Videos get more views when they answer a question people already have. The five formats below work for most topics because each one starts from a viewer’s need. Pick one, make two or three videos in that format and compare them in YouTube Analytics before deciding what to repeat.
1. A step-by-step tutorial
Show how to do one specific task from start to finish. “How to replace a bike chain” is easier to find and watch than “bike maintenance tips”. Show the result first, then the steps, and add chapters so viewers can jump to the part they need.
2. A comparison
Compare two options your audience is choosing between, such as two cameras, two apps or two methods. Use the same test for both and say which one suits which person. Viewers trust a comparison more when you show the downsides of both options.
3. Common mistakes
List the mistakes beginners make and show how to fix each one. This format works well as a follow-up to a tutorial, and the title tells viewers exactly what they will learn.
4. Behind the scenes
Show how you make your product, plan a project or run your channel. It gives regular viewers a reason to come back and helps new viewers decide whether to subscribe.
5. Answers to viewer questions
Collect questions from comments and answer the best ones in a single video. Name the question in the title. People searching for the same question will find it, and commenters see that you listen.
Make each video easy to choose
Write a title that names the task or question, and use a thumbnail that is readable on a phone. Our title writing guide has examples. Connect related videos with end screens and playlists so a viewer who finishes one has a clear next video.
Share the video where it helps
Post a short clip as a Short, link the video from a relevant blog post or newsletter, and add it to a playlist. A podcast or community post can point to it too. Then compare the results with our checklist for getting more views. If you also want to promote a video, see our YouTube views packages.
Sources
Reviewed October 27, 2026.
