In 2023, standing out takes creativity. With over 2 billion monthly logged-in users, YouTube is saturated. For your videos to thrive and reel in dedicated subscribers, they require innovation.
I dissected current video trends, dug into Youtube metrics and interviewed top creators to compile cutting-edge video formulas for subscriber and view growth now.
Here are 23 viral-worthy ideas to make viewers hit subscribe and drive your channel into the algorithm’s good graces.
Collaborations And Challenges Generate Views
Collaborations and challenges captivated audiences in 2022. They fuse entertainment, surprise and social media trends into creative formats with built-in traction.
This is evidenced by MrBeast. He gained 112 million YouTube subscribers largely through outlandish challenges and collaborations. His June 2022 collab with Mark Rober hide-and-seek challenge drew 112 million views.
I project creative collaborations and challenges to remain equally popular given Gen Z’s appetite for reactive content.
Collab benefits include:
- Exposure to partner’s audience
- More personality-driven content
- Higher engagement when fans cheer rivals on
- Viral/meme potential depending on challenge
Challenges specifically incentivize viewership by dangling unknown outcomes. Audiences invest longer watch time to witness who conquers eating strange concoctions or speed-building battles.
YouTube divulged that videos with “challenge” drove 50 billion views in 2022 – a monumental 90% YoY increase. Challenge-centric channels expandedsubscribers 5 times quicker than YouTube’s average.
Capitalize on skyrocketing challenge demand with:
- Last-to-leave challenges
- Building battles
- Strange food challenges
- Halloween challenge specials
- Collab subscriber challenges
Mix formats by collaborating in challenges. Multi-creator challenges also display camaraderie between internet celebs which feeds subscriber interest.
Unboxings And Reviews Convert Viewers
Product unboxings and reviews hold strong as a top video format given their utility.
Unboxings reveal fresh devices and items viewers crave seeing first. This includes:
- New phone models
- High-end electronics
- Luxury or limited-edition fashion/sneakers
- Next-gen gaming consoles
- Licensed toys and collectibles
Reviews then evaluates if hyped items lives up to expectations. Your real-world testing seals purchase decisions.
YouTube search demand for “review” grew 13% year-over-year. “Unboxing “ searches grew roughly 6%.
Provide epic unboxing unveils and detailed reviews to become viewers #1 product resource. Million-dollar companies pay YouTubers directly to feature items given influence over purchases.
Unbox limited edition products day-of-release to capitalize on search spikes:
Source: Google Trends
Timing your unboxing videos with new product launches rewards your channel with traffic surges from search and suggested videos.
Short-Form Video Equals Maximum Impact
YouTube Shorts and TikTok introduced short-form video mania. These ≤60 second videos get straight to the point while suiting mobile lifestyles.
For comparison, YouTube Shorts received 30 billion daily views in 2022 – 4 times more than 2021. Ignoring short-form means leaving potential viewers on the table.
Repackage top-performing long YouTube videos into shorts highlighting must-see moments. This cross-platform strategy expands reach.
Nigel Ng condensed his 4-part long-form YouTube series into snippets resonating as shorts on TikTok and YouTube. This amplification tactic brought in an extra 3 million views.
Shorts allow broadcasting video challenges to the fullest:
Bite-sized challenges like trying TikTok life hacks makes an ideal short. Hook viewers then re-direct them to longer versions.
Give Fans The VIP Treatment With Behind-The-Scenes
Diehard viewers crave insider access to their favorite creators‘ worlds. Satisfy fan curiosity through behind-the-scenes videos revealing your:
- Creative process
- Brand partnerships
- Travel escapades
- Video conceptualization
The Try Guys run a thriving channel through comedy sketches and raw behind-the-scenes videos. Provide transparency into realities as a creator.
Their Fall of Jake Paul 7-video docuseries chronicling the Jake scandal as an ex-member attracted 39 million views – their highest viewership ever.
Humanize yourself so subscribers feel close enough to smash the join button.
Reaction Videos React To The Moment
YouTube favorites reaction videos for keeping audiences plugged into current events be it trailers, weird products, news bombshells or documentary releases.
The challenge is reacting uniquely. Anyone can sit gobsmacked watching extraordinary moments. Deliver smart analysis appreciating nuances rather average “OMG” faces.
Actress Carrie Hope Fletcher slays musical reactions with Broadway expertise. Her Little Mermaid reaction scored 750k views thanks to oozing passion and songwriter perspectives beyond the typical fan.
Identify rising attention grabbers in your niche and publish reactions while topics stay hot to newsjack viewers.
Comment Reviews Boost Bonding
Comment reviews have creators responding to audience remarks for engagement. They forge community and let viewers feel heard.
Comedy vlogger Danny Gonzalez swears by them. His videos digesting fan feedback helped him accrue over 3 million loyal subscribers.
Reviews easily fill 10 minutes while enabling you to showcase personality. Utilize them to host discourse around debates sparked in prior videos. They generate automatic comments from new people hoping to also be featured.
Life Vlogs And Day In The Life Videos Foster Connections
Daily vlogs provide supporters a direct look into your world. Watching someone’s authentic routine builds a personal bridge unmatched in other formats.
Digital nomad Jetset James daily documents globetrotting as a startup founder through cinematic vlogs manifesting wanderlust. His consistent vulnerability cultivated 1.6 million subscriptions from viewers perpetually awaiting where he jets next.
Vlogs also drive anticipation for real-life meetups. Detail business developments or plans around conferences and events. Give viewers a digital seat at the table for the full journey.
Animation Breathes Life Into Stories
Vyond and tools like it revolutionized animated video by enabling smooth graphics without know-how. Everyone can concoct eye-catching animations on their channel.
Animated videos uniquely deliver:
- Stories
- Educational explainers
- Comedy
- Commentary
Dan Levy steers his 650k sub channel via animated storytimes with humor and bite-sized wisdom. He details ridiculous firings from past jobs more impactfully through visual gags and figurative elements impossible acted on camera.
Script tales then bring them to life through energetic animation. Inject animated graphics into other videos to punctuate key points as well.
Talk Show Videos Discuss Trending Topics
The talk show ambiance thrives on YouTube through creator interviews, hot takes and audience participation raising video polish.
Comedian Drew Gooden commandeers talk show style exceptionally running a 1 million sub series titled Creator Chats. He hosts 60 minute podcast-esque long chats getting the inside scoop from YouTube celebrities.
Weave trending memes, headlines or niche drama into talk show commentary to feast viewers seeking that angle. Request fans submit talk show topics via the community tab and votes on the most enticing conversation pieces.
Listicles – Like This Video!
Quick-hit list videosremain shareable thanks to their scannable essence. Rattle off interesting lists counting down favorites across categories like tech gadgets, extinct animals, best movie kisses – the options are endless.
What fuels their stickiness includes:
- Bite-sized format easily digestible
- Frequent transitions holding attention
- Curiosity to hear full list
Ranker ingeniously monetized listicles, boasting 11 million subscribers. Their 2022 countdown of the smartest creatures generated 13 million views.
If struggling for lists, explore audiences’ most asked questions and craft lists responding to those. Insert Easter egg references to your older videos so savvy fans feel rewarded catching them.
Fan Theories & Lore Videos Captivate Diehards
Long-running entertainment franchises spawn endless fan theories and unanswered questions. Is Jar Jar Binks truly a secret Sith Lord? Does the Elvis movie support legends he’s still alive?
Leaning into analysis and hypotheticals around movies, shows, games, music and characters bonds you tighter with engaged superfans who live for that discourse.
New Rockstars rules lore and analysis garnering 4 million subscribers from highly detailed breakdowns decoding everything Marvel and Star Wars. Their signature is matching knowledge depth with elite video production.
To dominate theory commentary in big niches, master details bordering on obsessive through repeated close watchings. Source obscure Easter eggs and production goofs as evidence. Then render slick graphics visualizing wild theories, timelines and symbolic meanings.
Reaction Commentary Responds To Trending Moments
Reacting to major news developments, celebrity drama and buzzy documentaries keeps your channel plugged into the wider conversation.
Courtroom analysis thrives here. Attorney Nina Shcubert provides legal play by plays around high-profile cases like Johnny Depp and Amber Heard gaining millions of views thanks to hunger for expert hot takes.
Detect trending stories early and share unfiltered reactions leaning into your niche strengths. Live stream breaking developments as they unfold for real-time authority.
Video Essays Provide Premium Value
Insightful video essays thriving on YouTube dissect complex issues, philosophy, politics and art. Meet viewers demand for intellectual media beyond fluff through extensively researched explainers.
While deeply scripted, video essays enchant audiences by audio-visually communicating multifaceted ideas accessibly via:
- Fact graphics
- B-roll sequences
- Thoughtful narration
- Examples
Wisecrack amazes 750k subscribers with essays like Does Art Have To Be Political? which earned 3⁄4 of a million views.
Before tackling weighty topics, thoroughly understand all perspectives and pre-plan supporting visuals/metaphors helping simplify concepts.
‘How To’ Videos Solve Problems
YouTube originally gained traction by providing how-to knowledge not found elsewhere. In 2023 instructional videos around sought out skills from cooking, software tricks, crafts and technical processes still pay dividends.
Guitar instructor Mahalo Myke built 465k subscribers strictly demonstrating guitar techniques for beginners. His congenial approach eases frustrations mastering complex finger positions.
Start by listing struggles your niche has then create tutorials solving those step-by-step. Promote easy wins like keyboard shortcuts over advanced lessons unless requested.
Remote Collaborations Expand Options
In-real-life collaborations continue successfully but remote partnerships minimize geographic hurdles.
Creators now assemble collaborative podcast episodes, gameplay videos, friendly competitions and crossover commentary or sketches over video chat.
Ludwig rocketed up YouTube charts after organizing gaming celebs xQc and MrBeast to co-guest on his podcast channel. Their banter and stories helped him snag ‘Breakout Creator‘ at 2022’s Streamy Awards.
Brainstorm creative ways to meld content with other creators virtually. Remix your formats by having guests dictate challenges or conversing through video games.
Live Tours And Events After Years Virtual
Following years of virtual-only concerts and events within video games due to COVID, creators are returning to in-person experiences in 2024 understanding their irreplaceable value.
Music artists like Harry Styles plan extravagant reality tours with production documented through cinematic concert films airing on streaming platforms.
Find ways granting fans VIP access to exclusive happenings as they occur. Hold pop up events or competitions promising winners future meet and greets.
‘90s Nostalgia Grabs Views
Millennials obsess over cultural staples from their childhood elicit nostalgic dopamine rushes.
Videos time machining back to old technology, snacks, toy unboxings and gaming rely on sentimental recall to draw viewers born in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
90’s Kid prospers off nostalgia with 5 million monthly views from countdowns of discontinued snacks. They also create tier lists grading memorable McDonald’s Happy Meal toys.
Steer into nostalgia by chronicling eras pre-internet revolution and generations X’s beloved touchstones. Reminisce on dweeby fashion trends or now extinct Blockbuster rituals for guaranteed smiles.
True Crime Keeps Viewers Transfixed
The internet’s addiction with true crime floods into YouTube. Satisfy this by creating mini documentaries around unsolved mysteries and murders where you examine gripping theories and clues yourself.
Shane Dawson pioneered YouTube true crime debuting his 2018 investigative series into cracks in the official narrative about the 2002 Oakland County Child Killer case. His dramatic theory reveal earned 41 million views.
Identify local unsettling cold cases in your area then dive in as an armchair detective connecting dots. Travel and film locations integral to the mystery for added intrigue.
DIY Videos Demonstrate Life Hacks
YouTube remains a top destination for actionable life hack tutorials.
Arm audiences with clever skills solving everyday problems through short demonstrative videos around:
- Organizing tricks
- Decor builds
- Automating errands
- Pet care
- Beauty regimes
- Cooking prep
Tastemade’s TikTok scored 4 billion views last year by broadcasting concise recipe tips fitting small attention spans.
Stage useful DIY’s clearly to inspire viewers elevating their own routines.
Collaborative Commentaries Amp Engagement
Have fellow creators guest feature providing their niche takes on your popular videos. These crossover episodes fuse your communities while multiplying perspectives.
Book influencers could recap fantasy show episodes with commentary from actual Hollywood foley artists on designing sounds.
Podcasters often invite subject experts to tag team sensitive controversy analysis. Co-hosting lightens loads discussing heavy stuff. It also discourages outrage bait claims.
Nail Topical Parodies And Sketches
Comedic parodies remain effective when ultra relevant. Study trending news or pop culture moments then publish witty parody sketches shortly after when popular.
CollegeHumor adopts this tactic. Their wacky skits satire everything from Wordle omni-presence to AI ethics concerns. Timely parodies reward audiences feeling culturally literate enough to be in on jokes.
Riff timely happenings through your unique lens. Adapt tropes and archetypes related to your niche like beauty vloggers dramatizing behind-the-scenes brand deal negotiations.
Interactive Polls & Challenges
Surveys and polls posted through YouTube’s community tab feature or as live comments during premieres turn viewers into participants.
Pose questions then have people vote on:
- Niche opinions
- Challenge criteria
- Activity decisions
Tally results in a follow-up video. Top-voted choices and fan propositions get greenlit.
Polls require channel memberships so position them as membership perks. Incentivize clicking polls by promising most participants receive a shoutout by name.
Live Shows Produce Appointment Viewing
Channel members will tune into livestreams they directly impact akin to virtual theater.
Set members-only broadcasts where supporters in chat decide directions. Perhaps they dictate cooking ingredients or story twists.
Thank vested viewers by name who redeem member badges to contribute ideas. This spotlights your gratitude.
Interactive Mini-Docs Get Immersive
Foster iterations blending commentary with bite-sized mobile games playing out theories live.
Hydraulic Press Channel simulates crushing viewer items with famous giant press.
Add augmented reality graphics onto real-world scenarios. Enable first-person experiences through conversational guides shepherding journeys cured with Easter eggs.
Strategize Consistency And Quality
Implementing any of these creative formats only yields subscriptions long-term through consistency and production polish.
Commit to an upload schedule signaling fans reliable output. Shorter gaps retain intrigue rather than disappearing for months.
Obsessing over quality photography, sound design and editing separates amateur endeavors from authority channels boasting millions of impressions.
Tripods stabilize wobbliness. Simple ring lights illuminate. Lav mics enhance audio clarity. Invest in fundamentals to increase perceived production value.
In Closing
As attention ratings nosedive, sewing creativity into videos becomes mandatory for resonating on 2023’s YouTube playing field.
Apply formats suiting your niche and resources from the 23 strategies above. Track view and subscriber data to double down on your most viral formats.
Stay perpetually plugged into larger culture guiding content innovation. Think what’s missing rather than what exists.
Most importantly, ensure entertainment and usefulness cadet each video idea to inspire clicking subscribe then the notification bell. Savvy YouTube creators don’t build audiences – they build loyal community.
