Are you tired of pouring hours into your videos only to see them barely get any views?
It’s not your content—it’s the algorithm.

What if I told you there’s a way to make the YouTube algorithm work for you,
even if you have a small channel?

Let’s break down how you can turn things around and finally get the growth you deserve.

Why Does the Algorithm Feel Like a Wall?

The YouTube algorithm can feel like an impenetrable wall, especially for small creators. You’re posting consistently and creating great content, but your videos just aren’t getting picked up. Why? Because the algorithm prioritizes content that keeps viewers on the platform the longest.

Here’s the thing: you don’t need a huge audience to trigger the algorithm. You just need to understand how it works and what it looks for.

How Does the Algorithm Work?

The YouTube algorithm is designed to recommend videos that viewers wish to watch, enjoy, and engage with. It’s all about two key metrics: click-through rate (CTR) and watch time.

Click-Through Rate (CTR)

CTR measures how many people click on your video after seeing its title and thumbnail. A high CTR signals to the algorithm that your video is interesting and worth recommending.

For example, I uploaded a video on how to disable ads on YouTube. It received a 6.4% CTR and has garnered over 5,000 views since its publication. This video has also gained 13 new subscribers, made over $51, and continues to receive 146 views every 48 hours.

YouTube states that half of all channels have an impressions CTR between 2% and 10%. Your CTR will vary depending on your content type, audience, and where the impression occurs (e.g., homepage, search results, or subscription feeds).

Watch Time

Watch time refers to the total amount of time viewers spend watching your content. It’s a critical metric for YouTube to determine whether your video is engaging enough to recommend to others.

Higher watch time leads to better performance in search results, on the homepage, and in the suggested videos section. Audience retention, or how well your video holds viewers’ attention, also plays a crucial role.

How to Maximize Your CTR & Watch Time

Identify CTR Opportunities

Videos with high total watch time and impressions but low CTR have the biggest potential for improvement. Tools like TubeBuddy’s Click Magnet feature can help identify these opportunities.

For example, I’ve used TubeBuddy’s thumbnail CTR test to compare different thumbnails.
This feature allows you to:

• Test the original thumbnail against a new one.
• Run the test for a set number of days or until results are statistically significant.

You can also use YouTube’s free Test and Compare tool to evaluate up to 3 different thumbnails. Improving your thumbnails and titles can significantly boost your CTR.

Boost Watch Time

To maximize watch time, follow these tips:

1. Grab Attention Early: Start with an engaging opening that conveys what viewers will gain. Use questions, bold statements, or teasers to hook your audience.
2. Deliver Value Quickly: Avoid fluff and stay focused on your topic. Keep your promises to the viewer.
3. Keep Viewers Engaged: Use visuals, voiceovers, and on-screen text to maintain interest. Avoid monotonous sections.
4. Tease Future Content: Use open loops to hint at exciting moments later in the video. This encourages viewers to stay until the end.
5. Leverage Playlists: Create playlists of related videos to encourage binge-watching. Link to playlists in your end screens and on your channel homepage.

Analyze Audience Retention

YouTube Analytics provides valuable insights into audience retention. For example, a video with 73% audience retention at the 30-second mark indicates strong engagement. Use this data to identify what works and adjust future content accordingly.

Spy on Competitors for Inspiration

Study competitors’ thumbnails, titles, and video topics to understand what resonates with your shared audience. For example, Think Media’s most popular videos have millions of views because their topics and designs connect with viewers.

Here’s how to find competitors’ most popular videos:

1. Visit their channel.
2. Click on the “Videos” tab.
3. Sort by “Popular.”

Incorporate design elements and strategies from high-performing videos into your own content.

Why Small Channels Have an Advantage

As a small creator, you have the freedom to experiment with different formats, topics, and styles. Once you find something that works, double down on it. The algorithm rewards consistent performance.

Remember, every big channel started small. I began my channel in 2006, and my early videos were far from perfect. Through consistent experimentation and improvement, I found my stride.

Final Thoughts

The YouTube algorithm isn’t a wall—it’s a gate. By focusing on CTR, watch time, and audience retention, you can unlock its potential and grow your channel. Start by analyzing your current videos, experimenting with improvements, and studying your competition.

Want to learn how I got over 1 million views on a single video?
Check out my guide on leveraging YouTube and Google search to drive massive traffic.

Have you ever wondered how much YouTubers actually make from their videos?
Is it $10, $100, or more?

The answer isn’t as simple as you might think. Your earnings depend on a variety of factors, from the niche of your channel to your audience demographics and the type of ads displayed.

In this guide, we’ll break down how YouTube earnings work, using real-life examples and practical tips to maximize your income.

What Determines Earnings?
Understanding CPM and RPM

What is CPM?

CPM (Cost Per Mille) refers to how much advertisers are willing to pay for 1,000 ad impressions.

What is RPM?

RPM (Revenue Per Mille) represents the amount you, the creator, earn for every 1,000 views after YouTube takes its share. Your earnings vary widely depending on your niche, audience location, and the types of ads displayed. Let’s dive into some real-world examples.

Real-World Examples: How Much Can You Make?

Low CPM Example: Vlogging or Entertainment Channels

• CPM: $3
• RPM: $1.50
• Earnings for 10,000 Views: $15

Mid-Range CPM Example: Lifestyle or Educational Channels

• CPM: $10
• RPM: $5
• Earnings for 10,000 Views: $50

High CPM Example: Finance or Tech Channels

• CPM: $20
• RPM: $10
• Earnings for 10,000 Views: $100

Audience Location and CPM

Where your viewers are located significantly impacts your CPM. Countries like the USA, UK, and Canada typically generate higher CPMs than other regions. For instance:

• USA: Highest CPM rates
• India and Philippines: Lower CPM rates

Targeting audiences in high-paying regions can substantially increase your revenue.

Types of Ads and Their Impact

Ad formats also affect how much revenue you generate:

1. Non-Skippable Ads
   • Viewers can’t skip these ads, resulting in higher earnings.
   • Payments are based on impressions.
2. Skippable Ads
   • Viewers can skip after 5 seconds.
   • You get paid if they watch 30 seconds or more.
3. Bumper Ads
   • Short, non-skippable ads (6 seconds).
   • Payments are based on impressions.

Seasonal Variations

Your ad revenue isn’t consistent year-round. Advertisers spend more in the months leading up to Christmas, resulting in higher CPMs. Conversely, revenue often dips at the start of a new year.

How to Maximize Your YouTube Earnings

1. Target High-Value Niches
   Focus on topics like tech, finance, or health to attract higher-paying ads.
2. Engage Premium Audiences
   Aim to reach viewers in high-paying regions like the USA, UK, and Canada.
3. Leverage Multiple Ad Formats
   Enable all ad types and consider placing mid-roll ads in videos over 8 minutes long.
4. Diversify Your Revenue Streams
   Don’t rely solely on ads. Explore other income sources, such as:
   • Affiliate marketing
   • Sponsorships
   • Merchandise
   • Channel memberships

For example, I’ve earned over $15,000 as an affiliate for TubeBuddy by promoting their products.

FAQs About YouTube Revenue

Does 10,000 Views Always Generate Revenue?

No. If your video isn’t monetized or your audience uses ad blockers, you won’t earn ad revenue.

Do Shorts Pay the Same as Long Videos?

No. Shorts rely on ads that play between videos, and the revenue per view is typically lower than for long-form content.

How Much Can 10,000 Views Make You?

It depends on your niche, audience, and strategy. Your earnings can range from $10 to $100 or more.

Final Thoughts

With the right niche, audience, and strategy, you can turn YouTube into a significant income source.
Want to learn how to maximize your earnings with less effort?

Click here to check out the next article on “How I Make Money on YouTube While Sleeping.”

As a YouTube creator, monetizing your channel opens up exciting revenue opportunities through ad displays. However, it’s crucial to maintain control over the types of ads appearing alongside your content. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of managing ads on your YouTube channel, ensuring they align with your values and audience expectations.

Accessing Ad Controls in YouTube Studio

To begin managing your ads, follow these steps:

1. Log into YouTube Studio
2. Click on “Earn” in the left sidebar
3. Select “Watch Page Ads”
4. Click “Manage” under ad categories

Blocking Specific Ads

YouTube Studio offers several ways to block unwanted ads:

URL Blocking

• Enter up to 500 specific URLs you wish to block
• Separate multiple URLs with commas
• Ideal for blocking ads from specific websites or competitors

Sensitive Categories

• Block entire categories like alcohol, gambling, or adult content
• Useful for maintaining a family-friendly channel or aligning with personal values

General Categories

• Block broader categories such as apparel, travel, or sports
• Helpful for tailoring ad content to your audience’s interests

Remember, blocking ad categories may impact your revenue potential,
so consider your choices carefully.

Ad Placement and Types

YouTube has streamlined ad placement for new long-form videos:

• Pre-roll, post-roll, skippable, and non-skippable ads are automatically included
• Mid-roll ad choices remain customizable for videos over 8 minutes

To adjust mid-roll ads:

1. Go to the “Content” tab in YouTube Studio
2. Click the “Details” icon for a specific video
3. Select “Monetization”
4. Review and adjust ad placements as needed

Checking Ad Suitability

During the upload process, you can verify your video’s ad suitability:

1. Look for options to rate your content for language, adult themes, etc.
2. Select “None of the above” if no issues apply
3. Click “Submit Rating”
4. YouTube will then scan for potential monetization restrictions

Disabling Personalized Ads

To turn off personalized ads:

1. Go to YouTube Studio settings
2. Select “Advanced Settings”
3. Under “Advertisements,” check “Disable Interest-Based Ads”
4. Save your changes

Note that this may reduce the number of ads eligible for your videos, potentially impacting revenue.

Joining the YouTube Partner Program

To fully control ads and earn revenue, you must join the YouTube Partner Program. Requirements include:

• 1,000 subscribers
• Either 4,000 valid public watch hours in the past year or
  10 million valid public Shorts views in the last 90 days

Once you’re a partner, you can toggle monetization on or off for individual videos. By mastering these ad control features, you can create a more tailored viewing experience for your audience while optimizing your revenue potential. Remember, the key is finding the right balance between ad revenue and content integrity that works best for your channel and viewers.

This short (see image below), currently ranks #1 on YouTube and has gotten over 75,000 views since it was published and still gets over 283 views every 48 hours.

Notice how my custom shorts thumbnail stands out from all the other shorts thumbnails. It’s also currently ranked on the first page of Google for “how to trim videos on your iPhone or iPad without an app”.

In the video below, I’ll show you how to choose a frame for your Shorts thumbnail when uploading it from your phone using the YouTube app. You’ll also learn how to add text and filters to your Shorts thumbnail after uploading it to YouTube. Later, we’ll look at the best practices of using this tool and how YouTube plans to improve it.

How to Select A Frame for Your Custoim Shorts Thumbnail

• Tap the YouTube app,
• tap the plus sign.
• Select short from the bottom menu.
• Tap add to add the shorts video from your phone.
• Select your video.
• Tap the check mark.
• Caption or title your short. “How to trim a video on your iPhone or iPad without an app.”
• Tap the pencil icon on top left hand corner to select the frame from your shorts video.
• Slide your finger along the bottom to select the frame.
• Add text, emojis and filters by tapping the icons on the thumbnail.
• Tap the text icon.
• Type your text.
• You can change the font by tapping at the top.
• You can add some background to it,
• you can also align it to the left or right.
• If you want to change the color, just tap on the colors, red, green, et cetera.
• If you want to enlarge the text, just move the slider up to enlarge it or move it down to shrink it.
• When you’ve finished adding the text, tap done.
• If you want to add a filter, tap the filter icon. You’ve got all these ones down here.
• I chose the “pop” filter so the colors pop
• When you’ve finished adding the filter, tap the check mark.
• If you want to remove the text, tap the text icon again.
• Tap on the text,
• tap the X on the keyboard
• tap done.
• When you’re happy with the thumbnail, tap the check mark.
• Select your visibility…public, unlisted, or private. I’m gonna select unlisted for now.
• Tap the back arrow,
• tap upload Short. It says, “now uploading to your videos, see video”
• Now you can see the videos uploading and being processed.
• If I tap shorts, then I can see my new shorts video with the custom shorts thumbnail.

Your custom shorts thumbnails will appear on YouTube Search, your channel pages, and even on hashtag pages.

Keep in mind, most viewers will discover YouTube shorts in the shorts feed while scrolling the YouTube app on their phones.

They won’t see your custom shorts thumbnail.

Most viewers found my shorts via external traffic source, which is mostly Google search.

My second highest traffic source was YouTube search, and my third highest traffic source was the shorts feed. Therefore, it makes sense to upload a custom shorts thumbnail so it stands out in the search engines and differentiates your thumbnail from your competitors.

If you go to your video details page and look under thumbnail, it says
“you can change the thumbnail on the YouTube mobile app”.

Currently, you can only edit your Shorts thumbnail after uploading it via the YouTube app. You can’t upload a Shorts thumbnail or customize it by selecting a frame using a desktop computer.

My recommendation is to design a Shorts thumbnail, then add it to your Shorts video during the creation process. You can then select that frame after you’ve uploaded it to YouTube.

Here’s what YouTube says about future improvements.

“Although Shorts thumbnails don’t display in the shorts feed where the majority of views come from, the goal of these features is to give creators more aesthetic control over their short across devices and shelves like home, subs and channel pages.

As a reminder, short thumbnails will only show on search, hashtag and audio pivot pages and on your channels. We’re exploring bringing additional functionality to shorts thumbnails next year, and we’re curious to better understand what you’d like. So leave us your thoughts in the comments. Specificity is appreciated.”

If you want to learn how to create clickable thumbnails that capture the attention of your viewers, watch this video right now titled “How to Create YouTube Thumbnails Viewers Can’t Ignore“

Are your thumbnails struggling to get clicks? 
You’re putting in the effort, but the views just aren’t coming in.

Today, I’m going to break down why your thumbnails aren’t working,
and more importantly, how to fix them fast.

Let’s get into it!

Cluttered Design

When your thumbnails are packed with too many words, images or graphics, viewers won’t know where to focus and they’ll click right past your video. You can fix this by simplifying your design.

Focus on a single clear focal point, whether it’s a face, product or action shot, and keep the text minimal. Limit your design to three main elements like a face, object and an arrow. This helps viewers quickly understand the thumbnails message.

Ignoring Contrast & Color

Colors that blend into each other aren’t going to grab anyone’s attention. Use bright contrasting colors that make your thumbnail pop.

For example, in this thumbnail I use the background gradient colors of purple and blue, so it stands out from my competitors.

Notice how I circle the text “Hindu Dubbed” in this video on “how to reach global audiences with YouTube dubbing”. By circling the text, it immediately draws viewers’ eyes to the thumbnail and makes them curious to want to find out the solutions.

Tiny or Hard To Read Text

Keep in mind, most viewers are viewing your thumbnails on a mobile device. Therefore, if they can’t see the text, they’re going to instantly click away. Stick with bold, simple fonts and keep the text large enough so it stands out on small screens. Also, don’t include too many words in your thumbnail because it’ll just look cluttered. Only include a maximum of up to three words, and sometimes you can even make a thumbnail without words.

For example, this video is titled “Five Surprising Mistakes, killing Your Audience Retention. How to Fix” The Words On the Thumbnail, say, “Fix It Now”, so it makes viewers curious to want to click and watch a video to find out the surprising mistakes.

Here’s a thumbnail that doesn’t use any text, but I use a red arrow to draw viewers’ attention to the object in the thumbnail.

Using Low Quality Images

If the images in your thumbnail are blurry or pixelated, it looks unprofessional and will turn viewers away. To fix this, always use high resolution images so your images are crisp and clean. I always design my thumbnails with a image size of 1920 pixels wide and 1080 pixels high, and with a resolution of 72 pixels per inch. The minimal thumbnail image size to use on YouTube is 1280 pixels wide by 720 pixels high.

For example, Peter McKinnon uses high contrast and vibrant photography. These closeup shots and dramatic lighting help capture viewers’ attention and convey professionalism.

Lack of Emotional Appeal

Emotions are processed faster than rational thought. Therefore, make a thumbnail that evokes an emotional response so it instantly connects with the viewers causing it to click.

One way to do this is to include your face in a thumbnail. It could be smiling or surprised. Displaying these kind of emotions in your thumbnail can help trigger viewer engagement.

Tell A Story

Designing thumbnails that tell a story is a powerful way to capture your viewer’s attention and entice them to click and watch your video.

Here’s a thumbnail I used for a video on how to hack proof your YouTube channel. By just including the one word “HACKED” in the thumbnail, it motivates viewers to want to click and watch the video.

Here’s a thumbnail I used for a video titled “How I ranked a video on the first page of YouTube for multiple keywords” Showing how the number of views increased on my thumbnail,  makes viewers curious to want to find out the solution.

Here’s a thumbnail I used for a video on “how to find hidden content gaps on YouTube” Including the text HIDDEN CONTENT with a red arrow pointing down between two mountainsides makes you as curious to want to check out the content. 

In this video from Mr. Beast titled “Men and Woman Survive the Wilderness for $500,000,”  the thumbnail tells a story comparing men and woman. Doesn’t the thumbnail make you curious to want to hear his story?

Misleading Thumbnails

Creating misleading thumbnails may be good for clickbait, but will hurt your channel in the long run. If you promise something outrageous or incredible in your thumbnail that’s unrelated to the content in your video, it’ll be a big let down for your viewers.

Misleading thumbnails are the classic bait and switch tactic. They might get the click once, but will turn off your viewers to want to keep coming back for more of your content. Make sure your thumbnail is a true reflection of your video content so when they click on the thumbnail, they’ll get the content they deserve. Try to capture the most interesting moment in your video and use that in your thumbnail.

No Focal Point

If you don’t have a single focal point on your thumbnail, it’ll make it more difficult for your viewers to take action. Decide on an eye-catching element such as a face or product, and build a thumbnail around it.

For example, in this thumbnail from Marcus Brownley, the focal point is the Dyson product that he’s holding up to his ear. Adding an arrow and having a contrasting background immediately draws your attention to the product.

In this video from Mr. Beast titled “I Survived 50 Hours in Antarctica”, he uses bold and contrasting colors to draw viewers attention to the thumbnail. Obviously, the main focal point in the thumbnail is himself because he’s the main character in the video.

Not Optimized For Mobile Viewing

Most creators, including myself, designed the thumbnails on a large computer screen, however, when a viewer views that thumbnail on a small device, it can look very different.

Before you upload your new thumbnail, make sure the elements on the thumbnail are clear and readable on a smaller screen so the text and images are not lost.

For example, I used large bold text on this thumbnail, so it not only can easily be viewed on a computer, but also on a smaller screen like a phone.

Inconsistent Branding

If your thumbnails don’t have a recognizable style, viewers won’t connect them to your channel. For example, on my channel, I always include my face in the thumbnail, so viewers immediately recognize which channel it comes from, even if they view the thumbnail in the search engines, suggested videos, or on the home screen.

Try to develop a consistent style across all the thumbnails on your channel. Use similar fonts, colors, and design elements for all your thumbnails. This will help build your brand and make your videos instantly recognizable.

If you rely on a single thumbnail design, it can limit the potential of your video. For example, when I first started my channel, I created thumbnail designs that I thought were great, but were actually horrible because they didn’t win the click. I kept using the same designs, then wondered why I didn’t see an increase in traffic to my videos.

Albert Einstein said:
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results.” 

That was exactly what I was doing. 

When I changed the design of my thumbnails from thiS, to this (see image below), I saw a huge increase in traffic to my videos. I also used the a/b thumbnail testing feature from TubeBuddy to see which thumbnail resonated best with my audience.

You can now use the free. test and compare thumbnail tool from YouTube to test up to 3 different designs for your videos.

Watch this video right now to learn how to MASTER YouTube’s
Test and Compare thumbnail feature in minutes.

You’ll be glad you did!