16 YouTube Settings Everyone Should Change Now to Get More Views and Subscribers

If you’re a YouTuber looking to grow your channel, create engaging content, and build a loyal subscriber base, success starts in an often-overlooked place: your YouTube settings.

YouTube’s default settings are not always optimized for growth. Many creators unknowingly limit their visibility, engagement, and performance by neglecting simple yet powerful configuration changes.

In this blog, we’ll explore 16 YouTube settings you should change right now to get more views and subscribers.


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1. Enable Channel Keywords

Channel keywords help YouTube understand your content category and push it to the right audience. These are essential for better discovery and SEO.

How to change it:
Go to YouTube Studio → Settings → Channel → Basic Info → Add relevant keywords (e.g., tech reviews, motivational speeches, math tutorials).


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2. Customize Your Channel Layout

The default channel layout doesn't highlight your best content. Customize your homepage to feature playlists, trailers, and popular uploads.

How to change it:
YouTube Studio → Customization → Layout → Add featured sections like “Popular Uploads” and “Created Playlists.”


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3. Add a Channel Trailer for New Visitors

First impressions matter. Use a short, engaging trailer to introduce your channel and encourage visitors to subscribe.

How to change it:
YouTube Studio → Customization → Layout → Channel Trailer for New Visitors.


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4. Enable Custom Thumbnails

Custom thumbnails boost your click-through rate. Without this setting, you’re stuck with auto-generated frames that may not represent your video well.

How to change it:
YouTube Studio → Settings → Channel → Feature eligibility → Enable Custom Thumbnails.


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5. Turn on Subtitles (Automatic or Manual)

Subtitles not only improve accessibility but also enhance SEO, as YouTube can better understand your content.

How to change it:
YouTube Studio → Subtitles → Add language → Upload or auto-sync subtitles.


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6. Add End Screens

End screens are your last chance to direct viewers to another video or ask for a subscription. Don’t skip them.

How to change it:
YouTube Studio → Content → Select a video → Editor → Add End screen.


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7. Use Cards to Promote Other Videos

Cards help drive internal traffic. Use them to suggest related videos or playlists during key moments in your video.

How to change it:
YouTube Studio → Content → Select a video → Editor → Add Cards.


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8. Enable Comments with Moderation

Engagement drives growth. Enable comments but apply moderation to prevent spam and negativity.

How to change it:
YouTube Studio → Settings → Community → Defaults → “Hold potentially inappropriate comments for review.”


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9. Set Default Upload Settings

Save time and stay consistent with your tags, descriptions, and visibility settings by setting upload defaults.

How to change it:
YouTube Studio → Settings → Upload defaults → Fill in the Description, Tags, and Visibility.


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10. Optimize Video Metadata (Title, Description, Tags)

Always use searchable, relevant, and compelling titles. Include important keywords in the description and tags to increase visibility.

How to change it:
YouTube Studio → Content → Select a video → Edit metadata.


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11. Enable Advanced Channel Features

Unlock features like live streaming, external linking, and longer videos by verifying your channel and enabling advanced features.

How to change it:
YouTube Studio → Settings → Channel → Feature eligibility → Verify your phone number.


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12. Set Up Channel Branding

Consistent branding builds trust. Upload a profile picture, banner, and video watermark to reinforce your identity.

How to change it:
YouTube Studio → Customization → Branding.


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13. Use Hashtags Wisely

Hashtags can boost discoverability, especially for trending topics. Use 1–3 relevant hashtags in your title or description.

How to change it:
YouTube Studio → Content → Edit description → Add hashtags like #Motivation or #GamingTips.


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14. Enable Analytics to Track Growth

Knowing what works is crucial. Enable and review YouTube Analytics to track traffic sources, audience retention, and subscriber growth.

How to change it:
YouTube Studio → Analytics → Explore tabs like Reach, Engagement, and Audience.


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15. Create Playlists to Keep Viewers Watching

Playlists increase watch time by auto-playing related videos. Organize your content into thematic playlists.

How to change it:
YouTube Studio → Playlists → New Playlist → Add videos and optimize titles/descriptions.


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16. Set a Featured Video for Returning Subscribers

Give returning subscribers a reason to stay by showing your latest or most relevant video.

How to change it:
YouTube Studio → Customization → Layout → Featured video for returning subscribers.


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Final Thoughts

Success on YouTube isn’t just about what you record—it’s also about how you present, package, and promote your content.

These 16 YouTube settings are your behind-the-scenes growth tools. They improve SEO, increase watch time, boost engagement, and help turn casual viewers into loyal subscribers.

The best part? Most of these take just a few minutes to change.

So don’t wait. Head into your YouTube Studio today and start optimizing. Your future audience is waiting!