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Going viral on YouTube can be a mix of excitement, pressure, and even confusion about what comes next. I recently checked my analytics and realized one of my videos was blowing up. That moment felt like an unexpected surge of adrenaline, but then came that lingering question: “Now what?”

Understanding what to do after going viral and how to maintain that momentum is what I’m here to share. Plus, I’ll show you how I got here and how you can get more views faster on your own channel.

The Viral Spike: What Do You Do Next?

Imagine you’re a new artist and your first song becomes a huge hit. What’s next? The same pressure applies when your video goes viral. Suddenly, you’re left asking yourself, “What do I do now?” It’s easier to compare this to adrenaline-fueled anxiety as you try to replicate that success again.

I get it—you want every video to keep growing, but the truth is that yes, there’s pressure, but it can be managed if you focus your efforts in the right places. Here, I’ll share some tried-and-true strategies that have helped me blow up on YouTube, and they just might help you too.

The Secret Sauce to More Views

A few key things allowed my last video to blow up, and the first is realizing that going viral isn’t an accident. There’s a bit of strategy in cracking the YouTube algorithm—or at least finding the weak points that push your content front and center.

When I first put up the now-viral video, it wasn’t even polished. I shot it in my car with no makeup on, no flashy setup, but the engagement was off the charts. Authenticity sells. Sometimes, the less “produced” look wins. Turns out, imperfections can make your videos more relatable, and YouTube happens to love that.

Tip 1: Keep the First 30 Seconds on Fire

Think of this like a hook in a pop song—those first 30 seconds are crucial. People decide almost immediately if they’re sticking around. Just like when you hover over a Netflix title and it gives you a quick preview, that’s what YouTube is doing. Your first moments have to be dynamic, engaging, and memorable.

Make sure to bring energy right from the jump and let people know why they should stay. Your face? Yup—it’s your best asset right now. The YouTube algorithm is eating up videos with people’s faces in the frame.

Coping with Viral Pressure

It’s easy to get overwhelmed after a viral hit. You start to measure every new upload against the one that exploded. But here’s a tip: don’t let it get to you. Focus on consistency and community growth. One of the best things you can do is lean into the support of fellow creators.

In fact, here’s a challenge for you, especially if you’re a small YouTube creator:

Challenge: Support Each Other

We’re all in this together. Find five or 10 small creators whose content resonates with you. Dive into their videos, leave thoughtful comments, and hit subscribe. The point is to build a community, and communities grow faster when people have each other’s back.

Here’s exactly how you can help boost not only their channel but yours as well:

1. Subscribe – It’s free and helps their channel grow.
2. Watch their videos, not just one, but three (or more) videos in full if possible.
3. Leave a Like – This costs nothing but adds so much value.
4. Drop a comment – More engagement boosts the visibility of that video.

Here’s a nifty hack—put the video on slow-mo (0.5x speed) and let it play while doing other things. It increases their watch time without requiring extra effort from you.

Nail Your Video Format

After working through my own frustrations of low view counts and flatline engagement, I eventually figured out the winning formula for keeping people glued to my videos.

Your Video’s Golden First Minute

For any future video, focus hard on the first 1.5 minutes. That is your all-in moment. You want those 30-90 seconds to pack such a punch that even a distracted viewer can’t stop watching. This first impression will determine whether they leave or become a fan.

Here’s my strategy:

1. Intro (60% energy) – Start strong, keep your face in the shot.
2. Middle (20%) – Back down slightly, but still keep people engaged with value and tips.
3. End (call-to-action) – Remind viewers to interact: like the video, leave comments, and subscribe.

Don’t forget to pepper your video with reminders—ask people to push buttons, click like, or hit subscribe throughout the video. The YouTube algorithm loves when users are interacting, so encourage them.

Analytics and CTR: The Key to Unlocking Success

Let’s talk numbers. You’ve probably looked at your YouTube analytics and scratched your head over what matters the most.

Start with your video retention rate. If 50% or more of people are still watching after 30 seconds, you’re on the right track. This stat is crucial because it means you’ve hooked them, and YouTube notices.

Next up is your CTR (Click-Through Rate). Impressions are how often YouTube puts your thumbnail in front of someone. The CTR is how many of them actually click on your video. My video, which I referenced earlier, shot up to a CTR of 7.7%, and it kept climbing. You want at least 3%. If you’re getting lower than that, it’s time to look at your thumbnails. Are they intriguing? Are they scroll-stoppers?

How to Upload Correctly

When you’re uploading your next video, here’s a sneaky tip: watch your own video from another Gmail account and let it play all the way through. This helps build up those initial views and tells YouTube that people are watching it with intention.

But don’t just stop there. Pop it on slow-mo, and pretend to be a viewer, critiquing your own video for flow, energy, and any drag moments.

However, do not rush to send the link everywhere. It’s tempting to blast it out to your Facebook friends or newsletter subscribers immediately. But, take it from me—this doesn’t help. People who click and don’t watch all the way through tank your CTR, and YouTube will think your content isn’t good.

Instead, let the platform do its job and suggest your video organically. Trust the algorithm.

Change Your Mindset: Focus Goes Where Energy Flows

Here’s a surprising truth—you won’t grow on YouTube by just focusing on tags, titles, and thumbnails. Sure, those things help, but they aren’t everything. The most critical shift you can make is changing your mindset.

If you’re frustrated, negative, or constantly criticizing your own work, it’ll show in your videos. You need a positive mindset that reflects confidence in what you’re creating. Personally, I always take a few moments to meditate before filming. It helps me connect inward so I can give more authenticity outward.

Shift your focus, and you’ll see your energy flow in the right direction. Don’t be afraid of feedback, and remember that consistency is key.

Growing and Learning Together

Look, we’re all learning. I’m still figuring stuff out, and I’m sharing my journey with you because I want to see other creators thrive too. If you’re serious about growing your channel and personal development, make sure you keep an eye on my series. One of my main goals is to help you become the best version of you—whether you’re focusing on YouTube, building a business, or leveling up in general.

Oh, and if you want live help, I’m considering hosting YouTube feedback sessions. We’ll chit-chat about what’s working, what’s not, and I’ll guide you on everything from thumbnails to analytics.

Conclusion: Hit That Like Button and Support Each Other

The whole point of this journey is growth, and I’m not just talking about more views and subscribers. Yes, I want you to smash your YouTube goals, but ultimately, I want you to enjoy the process, learn along the way, and support others in the same boat.

If you’re ready to take your YouTube game to the next level, be sure to apply the tips I’ve shared here and grab a pen for more gems on our upcoming live sessions. Going viral is great, but maintaining that momentum is an art—and now you know the brushstrokes.

Until next time leave a comment with any questions, and let’s keep growing.