How to Get More YouTube Views

# How to Get More YouTube Views in 2026 Getting views on YouTube is about two things: getting people to click (CTR) and getting them to watch (Audience Retention). ## 1. Master Your Click-Through Rate (CTR) Your title and thumbnail are an advertisement for your video. - **Compelling Thumbnails:** Use bright colors, clear faces with emotion, and minimal text. The thumbnail should create curiosity. - **Intriguing Titles:** Your title should work with the thumbnail to pose a question or promise a solution. Use keywords but prioritize curiosity. ## 2. Maximize Audience Retention - **The First 30 Seconds:** Hook your viewer immediately. Tell them what the video is about and why they should stick around. - **Pattern Interrupts:** Change camera angles, use B-roll footage, add text overlays, or use sound effects every 15-20 seconds to keep the viewer engaged. - **Storytelling:** Structure your video with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Even "how-to" videos can have a story arc. ## 3. Leverage YouTube's Features for Discovery - **Playlists:** Group similar videos into playlists. When one video ends, the next one in the playlist automatically starts, increasing your total watch time. - **End Screens & Cards:** Use end screens to promote another video or a playlist. Use cards to link to relevant content mid-video. - **YouTube SEO:** Use tools like TubeBuddy to research keywords and optimize your titles, descriptions, and tags to rank in YouTube search.