To grow on YouTube effectively in 2025, follow these expert strategies:

1. Optimize Video Keywords

• Start by identifying broad "Seed Keywords" related to your niche.
• Use YouTube search suggestions or tools like KeywordTool.io to find long-tail keywords with high search volume but low competition.
• Use Chrome extensions like TubeBuddy or VidIQ to analyze keyword competitiveness before making videos

2. Create Eye-Catching Thumbnails

• Use high contrast colors that stand out against YouTube’s red, white, and black interface.
• Add borders between text and objects to increase visibility.
• Custom thumbnails are crucial, with 90% of top-performing videos having them

3. Make and Promote Playlists

• Organize your videos into playlists to increase "Session Time" - the total time viewers spend watching videos on YouTube after your content.
• Playlists auto-play the next video, keeping viewers engaged longer, which YouTube rewards with better rankings

4. Promote Your Videos Outside YouTube

• Share clips on social media, send announcements to your email list, and use outreach to drive initial views.
• Promotion helps kickstart watch time, which is essential for YouTube’s algorithm to recommend your videos

5. Engage with Your Audience

• Respond to comments, like viewer feedback, and build a community.
• Engagement signals to YouTube that your content is valuable and helps retain viewers

6. Use YouTube Shorts

• Create short, vertical videos to capture viewers who prefer quick, snackable content.
• Shorts can increase reach and drive traffic to your longer videos

7. Focus on Content Quality and Retention

• Prioritize good ideas, quality content, and viewer retention over just subscriber count.
• Keep viewers watching longer with engaging storytelling and valuable information

8. Add Subscribe Buttons and End Screens

• Use end screens with subscribe buttons to convert viewers into subscribers, especially those who watch your entire video

9. Craft Engaging Titles

• Use clear, attention-grabbing titles that include relevant keywords without clickbait.
• Optimal title length is around 55-70 characters for maximum impact

10. Consistency and Series Creation

• Regularly upload videos and consider creating series around recurring themes to keep viewers returning

By combining keyword research, compelling thumbnails, playlist curation, active promotion, community engagement, and quality content, you can grow your YouTube channel steadily and sustainably