Learning how to get 1000 subscribers on YouTube can feel like a big mountain to climb. But don’t worry! With the right steps, you can grow your channel fast, and best of all, for free.
Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been posting videos for a while, there are proven strategies that can get you to that first major milestone on YouTube. It’s not just about making videos– it’s about making the right videos, connecting with the right audience, and staying consistent.
Reaching 1,000 subscribers on YouTube is more than just a number. It’s the gateway to monetization through the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). Once you hit that goal (along with 4,000 watch hours), you can start earning money through ads, channel memberships, and more.
Plus, it’s a sign that people value your content enough to stick around for more.
It also unlocks features like Community posts, which help you stay connected with your audience, and gives you access to YouTube Studio’s advanced analytics that can really power up your growth. Hitting this milestone shows you’re building a real audience, and it’s a huge motivator to keep going.
So, how do you actually get there quickly and without spending money on ads or promotions? In this guide, we’ll break down simple, powerful tips that have worked for creators across all niches to get more YouTube subscribers.
These tips are easy to follow, beginner-friendly, and designed to help you grow your channel fast. Let’s dive in!
1. Break Your 1,000-Subscriber Goal Into Small Chunks
Trying to figure out how to get 1000 subscribers on YouTube no doubt feels overwhelming. So, break it down!
Aim for your first 100, then 250, and so on. Celebrate small wins. Each step brings you closer to your goal, which keeps you motivated and focused.
For example, if you’re posting two videos a week and getting about 10 new subscribers per video, that’s 20 new subscribers a week. At that rate, you’ll reach 1000 in just 50 weeks, which is less than a year!
Set realistic weekly or monthly targets and track your progress using YouTube Analytics so you can stay on track and adjust your content strategies as needed.
2. Create Videos for One Target Audience
Trying to reach every YouTube user generally ends up reaching no one. Focus on one group of people. Are you making videos for gamers? New moms? People who love DIY crafts? Pick your niche and speak directly to them.
Having a clear target audience will help you to get more YouTube subscribers that actually care about your content and watch it regularly.
Let’s say you’re into fitness. Instead of making general workout videos, focus on “15-minute workouts for busy moms” or “home workouts for beginners.” Being specific can make a world of difference.
This helps YouTube understand who your videos are for so it can recommend them to the right viewers. Your content becomes more focused, and your audience feels like you’re talking right to them.
3. Create the Most Popular Kinds of Content
Certain video types get more YouTube views and subscribers. You have to stay up to date with what’s popular not only on YouTube, but also amongst popular creators in your niche. Then, you need to create content that aligns with popularity.
Here are a few that work well with an example title:
- How-to videos (people love to learn on YouTube): “How to Edit Videos on Your Phone”
- Top 10 lists: “Top 10 Budget Microphones for YouTube”
- Product reviews: “Reviewing the Cheapest 4K Camera on Amazon”
- Reaction videos: “Reacting to My First YouTube Video”
- Challenges: “24 Hours Eating Only Blue Food”
Look at what’s trending in your niche by using tools like Google Trends or check the Trending tab on YouTube. Make your version of it with your own twist, personality, or story so you can stay current with viral content topics.
4. Take YouTube Keywords, Thumbnails, and Video Titles Seriously
If you want to get more subscribers on YouTube, you have to play along with the algorithm.
Ultimately, YouTube is a search engine. That means keywords matter. Use tools like TubeBuddy, VidIQ, or even the YouTube search bar to find trends and what people are typing in.
Put those keywords in your:
- Video title: Make it clickable and clear (e.g., “How to Make Banana Bread – Easy Recipe for Beginners”)
- Description: Use the keywords naturally in the first few lines
- Tags: Add 5-10 relevant keywords
- Thumbnail text: Reinforce the video’s theme visually
And don’t forget your thumbnails! Use bright colors, big text, and clear images. Stick with a style so your YouTube videos are recognizable and follow a cohesive aesthetic.
For example, if your video is about a recipe, include a mouthwatering photo of the finished dish with bold text like “Best Chocolate Cake Ever!” Do that on all of your recipe videos.
Using trending YouTube hashtags in your videos is also a great way for people to discover your content and help the YouTube algorithm know who to show it to and where to categorize it
5. Create Videos That Deliver on Their Promise
If your title says “How to Make a Paper Airplane That Flies Far,” make sure your video really shows how to do that.
Don’t trick people with clickbait titles. It creates a lack of trust in your content and frustrates viewers.
For example, a video titled “Lose Belly Fat Fast” should provide actual exercises or diet tips that viewers can follow right away. If they feel tricked or see no reflection of the title, they’ll leave, and they definitely won’t subscribe.
Keep your video structure clear:
- Start with a hook (why this matters)
- Deliver on the promise step-by-step
- End with a summary or final tip
6. Identify Which Videos Attract the Most Subscribers
YouTube shows you which videos are getting the most subscribers. Go to YouTube Studio > Analytics > Content > Subscribers.
Let’s say you notice that your video titled “5 Ways to Study Better” brought in 100 new subscribers, while others only brought 10. That’s your golden content! Double down on it:
- Make a part two
- Turn it into a series
- Repurpose it into Shorts or blog posts
7. Do a YouTube Collab to Reach New Viewers
Find another creator in your niche and make a video together. This introduces your channel to their audience. It’s a win-win.
For example, if you both create cooking content, one of you could make the main dish while the other makes dessert.
Post on both channels and link to each other in the description and pinned comment. At the end of your video, say: “If you liked this, go check out [Name]’s channel for the other half of this meal!”
8. Promote Your YouTube Channel
Don’t just wait for people to find you. Share your videos on:
- Facebook groups (e.g., join a community for beginner gardeners if your channel is about plants)
- Reddit communities (like r/DIY or r/fitness)
- Discord servers (relevant to your topic)
- Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok (post teasers or behind-the-scenes)
- Your own website or blog
Promoting your videos outside of YouTube helps you tap into existing communities where people already care about your niche or content subject matter.
It builds brand awareness, gets your videos in front of new audiences, and brings in viewers who might not find you through search or recommendations alone.
Don’t forget, not all social media users are on YouTube, so building a reputable presence on different networks is a viable strategy.
Make sure your posts add value. For example, on Reddit, don’t just drop a link—write a helpful post and include your video as a resource.
On Instagram or TikTok, create a short, engaging teaser clip with a link to your full video in the bio or caption.
When done right, cross-platform promotion creates a powerful funnel of viewers that turn into subscribers on YouTube.
9. Use ‘Related Links’ in Shorts to Get More Subscribers
YouTube Shorts are hot right now. When you post a Short, use the new “related video” feature to link it to one of your long-form videos.
Many of the most popular creators on YouTube are leveraging this type of short-form content to be more visible on the platform and
Pro Tip: Create a Short showing a 10-second preview of a craft project, then link it to a full tutorial video. Viewers who are hooked by the Short will click to see the full version—and are more likely to subscribe.
10. Add a YouTube Subscribe Button to Your Videos
You can add a small subscribe watermark to your videos. Here’s how:
- Go to YouTube Studio
- Click “Customization”
- Choose “Branding”
- Upload your subscribe image (a red “+Subscribe” button works well)
This shows up in the corner of all your videos, making it easy for people to subscribe with one click.
11. Place a YouTube Subscribe Link in Video Descriptions
Make it easy for viewers to subscribe. Add a special link in your video description like this:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/YOURCHANNELID?sub_confirmation=1
Replace “YOURCHANNELID” with your actual channel ID or custom name. When someone clicks it, they get a prompt to subscribe. Place it right at the top of your video descriptions.
12. Never Stop Posting New Videos
The more videos you post, the more chances you have to grow. Don’t aim for perfection, just be consistent.
For instance, commit yourself to uploading every Friday at 5 PM. Over time, your audience will know when to expect new content.
Consistency also helps with the YouTube algorithm, which favors active creators.
At least video a week can help you grow fast if you’re improving each time. Track watch time, retention, and engagement to see what’s working. You may need to post more videos to stay relevant and grow your YouTube channel.
13. Ask Viewers to Subscribe to Your Channel
Sometimes people just need a reminder. At the end of your video, say something like:
“If you liked this video, please hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss the next one!”
You can also ask mid-video: “By the way, if you’re enjoying this and want more tips, hit that red subscribe button. It’s free and it really helps the channel!”
You should add a visual pop-up or animation that points to the subscribe button so that people can see what it looks like.
When you have a good rapport with your viewers, you are able to ask them to subscribe in a natural way.
Focus on the fact that they will be able to catch your content on the regular and they won’t miss out on anything when they’re subscribed.
It’s also free to do, so you can tell them that as well.
Can You Buy Subscribers on YouTube?
Technically, yes. But should you? It depends. Buying subscribers could be against YouTube’s rules depending on where you get them. Fake subscribers don’t watch your videos, and YouTube might remove them.
Plus, if they are fake, they don’t engage. That means your video watch time drops, and you may not get the views you want.
If you buy YouTube subscribers from a reputable service provider, it can help you jumpstart your growth and build your channel with loyal followers over time.
It can help you to build an authentic audience with a little more credibility from the jump. This will take time, but you’ll have real people who comment, share, and support you. That’s the ultimate goal.
Growing to 1,000 subscribers takes effort, but it’s totally possible—even fast! Stay focused, keep learning, and most importantly, enjoy the journey. Your next subscriber might be just one video away.