Growing your YouTube Chanel is the number to build a personal brand online. YouTube has over 2.7 billion monthly active users and over 500 hours of content are uploaded to YouTube every minute, making it the second most visited website globally. But standing out in this sea of content isn’t just about uploading videos - t’s about strategy, persistence, and creativity.

Here’s the three-step blueprint that some of the best creators on YouTube used to give themselves a head start on the platform.

Step 1: Get Started (The First Three Videos)

Here’s the hard truth: most people don’t grow on YouTube because they never start. Overthinking, perfectionism, and fear of judgment hold them back. Sound familiar? Let me tell you something—your first few videos don’t have to be perfect. They just need to exist.

Start by creating three simple videos. Don’t worry about fancy editing or top-tier equipment. Use your phone, speak authentically, and upload. Think of these first videos as your “practice dates” with YouTube. They’re about getting comfortable with the platform and understanding the basics.

 Here’s what to focus on for your first videos:

1.  Pick relatable topics: What are you passionate about? Maybe it’s reviewing your favorite book, sharing a hobby, or talking about a recent experience.

2. Keep it simple: Don’t stress over editing. Raw and real content often resonates better than overly polished videos.

3. Experiment freely: This is your playground. Try different styles to see what feels natural to you.

Personal anecdote: When I started, my first video was a poorly lit tutorial filmed on my phone. It barely got any views, but it taught me the basics. Each video after that improved just a little. By video 10, I felt way more confident.

Once you’ve uploaded your first three videos, it’s decision time: Are you casually exploring YouTube, or are you ready to commit? If you’re serious, it’s time for the next level.

 Step 2: Get Good (The Next Seven Videos)

Think of these as your “learning curve” videos. The goal here is to improve your craft—titles, thumbnails, storytelling, and on-camera presence. Here’s the trick: don’t worry about your niche yet. Focus on building your skills instead.

 Here’s how to level up during this stage:

1. Study what works: Watch popular creators and analyze their videos. What makes their titles and thumbnails clickable?

2. Practice storytelling: Every good video has a beginning, middle, and end. Even a two-minute video can tell a story if structured well.

3. Experiment with editing: Try simple tools like iMovie or CapCut to start. Learn how to cut unnecessary parts and keep the video engaging.

 Take these seven videos as opportunities to explore different types of content. One video could be a review, another a tutorial, and the next a vlog. You’re testing the waters while sharpening your skills.

A key stat to remember: Videos with strong thumbnails can improve click-through rates by up to 30%. Spend time learning how to design eye-catching visuals. Tools like Canva are perfect for beginners.

By the end of these 10 videos (the three from Step 1 and the seven here), you’ll have a clearer idea of what works for you and your audience.

Pupular YouTube storytelling formula:

 Step 3: Get Smart (Building Strategy)

This is where the real growth begins. You’ve built the foundation; now it’s time to treat YouTube like a business. To grow on YouTube in 2025, you need to master three things:

1. Clicks (titles and thumbnails)

2. Watch Time (content quality and retention)

3. Satisfaction (leaving viewers happy and engaged)

 1. Master Clicks

Titles and thumbnails are your first impression. They’re the gateway to your video. A clickable thumbnail can double your views, so don’t skimp on this.

• Title tips: Use numbers, questions, or emotional triggers. For example, “How I Grew to 100K Subscribers in 3 Months” is more enticing than “My YouTube Growth Journey.”

• Thumbnail tips: Keep it bold and simple. Avoid clutter and ensure text is readable even on small screens.

2. Optimize Watch Time

The longer viewers stay on your video, the more YouTube’s algorithm loves you.

• Hook them immediately: The first 10 seconds are critical. Start with a bold statement or an intriguing question.

• Keep it moving: Edit out fluff. Attention spans are short, so every second needs to count.

• Use patterns: Break your video into sections to maintain engagement. For example, intro, main points, recap, and CTA (call to action).

A fascinating stat: Videos with a strong hook retain 60% more viewers beyond the first 30 seconds. Make those opening moments unforgettable.

3. Focus on Satisfaction

YouTube measures satisfaction through likes, comments, and surveys. It’s about how viewers feel after watching your video.

• Engage your audience: Ask them to comment, like, or share their thoughts.

• End on a high note: Leave viewers with a clear takeaway or a reason to subscribe.

 Bonus Tip: Find Your Niche

Once you’ve nailed the basics, it’s time to identify your niche. A niche is simply a combination of your target audience and the value you provide.

Ask yourself:

• Who am I making videos for?

• What problem am I solving for them?

For example, if you’re a fitness enthusiast, your target might be beginners, and your value could be simple, at-home workout routines.

A quick market analysis can help you stand out. Look at existing creators in your niche. What are they doing well? Where can you add a unique twist?

 Final Thoughts

Growing on YouTube in 2025 is a long-term pursuit. With over 120 million daily active viewers, the platform is brimming with opportunities, but only for those willing to put in the work.

Start by getting your first videos out there. Then, focus on improving your craft and building a smart strategy. By mastering clicks, watch time, and satisfaction, you’ll not only grow your channel, but also built a dedicated audience that will watch and engage with your every new upload.