25 Awesome YouTube Tricks, Hacks and Features You Need to Know in 2024
While TikTok and Instagram Reels have gained a lot of buzz in recent years, YouTube remains the dominant platform for video content. With over 2.6 billion monthly active users, YouTubers are uploading 500 hours of video every minute. To stand out in this crowded space, it helps to have a few tricks up your sleeve.
As YouTube constantly evolves and adds new capabilities, staying on top of the latest features can give you an edge, whether you‘re a creator looking to grow your channel or a marketer leveraging video content. To help you make the most of the platform, we‘ve compiled this master list of the 25 coolest YouTube hacks and hidden features for 2024.
From creating viral Short videos to livestreaming in 4K, optimizing your titles for search, accessing royalty-free music, and more – these YouTube tips will help you unlock the full potential of your video strategy this year. Let‘s dive in!
1. YouTube Shorts Are All the Rage
One of the biggest YouTube updates in the past few years has been the release of Shorts – vertical, short-form videos under 60 seconds that resemble TikTok. Shorts appear on the YouTube homepage, in a dedicated Shorts tab, and can get massive reach.
To create a Short, simply select "Create a Short" in the YouTube app. You can record up to 60 seconds with the Shorts camera or upload your own vertical clips under 60 seconds. Shorts include features like:
- A multi-segment camera to string multiple clips together
- Ability to record with music from YouTube‘s library
- Speed controls to slow down or speed up your video
- A timer and countdown for hands-free recording
- Filters and basic editing tools
Shorts are getting billions of views and YouTube is investing heavily in the format, so be sure to experiment with creating your own original short-form content on the platform.
2. Go Live in 4K and HDR
YouTube supports 4K livestreaming, offering creators a chance to broadcast events or stream video games in ultra-high definition. You‘ll need a camera and encoder capable of capturing and streaming 4K video to pull this off.
Additionally, YouTube recently added support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) livestreaming. To enable this on your livestream:
- Ensure your camera and encoder support HDR video
- From the YouTube Live Control Room, check "Enable HDR"
- Select the HDR standard (HLG or PQ) and convert to SDR
- Start streaming your HDR broadcast
4K HDR livestreaming can help your streams look more lifelike and cinematic compared to standard streams. Use this to your advantage if you have the gear to support it.
3. Embed Clickable Links, Polls and More With Cards
Cards are interactive elements you can add to your videos to encourage viewers to engage. There are several types of cards:
- Video or playlist cards highlighting other videos
- Channel cards pointing to another channel
- Donation cards to fundraise for nonprofit causes
- Poll cards to survey your audience
- Link cards sending traffic to your website
To add cards, go to YouTube Studio and select "Cards" on the left-side menu. Choose a video and select "Add Card" to insert a card at your desired time stamp. You can include up to 5 cards per video.
Cards are a powerful tool for driving actions from your viewers, like watching more of your content, visiting your site, or responding to a poll. Use them strategically to boost engagement signals for the YouTube algorithm.
4. Combine Multiple Audio Tracks In Your Video
Have you ever wanted to include multiple audio tracks, like a voice-over and background music, in your YouTube video? A recent update makes this possible right in YouTube Studio.
In the Editor, you can now select the "+Audio" button to add multiple audio tracks to your video. This allows you to combine voice-overs, sound effects, and music without needing an external editing program.
To use this feature, you‘ll need to upload the audio files separately. Then you can trim and arrange the tracks to align with your video clips using the Editor timeline. It‘s a handy tool for simple audio mixing.
5. Master the YouTube Algorithm With Keyword Optimization
Of course, creating great content is only half the battle on YouTube. To get your videos discovered, it‘s crucial to optimize them for search and YouTube‘s recommendation algorithm.
This starts with keyword research – finding the search terms your target audience is using to find videos like yours. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, TubeBuddy, and VidIQ can help you gauge the popularity and competition of different keywords.
From there, be sure to weave your target keyword into key locations like:
- Your video title (aim to put it towards the beginning)
- Description (include it in the first few sentences)
- File name of your video
- Video tags
- Chapter titles
- Subtitles and closed captions
YouTube‘s algorithm takes all of these keyword signals into account when determining where your video should rank in search results and suggested videos. Optimize each field to maximize your reach.
6. Turn Viewers Into Subscribers With Watermarks
Gaining subscribers is a top goal for most YouTube channels. More subscribers means higher organic reach for each new video you publish. An easy hack to get more subs is to add a watermark.
A watermark is an image overlaid on your video throughout its duration, often placed in a corner. Many brands use their logo, but a better approach for growing a channel is to use a custom subscribe button graphic.
To add a watermark, upload your 1MB or smaller image in YouTube Studio under "Branding". Select "Custom subscribe button" as the watermark type. Now the watermark will appear in all your videos as a clickable subscribe button, making it easy for viewers to subscribe while watching.
7. Build a Community With Channel Memberships
Channel memberships are a way for subscribers to pay a monthly fee in exchange for members-only perks, like custom loyalty badges, exclusive livestreams, extra videos, or shoutouts. It‘s become a popular monetization tool for many top YouTubers.
To enable memberships, you need at least 1,000 subscribers and must be in the YouTube Partner Program. Once active, viewers can join at a price you set and you can create members-only posts, videos, livestreams, and Stories just for them.
Memberships can be a lucrative revenue stream, with creators keeping 70% of the monthly fees. But they also help form a tight-knit community of your most engaged fans. Treat your members like VIPs with exclusive content and access.
8. Get Certified With YouTube‘s Creator Certification Courses
Want an easy way to learn the latest and greatest YouTube features and strategies? Take advantage of the free YouTube Creator Certification courses. These include:
- Channel Growth: Learn content strategy, production, and analytics
- Content Ownership: Understand copyrights, rights management, and monetization policies
- Foundations for Success: Master making effective content, building community, and using YouTube tools
Each course involves watching short video lessons and completing exercises. Passing the associated exam earns you a certificate and awards your channel a special badge highlighting your expertise.
Getting certified in each area demonstrates your proficiency to your audience and can help you stay ahead of changes to the ever-evolving platform. Courses are updated frequently, so they‘re worth revisiting each year.
In Conclusion
YouTube keeps pushing the boundaries of what‘s possible for video creators and marketers. By staying current with the newest features and experimenting with innovative formats, you can gain a competitive advantage and accelerate the growth of your channel.
From jumping on trends like Shorts to optimizing for search, building a membership community, and gaining new skills with certifications, these 25 hacks offer numerous ways to level up your YouTube strategy in 2024 and beyond. The key is putting these insights into consistent action.
Hopefully these lesser-known YouTube tricks have sparked some fresh ideas for your own content. For even more tactical advice on growing a YouTube channel, check out our other resources:
Download Our Free YouTube Optimization Checklist
Discover the Secrets Behind Mr. Beast‘s YouTube Success
Here‘s to your YouTube channel‘s growth in 2024!
