Enhancing Your YouTube Channel

When you first set up your YouTube channel you are provided with a few basic features such adding a banner and profile image, a description, links, and a watermark that is placed on your videos to brand them. However, to access more features, you need to have a verified YouTube channel.

To do this, provide YouTube with a phone number where you can receive a verification code by text or a voice call. Once verified, you will have the ability to upload videos longer than 15 minutes, add custom thumbnails, and access the Live streaming feature, among other enhancements. Note that some features may take up to 24 hours to become available to you for use.

YouTube Live

To stream live video on YouTube, you must have a verified YouTube channel. Once you do, you can use the desktop version using a computer or laptop camera and the YouTube Live tool to stream video. Go to the Live section of YouTube and click the “Create” button to get started.

If you’d like to stream using the YouTube app and a mobile device, you need at least 50 subscribers to your channel. There is no subscriber minimum for using the web version of YouTube Live.

Some of the ways you can use live streamed videos include:

• hosting virtual events
• conducting Q&A sessions
• providing product demonstrations
• teaching classes
• giving behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business

Streaming video in real-time gives you the opportunity to interact with your audience by talking to them through the video and the live chat feature embedded in the video feed.

YouTube Premieres

If you are launching a video on your channel, you can use YouTube Premieres to watch a new video together in real time with your followers. Create and share a “watch page” where viewers can set reminders, chat with one another and with you, and post comments. You can even post a trailer or preview video to build anticipation.

Video Spotlight

If you haven’t already picked a video spotlight, this is a way to feature a video that can automatically play when people visit your YouTube channel. Adding a video spotlight is a great way to introduce a new visitor to your company. This feature also helps build your video views and watch time.

YouTube Info Cards

YouTube cards are links that pop up within a video you’ve posted that is clickable and can lead viewers to related content on YouTube. You can add up to five cards to each video. Cards can promote another video in your channel or a playlist, for example. You cannot link to an external website in a card unless you are part of the YouTube Partner Program.

Quick Channel Optimizations

Looking for some easy ways to enhance your YouTube channel? Here are a few tactics you can use on an ongoing basis to attract more visitors and to improve the visibility of your videos.

Select or Create Eye-Catching Thumbnails

When you upload a video to your YouTube channel, you have the chance to pick a thumbnail pre-selected by YouTube from your video or you can upload your own custom thumbnail. To create a more consistent look for your YouTube channel and your videos, create graphics that can be used as custom thumbnails.

Encourage Subscriptions

Attracting new viewers to your channel can be challenging and takes time. Once they arrive at your channel, the next step is to get them to subscribe to it, so they are notified when you upload new videos. A common way to do this is to remind viewers to subscribe in each video.

The best way to get people to Subscribe or to view more than one video is to produce content worthy of watching. Maintaining a steady stream of videos can be challenging for any small business owner. If you’re not producing videos regularly or often, you can still use YouTube to archive videos you’ve produced at any time, even ones you posted to other social networks, such as Instagram Reels or TikTok clips.

As you can see, there are a variety of YouTube features that can enhance how you’re using your channel that can boost your video visibility and grow your following to help you market your business.