It’s always great when someone likes your video, but did you know each like helps your channel grow too? Knowing how to get more likes on YouTube can make all the difference to your uploads being seen by a bigger audience. We’re here to show you how.
A YouTube like is more than just a virtual pat on the back. It’s the biggest indicator to YouTube’s algorithm that your content is worth being recommended to new audiences. So don’t miss out on maximizing your view count and follow our guide to racking up more likes on YouTube. All without spending a dime!
- Why YouTube likes can make a big difference
- What’s a good ratio of likes to views on YouTube?
- 13 tips to get more likes on YouTube for free
Why YouTube likes matter
Your YouTube likes aren’t just another number. Each one sends a powerful message to the algorithm that your content is worth sharing. Let’s dig into how likes play a crucial role in boosting your view count.
Rack up more views 📈
YouTube’s algorithm values engagement, and likes are the most important sign that viewers enjoy your content. The more likes a video gets, the better the chances of the algorithm recommending it to other people. So right away you’ll gain views and reach a new audience.
Show viewers a video is worth watching 🤌
When you’re watching a video, YouTube clearly shows you how many likes it has. If viewers see a video that has lots of likes, they can tell right away it’s worth watching. Plus, they might even be inspired to leave their own like, which will boost your video further!
Know which uploads hit the mark 😍
One of the most valuable upsides of getting likes on YouTube is also the most obvious - they show people enjoy your content. Take a look at which of your videos get the most likes and see what makes them resonate with your audience. It’s a great way to get pointers for what to include in your future uploads.
What’s a good like-to-view ratio on YouTube?
Naturally you want to see how your YouTube content stacks up when it comes to getting likes. The easiest way to directly compare how your channel is performing against others is to see your likes as a percentage of your video’s total views. The higher this percentage is, the more people are loving your content.
Your like-to-view ratio will vary depending on your niche and audience. Generally you can consider a ratio of 4-5% to be strong—this is a benchmark seen by creators across YouTube. So if your video gets 10,000 views, around 400-500 likes is good going.
To put that into perspective, Mr Beast sending a fan to Paris for a baguette has a like-to-view ratio of just under 4%, despite being one of the most liked videos on the platform!
Channel success isn't just about knowing your like-to-view ratio, it's about improving it over time. Use YouTube Analytics to see which of your videos are most effective at driving likes. Consider why those videos do particularly well and apply those lessons to your future uploads. It’s a Mr Beast-like mentality that’ll soon see your channel grow!
13 tips to get more likes on YouTube for free
Every well-earned like on YouTube is a step closer to growing your channel. And getting people to hit the like button isn’t as complicated as you might think - it’s often as simple as giving your viewers a gentle reminder.
To make sure you don’t miss out on those precious likes, we’ve rounded up 13 vital tips that’ll have people double tapping in no time.
1. Plan and create high-quality content 🔥
It might sound obvious, but videos that look and sound amazing get more likes. Take the time to plan your content, edit it well, and use high-quality audio to keep your viewers engaged.
The right soundtrack can make your videos pop and keep your viewers engaged. Explore Uppbeat’s catalog of copyright-free music to find the perfect sound for your project.
2. Make it clear you want viewers to hit like
Don’t overthink it—just ask! A quick nudge toward the like button at the right moment can be highly effective. Remind viewers it’s a free and simple way to show their love for your video.
3. Ask for likes early on
The first minute of your video is when viewers are most engaged. Use this time to encourage them to like your content while they’re paying full attention. At the same time, you don’t want it to be the first thing you say—give viewers something to love, then gently ask them to hit like.
4. Use motion graphics to remind your audience to hit like
There’s no need to ask for likes constantly—let motion graphics lend a hand. Dropping a simple animation in your edit can serve as a gentle reminder for viewers to like your content.
5. Reach out to viewers in the comments section 💬
Replying to comments shows your viewers you care. Building that personal connection immediately increases the chances they’ll like your video - and they may stick around to watch more of your content too!
6. Engage your audience with community posts
When it comes to fostering your own YouTube community, it pays to get on the front foot. Use the YouTube community tab to run polls, ask questions, or share updates. These posts help to foster a sense of community around your channel and build an engaged audience who are invested in your content.
7. Drum up interactions through polls and Q&As 🙋
Make your viewers feel like they’re a part of your channel. Use interactive polls and Q&As in your community tab to give your audience the chance to feature in your content. It helps to foster fully-invested viewers who are more likely to support your videos by giving them a like.
8. Hook people in with your title and thumbnail 🎣
The more people who see your videos, the better your chances of getting likes. Your title and thumbnail are the first impression your content makes to potential new viewers. Make sure they work in tandem to sell your video and convince people to watch it.
9. Share your videos across social media
Tap into your followers across different platforms. After all, they’re a ready-made audience who are already invested in what you do. Promote your uploads on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and anywhere else you have a profile. Make sure to tailor each post to the style of the platform to improve your chances of drawing in a wider audience.
10. Team up with other creators 🤝
Collaboration is a nifty shortcut to getting your content in front of a new audience. Work with other creators in your niche to introduce your content to each other’s viewers. It’s a win-win that helps both channels grow and can see your likes skyrocket.
11. Guide viewers to more content with a playlist
Playlists encourage viewers to binge watch several videos in one sitting. So make it easy for them to watch loads of content in one go by grouping related videos together. They’ll stick around if they like what they see - and they’ll be more likely to hit like too.
12. Stick to a consistent posting schedule 🗓️
Most of us are creatures of habit. Your audience is more likely to tune into your latest upload if they know it comes out at a consistent time. It helps build anticipation and means viewers will be primed to like your freshest video as soon as it’s set live. A steady flow of content also gives you more opportunities to earn those precious likes.
13. Tease your next video to keep viewers hooked
This one takes a bit of planning, but is extremely effective at keeping people watching your content. Plan to end your videos with a cliffhanger or teaser that convinces viewers to come back for the next video. Execute it well and you’ll convince them to watch another upload, creating another opportunity for them to like your content.
Turn YouTube views into likes and grow your channel
On the face of it, YouTube likes may look like just another number. But this simple stat can drive big results—from higher view counts right through to legions of new followers.
We’ve laid out a game plan to seriously boost the likes across your videos. Make tweaks to your content that encourage people to hit like - remember, this can be as simple as asking them outright—and you’ll see your channel growth skyrocket! And the more people watch your content, the higher the chances of getting more likes.
Don’t forget that one of the most effective ways to get more likes is to grow your audience - discover tips for growing your followers in our guide on how to get more YouTube subscribers.
