With approximately 2.6 billion (yes … BILLION) users, it’s no wonder that businesses and brands are loving the exposure they get through YouTube videos.
The one downside? There are over 51 million YouTube channels. If you want to get seen on this platform, you have to put the work in.
Here are 15 different out-of-the-box tactics that will boost your YouTube engagement rate and increase your odds of getting your content in front of the right people.
Boosting Your YouTube Engagement
Even though YouTube acts more like a search engine than a social media platform, engagement still plays a huge role in getting more eyes on your videos.
Just like with SEO, your authority matters. The more users engage with your video by leaving comments or reactions or subscribing to your channel, the more YouTube’s search robots will value your content.
Let’s get into some of my favorite ideas to increase your YouTube engagement rate.
1. Get Creative With Your Thumbnail
You only get a small 1280 x 720 pixel space to make your first impression. Don’t just slap up any old screenshot.
Make your thumbnail look engaging and professional with text and images. This is your chance to grab your audience’s attention and convince them to watch your video. Make it count!
2. Invite Your Audience In
One of the best ways to encourage YouTube engagement is to simply ask for it.
Give your audience a reason to leave a comment or ask a question. End every video with a call to action for your viewers. Ask them what they liked about the video or if they agree with the information you presented. Do whatever you want to do to encourage their interaction.
3. Respond to Comments
This one might not seem too out of the box, but you’d be surprised at how many people do not respond to users’ comments. Nothing can tank your YouTube engagement faster than your viewers thinking you don’t care about their reactions.
When you respond to comments, either by liking or commenting back, you’re doing two things. First, you’re showing your audience that you truly do care about them and their feedback. This builds rapport while cementing their loyalty to your brand.
Second, it shows YouTube you’re serious about your channel and the content you’re producing. This back-and-forth banter will help improve your YouTube engagement rate.
4. Create Reaction Videos
When in doubt, make a reaction video.
You can react to anything that fits your niche, including competitors’ products. You can also flip the script and make reaction videos of your users trying your product, too. People love to see real people using products they’re interested in.
These videos get a ton of attention from users, especially if they are funny or heartwarming. Make sure your reactions are very visual—make a lot of facial expressions and include a lot of reactionary sounds.
5. Collab With Other Creators
Creating content by yourself can get boring and lonely sometimes. Switch it up a bit by collaborating with other creators in your niche or adjacent to it.
Not only will this be an exciting change of pace for you as a content creator but it will also expose you and those who you are collaborating with to totally new audiences. Your YouTube engagement rate will probably benefit from the new group of viewers.
6. Start a Challenge
Remember when we talked about creating content your audience will want to engage with? Challenges are a great example of that.
Encourage your audience to take part in a challenge and tag you in their video. This is a great way for your current audience to engage with you while also exposing the rest of their friend group to your content.
Your audience gets a reason to engage with you, and you get fresh eyes on your content! Sounds like a great idea to me.
7. Tutorials & How-Tos
I honestly think one reason video content platforms such as YouTube are so popular is because of tutorials and how-to videos.
Think about it. How many times have you looked up a YouTube video to learn how to do something you’ve never done before? Probably a lot, right?
You can find a tutorial for almost everything from how to do a high ponytail to how to change out a toilet on YouTube. And for good reason! Viewers love content like this.
Pick something in your niche that you can demonstrate, perhaps using one or two of your brand’s products if possible, and create a tutorial.
8. Comedy or Sketch Videos
Some people come to YouTube to learn something new, others come to escape their real life. They want to watch funny videos that will entertain them.
Lean into this by creating comedy or sketch videos that are cohesive with the rest of your content marketing. If it’s really good, your users will probably share it with their friends, which is great because the more YouTube engagement the better!
9. Conduct Interviews and Q&A
Interviews and Q&A sessions will always be a big hit in the world of video content creation.
Try interviewing someone else. Choose someone that works within your field of expertise. The more popular, the better!
You can also do a Q&A session with your audience. Have them submit questions ahead of time and answer them during the video. This is sure to boost your engagement rate because it helps your audience feel more connected to you.
10. Review Products or Services
Reviews are especially good for product-based businesses. People love to see real-life reviews as they research products.
Hire a few influencers to create review videos of your products and then post them on your YouTube channel. Invite your audience to interact with the video and respond to the reviews.
You can also post reviews of other products that fit within your niche. For example, if you’re a digital marketing firm, post reviews of new software or platforms or updates to existing ones.
11. Unboxings
People love to get mail. And they also love to watch other people open their mail. This is great news for you, especially if you launching new products or preparing to unveil a new line.
As it comes in, unbox it during a YouTube video. This is a great way to show your audience what’s coming while also giving them a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of your brand.
Increase your engagement by encouraging your viewers to leave comments, letting you know what they thought of the products.
12. Tours
Who doesn’t love a behind-the-scenes video? Take advantage of this by posting a tour of your office, manufacturing plant, store, or other location that provides an important backdrop for your business.
If you’re a clothing retailer opening up a new location, do a tour on your YouTube channel. Show your viewers everything from the backroom to the new floorsets.
If you’re a public speaker, make a video of your next event. Give your audience a peek into the production and give them a tour of the backstage area.
13. Motivational Videos
Everyone needs some motivation now and then.
Record videos of you giving a motivational speech or pep talk. You can also create a visual story out of an inspirational quote. Keep it relatable and your users will resonate with it.
At the end of your speech or story, ask your audience how they felt about the message you shared. Encourage them to leave a comment or subscribe to your channel for more motivational messages.
14. Life Hacks and Tips
Think of a life problem that your product or service can solve and create a life hack video around it.
For example, if you sell a math curriculum for elementary schools, make a life hack video for teachers in their classrooms. Talk them through tips and tricks on how to use your curriculum to benefit their students.
If you are a travel agent, make a YouTube video listing the top ten airport passenger tips. Anything that will make your audience’s life easier, while also showcasing your work.
15. Giveaways
Last but not least, host a giveaway! Chances are, your audience will love the chance to win something from your company. Give them the opportunity to do so by creating a giveaway.
For every like, comment, share, or subscribe, they earn one entry. Throw all the entries into a big bucket and pick a winner.
This is a great way to boost your YouTube engagement rate while also generating some excitement around your brand. Choose to host a giveaway during a transitional period in your business, such as a new product or service launch or a new season.
Wrapping Up YouTube Engagement Ideas
These 15 ideas are a great place to get started when you want to increase engagement on YouTube. Increasing this will help more users find you on YouTube as well as improve your social media SEO.
The best way to gain quality followers who will be loyal to your brand is to be authentic and show up consistently. The more your audience can feel comfortable and connected to you and your brand, the better.
Still need some help? Reach out to our content specialists, who will help you make YouTube videos that your audience can’t help but engage with.
