This article details a proven method for achieving rapid growth and monetization on YouTube, even for beginners. It covers everything from choosing the right niche to creating engaging content and exploring early monetization strategies.
Choosing the Right Niche
Choosing the right niche is crucial for channel growth. Selecting the wrong niche can hinder progress, regardless of effort. Conversely, a well-chosen niche amplifies the impact of your work.
Avoiding Common Misconceptions
New YouTubers often stumble due to two main misunderstandings:
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Blindly Pursuing Hot Topics: Chasing trends without considering personal suitability or long-term viability. This often leads to creating content that lacks originality and becomes irrelevant quickly.
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Focusing Solely on Interest: Creating content purely based on personal interests without considering monetization potential. This can result in passion projects that fail to generate income.
A Three-Step Method for Niche Selection
A practical three-step approach can help in identifying a profitable and sustainable niche:
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Identify Long-Term Interests and Strengths: Ask yourself:
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What topics genuinely interest you?
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What are your existing skills or experiences?
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Are you willing to commit to this field long-term? Select 4-5 directions you are able to do.
- Validate Audience Demand: Search for relevant keywords on YouTube to see if there are many related searches. Check if smaller channels in the same field have any popular videos.
- Assess Monetization Potential: Research if channels in the niche offer paid services or products. Absence of monetization strategies might indicate limited income opportunities.
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By systematically applying these steps, you can narrow down your options to 2-3 viable niches. Choose the one you're most excited to start with. If the first track does not perform well, you can try to do your second or third track.
Identifying Popular Topics for Rapid Growth
Finding popular topics is key to attracting views and growing your channel.
Leveraging Small and Medium-Sized Channels
Focusing on small to medium-sized channels (around 1,000 subscribers) is more effective than analyzing large channels. Large channels' success may be due to existing subscriber base, while viral videos on smaller channels genuinely indicate topic demand.
Methods for Finding Small Channels
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YouTube Algorithm: Regularly search for videos in your chosen category to train YouTube's algorithm to recommend relevant small channels on your homepage.
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Utilizing Third-Party Tools: Use tools like "One of Ten" (tool name may be different) to discover trending videos from smaller channels within your niche.
Expanding Your Research Beyond Local Content
Don't limit yourself to Chinese channels. Observe English-speaking channels for valuable insights into video production and topic selection. Consider using the "Immersive Translate" plugin to overcome language barriers.
Immersive Translate Plugin
The "Immersive Translate" plugin can be used to translate websites, documents, and videos into Chinese.
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It can translate YouTube video subtitles in real-time.
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It can translate entire web pages with a single click.
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It integrates with AI for high-quality translations.
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A free version is available for bilingual subtitles on YouTube.
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The plugin has been recognized by Google.
Crafting Attractive Videos That Captivate Viewers
Creating compelling videos is essential for attracting viewers and maintaining their attention.
The Importance of Cover and Title
The cover image and title are critical, as they directly influence click-through rates.
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Prioritize Cover and Title Creation: Don't create the video first and then come up with the cover and title. Instead, start conceiving your cover and title when you have a rough idea of your content. This will help avoid mismatch between your content and your cover and title.
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Arouse Curiosity: Craft covers and titles that pique audience curiosity and encourage them to click.
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Employ Visual Design Principles: Use bright, contrasting colors and prominent keywords to make your cover visually appealing.
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Referencing High Performing Videos: Refer to the covers of high-traffic videos for inspiration.
Captivating the Audience from the Start
The opening is crucial for grabbing the audience's attention. Avoid lengthy self-introductions and immediately present the video's theme and value proposition.
Utilizing Hook Formulas
Employ one of these highly attractive hook formulas:
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Question-Type Hook: Pose a compelling question that resonates with the audience (e.g., "Why does your YouTube channel have zero subscribers?").
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Counterintuitive Hook: Present a surprising or unexpected statement (e.g., "Subscriptions are not important.").
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Scene Hook: Describe a relatable scenario to create a sense of empathy (e.g., "Imagine your YouTube channel generates stable passive income...").
Content Structure: The HIVRH Formula
Optimize content structure to maximize viewer retention. The HIVRH formula is a useful framework:
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H (Hook): Start with a captivating hook to grab attention.
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I (Intro): Provide an opening introduction outlining the value the viewer will gain.
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V (Value Delivery): Present the core content, providing useful information.
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R (Ending Guidance): Guide viewers towards watching your next video.
It is useful to study scripts, topics, and content from excellent English channels.
Monetization Strategies for Early Income
You can start earning money even before meeting the YouTube Partner Program requirements.
Affiliate Marketing
Promote relevant products through affiliate links. Generate revenue through commissions on sales made through your links.
Third-Party Tipping Platforms
Use platforms like "Buy Me a Coffee" to allow viewers to tip you if they find your content helpful.
Private Paid Communities
Create exclusive content on platforms like Patreon or Knowledge Planet to generate revenue from dedicated members.
YouTube Partner Program and Sponsored Advertisements
Once eligible for the YouTube Partner Program, you can earn money through advertisements. As your audience grows, you can also increase your rates for brand sponsorships.