17 ways to engage on YouTube to grow your channel

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If you want a large, loyal following on YouTube, engaging with your subscribers may be even more important than the videos you put out…

In this article, we're going to talk about how to effectively engage with your YouTube followers. If you want sustainable engagement to build your base, you have to engage with them in meaningful ways.

17 ways on how to meaningfully engage on Youtube 

So, what does it take to run a successful channel? Learning how to engage with your YouTube followers! 

Let’s dive in. 

#1 - Close out with a CTA

A CTA (or call-to-action) tells viewers what you want them to do next. For example: If someone is new to your channel, you'll want them to watch your video and then like and subscribe.

Always close your videos with a CTA. Ideally, they’ll keep interacting with you, rather than just watching your video and never seeing you again.

Some examples of CTAs for YouTube, include:

• Comment below
• Like this video
• Subscribe to my channel

Aside from CTAs within your videos, add CTAs in video descriptions, in your about section - and even when you reply in the comments. 

Ending with a CTA drives ongoing engagement. 

#2 - Reply to comments

When people comment on your videos, it's crucial that you reply. 

The best time to respond? ASAP!

That way, you may be able to engage with them in real-time.

And, if you want high-quality engagement and long-term loyalty, make sure that you reply with thoughtful comments - not just a “thumbs up” and “thank you.”

Spark insightful conversations in the comments. Show viewers that you value that they took the time to watch your video and interact.

Although you may not want to dedicate so much time to responding, this is how you build a thriving YouTube empire.

#3 - Admit mistakes

No one likes a know-it-all. When you make a mistake and/or stir up controversy, be ready to admit the error or back it up.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion - and this is your YouTube channel - but that doesn’t protect you from positive or negative consequences.

It shows great authenticity, honesty and integrity if you admit mistakes or misinformation. Learn and grow from your wrongdoings, and move forward.

#4 - Face criticism

Even the best YouTube accounts face criticism. It's never enjoyable to be criticized. 

However, to build trust with a large audience (and build a better YouTube channel), evaluate criticism for truths. If some followers have suggestions as to how to make your content better, it would be wise to listen.

Understand the difference between constructive criticism and negativity. Never engage in negativity, teasing, hazing or tormenting. Always conduct yourself gracefully when dealing with criticism. 

The name of the game is honesty and authenticity. No one is perfect, and your followers know that. However, if you listen to criticism and improve your content, you’ll strengthen the quality of your channel and your fanbase.

#5 - Reciprocate the engagement

If you want your followers to engage with you religiously, it's important that you do the same with them - especially when you're just starting a YouTube channel.

Spend time on their channels. Interact, comment and subscribe.

Show your followers that you are a real person who values their engagement with you. The relationship with your followers is a two-way street.

#6 - Ask for opinions

Even though you may be the expert in your field, always ask for viewer opinions. You can do this during your videos, in the comments or off the platform.

Asking for their thoughts will give you plenty of awesome YouTube video topics, too! 

If you want super engagement, share their opinions with the rest of your audience (with permission, of course). Those viewers will feel particularly special! 

#7 - Engage beyond YouTube

Even though you run your own YouTube channel, there are plenty of other ways to engage with your audience:

• Other social accounts
• Email lists
• Forum pages
• In-person events

When you engage off of the YouTube platform, you remind viewers to return for new content.

#8 - Make 30 seconds count

In order to count as a view, the person needs to watch your video for at least 30 seconds.

Every second of your YouTube video should be engaging, but make the first 30 seconds ultra exciting! Here are some ideas on how to do this:

• Give a brief overview of what the video is about
• Hit the ground running with high action
• Ask an insightful question
• State your controversial or sensational opinion
• Debunk a common myth related to your industry
• Create an open loop, such as, “This one hack that helped me save thousands in one day.” 

#9 - Create eye-catching thumbnails

Make sure that your thumbnail stands out. After all, the first part of great YouTube engagement is getting them to actually see your video in the first place!

Experiment with custom thumbnails that include words, SEO keywords, pictures and branding elements - just like what you can create on the Mojo video creation app. 

#10 - Leverage SEO

It's so important to use SEO keywords when planning content for your YouTube channel.

In terms of engagement, SEO can help the right viewers discover your videos.

When the right people watch your videos, sky-high engagement rates are sure to follow! These people will be searching for the exact kind of videos you create. They’ll find them, love them and want to subscribe to your channel.

#11 - Reward loyal superfans

As you continue to grow your YouTube channel, you'll notice the superfans…

Ride on the enthusiasm of your superfans, and be sure to reward their loyalty. 

How do you do that? Here are some ideas:

• Feature superfans in your videos
• Send them gifts
• Conduct interviews with your superfans
• Reach out to them individually with thanks

#12 - Conduct contests

A fun and exciting contest can spread like wildfire across social media, including on YouTube. Set up a juicy contest that your subscribers will love.

To grow your following, encourage people to share it with their friends. For anyone who shares with friends, they'll get extra entries into the contest.

#13 - Provide giveaways and freebies

You should always provide more value to your viewers than what you get back. Giveaways and freebies are great for giving something of high value, for free!

To run a giveaway or freebie, make sure it's something that your audience will really enjoy. 

For example: Pretend you own an online store for baby clothing. Give away a darling baby sunhat for free when viewers use a code provided in one of your videos. 

#14 - Keep videos short, yet impactful

Did you know that shorter videos tend to get better engagement rates?

Even though you want to diversify what type of content you put on your YouTube channel, keep in mind that short, concise videos do a better job at keeping viewers engaged. 

Take just a few minutes of their time to give them something very valuable or entertaining to watch.

#15 - Post videos worth watching

In pursuit of growing a YouTube audience, sometimes we forget what's most important. 

No matter how many times you post, make sure each post is a high-quality video that is worth the watch.

Once you've created your video, seriously ask yourself if it is worth watching. And while you may love what you created, will your YouTube subscribers feel the same?

Be honest with yourself. If you release a video that isn't up to par, scrap it for now.

#16 - Establish a consistent posting schedule

To build a loyal following on YouTube, make sure that you post consistently.

Some YouTube channels post every single day. However, it’s more important that you create high-quality videos that serve your audience.

Don't let the quality of your videos falter just because you want to share more and more content!

#17 - Run analytics 

Using YouTube’s analytic tools is essential to understanding the effectiveness of your engagement techniques.

Every time you post a new video, make it a habit to monitor the data response. This will help you determine which methods are more effective than others.

Once you find strategies that really work, you can devote more energy into those tactics. For there, your growth can be exponential! 

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