How To Grow On YouTube Like You're Cheating

From prioritising consistency and creating click-worthy titles to boosting audience retention and maximising productivity, this blog covers everything you need to elevate your channel to the next level. These key techniques like content scheduling, thumbnail design, and 90-minute work sessions will help to grow your audience and stand out on YouTube.

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Be Consistent for YouTube Growth

Consistency is one of the most critical factors for growing a successful YouTube channel. Creators who upload regularly not only build trust with their audience, but also send powerful signals to the YouTube algorithm, which rewards reliability and frequent uploads.

Why Does Consistency Matter for YouTube Growth?

From an audience perspective, consistent uploads create a sense of expectation. Just like how your favourite TV show airs on a predictable schedule, a YouTube channel with a reliable posting pattern keeps viewers coming back for more. This sense of regularity builds a loyal audience base that knows when to expect new content from you.

From an SEO and algorithmic stand point, consistency is key to increasing your visibility on YouTube. The platform’s algorithm favours creators who upload regularly, indicating that your channel is active and providing value to viewers. Consistent uploads improve your chances of appearing in search results, recommendations, and even on the YouTube homepage.

How to Create a Consistent YouTube Schedule

1. Find a Sustainable Posting Frequency
   One of the biggest mistakes creators make is overcommitting to an upload schedule they can’t sustain. If you’re just starting out, it’s better to post one high-quality video per week than to burn out trying to post daily. Keep track of how much time you can realistically dedicate to content creation each week, including filming, editing, and promotion.
2. Batch Create Content
   A powerful way to stay consistent is to batch-produce your videos. Dedicate a day to filming multiple videos at once and another day to editing. This approach allows you to stay ahead of schedule and avoid last-minute scrambles to meet your upload deadline.
3. Use a Content Calendar
   Plan your videos weeks, or even months, in advance using a content calendar. Not only does this keep you organised, but it also ensures your content aligns with seasonal trends, holidays, or relevant events in your niche. Tools like Google Calendar, Notion, or Trello can help you manage your schedule effectively.
4. Announce Your Schedule to Your Audience
   When you publicly commit to a posting schedule, it creates accountability. Let your viewers know when to expect new videos - whether that’s every Wednesday, bi-weekly, or the first Monday of each month. By setting clear expectations, you’ll encourage your audience to return for new content at predictable times.

We've also got this blog about what the best times to upload on YouTube are.

Tips for Staying Consistent

• Quality Over Quantity: Consistency doesn’t mean you have to post daily or sacrifice quality. Always prioritise value in your videos, even if that means posting less frequently.
• Automate Repetitive Tasks: Use tools like scheduling apps, templates, and editing presets to streamline your workflow and save time.
• Be Flexible When Needed: Life happens. If you miss an upload, communicate with your audience and get back on track as soon as possible.

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Create Click-Worthy Titles and Thumbnails

When it comes to growing on YouTube, your video content is important—but without a compelling title and thumbnail, your masterpiece may never get the attention it deserves. Titles and thumbnails are the first things potential viewers see, and they play a critical role in whether someone clicks on your video.

Why Titles and Thumbnails Are Critical for YouTube Success

Your title and thumbnail act as your video’s “packaging.” Even if your content is exceptional, a bland or confusing first impression can result in low click-through rates (CTR). On YouTube, CTR is a key performance metric that measures how many people clicked on your video after seeing it in search results, recommendations, or other areas of the platform.

High CTRs not only lead to more views but also improve your video’s ranking within YouTube’s algorithm. When the algorithm sees that viewers are engaging with your video, it’s more likely to recommend it to others, which helps you reach a wider audience. We've also previously talked about what a good CTR is on YouTube.

From an SEO perspective, optimised titles that include relevant keywords can help your videos rank higher in search results, making them easier for viewers to discover.

How to Create Engaging Titles That Drive Clicks

1. Use Keywords Strategically
   Incorporate relevant keywords into your titles to help YouTube and potential viewers understand what your video is about. For example, instead of titling your video “Tips for Beginners,” use something more specific like “5 Essential Video Editing Tips for Beginners.”
2. Tap Into Curiosity or Value
   Great titles often spark curiosity or promise a specific benefit. For example, “The Secret to Growing on YouTube” or “How I Got 10,000 Subscribers in 30 Days” creates intrigue and highlights the value viewers will gain by watching.
3. Keep It Short and Snappy
   Long, cluttered titles can overwhelm viewers. Aim to keep your titles concise—ideally under 60 characters—while still being descriptive enough to attract attention.
4. Use Numbers and Power Words
   Lists, such as “Top 10” or “5 Reasons,” tend to perform well because they offer clear structure. Similarly, power words like “amasing,” “essential,” “proven,” or “ultimate” can make your title more engaging.

How to Design Thumbnails That Stand Out

1. Keep It Simple and Bold
   Your thumbnail should grab attention at a glance. Avoid overcrowding it with too much text or too many visuals. Instead, use bold colors, clear imagery, and large, readable fonts.
2. Show Emotion or Action
   Human faces, particularly ones displaying strong emotions, are highly effective in thumbnails. Alternatively, action shots can convey excitement or urgency, drawing viewers in.
3. Maintain Consistent Branding
   Use a consistent style for your thumbnails to make your videos instantly recognisable. This could include a specific color palette, font, or logo placement.
4. Test and Iterate
   Don’t hesitate to experiment with different thumbnail designs to see which ones perform best. Use YouTube Analytics to track CTR and adjust your approach based on the results.

Best Practices for Titles and Thumbnails

• Work Together: Your title and thumbnail should complement each other to create a cohesive, compelling story. For example, a title like “How I Lost 20 Pounds in 30 Days” could be paired with a thumbnail showing a dramatic before-and-after transformation.
• Avoid Clickbait: Misleading titles and thumbnails may get clicks, but they’ll harm your channel in the long run if viewers feel tricked and stop watching your content. Always deliver on the promises you make.
• A/B Test: If you’re unsure which thumbnail or title will work best, try testing different versions using YouTube’s A/B testing tools.

Also, be sure to use title formats! We have an in-depth guide on how to write killer YouTube titles, as well as 14 title formats to help you get started.

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Hook Viewers Early and Keep Them Engaged

One of the most important metrics for YouTube growth is audience retention—the percentage of your video that viewers watch. The longer viewers stay engaged, the more likely the YouTube algorithm is to promote your content to others. But here’s the catch, you only have a few seconds to hook your audience before they decide whether to keep watching or click away.

Why Audience Retention Matters for YouTube Growth

Retention is a major ranking factor in YouTube’s algorithm. When your videos hold viewers’ attention, YouTube understands this as a sign that your content is valuable and worth recommending to others. High audience retention not only boosts your chances of appearing in search results and homepages, but also helps your videos show up in suggested videos and on the YouTube homepage.

Additionally, strong retention means viewers are consuming more of your content, which increases the likelihood they’ll engage with your call-to-action (like subscribing, liking, or commenting).

How to Hook Viewers in the First 30 Seconds

The first 30 seconds of your video are crucial. Here’s how to make the most of them:

1. Start With a Strong Hook
   Grab your audience’s attention right away by addressing their needs or sparking curiosity. For example:
   1. Pose a compelling question: “Ever wondered why your videos aren’t getting views?”
   2. Tease the value: “In this video, I’m going to show you the three easiest ways to double your subscribers.”
   3. Use an exciting statement: “This one strategy changed everything for my channel!”
2. Avoid Long Intros
   Skip lengthy branding intros or generic greetings. Instead, dive straight into the value you’re offering. While it’s fine to include a quick logo animation, keep it under 5 seconds to avoid losing viewers early on.
3. Show, Don’t Just Tell
   Instead of just talking about what you’re going to cover, show it. For example, if your video is about cooking a recipe, start with a quick shot of the finished dish to excite viewers before diving into the step-by-step process.

Strategies to Keep Viewers Engaged Throughout Your Video

1. Use Clear Structure and Pacing
   A well-structured video helps viewers follow along and stay engaged. Break your content into sections and be sure to use transitions or on-screen text to guide viewers through the key points. Avoid rambling or spending too much time on one topic.
2. Add Visual Variety
   Static visuals can cause viewers to lose interest. Keep things dynamic by incorporating:
   1. Camera angle changes
   2. B-roll footage
   3. On-screen graphics or text highlights
   4. Animations or charts (if relevant to your topic)
3. Keep Up the Energy
   Your tone and delivery matter. Speak with enthusiasm and maintain a conversational pace. Pauses or monotone delivery can cause viewers to tune out, leading to them eventually clicking off
4. Re-Engage With Open Loops
   An “open loop” is when you tease something to be revealed later in the video. For example, “Stick around until the end, because I’ll share the biggest mistake most creators make”. This creates curiosity and gives viewers a reason to stay until the end.
5. Summarise and Reinforce Key Points
   Throughout your video, summarise what you’ve covered so far and highlight how it ties back to your viewers’ needs. This reinforces the value of your content and keeps viewers engaged.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overloading With Information: Too much detail can overwhelm viewers and lead to drop-offs. Focus on one main topic per video.
• Ignoring Viewer Feedback: Pay attention to where viewers are dropping off in YouTube Analytics, and adjust your pacing or content accordingly.
• Leaving Dead Air: Long pauses or irrelevant tangents can cause viewers to lose interest. Keep your content focused and engaging.

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90-Minute Work Sessions

Creating and growing a successful YouTube channel requires more than creativity, it demands focus, consistency, and a structured workflow. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by working in

90-minute focused sessions, a strategy that aligns with our natural attention cycles and helps creators get more done in less time.

Why 90-Minute Work Sessions Work

The concept of a 90-minute work session is rooted in the ultradian rhythm, a natural cycle in our body that regulates energy and focus. Research shows that our brains can sustain deep focus for about 90 minutes before needing a break. By working within these natural cycles, you can maximise productivity without feeling drained or burnt out.

For YouTube creators, this approach is particularly valuable. From brainstorming ideas and filming videos to editing and promoting content, YouTube demands a variety of skills that require intense focus. Structuring your workflow into focused 90-minute blocks allows you to tackle tasks efficiently while maintaining your creative energy.

How to Use 90-Minute Work Sessions for YouTube Success

1. Plan Your Tasks Ahead of Time
   Start each session with a clear goal. Whether it’s scripting a video, filming B-roll, or editing a specific section, having a single focus for the session eliminates decision fatigue and helps you dive straight into the task. Use a to-do list or productivity app to plan your sessions in advance.
2. Minimise Distractions
   To get the most out of your 90-minute session, remove any distractions. Turn off notifications, close unrelated tabs, and let those around you know that you’re in focus mode. Tools like website blockers (e.g., Focus@Will or Freedom) can help you stay on track.
3. Accept a Warm-Up Period
   Don’t expect to jump into a state of flow immediately. The first 5–10 minutes of your session might feel like a warm-up, as your brain adjusts to the task. This is completely normal—be patient, and you’ll find your rhythm.
4. Use Timers
   Set a timer for 90 minutes to keep yourself accountable. Knowing there’s a defined endpoint can motivate you to stay focused, and it helps prevent overworking, which can lead to burnout. Popular timer apps like Pomodoro or Forest can also enhance your focus by tracking your sessions.
5. Take a Deliberate Break Afterward
   After each session, take a break of at least 10–15 minutes. Step away from your workspace, stretch, grab a snack, or do something relaxing. This deliberate downtime helps recharge your energy and prepares you for the next session.

Example Schedule for YouTube Creators

Here’s how you might structure your day with 90-minute sessions:

1. Session 1: Brainstorm and script video ideas.
2. Break: 15-minute walk or coffee break.
3. Session 2: Record video footage or B-roll.
4. Lunch Break: 30–60 minutes to relax and recharge.
5. Session 3: Edit the video, focusing on the timeline and key transitions.

This approach allows you to tackle the most demanding tasks during your peak focus times while leaving room for creativity and rest.

Tips for Maximising 90-Minute Work Sessions

• Batch Similar Tasks Together: Group similar activities, like editing multiple videos or brainstorming titles, into a single session to build momentum and save time.
• Track Your Energy Levels: Schedule high-focus tasks during times of day when you feel most alert (e.g., morning for many people). Save less demanding tasks, like checking analytics or responding to comments, for low-energy periods.
• Stay Flexible: While 90 minutes is an ideal focus length for many, adjust the timing if needed. Some people may thrive with 60-minute or 120-minute sessions instead.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping Breaks: Skipping your break after a session can lead to fatigue and reduced productivity in the long run. Use your break time to recharge fully.
• Overloading Tasks: Trying to cram too many tasks into one session can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Focus on one main task per block for best results.
• Ignoring Distractions: Even small interruptions can derail a focused session. Take proactive steps to minimise distractions before starting.

If you're looking to grow your business on YouTube, we have a blog where we've studied 100+ business creators and compiled their strategies all in one place for you.