How To Get Your Video Noticed on YouTube

Click the “Videos” tab on YouTube to see what the most-viewed videos of the moment are—and then make a video response to one. Parodies of currently popular internet videos often “piggyback” on the fame of the original and end up becoming famous themselves.

Aim for a large but specific group, like video game fanatics, or people who hate Carlos Mencia. Although throwing out a wide net seems more logical, a targeted audience is actually more likely to latch on and spread the word.

It seems obvious, but use the best idea you have. It’s probably the one that makes you and your friends laugh the most or has you using the word “awesome” repeatedly.

Shoot for the highest production value you can afford. Videos that are severely underlit or have blown out audio are pretty unwatchable, and unlikely candidates for internet fame.

Before you output, do a Google search for “Exporting for YouTube.” Heavily pixelated, out-of-sync video clips rarely make the rounds in office emails.

One of the keys to getting your video seen is having a title, tags, and a thumbnail that will attract your audience. YouTube offers you a choice of 3 different thumbnails—whichever images are found a 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 of the way through your video. Savvy users find a frame they like during editing and make sure it occurs at one of those points.

Remember the specific interest group you targeted? Now that you’re finished, consider emailing your video’s link to websites relevant to that group. Sometimes all it takes is a single blogger to get the ball quickly rolling.

Don’t just upload your video and forget it; become part of the community. Comment on other videos, respond to comments on your own video, maybe even stir up a little controversy.

Repeat the process. Each time one of your videos makes even a small dent, you gain subscribers, and a large subscriber base is the number one reason a video attracts a large viewership.