Starting a YouTube channel is an exciting journey. However, staring at a subscriber count that sits at zero can be incredibly discouraging. Whether you just started a YouTube channel or have had one for a long time, it can be hard coming up with ways to get more subscribers.
You might feel like you are uploading videos into a void where no one is watching. In fact, every single big YouTuber you see today, from MrBeast to MKBHD, started with exactly zero subscribers. The first 100 subscribers are arguably the hardest to get because you don’t have any momentum yet. But once you break that barrier, the algorithm begins to understand who your audience is.
So, here are 8 different ways you can use to grow fast!
1. Ask family and friends to subscribe.
It might feel awkward, but your first step should be the people who already know you. Your friends and family are your biggest cheerleaders. They want to see you succeed, so give them the chance to support you!
Why This Matters
The first 100 subscribers are the hardest to get. This is called “social proof.” When a stranger finds your channel and sees 0 subscribers, they might hesitate to click that red button. But if they see 25 or 50 subscribers, your channel looks active and real.
- Send a personal message: Don’t just post a generic status update. Text your friends or send them a DM explaining why you started the channel.
- Explain the value: Tell them, “It would really help me out if you subscribed.” You will be surprised how many people are happy to help just because you asked.
For most new creators, this simple step can instantly get you 5–20 subscribers. It’s the spark you need to start the fire.
2. Join social media groups.
While you can always post on your Facebook page, Twitter feeds etc., you’re much better off joining groups that are for your niche. Posting on your personal timeline is great, but your aunt might not care about “How to Code in Python” or “Advanced Minecraft Redstone.”
Therefore, you need to go where your actual audience hangs out. This way you can target people that are interested in what you’re doing. Thus, having a higher chance of getting viewers to become subscribers.
Where to look:
- Facebook Groups: Search for keywords related to your channel topic.
- Reddit: Find “subreddits” (communities) dedicated to your niche.
- Discord Servers: Many large creators have servers where you can (respectfully) share your work in specific channels.
Note: Do not just “spam” your link. Add value first. Answer questions in the group, and then say, “I actually made a video about this if you want to learn more.”
For more on where people are spending their time, check out the latest Social Media Usage Statistics from Pew Research Center. Knowing that 83% of adults use YouTube can help you understand the massive potential audience waiting for you. and you have a video on that, share it as a helpful resource. This builds trust and turns viewers into loyal subscribers.
3. Engage more with viewers.
If someone takes the time to comment, take the time to respond. It can turn that person commenting into a subscriber. In the early days, you cannot afford to ignore a single comment.
It also shows other viewers that you respond as well which will make others more willing to engage as well. So the process can repeat itself with more viewers. When a viewer sees that a creator is active and caring, they feel a connection. That connection is what turns a casual viewer into a loyal subscriber.
Actionable Tips:
Pin the best comment: This sets the tone for the comment section.
Heart every comment: This sends a notification to the viewer, bringing them back to your video.
Reply with a question: If they say “Great video,” reply with “Thanks! What was your favorite part?” This encourages a conversation.
4. Work with other YouTubers.
Collaborating with others will get you seen by their audience and vice versa. It may be a longer process to finish a video but it can be worth it. By working together, you effectively “cross-pollinate” your audiences.
Especially if you’re working with a channel with a larger following, this can be a massive boost. However, don’t just aim for the stars. Look for channels that are slightly larger than yours or on the same level. They are more likely to say yes.
How to Collaborate
- Guest Stars: Invite a creator to appear in your video via Zoom or in person.
- Shout-outs: Agree to mention each other’s channels in your next videos.
- The “Featured Channels” Tab: On your YouTube channel homepage, there is a section on the right side where you can list other channels. Ask friends in your niche if they want to swap spots with you.
Pro Tip: Don’t aim for the biggest stars yet. Look for channels that have a similar size to yours. They are much more likely to say yes!
5.Connect with bloggers/start your own blog.
Video is great, but don’t forget about Google Search. Many people prefer reading articles. This is a huge opportunity for you.
You can reach out to bloggers who write about your topic. If you made a video about “Best budget cameras,” find a blog post on that topic and email the writer. Politely suggest that your video would be a great addition to their article.
Why Embeds Count
When a blog embeds your YouTube video, it counts as a high-quality backlink. It also exposes your content to a totally different audience.
If you enjoy writing, you can also start your own blog. By embedding your videos into your own blog posts, you give Google two ways to find you: through video search and text search.
6. Improve your titles and descriptions for ranking.
YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world. If you want people to find you, you need to learn the basics of SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
If you name your video “My Saturday Vlog,” nobody will find it because nobody is searching for that. But if you name it “How to Organize a Small Bedroom on a Budget,” people searching for organizing tips will find you.
Quick SEO Checklist
- Keywords: Use terms people actually search for.
- File Names: Before you upload, rename your video file from
MOV_1234.mp4toyour-keyword-here.mp4. - The “Above the Fold” Rule: Put your most important keywords in the first sentence of your description.
You don’t have to guess which keywords work. You can check out our detailed YouTube SEO guide to learn exactly how to pick winning titles. Additionally, using the best YouTube tools like TubeBuddy or MorningFame can analyze your competition and tell you exactly which tags to use.
7. Customize your YouTube channel.
First impressions matter. When a viewer clicks on your channel name, what do they see?
Too many small channels leave their homepage blank. If a user lands on your page and sees no banner, no icon, and a jumbled list of videos, they might think you are inactive.
Steps to Look Professional
- Channel Banner: Create a simple banner that tells people who you are and when you upload (e.g., “New Videos Every Tuesday!”).
- Channel Trailer: A short video that auto-plays for new visitors. Keep it under 60 seconds and pitch why they should subscribe.
- Playlists: Organize your videos into categories. It makes your channel look full of content and keeps people watching longer.
Customize your layout to show your best videos first. Give new visitors the impression that there is a lot of content to binge-watch.
8. Use paid advertising.
If you have a small budget, you can pay to get your videos in front of more people. You don’t need thousands of dollars; you can start with as little as $1 a day using Google Ads.
The Best Ad Type for Subscribers
Don’t use the ads that play before other videos (called In-Stream ads). People usually skip those.
Instead, use In-Feed Video Ads (formerly known as Discovery Ads). These make your video appear in the YouTube search results or on the mobile homepage next to other videos. It looks like a normal recommendation. According to Google Ads Help, these ads are designed specifically to invite people to click and watch, which is better for gaining genuine subscribers who actually want to see your content.
Conclusion
Starting a YouTube channel may not be easy, but it doesn’t have to be hard either. Take your time. Don’t compare your pace to others. Be consistent and use some the choices above. Not just one.
The road to 100 subscribers is a learning curve. However, once you reach it, you will have the skills and confidence to reach 1,000 and beyond. Remember, every expert was once a beginner.
Would you like me to analyze your current channel description to see if it’s optimized for SEO?
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