How To Get Millions Of Views On YouTube

Getting 1 million views on a video is a great milestone for any creator on social media like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, especially YouTube. So let's explore how you can get a million views on a video yourself by analysing this video from the How Ridiculous channel - which has amassed over 150 million views - and ultimately increase revenue from Google AdSense ads.!

Here is the cheat code with information on how anyone can use to get millions of views on YouTube!

1) The Power of a Winning Thumbnail

Why This Matters

The thumbnail is the first impression viewers get of a video, so of course it plays a crucial role in whether someone clicks or just scrolls past. The thumbnail for this How Ridiculous channel video was a perfect example of visual design, incorporating several strategies to grab attention and spark curiosity.

One of the most effective elements of this thumbnail is its use of contrast and bold colors. The background and key objects stand out clearly, ensuring the subject of the video is instantly recognizable. This is crucial in a crowded feed where viewers are bombarded with options—strong contrast makes the image pop and prevents it from blending into the background.

Additionally, the composition and framing direct focus toward the most exciting part of the video. Whether it’s a large-scale stunt, an epic reaction, or a moment of suspense, the placement of elements in the thumbnail guides the viewer’s eye exactly where it needs to go. This kind of intentional layout creates instant intrigue and makes viewers want to see what happens next.

Finally, the emotional appeal of the thumbnail is key. Exaggerated facial expressions or mid-action shots add a sense of excitement and urgency, making it feel like the video is too interesting to ignore. Pairing this with a strong title that complements the visual storytelling further increases the chances of grabbing a viewer’s attention and converting an impression into a click.

A) Trust and Believability

A key factor in a successful thumbnail is ensuring that it delivers on the promises made by the video title. When they click on a video, they expect the content to align with what the thumbnail promises to the viewer. This helps to build trust and strengthens the creator-viewer relationship and building a community. The How Ridiculous channel excels at this by designing thumbnails that clearly depict the core elements of the video: balloons, a bow, and a person in action. This visual clarity reassures viewers that they will get exactly what they came for, setting the right expectations before the video even starts. The stronger this connection between thumbnail and content, the higher the audience retention, as viewers feel satisfied rather than disappointed.

Beyond just being visually accurate, the thumbnail’s authenticity plays a critical role in trust-building. In an era where clickbait thumbnails are everywhere—often leading to disappointment—maintaining consistency between the packaging and the actual content is essential for long-term audience retention. When a channel consistently delivers on its promises, it reinforces credibility and encourages repeat viewership. Over time, this helps creators establish a reputation where their audience knows they can trust the content, making them more likely to return for future videos.

Moreover, the thumbnail’s ability to tell a story in a single frame is another reason it resonates so strongly with viewers. It doesn’t just showcase key elements of the video—it sets up a compelling question in the viewer’s mind. What happens when the bow is shot? How many balloons will pop? Will there be an unexpected twist? By sparking curiosity and offering a glimpse into the action, How Ridiculous taps into the natural human desire to seek answers, making it nearly impossible to resist clicking.

This storytelling approach is further reinforced by the use of dynamic composition and perspective. The thumbnail is framed in a way that creates a sense of movement and anticipation—whether it’s the positioning of the bow, the tension in the moment, or the angle that emphasizes the scale of the stunt. This creates an emotional response before the video even begins, increasing the likelihood that viewers will not only click but also stay engaged throughout the video to see the conclusion.

Additionally, the color contrast and saturation play a subtle yet crucial role in grabbing attention. A well-designed thumbnail ensures that the main subject stands out against the background, guiding the viewer’s eyes exactly where they need to go. Bright, high-contrast colors help separate elements in the frame, making the thumbnail pop in YouTube’s crowded landscape. How Ridiculous effectively uses bold color choices that reinforce the excitement of their stunts, making their videos instantly recognizable in a sea of content.

Finally, the power of branding in thumbnails cannot be overlooked. How Ridiculous has established a consistent thumbnail style that makes their videos instantly recognizable to returning viewers. Whether it's the framing, the use of bold expressions, or the positioning of objects, the familiarity of their branding helps build long-term audience loyalty. When viewers see a new thumbnail from the channel, they already know what kind of engaging experience to expect, which reduces hesitation and increases click-through rates.

B) Simplicity

Thumbnails should avoid visual clutter to communicate their message effectively, reducing the amount of steps a viewer needs to take before deciding to click. A minimalistic design reduces cognitive load and allows viewers to instantly grasp the premise of the video. How Ridiculous achieves this by focusing on just three elements in their thumbnail: a bow, a person, and balloons. This simplicity ensures that them can process the image quickly and make a snap decision to click, helping the algorithm to understand the audience for your video.

For creators, the lesson here is clear: less is more. A cluttered thumbnail might confuse them or blur the core message of the video. By emphasizing only the most critical elements, you can ensure that your video’s premise is immediately understood.

Beyond clarity, simplicity in thumbnails also helps create a distinct visual identity for your brand. When audiences repeatedly see clean, thoughtfully designed thumbnails, they begin associating that style with your content. The How Ridiculous channel consistently uses this approach to reinforce their brand image, making their videos instantly recognizable even among a sea of competitors. This familiarity not only boosts clicks but also fosters loyalty among them who know what to expect from the creators on YouTube.

Additionally, a minimalist thumbnail strategy enhances scalability. When a creator develops a repeatable, recognizable design, it becomes easier to maintain consistency across multiple videos. This means less time spent tweaking complex thumbnails and more time focusing on producing great content. How Ridiculous’ approach proves that a thumbnail doesn’t need excessive elements to be effective—it just needs the right ones.

Another advantage of keeping thumbnails visually clean is that they remain effective across different devices. Since many users watch YouTube on mobile phones, where thumbnails appear much smaller, a cluttered design may lose impact when scaled down. By sticking to bold, clear visuals, creators can ensure that their thumbnails remain just as compelling on a smartphone screen as they are on a desktop.

Finally, simplicity also plays a role in algorithmic favorability. When a thumbnail clearly aligns with a video’s content, viewers are more likely to stay engaged rather than click away, which improves watch time and retention metrics. YouTube prioritizes videos that keep viewers watching, so a well-designed, clutter-free thumbnail isn’t just about aesthetics—it can directly influence how well a video performs in search results and recommendations.

C) Size for Emphasis

Using familiar objects as a size reference can dramatically enhance a thumbnail’s impact. This technique emphasizes the scale of the main subject and creates intrigue. In this video’s thumbnail, the person positioned near the giant balloon showcases just how massive it is. This visual exaggeration draws viewers in and promises something extraordinary. By leveraging size as a storytelling device, How Ridiculous creates a sense of wonder that appeals to our natural curiosity. The "bigger is better" mentality often resonates with audiences, making size a powerful tool for increasing clicks on YouTube.

Additionally, this use of scale serves to break the monotony of everyday visual experiences. When something familiar, like a balloon, is presented at an extreme size, it feels novel and exciting, encouraging them to engage. It’s not just about size for the sake of it—it’s about presenting the familiar in an unfamiliar way. This contrast sparks curiosity and positions the video as a must-watch for anyone intrigued by the extraordinary. The sheer scale of such an object alters its ordinary perception, inviting viewers to imagine what it would be like to experience this spectacle in person.

Moreover, the impact of using size as a focal point extends beyond just drawing viewers in—it also plays a role in creating a deeper connection with the audience. People are often drawn to visuals that make them feel a sense of wonder, and this technique evokes that feeling right away. The sudden shift in perspective that comes from seeing something so familiar in a grand form allows the audience to feel like they're part of something larger than life, even if just for a brief moment. The promise of something unusual triggers an emotional response, further increasing the chances of a click.

This technique also serves a functional purpose in standing out against the competition. With countless videos vying for attention on platforms like YouTube, any visual cue that makes a thumbnail pop is essential. By using a familiar object like a balloon at an exaggerated size, How Ridiculous ensures that their video catches the eye in a sea of thumbnails. The image stands out because it goes against the expected, and viewers are more likely to click on something that feels out of the ordinary. It’s a clever strategy to increase visibility and, ultimately, video views.

D) Colour Contrast

Colour contrast plays a pivotal role in making thumbnails stand out in crowded feeds. Bright, vibrant colours against darker backgrounds naturally attract attention. The How Ridiculous thumbnail uses this technique masterfully by making the balloons pop with vibrant colours, while the dark background ensures the key elements are the primary focus. This contrast effectively guides the viewer’s eyes to the most important parts of the thumbnail. The bold colours help differentiate the thumbnail from the sea of more muted, less visually stimulating images, ensuring it commands attention at a glance.

Additionally, the colour palette is not only visually appealing but also strategically chosen to evoke excitement and fun. Bright colours like red, yellow, and blue are associated with energy and positivity, making the thumbnail even more inviting. These colours also help create an emotional connection with the viewer, as they tend to elicit feelings of joy and anticipation. The specific choice of colours reinforces the playful, larger-than-life tone that the video is trying to convey, and this makes it even more likely that viewers will click, curious to see how these energetic visuals translate into the video itself.

The use of contrast and colour palettes together creates a dynamic visual experience that increases the likelihood of engagement. Thumbnails that employ these techniques are more likely to stand out in a viewer’s feed, sparking curiosity and drawing them in to learn more. The careful balance between vibrant and dark elements ensures the thumbnail not only captures attention but holds it. It also helps to convey the video's tone immediately, setting the stage for an entertaining, high-energy experience. By combining strategic colour use with effective contrast, the thumbnail doesn't just grab attention—it builds anticipation, ensuring that viewers feel a sense of excitement before they even click.

Moreover, using colour contrast not only boosts the visual appeal but also aids in guiding the viewer's focus. Thumbnails that utilize complementary colours or striking contrasts can direct attention to the key subject or action of the video. In the case of How Ridiculous, the bright balloons draw focus, leading the viewer’s gaze naturally toward the central action of the thumbnail. This not only highlights the subject but helps simplify the thumbnail’s overall message, making it easier for viewers to quickly understand what the video is about and what makes it unique.

Finally, colour contrast can also enhance the legibility of text or other visual elements within a thumbnail. By pairing bright, bold colours with darker backgrounds, the text remains crisp and easy to read, even at smaller sizes. This ensures that any text added to the thumbnail, such as a catchy title or a call to action, doesn’t get lost or become unreadable. In a crowded and competitive feed, clarity and legibility are essential, and using the right contrast ensures that both the visual elements and the message behind them are effectively communicated.

E) Mid-Action to Spark Curiosity

Mid-action shots are particularly effective in thumbnails because they create a sense of anticipation. By capturing a moment in progress, they make viewers wonder about the outcome. In this thumbnail, a person is shown about to shoot an arrow, inviting viewers to click and see what happens next. This snapshot of action teases the story and heightens curiosity. The energy and motion implied in the shot suggest that something exciting is about to happen, which entices viewers to click and see the result.

This tactic works because it taps into the human desire for closure. When we see an incomplete action, we naturally want to know what happens next, making it hard to resist clicking on the video, which will lead to them watching. The brain is wired to seek out answers, and mid-action shots trigger that instinct. We become mentally invested in resolving the cliffhanger presented in the thumbnail, compelling us to find out the outcome. This sense of curiosity and the desire for completion are key drivers in boosting engagement and clicks.

In addition, mid-action shots often convey energy and excitement, making them more dynamic and eye-catching. They give the viewer a glimpse of the action, offering just enough to spark interest without revealing too much. This sense of mystery encourages them to click on the video, eager to see how the moment unfolds on YouTube. The dramatic pause created in a mid-action shot amplifies the impact, leaving the viewer wanting more, which increases the likelihood of them watching the full video.

Moreover, mid-action shots also help to highlight key moments that showcase the content’s energy and thrill. For videos that focus on challenges, experiments, or high-stakes moments, showing a person in the middle of performing an action, such as aiming an arrow, reinforces the idea that the video will be fast-paced and full of action. This helps set the tone and primes the viewer for what they can expect, enhancing the overall appeal of the thumbnail. By capturing the action right before a significant moment occurs, these shots become a compelling hook, making it more likely that viewers will click to satisfy their curiosity.

2) A Title That Complements the Thumbnail

Why This Matters

While the thumbnail grabs attention, the title works to seal the deal by providing context and further enticing viewers, as well as helping with SEO by using a specific keyword. The title of this How Ridiculous video complements the thumbnail perfectly, contributing to its viral success. This is why it's important to link the title and thumbnail.

A strong title does two things: it creates curiosity and provides clarity. If a thumbnail raises a question in the viewer’s mind, the title should hint at the answer—without giving too much away. This balance between intrigue and clarity is key to increasing click-through rate (CTR). For example, using power words, numbers, or phrasing that suggests an unexpected outcome or extreme result can enhance the title’s effectiveness.

Additionally, linking the title and thumbnail ensures a cohesive message. If there’s a disconnect between the two, viewers may feel misled, leading to a drop in engagement and audience trust. The best-performing videos align these elements seamlessly, making it clear why the video is worth watching at a glance. When done right, the title and thumbnail act as a powerful one-two punch, maximizing clicks and pushing the video further in YouTube’s algorithm.

A) Short and Simple

An effective title is concise and easy to understand, ensuring viewers immediately grasp the video’s premise. The How Ridiculous title achieves this by getting straight to the point, minimizing confusion, and increasing the likelihood of clicks. Clear communication is crucial, especially when competing with other videos for attention. The simpler and more direct a title is, the more it stands out in a crowded space, helping the video make an immediate impact. By focusing on clarity, the title sets clear expectations, preventing potential viewers from feeling uncertain about what they will be watching.

Avoiding overly complicated or vague wording lets the title maximise its click potential on YouTube. The use of strong, active verbs instantly engages the viewer, prompting them to imagine the action happening in real-time. Simple phrasing not only grabs attention quickly but also ensures the title is easily shareable, further boosting its reach. The more direct and enticing the title, the more likely it is that viewers will feel compelled to click right away.

Additionally, a well-crafted title creates curiosity and excitement while remaining true to the content. When they can quickly understand what the video is about, they are more likely to click, as they feel confident they know what they are about to watch. This balance of simplicity and intrigue ensures the title draws in viewers without misleading them. Viewers appreciate when the title aligns perfectly with the content, as this builds trust and creates a sense of reliability for future videos. By sparking curiosity without over-promising, the title guarantees that the video delivers on the expectations it sets, leading to satisfied viewers who are more likely to engage with future content.

Moreover, an effective title is an essential part of the video’s brand identity. For creators like How Ridiculous, consistency in title style can help establish a recognizable pattern that audiences come to expect. By keeping titles clear, catchy, and aligned with the type of content viewers enjoy, they create a reliable framework for success. Over time, this approach strengthens the creator’s reputation and builds a loyal following, making future videos even more likely to be clicked on as their brand grows.

3) The Power of a Great Video Idea

Why This Matters

Even with an outstanding thumbnail and title, the core idea of the video must resonate with them to ensure success. A well-designed thumbnail might grab attention, and a compelling title might secure the click, but without a strong concept, viewers won’t stay engaged. This How Ridiculous video exemplifies how a well-thought-out idea can capture an audience’s attention and sustain engagement from start to finish. The video’s core concept, whether it’s pushing the limits of size or performing a wild experiment, draws viewers in and keeps them watching, making the experience worthwhile.

A great video concept taps into elements that naturally hook an audience, such as curiosity, excitement, surprise, or relatability. It often revolves around a clear and intriguing premise—something that instantly makes viewers think, “I have to see how this plays out.” Whether it’s an extreme challenge, a record-breaking stunt, or an experiment with unpredictable results, a compelling idea ensures that once viewers click, they stay invested. The key is in presenting something unexpected or unfamiliar, allowing viewers to feel the excitement unfold as the video progresses, keeping them on the edge of their seats.

Additionally, the best-performing videos build upon a simple yet effective idea and maximize its entertainment value through strong storytelling, pacing, and execution. If the concept is weak or doesn’t deliver on the promise of the title and thumbnail, viewers will click away—signaling to the YouTube algorithm that the content isn’t engaging enough to be widely promoted. This is why having a high-retention idea matters just as much as the packaging. A video can have an amazing thumbnail and title, but if the content doesn’t live up to expectations or fails to keep the viewer engaged, it won’t perform well. This is why creators must put equal thought into the idea as they do into the presentation—ensuring the concept resonates with the audience and delivers an enjoyable experience that keeps them hooked until the very end.

Moreover, building upon a strong concept requires understanding what keeps the audience’s attention over time. This might mean incorporating elements that maintain a sense of progression or escalate the stakes, drawing viewers deeper into the narrative. With the right balance of creativity and execution, a simple idea can be transformed into a thrilling or emotionally engaging experience, ensuring that viewers not only stay engaged but are also more likely to share and return for future content.

A) Combining Ideas

Sometimes, the best video ideas come from merging two successful concepts. This approach allows creators to craft something familiar yet innovative. In this video, How Ridiculous combines the "giant" theme with the playful act of popping balloons in creative ways. By fusing these elements, they produce a fresh and exciting concept that appeals to a broad audience.

This strategy demonstrates that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to create engaging content. Instead, look at what has worked before and find ways to put your unique spin on it. The combination of proven ideas can lead to a video that feels both original and familiar.

Additionally, blending familiar themes in new ways often results in content that resonates with viewers on a deeper level. It takes advantage of the audience’s existing interests while offering a twist that keeps them engaged. This approach shows that innovation doesn’t always require starting from scratch; it’s about finding the right balance between the old and the new.

B) Data-Backed Creativity

Understanding what resonates with viewers is essential for creating viral content. The keyword theme of "giant" has consistently performed well across YouTube, making it a reliable choice. By analyzing the success of similar videos, How Ridiculous ensures they’re working with a proven formula while adding their unique twist.

Creators can use tools like YouTube analytics, trending pages, or third-party platforms to identify popular themes and formats to grow their YouTube channel. Grounding creativity in data means you can increase the chances of your content striking a chord with them, so make sure to actively search for ideas that have been proven to go viral.

Moreover, staying in tune with trends allows creators to anticipate what will capture attention, helping them stay ahead of the curve. Combining data-driven insights with creativity lets content creators can better position themselves to make videos that not only stand out but also connect with a wider audience. This approach maximisses both relevance and impact.

Beyond leveraging current trends, creators can also experiment with emerging patterns that haven’t yet hit the mainstream. Staying ahead of the curve with fresh ideas and innovative takes can give a content creator an edge in a competitive environment. For instance, by identifying a niche trend before it explodes in popularity, creators can position themselves as trendsetters, building a loyal audience that looks to them for the next big thing. This proactive approach can be incredibly rewarding as it creates a sense of anticipation and excitement among viewers, knowing they can expect the unexpected.

At the same time, it’s important to strike a balance between trend-following and staying true to a channel's core identity. While jumping on viral trends can increase views and engagement in the short term, relying too heavily on them may alienate viewers who are drawn to a creator’s unique voice. A successful approach blends data-driven insights with personal creativity, allowing creators to craft videos that feel fresh while still aligning with their established brand. This strategy ensures that content not only goes viral but also remains consistent with the channel's overall direction, maintaining a lasting connection with the audience.

Finally, the process of continuously analyzing trends and incorporating data into content creation fosters long-term growth. By actively listening to their audience and adapting to their preferences, creators can build a more engaged community. This relationship-driven approach is critical for sustained success, as viewers feel valued and more connected to content they’ve had a hand in shaping. Ultimately, creators who remain adaptable and responsive to both trends and audience feedback will be better equipped to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of YouTube content.

4) Retention Strategies to Keep Viewers Watching On YouTube

Why This Matters

Capturing clicks is just the beginning. To increase views on YouTube, a video must keep viewers engaged from start to finish—not just entice them to click. High retention rates signal to YouTube’s algorithm that the content is valuable, leading to more recommendations and organic reach. (And no, simply promoting it through an ad won’t work—you need real, engaged viewers.)

How Ridiculous employs several retention strategies that make their content irresistible. One key tactic is pacing—they structure their videos with quick, engaging cuts to maintain energy and avoid dull moments. This ensures that there are no dead spots where viewers might get bored and leave.

Another strategy is the use of suspense and payoff. By setting up an exciting challenge or question early in the video, they create a reason for viewers to stay until the end. Whether it’s an insane trick shot, an unexpected result, or a dramatic reveal, this technique taps into audience curiosity and keeps retention high.

Finally, personality and humor play a huge role. Viewers don’t just come for the stunts—they stay for the engaging dynamic between the hosts. How Ridiculous understands that entertainment value is just as important as the concept itself, making each video feel fun, engaging, and binge-worthy.

By combining great storytelling, high-energy pacing, and audience psychology, they ensure that their videos don’t just attract clicks—they hold attention, drive engagement, and ultimately lead to more views and long-term channel growth.

A) Confirming the Click

Within the first 10 seconds, How Ridiculous reassures viewers that they’ve clicked on the right video. This is done by immediately showing the balloons, bow, and arrow, confirming that the video delivers on its promise. This quick validation strengthens viewer trust and reduces the likelihood of early drop-offs.

Addressing viewer expectations upfront lets creators establish a strong connection with their audience. This approach minimises the risk of disappointment and ensures they feel their time is well-spent. Building the trust will help increase the chances that viewers also subscribe.

Furthermore, this strategy helps retain viewers who might otherwise click away if they don’t quickly see what they were promised. Confirming the video's premise early means How Ridiculous keeps the audience engaged and builds anticipation for the rest of the content. This attention to the initial moments sets the tone for a more successful and engaging video experience.

B) Building Suspense and Multiple Payoffs

Suspense is a powerful tool for keeping viewers hooked. By gradually revealing key moments and creating anticipation, How Ridiculous ensures sustained engagement. In this video, suspense builds as random weapons are selected, and each selection leads to a satisfying payoff. Viewers are incentivized to watch through to see how each weapon performs and which is most effective.

The use of multiple payoffs keeps the momentum going. Each segment offers a mini-resolution that satisfies them while keeping them invested in the overall narrative.

Moreover, the pacing of suspenseful moments ensures that they remain on the edge of their seats, eager to see what happens next. Strategically building tension and offering rewards at the right moments lets How Ridiculous keep the audience engaged, making it harder for them to look away. This technique turns each new reveal into an exciting, must-watch moment.

C) Adding Competition

Introducing an element of competition adds excitement and stakes to the video. In this case, the contestants compete to pop the most balloons, creating a clear goal for viewers to follow. This narrative structure keeps the audience invested and eager to find out who wins.

Competitions also introduce an emotional element, as they may root for their favourite contestant. This emotional investment enhances engagement and makes the video more memorable.

Additionally, the tension created by competition motivates viewers to stay engaged throughout the video, as they become more interested in the outcome. The desire to see who comes out on top encourages them to watch until the end, making the content more likely to retain its audience. This sense of rivalry adds another layer of excitement and fun to the video.

D) Incorporating Twists

While consistency is important, too much repetition can lead to viewer fatigue. Twists and unexpected moments break the monotony and keep things fresh. How Ridiculous adds variety by showcasing different weapons and creative techniques, ensuring the video remains dynamic and engaging.

Twists can also include humorous mishaps or surprising outcomes, which add an element of unpredictability. This unpredictability keeps viewers on their toes and eager to see what happens next.

Furthermore, these unexpected moments can create shareable content, as they are more likely to share surprising or funny scenes with others. The element of surprise not only enhances viewer enjoyment but also increases the chances of the video being circulated and discussed, helping it reach a wider audience. This keeps the video exciting from start to finish, which helps to turn them into subscribers and followers by building a connection.

E) Reducing Staleness

Pacing plays a significant role in retaining viewers. By limiting each segment to around 60 seconds, How Ridiculous avoids lingering too long on any one part of the video. This brisk pacing maintains viewer interest and prevents content from feeling stagnant.

Rapid transitions and fresh visuals ensure that the video maintains a dynamic rhythm. For creators, this highlights the importance of editing and pacing in crafting a compelling narrative.

Moreover, efficient pacing keeps the energy high throughout the video, preventing moments of boredom or disinterest. Carefully balancing the length of each scene lets How Ridiculous keep the audience engaged, ensuring there are no slow points that could lead to them clicking away. This approach emphasizes how pacing can be just as crucial as the content itself in retaining an audience’s attention.

The How Ridiculous channel video that garnered 150 million views is a textbook example of viral success. By combining a captivating thumbnail and title with a strong concept and effective retention strategies, they created a video that resonated with millions. Whether you’re a content creator looking to grow your channel or just curious about the mechanics of viral videos, there’s plenty to learn from their approach. With these insights, you can start crafting your own standout content and take your channel to the next level. This will help to increase your subscribers too!

Now that you know how to get millions of views, it's time to show you how you can monetise your views.