How To Get Your First 1000 Subscribers on YouTube [Guide]

Did you know that YouTube is the second-most visited website after Google? 

Video search continues to change the way consumers discover, research, and share products. As such, YouTube has become an invaluable marketing channel. 

But YouTube can be much more than a marketing platform. 

Ever since YouTube launched its Partner Program, the streaming service has proven to be a profitable revenue channel for business owners, marketers, and content creators.

Keep reading to learn:

• How to earn ad revenue on YouTube

• Why you need to grow your subscriber count

• How to get your first 1000 YouTube subscribers

Youtube’s Partner Program

YouTube released the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) along with the introduction of in-video ads back in 2007. 

The program allows eligible content creators to earn revenue from the ads played in their videos. In addition to monetization features, YPP members also receive access to premium creator support from YouTube’s team.

However, not everyone can participate in the YouTube Partner Program.

Screenshot from YouTube

To be eligible for the YPP, your channel needs:

• 1000 subscribers

• 4000 public watch hours in the past 12 months

• A linked Adsense account

Additionally, you need to abide by YouTube’s monetization policies and reside in a country where the Partner Program is available.

When you meet the requirements, you can apply to the program and begin monetizing your YouTube channel once accepted.

How To Get Your First 1000 Subscribers

Most YouTubers have their sights set on joining the Partner Program. The question is, “How do I meet the program requirements if I’m just starting out?”

This guide will focus on the steps you can take to reach your first 1000 subscribers. 

1. Choose a Target Audience

More than one billion hours of video content is consumed on YouTube every day. That’s a lot of viewers watching plenty of videos. 

The good news?

You only need to capture a small slice of YouTube’s audience. If you try to create content that pleases everyone, you won’t be able to grow quickly. 

The key to gaining subscribers lies in creating content tailored to a target audience. The more specific your audience, the better you’ll know how to create value for them. 

YouTube is the land of niches. 

The highest-paid channels on YouTube range from sports trick shots to children’s educational videos. 

If you want to be successful, you have to be specific. 

Don’t create content or schedules until you can define the audience you’re creating for.

2. Create High-Quality Content

People will subscribe to your channel if you can provide value. On YouTube, value usually comes in one of three categories: education, entertainment, or edutainment. 

In short, you’re either teaching, entertaining, or both. As long as your content is valuable, you don’t need professional cameras or editing software. 

Dad, how do I? is an excellent example of a successful educational channel, whereas Jenna Marbles has gained millions of subscribers with entertaining comedic videos.

Think about your audience and decide what type of content gives them the most value.

3. Learn Youtube SEO

Like Google, Youtube is a search engine. This means you can use search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to increase your video views and get more subscribers.

YouTube SEO includes optimizing the following for specific search keywords:

• Titles 

• Descriptions 

• Tags 

• Thumbnails

You can use tools like TubeBuddy to do keyword research. Each video you create should have a primary target keyword that you use in your title and description. 

4. Optimize Videos for Watch Time

When it comes to gaining views and subscribers, the YouTube algorithm needs to be on your side. One of the most significant factors in video rank is your audience retention or your watch time. 

Watch time refers to the amount of time people spend watching your videos. 

To increase watch time, you need to provide value and keep your viewers’ attention. 

Although this is easier said than done, here are some best practices:

• Use an attention-getter in the first 10 seconds

• Keep intros shorter than 30 seconds

• Upload videos longer than 10 minutes

• Use storytelling to keep your audience interested

Here’s the good news:

You can track your watch time using YouTube analytics. Monitor this metric to discover what works best for your target audience.

5. Ask People To Subscribe

Yes, we get it. It’s awkward to ask people to subscribe. If self-promotion isn’t your thing, it might feel downright disingenuous. 

Even so, you’ll grow your followers faster if you include a call-to-action (CTA) in your videos. 

Let your viewers know that subscribing supports your channel. Even better, tell your viewers why they should subscribe. 

In other words, tell them what content you create and how it can benefit them.

If you’re uncomfortable with asking viewers, consider using a visual CTA such as text or graphics that invites them to subscribe at the end of your video or in your channel art.

6. Cross-Promote Your Videos

When you start on YouTube, many of your first viewers won’t know who you are. You haven’t had time to build your reputation. 

However, you may already have a loyal following or at least some credibility on other platforms. Share your YouTube videos on your social media profile and let people know that subscribing helps you out. 

People who already know you and like your content are more likely to hit the subscribe button on YouTube.

As an added benefit, if your videos bring people to YouTube from another website (like Facebook) that helps turn the algorithm in your favor.

7. Create Consistently

Early success on YouTube depends heavily on your consistency. 

Think about it. 

Would you subscribe to a channel that posts three videos one week and then goes dormant for four months?

No, you probably wouldn’t. 

People subscribe because they want to see more of your content. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a consistent uploading schedule. 

Pick a frequency that empowers you to consistently produce high-quality videos (high-quality being the operative word here).

It might be two videos per month or one video per week in the beginning. Find what works for you and commit to it.

When you ask people to subscribe, tell them how often they can expect content from you. But remember, never sacrifice quality for quantity.

Final Thoughts: How To Get Your First 1000 Subscribers on YouTube

Although YouTube is a well-established platform, new creators still have plenty of opportunities to create loyal followings. 

With a clearly defined audience and a consistent creation schedule, you’ll be on your way to your first 1000 subscribers in no time.

To learn about buying genuine YouTube subscribers, explore Stormviews today.