cent. Whether you’re a newbie or chasing the next milestone, these tips will help you grow faster and smarter.

Let’s get started! (For a deeper understanding, explore my YouTube Masterclass.)

youtube marketing course

12 Expert Strategies to Grow YouTube Channel in 2025

1. Quantity First, Quality Second, Both Third

Let’s be real—your first few YouTube videos? They’ll probably be rough. And that’s okay! Growing a YouTube channel is a process, not an overnight magic. One of the biggest mistakes new creators make is getting obsessed with perfection over day one.

What if my background is not good? I need a better camera to shoot the best video. I wish I had that Rode mic to record my audio.

Spoiler alert: Perfection doesn’t exist.

When I started my channel, my first 10 videos were awkward and amateurish (how to turn a skateboard into a snowboard, hahaha). But guess what? Those videos taught me more about creating content than any course or tutorial ever could. 

That’s why I live by the mantra: Quantity first, quality second, and both third.

What does that mean?

  • Quantity First: Focus on creating. The more videos you create, the faster you’ll learn and improve. Treat every video as practice—experiment with different formats, styles, and tones.
  • Quality Second: As you gain experience, start refining your skills—better editing, improved lighting, sharper thumbnails.
  • Both Third: Once you’ve mastered the basics, I want you to aim for consistent, high-quality videos that combine your skills and experience.

But why does quantity matter more than perfection?

Think about it like learning to ride a bike. In the first few attempts, you wobble and fall, but with each try, you improve your balance, build up your confidence and develop muscle memory. The same applies to YouTube. By uploading regularly, you:

  • Learn what your audience loves (and what they don’t).
  • Discover how to stay natural while shooting on camera.
  • Build confidence, which translates to better content.

Let’s take a look at MrBeast’s Journey

MrBeast, the most-watched YouTuber today, didn’t start with million-dollar videos. In fact, he spent years uploading simple videos playing Minecraft, constantly experimenting and learning. 

MrBeast YouTube Channel

His focus wasn’t on creating perfect gaming content—it was on creating a lot of content. That practice laid the foundation for the blockbuster and viral YouTube videos he produces now.

Here are some practical steps you can use:

  • Set a goal: Aim to create and upload at least 1-2 videos per week for the first three months.
  • Keep it simple: Use your phone, natural sunlight light, and free editing tools like CapCut or iMovie.
  • Review and Improve: Watch each video after uploading. Ask yourself, What can I do better next time?

Remember, growing your subscribers on YouTube is a journey. You don’t need to start with perfection. You just need to start.

Consistently posting will lead to better-quality videos, and eventually, you will be able to maintain both quantity and quality. 

So, are you ready to record? Don’t worry, just get started!

2. Optimize Your YouTube Videos

Uploading a video is only half the battle; you need to optimize it to get your content seen. If you want to grow your YouTube channel in 2025, every video needs to perform better, reaching more people and driving engagement. Let’s break down the key steps to optimize your videos like a pro:

1. Craft an SEO-friendly description

Your video description isn’t just a filler; it’s prime real estate where you give context to the videos and add keywords to get better search engine visibility. Start with a compelling hook, include relevant keywords naturally, and end with a call to action (e.g., “Subscribe for weekly tips!”).

After uploading 500+ videos on YouTube, I found out short descriptions can really slow your growth journey. Don’t believe me?

According to YouTube, your video descriptions should be at least 1-2 paragraphs. That way, the search algorithm can really understand what your videos are about and show them to the right audience. 

“Write full descriptions: up to one to two paragraphs.

Some creators only put their social media links in the description, potentially missing out on a lot of extra views.”

– YouTube Creator Academy

For example, please take a look at my YouTube video. See how I have given a brief description of the video. What this video is about. Who the author is, and more…..

YouTube Video description

Finally, I have added links to my premium club, playlists, and links to my other social media channels for cross-promotion.

2. Add Cards and End Screens

Interactive elements like cards and end screens keep viewers engaged and watching more of your content.

  • Cards: Use them to recommend related videos at strategic points in your video.
  • End Screens: Include CTAs to subscribe, watch another video, or visit a playlist.

Here is how I designed my end screen to make people watch my other videos.

Brock Johnson YouTube Channel

The color, contrast, fonts, actions, and images guide viewers to make the desired action. These minor tweaks encourage longer watch times, a metric YouTube loves.

3. Use timestamps for better user experience

Timestamps help break your long videos into easily digestible small sections, improving the user experience and SEO.

For example:

0:00 Introduction

1:15 Why YouTube SEO matters

3:30 Tips for optimizing titles and thumbnails

Timestamps help viewers jump to the parts they are most interested in, increasing your retention and engagement rates.

4. Optimize video tags

Tags may not carry the weight they once did, but they still help YouTube understand your content. Use specific, relevant tags that reflect your topic and keywords.

For example, YouTube success midlife, Starting a YouTube channel, viral YouTube growth, and more.

YouTube video tags

Don’t overdo it—focus on quality over quantity. I like to use a max of 15-20 tags per video.

Need help with tagging? Check out this tagging guide.

5. Perfect the video length

Retention is the key on YouTube. Aim for a length that balances value and watchability.

Here is my general rule of thumb that has worked for me and hundreds of other students I taught.

  • Tutorials: 7–15 minutes.
  • Vlogs: 10–20 minutes.
  • YouTube Shorts: Under 1 minute.

Track viewer retention in YouTube Studio to refine your approach.

Ensure they grab attention and align with the content’s promise.

Finally, optimization doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow these steps consistently, and your videos will stand out to both viewers and YouTube’s algorithm.

Bonus tip: Master Thumbnails and Titles

Remember, even the best-optimized video won’t perform without a strong thumbnail and title.

3. Title and Thumbnail are Everything

Let’s get straight to the point: your title and thumbnail are the gateway to your video. Without them, even the most amazing content can go unnoticed. In fact, I’d argue that 90% of a video’s success is tied to how clickable your title and thumbnail are. If you want to boost your YouTube engagement in 2025, mastering this combo is non-negotiable. 

But what does having a good title and thumbnail do?

Think of your title as the bait and your thumbnail as the hook. They work together to:

  • Grab attention in a sea of content.
  • Set expectations for what the video delivers.
  • Boost your CTR (click-through rate)—a key factor in YouTube’s algorithm.

How can you create click-worthy titles?

  • Keep It Short and Clear: Aim for 6-8 words. Long titles get cut off, especially on mobile. For instance, “10 Easy Ways to Grow on YouTube”
  • Use numbers and powerful words such as “easy,” “proven,” or “guaranteed” to spark curiosity. E.g.: “5 Hacks to Double Your YouTube Views”
  • Create curiosity by teasing the outcome without giving it all away. For eg, “2,000 People Fight For $5,000,000”
MrBeast YouTube Video

Pro Tip: Test variations using tools like TubeBuddy or vidIQ to find the most effective title.

Create thumbnails that drive clicks

Your thumbnail is the first thing viewers notice. Make it count!

  • Limit to 3 elements: Keep it simple for small screens. A face, bold text, and a focal image are all you need. For instance, A shocked expression with text like “5X Views!”
  • Bright and eye-catching: Use vibrant colors and high contrast to stand out.
  • Use faces and emotions: People connect with expressions. A surprised or happy face works wonders.
  • Do A/B test and switch: Top creators like MrBeast frequently test multiple thumbnails to find the best-performing one. Do your tests and find which one is working best for you. 
MrBeast Viral Video

Titles and thumbnails aren’t just “important”—they’re everything. They’re your first and only chance to grab attention in a split second. Nail these, and you’ll see your click-through rates—and your channel—take off.

Pro Tip: Learn more about crafting irresistible titles and thumbnails in my YouTube Masterclass.

4. Master The YouTube Algorithm

Decoding the algorithm is the way to grow big on YouTube. YouTube algorithm is what decides which videos get viral and which gets settled in the dust. But decoding it doesn’t need to be that hard. You can work your way through it without having to fight.

Here’s how the algorithm works:
At its core, the YouTube algorithm has one goal: keep viewers on the platforms as long as possible. That means it rewards videos that:

  • Get high clicks (high CTR)
  • Keep viewers watching (watch time and average view duration)
  • Drive the most engagement (likes, comments, and shares)

Essentially, the more your video keeps people hooked, the more the algorithm will promote it.

Here’s how you can nail the algorithm:

Step 1: Start with YouTube SEO

Just like Google, YouTube is also a search engine, and to get your videos in front of more people, you need to optimize them. Follow these steps for YouTube SEO:

  1. Keyword research: Use low competition and untapped keywords to help you get more visibility and rank high in the YouTube search. I use keywordtool.io to spot untapped keywords and create detailed and helpful videos on them better than my competition.
  2. Optimize title and description: As spoken earlier, these two can make a huge difference. Include your target keywords here and keep them in the count.
  3. Mention your target keywords in the video: It’s 2025; adding keywords in the title and description is not sufficient. YouTube uses LLMs and machine learning to understand each and every video. Use your target keywords in the videos to make the algorithm better understand the context of the video.

Step 2: Focus on watch time

  1. Hook viewers early: Nowadays, since the arrival of short video format platforms like TikTok, Reels, and even Shorts, people’s attention spans have significantly dropped. To hook your viewers, use a strong intro, such as what’s about to come. You can use my mantra put 80% of your effort into the first 20% of the video.
  2. Maintain the pace: Avoid long pauses or dull moments. Use transitions, cuts, visuals, and sounds to keep the flow going.

Step 3: Develop a YouTube content strategy

The algorithm favors consistency and relevancy, so your content strategy needs to align with the audience’s interests and trends.

  1. Craft evergreen content: These are videos that stay relevant for years, like tutorials or “how to” guides.
  2. Use playlists: Group related videos into playlists it becomes easier for your audience to dive deep into the subject and the algorithm to give better suggestions. 

5. Batching and Scheduling Content

Consistency is the backbone of growing a YouTube channel, but let’s face it—life gets busy, and keeping up with a regular upload schedule can feel overwhelming. That’s where the strategy of batching and scheduling comes to the rescue. This strategy saves you time and ensures you never miss an upload, even on your busiest days.

What is Batching, and how does it work?

Batching means creating multiple videos in one go. Instead of recording, editing, and uploading one video at a time, you group similar tasks together. This approach helps you stay focused and get more work done in a go.

Here is how you do this:

  • Once you have your content calendar ready, decide what to film and when to film.
  • Do the research, gather down all the material required, and start writing video scripts.
  • I suggest recording at least 3-4 videos in one session if you are starting out.
  • Use tools like CapCut, iMovie, or Final Cut Pro to streamline your editing process.

Schedule your videos to stay consistent

Creating content is only one part, hitting the publish button is the main part. But due to time constraints or whatever reason, you might not be able to stay consistent. It’s better to schedule Shorts and your videos to ensure they go live at the best time without hindering your zone.

I personally use SocialPilot to manage my content calendar and publishing. I schedule month’s worth of YouTube videos from SocialPilot. I upload the videos/Shorts to SocialPilot and use its built-in AI writer (AI Pilot) to craft engaging captions and titles and even generate hashtags. Once done, I upload the correct thumbnail and schedule my videos.

6. Reuse or Repurpose Content For Extra Boost

Why reinvent the wheel when you can repurpose it? Reusing content is a smart way to maximize your efforts while reaching new audiences.

If you don’t know how you can repurpose content, here is my guide:

  • Turn long videos into shorts: Chop key moments of your long YouTube video into bite-sized clips for Shorts.
  • Transform podcasts or live streams: Extract key highlights of your podcasts/live stream and create Shorts.
  • Compile evergreen content: Group together your best TikToks or Reels, create a long video, and share your YouTube audiences.

Repurposing isn’t just efficient—it’s essential for scaling your YouTube growth. Start thinking of your existing content as a goldmine ready to be reshaped and shared!

7. Grow Faster with YouTube Shorts

Do you know YouTube Shorts gets more than 80 billion views daily? Isn’t it fascinating? Well, it’s just the beginning of the short-form era.

If you want to get a lot of views on YouTube and grow your brand, Shorts are your way to go. They’re quick to make, easy to digest, quickly get viral, and, importantly, don’t take a lot of time to make.

See how I use Shorts to garner hundreds of thousands of views:

BuildYourTribePodcast Short

Here are my tips for creating effective Shorts that get you a lot of views:

  • Focus on quick value: Share one actionable tip, a surprising fact, or a relatable moment. for example: “Here’s how you bake a pizza in under 15 minutes!”
  • Leverage existing content: Use highlights from your long-form videos.
  • Add captions: Do you know that over 80% of viewers watch shorts on mute? Add captions to keep them engaged.
  • Hook fast: Grab attention in the first 5 seconds with an exciting opening.

Pro Tip: End your Shorts with a CTA like “Watch the full video on my channel” to drive traffic to your long-form content.

8. Post YouTube Videos At the Best Time

Like every other social media platform, YouTube also has a high preference for best timing. From all these years of experience, I have observed that posting at the right time ensures your video gets maximum visibility, engagement, and a more substantial boost from the algorithm.

But here’s the kicker: every YouTube channel has a different best time to post. There is nothing called time that suits all.

Now, the real question: how do you find the best time to post on YouTube:

1. Check Your Analytics:

In YouTube Studio, go to the Audience tab. Look for the “When your viewers are on YouTube” graph to identify peak activity hours.

chanel-analytics

General guidelines:

The best time to post on YouTube is between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. (EST) on weekdays and between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. (EST) on weekends.

Here is what I recommend to new YouTube creators:

  • Test different times and monitor performance to find what works best for your audience.

My Tip: Schedule your videos in advance using tools like YouTube’s Scheduler or SocialPilot to ensure consistency, even when life gets busy.

Posting at the right time is a simple yet powerful strategy to maximize engagement and grow your channel faster. Use your analytics, plan ahead, and let timing work in your favor!

Best time to post on YouTube

9. Decide Which Metrics to Track

When it comes to growing your YouTube channel, metrics are your compass. They tell you what’s working, what’s not, and where to focus your efforts. But let’s be real—YouTube’s analytics dashboard can feel like information overload. So, which metrics actually matter?

  • CTR (Click-Through-Rate) – The percentage of viewers who click on your video after seeing the thumbnail or title. Try getting an ideal range between 5-10%.
  • Watch Time and Average View Duration – The total time viewers spend watching your videos and the average time they watch per video.
  • Audience retention rate – Retention shows whether your content delivers what viewers expect from the title and thumbnail.
  • Returning vs. New Viewers – The ratio of first-time viewers to returning subscribers.
  • Subscribers gained – This is the number of new subscribers that subscribe to your YouTube channel.
  • Subscribers lost – This is the number of subscribers that unsubscribed to your channel.
  • Impressions and Reach – The number of times your thumbnail is shown to viewers and how often they click on it.
  • Engagement (Likes, Comments, Shares) – The level of interaction viewers have with your video.

10. Engage with Your YouTube Subscribers

Your subscribers aren’t just numbers—they’re your community. Engaging with them builds loyalty, trust, and a sense of connection that keeps them coming back for more. Plus, a strong relationship with your audience signals to YouTube’s algorithm that your channel is thriving.

How I Engage with My Subscribers:

  • Reply to Comments
  • Ask Questions
  • Host Polls and Q&As
  • Shoutouts
  • YouTube Live Streams
  • Create exclusive content for  subscribers

11. Cross-Promote Your Videos

Here’s a secret: one of the easiest ways to grow your YouTube channel is to make your videos promote each other. Cross-promotion isn’t just for other platforms—it’s about creating a loop within your channel that keeps viewers engaged with your content.

When I started linking related videos in my descriptions, adding cards, and using end screens, I noticed a huge difference in my watch time and retention.

For example, in one video about growing on Instagram, I included a card pointing to another about Instagram SEO strategies. That small tweak doubled views on the second video within a week.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Add cards at moments where viewers might want more details or examples.
  • Use end screens to suggest related videos or playlists.
  • Mention your other videos verbally during filming, like: “If you want more on this, check out my video on XYZ!”

This strategy keeps viewers on your channel longer and tells YouTube your content is binge-worthy. Simple tweaks, big results!

12. Use Data to Improve YouTube Performance 

Here’s the truth: guessing doesn’t grow your YouTube channel—data does. When I started diving into YouTube analytics, everything changed. I stopped creating videos based on what I thought would work and started letting the data guide me. The results? Better videos, higher retention, and more subscribers.

For example, I noticed one video had a sharp drop-off at the 30-second mark. After reviewing the audience retention graph, I realized my intro wasn’t grabbing attention. I adjusted my future intros to get straight to the point, and my average view duration shot up.

Here’s how you can use data to improve:

  • Monitor CTR: Low CTR? Revamp your thumbnail or title.
  • Track Retention: Identify drop-off points and fix weak spots.
  • Test and Refine: Use audience insights to create content that viewers love.

Analytics aren’t just numbers—they’re your map to YouTube success. Use them, and watch your channel thrive.

How Long Does it Take to Grow a YouTube Channel?

Let me give it to you straight—there’s no magic number. Growing a YouTube channel takes time, consistency, and experimentation. Some creators see traction in months; for others, it might take years.

When I started, it took me about six months to hit my first 1,000 subscribers. Why? I focused on uploading consistently and learning from every video. The key is to treat each video as a stepping stone, not a finish line.

The truth is growth depends on your niche, content quality, and how well you engage your audience. The one thing that’s universal? Consistency. Show up, refine your craft, and give your viewers a reason to keep coming back.

Remember, it’s not about how fast you grow—it’s about building something that lasts. Keep creating, and the results will come.

Boost Your YouTube Growth

Growing a YouTube channel takes strategy, effort, and a commitment to consistent improvement. With these 12 expert strategies, you’re equipped to attract more viewers, increase engagement, and build a thriving community in 2025.

Ready to take your growth even further? Dive into the YouTube Masterclass by SocialPilot, where I break down advanced techniques step-by-step to help you create a 7-figure channel.

Success on YouTube isn’t about luck—it’s about mastering the process. Now, it’s your turn to hit record and make it happen!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which niche is best for YouTube?

The best niche for YouTube is one you’re passionate about and can consistently create value in. However, some successful niches include:

  • Tech reviews
  • Personal Finance
  • Fitness
  • Gaming
  • How-to tutorials

The key is choosing a niche with an audience that actively searches for content and has room for growth. If you can combine your expertise with your enthusiasm, you’ll build a loyal audience—regardless of the niche. Authenticity and consistency always win.

How to go viral on YouTube?

Going viral on YouTube requires a blend of strategy, creativity, and timing. Start with a:

  • Compelling title
  • Eye-catching thumbnail to boost your CTR (click-through rate)
  • Use YouTube Shorts to get more views

Focus on trending or highly relatable topics that resonate with a broad audience. Keep your videos engaging from the first second—viewers need a reason to stick around. Share your video across social media for extra exposure. Most importantly, be authentic and create content people feel compelled to share. Viral success often comes from genuine connections.

How do I get 1000 subscribers on my YouTube channel?

Here are my 7 ways to get your first 1000 subscribers on YouTube:

  1. Focus on quantity first—post consistently to improve.
  2. Use titles and thumbnails that spark curiosity and boost clicks.
  3. Ask viewers to subscribe directly in every video.
  4. Engage with comments to build community.
  5. Cross-promote on other platforms.
  6. Use YouTube Shorts to reach new audiences fast.
  7. Study your analytics and refine what works best.

About the Author

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Brock Johnson

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