Wondering how to get millions of views on YouTube? Look no further, because Brian Dean has cracked the code! In his video titled “How I Got 5.1M Views From 3 Videos,” Brian shares the strategies that made his videos go viral and generate consistent views month after month. He reveals that nailing the hook of your video is crucial since viewers decide whether to continue watching within the first 15 to 20 seconds. Brian provides an example of a straightforward intro that quickly sets expectations and convinces viewers that they are in the right place. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of targeting keywords in your video content, as this greatly impacts searchability and long-term views. Lastly, Brian stresses the importance of having zero downtime in your videos, ensuring a seamless flow of engaging content for optimal watch time and session time. So, if you want to boost your YouTube views and subscribers, follow Brian’s expert advice and watch your channel grow!
Strategy 1: Nail the hook of your video
When it comes to creating successful videos, the importance of the first 15 to 20 seconds cannot be overstated. YouTube themselves have stated that this initial window is crucial in capturing the attention of viewers. I have personally noticed the same trend in my own videos – those that engage and hook viewers within this timeframe tend to have higher audience retention rates.
To illustrate this point, let’s take a look at an example of an effective video intro. In one of my best performing videos, I immediately dive into the topic, stating, “In this video, I’m going to show you my complete copyrighting tutorial.” There is no unnecessary backstory or attempts to be clever or cute. The intro gets straight to the point, letting viewers know that they are in the right place and that I will deliver on what they saw in the title and thumbnail.
To apply this strategy to your own videos, consider experimenting with straightforward intros. Instead of leading off with a story or a fact, simply describe what the viewer is going to see in the video. Summarize your title and thumbnail again and let the viewer know what you’re going to cover. By capturing their attention right away, you increase the likelihood that they will stick around and watch the rest of your video.
Strategy 2: Target keywords that people search for
Another key strategy for increasing views on your videos is to target keywords that people are searching for on YouTube and Google. In analyzing the source of views for my own videos, I observed that a significant portion came from YouTube search. While these videos didn’t go viral overnight, they garnered consistent views every day for months and years, ultimately accumulating millions of views.
To find popular keywords and topics that your audience is searching for, you can utilize YouTube analytics. This tool provides you with the exact terms that people are searching for on YouTube, along with their popularity. By using this data, you can create videos around these keywords and topics, thereby increasing the chances of your videos being discovered and gaining more views over the long term.
Strategy 3: Have zero downtime in your videos
Having zero downtime in your videos is crucial in maximizing watch time and session time, which greatly affects the success of your videos. Session time refers to the length of time someone spends on YouTube after starting to watch your video. To keep viewers engaged and on YouTube, thereby generating more revenue for the platform through ads, it is important to ensure your video has no lulls or boring moments that may cause viewers to click away.
A good example of a video with zero downtime is one from my channel. It begins with a short intro and immediately delves into the main content, maintaining a high level of engagement until the end. By structuring your videos in a similar way, where the momentum remains consistent throughout, you increase the likelihood of keeping viewers engaged and therefore improve your session time.
To apply this strategy to your own videos, plan out the main beats and flow of your content ahead of time. While it’s still important to be natural and freestyle, having a clear structure in mind can help you avoid tangents or moments that may cause viewers to lose interest. Minimizing downtime will enhance the overall viewing experience and contribute to higher session times.
Applying the strategies to your own videos
Now that we have explored the three strategies that have proven to be effective in generating millions of views, let’s discuss how you can apply them to your own videos to increase your view count and attract more subscribers.
The first step is to minimize downtime in your videos. This can be achieved by planning out your content ahead of time and ensuring a strong and engaging flow from start to finish. While you don’t need to stick to a script word-for-word, having a clear roadmap of the main points you want to cover will help you avoid unnecessary tangents or moments that may cause viewers to click away.
Additionally, it is crucial to create content around popular keywords. Utilize YouTube analytics to find out what your audience is searching for and the popularity of each keyword. By incorporating these keywords into your video titles, descriptions, and tags, you increase the chances of your videos being discovered by viewers searching for those specific terms.
Lastly, make sure your intros and hooks are specific and straightforward. In addition to getting straight to the point, let viewers know that they are in the right place and that you will deliver on what you highlighted in the title and thumbnail. By testing out new intro techniques and templates, you can gauge the effectiveness of different approaches and adapt accordingly.
By implementing these strategies, you can optimize your videos for increased views and subscribers. While not every video will become a viral sensation, following these steps will undoubtedly improve the odds of your videos receiving more views and gaining long-term traction. Remember to focus on minimizing downtime, creating content around popular keywords, and crafting specific and straightforward intros to maximize your video’s potential.