How to Get More Views on YouTube

Get more views on your YouTube videos by following these simple tips.

Step 1: Video SEO

Most people discover new YouTube videos through search or related videos (those are the videos on the right-hand side).

If you want more of those viewers, Video SEO is how to get em. Start with some keyword research, craft your video's title, description, and tags. AND make sure you upload a transcript or caption file for your video.

Step 2: Platform Optimization

Taking advantage of all YouTube's features is another way to attract and keep more viewers.

Everything from structuring your channel, organizing your content with playlists, linking to other videos with annotations, and creating more engaging thumbnails can have a major impact on your view count.

Step 3: Community Outreach

Collaborating with other YouTubers is one of the fastest ways to grow your audience and your YouTube view count.

Interact with your audience in the comments section and they'll be more likely to subscribe if you do, and the increased engagement will help you attract more viewers.

You can even reach out to communities outside of YouTube like websites or blogs. If your videos fit their audience, they may embed them and you know what that means…more views.

Step 4: Social Media

Another way people discover new videos is through sharing, and social networks are where people share things.

The top 3 networks are generally Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ and each platform has their own best practices and idiosyncrasies.

If offer your audience something they're not already getting on your YouTube channel you can drive them to your channel and drive more viewership.

Step 5: Bookmarking Sites

Bookmarking sites are another great place to attract new viewers depending on what your videos are about. Spend some time on sites like Pinterest, StumbleUpon, Reddit, and WonderHowTo.

Focus on adding value to the community. If you do that you may reach a whole new audience you didn't have before.

Step 6: Content Optimization

Making tweaks to your content as you create new videos can be another way to generate more views down the road. Create a content strategy and calendar to keep your audience coming back and make changes to your content's format or pacing to keep viewers watching.

Videos with higher watch time rank higher in search results which means more YouTube views.

Step 7: YouTube Advertising

YouTube has a whole video promotion engine built right in thanks to Google adwords and it's called YouTube TrueView. That means you can pay to promote your video on other videos and channels or even specific search terms.

Remember, YouTube is the second largest search engine. The best part is you get killer reporting back and you control your budget so you don't need a large advertising budget.

Step 8: Social Media Ads

Also, many social networks offer ways to promote your post or status update. Simply include your video as part of your post and you can drive more viewers to your video.