Starting a YouTube channel today can feel overwhelming. You pour hours into planning, filming, and editing—yet your first uploads might barely get noticed. How do you break through the noise and build a channel that lasts?
One of the fastest ways to learn is by studying those who’ve already done it: creators like MrBeast, Casey Neistat, MKBHD, and more. Here’s a collection of actionable, real-world advice from 10 legendary YouTubers to help you turn your passion into consistent growth.
1. MrBeast: Make 100 Videos—Then Talk to Me
If you’re stuck brainstorming your “perfect first video,” MrBeast offers blunt but priceless advice: your early videos will be bad—and that’s okay.
“Stop sitting there thinking… Just make 100 videos and improve something every time. Then talk to me on your 101st video.”
The key is to treat each upload as practice. Focus on improving just one thing each time:
- Tighten your scripting.
- Learn a new editing transition.
- Improve your lighting setup.
- Experiment with thumbnails or titles.
Advice: For thumbnails, a great way to start is by seeing what works in your niche; use a YouTube thumbnail downloader to study top-performing designs before creating your own.”
Growth comes from iteration, not perfection.
2. Ali Abdaal: Let Your Niche Find You
Many beginners get stuck worrying, “What’s my niche?” Ali Abdaal argues you shouldn’t force it.
“It would be like a writer saying, ‘I don’t know what to write about, so I won’t write anything.’”
Start by creating videos about topics you genuinely love. Over time, you’ll notice patterns in what resonates with viewers. Your niche will reveal itself naturally—built around your interests and your audience’s response.
3. MatPat (Game Theory): The Best CTA? Watch Another Video
Most creators end videos by asking viewers to like, comment, and subscribe. But MatPat says the best call-to-action (CTA) is simpler: encourage viewers to watch another video.
Here’s why: it boosts your channel’s session watch time—one of YouTube’s key algorithm signals. More watch time tells YouTube that your content keeps people engaged, making it more likely to recommend your videos to others.
Tip: design your end screen and pinned comment to guide viewers seamlessly to related videos or playlists.
4. Nolan Molt & Patty Galloway: Your Title and Idea Matter Most
Great videos often start before you hit record. Top creators generate dozens (sometimes hundreds) of ideas before choosing the strongest one.
Then comes the title. A good title doesn’t just describe—it creates an open loop that sparks curiosity. Patty Galloway illustrates this perfectly:
- Okay: “Inside a $1.7 Million New York Loft”
- Better: “I Found the Best Loft in NYC”
- Great: “I Found the Best Loft in NYC… but nobody wants it”
The last title instantly raises a question in your mind, making you need to click.
5. MKBHD: Align Passion With Performance
MKBHD built his channel by reviewing tech he genuinely loves—smartphones, cameras, EVs. But his real insight is this:
“If I can make the video in a way that shows why I’m interested in it, it will eventually catch on.”
Your enthusiasm can transform a niche topic into something captivating. Focus on communicating why it excites you, and your audience will start to care too.
6. iJustine: Listen to Viewers, But Don’t Delete
Engagement is gold. iJustine recommends closely reading your comments—they’ll often tell you exactly what viewers like and dislike.
If a video underperforms, resist deleting it. Removing it wipes out watch time and analytics data. Instead, set it to “Private” if it’s outdated or no longer relevant. Keep everything else public: even older content can unexpectedly gain traction later.
7. Sean Cannell: Define Success Beyond Views
Focusing only on views and subscriber counts is a recipe for burnout. Sean Cannell suggests defining success more broadly:
- Building a loyal, engaged community.
- Opening career opportunities (speaking gigs, brand deals).
- Meeting like-minded creators and mentors.
YouTube success isn’t just going viral. Long-term impact often matters more.
8. AuthenTech (Ben): Catch Trends Early
“Trend hacking” can accelerate growth, but timing is everything. Ben from AuthenTech gained traction by reviewing hoverboards before the craze peaked.
“The wave will finish, it’ll crash, and then you’ve got to paddle back out to find the next one.”
Stay alert to new trends in your niche. Use tools like Google Trends, YouTube Trending, and Reddit to spot rising topics.
9. Marina Mogilko: Make Shorts People Watch
Marina shares two powerful tips for Shorts:
- Show, don’t tell: Pair every spoken phrase with relevant visuals or b-roll.
- Authenticity > Production: Raw, phone-shot clips often outperform polished studio footage.
And remember: create specifically for vertical, short-form format. Simply cutting a horizontal video rarely works.
10. Casey Neistat: Patience Wins
In a world obsessed with quick wins, Casey Neistat reminds creators that real success takes time.
“It’s extremely unsexy, it’s extremely uninteresting… but it takes time.”
MrBeast made hundreds of videos before gaining traction. Many creators grind for years before seeing momentum. Patience isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Conclusion: Build for the Long Game
Every creator featured here found success by focusing on consistent improvement, authentic storytelling, and genuine curiosity—not quick hacks.
Here’s your roadmap:
- Publish regularly (and learn each time).
- Stay curious; your niche will emerge.
- Optimize your titles and CTAs.
- Balance passion with what your audience wants.
- Be patient—and keep going.
What advice resonated most with you? Share your thoughts below and help fellow creators grow together!
