I asked MrBeast how to grow on YouTube in 2024

Summary

In this illuminating video script, the creator shares seven insider tips to skyrocket YouTube growth in the wake of recent platform changes. From optimizing thumbnails with the '18% test' to drawing inspiration from unconventional sources like TV shows and billboards, the advice is both fresh and practical. Leveraging YouTube's new linking feature, the script delves into strategic methods like the 'flood method' and 'short to short' linking. It also emphasizes the importance of clipping videos before others do, using mainstream music, visualizing ideas with T-sheets, and preparing for potential 'link apocalypse' scenarios by diversifying traffic sources. With a blend of insight and actionable strategies, this script promises to equip viewers with a competitive edge in the ever-evolving YouTube landscape.

Takeaways

• 😄 Keep your YouTube thumbnails simple and clutter-free, with no more than three main elements, to make them easily recognizable and engaging.
• 🔍 Look for inspiration beyond just other YouTube videos, such as TV shows, movies, and billboards, to create unique and attention-grabbing thumbnails.
• 🔗 Utilize YouTube's new linking feature strategically by either flooding your shorts with links to your latest long-form video or linking your shorts to each other in a series.
• ✂️ Clip your own long-form videos into shorts before others do it, so you can direct the views back to your channel and potentially gain more exposure.
• 🎵 Use mainstream, trending music in your videos to make them more familiar and engaging for your audience, while staying protected from demonetization and copyright issues.
• 📝 Sketch out your video ideas using T-sheets (title, synopsis, and visual sketch) to better conceptualize and gather feedback before production.
• ⚠️ Prepare for a potential "link apocalypse" by diversifying your traffic sources and building your own platforms, as platforms may restrict external linking in the future.
• 💰 Consider creating additional revenue streams, such as a newsletter or a course, to build a sustainable business as a creator.
• 🤝 Collaborate with and learn from other successful creators to gain insights and strategies for growing your channel and audience.
• 🧠 Stay informed about platform updates, algorithm changes, and industry trends to adapt and optimize your content strategy accordingly.

Q & A

What is the first tip discussed for growing on YouTube?

The first tip is to limit your Lamborghinis, which refers to keeping your thumbnails simple and not overcrowded with too many elements, based on Mr Beast's approach of using one clear focal point instead of multiple distracting objects.

What is the second tip related to?

The second tip is to look off YouTube to succeed on YouTube. It suggests drawing inspiration from traditional media like TV shows, billboards, and movie posters for thumbnail designs and video formats, rather than solely relying on studying other YouTube content.

What are the two methods discussed for using YouTube's new linking feature for Shorts?

The two methods discussed are: 1) The flood method, where you link all your Shorts to your most recent long-form video, and 2) The short-to-short method, where you link your Shorts together, especially if they are part of a series.

Why is it important to clip your own long-form videos before others do?

With YouTube's new linking feature, you can only link your Shorts to your own videos, not to other channels. If others clip your content first, they can get the views from those Shorts, whereas if you clip your own content first, you can drive those views to your own channel.

What is the recommendation regarding music usage in videos?

The tip is to use better music, specifically mainstream music from popular artists, as it can make your videos feel more familiar and engaging to viewers. The sponsor Licked is mentioned as a service that allows using mainstream music while being protected from demonetization and copyright strikes.

What is the purpose of using t-sheets, as recommended by Zach King?

T-sheets are a simple tool to visually brainstorm and sketch out video ideas, including a synopsis, thumbnail sketch, and title. This helps to better visualize and refine ideas before fully developing them into videos.

What is the potential 'link apocalypse' discussed towards the end?

The 'link apocalypse' refers to the possibility of YouTube banning external links on long-form videos, similar to how they removed the ability to add links in Shorts. The recommendation is to diversify traffic sources and prepare for this potential scenario.

What is mentioned about Elon Musk's statements regarding social media platforms?

Elon Musk (formerly Twitter CEO) had suggested removing accounts that promote other social media platforms and content with links to platforms like Facebook and Instagram. While he later deleted the post, it highlights the potential for platforms to limit cross-promotion and external links.

What is the recommendation for diversifying traffic sources?

The recommendation is to sprint to diversify your traffic sources in the next few months, such as starting your own newsletter or other owned platforms, to prepare for the possibility of fewer external links being allowed on platforms like YouTube in the future.

What is the 'Insider Accelerator' course mentioned at the end?

The 'Insider Accelerator' is a course being launched by the speaker, where they will share more tools, tips, and templates to help creators build a real business, going beyond just growing on YouTube.