How to Get More Views on YouTube in 2026 (E-commerce Guide)

In the competitive world of e-commerce, YouTube can be a game-changer for product visibility and sales. But figuring out how to get more views on YouTube isn’t just about luck – it requires strategy. YouTube is the world’s second-largest search engine, with over 2.5 billion logged-in users per month. This massive audience means huge potential for e-commerce brands, Amazon sellers, and DTC founders to showcase products, drive traffic, and build brand trust. In fact, online shoppers who watch product videos are 1.6× more likely to buy a product, so every view counts toward your bottom line.

This guide will walk you through proven strategies to get more YouTube views in 2026. From optimizing your video SEO to leveraging micro-influencers, you’ll learn actionable tips to grow your channel’s reach. Let’s dive in and boost those views – and ultimately, your sales.

1. Optimize Your Channel for Search Visibility

YouTube acts as a search engine, so treat your videos like SEO content. Ensure your channel and videos are optimized for discovery. Start with keyword research to find what your target audience (e.g. shoppers in your niche) is searching for. Incorporate relevant keywords naturally into your video titles, descriptions, and tags for better visibility in both YouTube and Google results. For example, if you sell eco-friendly cookware, include terms like “healthy cooking tips” or your product name in the title/description.

• • Use clear titles and descriptions: Write informative descriptions (with primary keywords in the first 1-2 lines) explaining what the video is about. Include a few keyword hashtags and a link to your website or Amazon product page if relevant.

     

  • Add relevant tags and categories: Tags help YouTube’s algorithm understand your content. Add specific tags for your product category (e.g. organic skincare, gaming accessories) and broader tags for context. Choose an appropriate category for each video (e.g. Education, How-to) so YouTube knows your audience.

     

  • Create playlists: Organize videos into themed playlists (for example, a playlist of “How-To Tutorials” or “Customer Testimonials”). Playlists not only encourage binge-watching but also help YouTube group your content, improving its chance to appear in “Suggested Videos.”

     

  • Encourage engagement: The more viewers like, comment, and share your videos, the better your content may rank. Prompt viewers with a friendly call-to-action – ask a question in the video to spur comments, or remind them to “Like & Subscribe”. High engagement signals tell YouTube your content is valuable, boosting its search ranking.

Tip: Don’t resort to spammy “keyword stuffing.” Use keywords where they make sense and focus on delivering value. The goal is to help YouTube match your videos with the right viewers – namely, potential customers interested in your product or topic.

2. Write Descriptive, Click-Worthy Titles

Your video title is the first (and perhaps only) thing potential viewers see. Craft engaging, accurate titles that spark interest and include keywords. A great title should tell viewers what they’ll get and entice them to click. For instance, instead of a vague title like “Our Product Features”, use something specific and benefit-driven like “How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Coffee with [Product Name]”.

• • Front-load important keywords: If your key phrase is “DIY home decor tips,” try to start the title with it. This helps with both YouTube’s algorithm and users quickly seeing the topic.

     

  • Keep it concise: Aim for titles under ~60 characters so they don’t get cut off on search pages. Clarity matters more than being clever – viewers should know exactly what to expect from your video.

     

  • Use numbers or brackets if relevant: Lists and step-by-step guides often perform well (e.g., “5 Tips to Increase Amazon Sales with YouTube”). If your video is part of a series or has a year update, include that (e.g., “Influencer Marketing Strategies [2026]”) for timeliness.

     

  • Avoid clickbait: While it’s good to pique curiosity (e.g., “You Won’t Believe This Transformation…”), make sure the content delivers on the title’s promise. Misleading titles may get initial clicks but hurt viewer retention and trust in the long run.

An eye-catching title can dramatically improve your click-through rate, especially when paired with an appealing thumbnail (more on that next). Think about what would make you click on a video if you were searching for your topic, and let that guide your title creation.

3. Use Custom Thumbnails to Grab Attention

Alongside titles, thumbnails are crucial for earning clicks. A thumbnail is essentially the visual preview of your video – and a compelling one can significantly boost your views. In fact, YouTube reports that 90% of top-performing videos use custom thumbnails (rather than auto-generated frames). It’s worth taking time to design a thumbnail that stands out in search results and social feeds.

• • Make it visually appealing: Use high-resolution images with good lighting. Show a clear, relevant image of the content – this could be a smiling person using your product, a before-and-after result, or bold text highlighting the video’s topic. Bright colors and high contrast can help catch the eye.

     

  • Include text or branding: Consider adding a few words of text on the thumbnail to reinforce the video topic (for example, “Unboxing” or “Step-by-Step”). Use a readable font and keep text brief. Including your brand logo or consistent style elements (colors, frames) can also build recognition over time.

     

  • Accurately represent the video: Ensure your thumbnail isn’t misleading. It should set the right expectation. If the video is a tutorial, show the end result or the process in the thumbnail. Viewers should have an idea of what they’ll see, which leads to longer watch times and satisfaction.

     

  • Test different designs: If possible, experiment with A/B testing different thumbnail styles to see what your audience clicks on more. Over time, you’ll learn what works best – whether it’s a close-up face showing emotion, a product image, or graphic elements.

Remember, thumbnails are your video’s billboard. On a crowded platform like YouTube, a well-designed thumbnail can be the difference between someone clicking your video or scrolling past it. Think about your target audience (busy e-commerce shoppers, for example) and design thumbnails that would grab their attention.

4. Use Data and Analytics to Guide Your Content Strategy

One of the smartest ways to get more YouTube views is to create content your audience actually wants. How do you figure that out? By diving into analytics and research. If you already have some videos up, study your YouTube Analytics to see what’s working. Look at metrics like watch time, audience retention, and which videos gained the most subscribers or views. These data points show the content topics and formats your viewers respond to most.

• • Identify high-performing content: Find your top viewed and most engaging videos. Are they product reviews, how-to guides, behind-the-scenes vlogs? Plan to create more content in these successful formats or topics since they clearly resonate with your audience.

     

  • Learn from audience retention: Analytics can show you where viewers drop off in each video. Use this to improve future content – for instance, if you see people skip the first 30 seconds, you might shorten your intro. If they rewind a particular segment, that topic might deserve its own video.

     

  • Research your competitors: Look at other content creators or brands in your niche. Which of their videos have the highest views or comments? This competitive analysis can reveal content gaps or trends. Maybe you notice all the top electronics sellers have “unboxing and setup” videos – if you don’t, it’s time to make one.

     

  • Use audience feedback: Pay attention to comments and questions on your videos (and even on your other social channels). Viewers might ask for specific tutorials or more details on a topic. This is essentially free product research for content ideas. For example, an Amazon seller might notice multiple questions about how a product works – that’s a prompt to create a demo video addressing those points.

By letting analytics and feedback drive your content calendar, you ensure each video is strategically crafted to draw interest. This data-driven approach means you’re not just guessing what viewers want – you know what they want, because the numbers (and their own words) tell you. Over time, this leads to higher view counts and a channel that consistently grows.

5. Leverage YouTube Shorts for Quick Exposure

Short-form vertical videos are booming on YouTube. YouTube Shorts (videos under 60 seconds, similar to TikToks or Reels) are a fantastic way to grab quick views and reach new audiences. In fact, YouTube Shorts are averaging around 70 billion views per day in 2026, showing just how popular this format has become. As an e-commerce brand, you can use Shorts to capture attention in bite-sized chunks and funnel viewers to your longer content or product pages.

• • Share quick tips or demos: Think of a single helpful tip or a before/after result that can be shown in 15–60 seconds. For example, a skincare brand might do “30-second night routine tip” as a Short. These snackable videos can pique interest and lead curious viewers to check out your channel for more.

     

  • Hop on trends (carefully): Keep an eye on popular Shorts trends or challenges, and see if you can creatively tie them to your niche. Using trending music or hashtags can boost visibility. Just ensure it feels authentic to your brand – the content should still offer value or entertainment related to your product.

     

  • Promote your main videos: You can use Shorts as trailers or teasers for longer YouTube videos. Highlight a compelling moment from a full-length video in a Short with a call-to-action like “Watch the full tutorial on our channel.” This can drive traffic to your other content and increase overall views.

     

  • Post consistently: The YouTube algorithm rewards active channels. Posting Shorts in between your regular uploads keeps your channel lively. Shorts might reach a different segment of users who prefer quick content, some of whom will convert into subscribers or customers.

Because Shorts are easily swiped through by mobile users, they’re a chance to go viral or at least get in front of far more eyes quickly. Many brands have seen subscriber boosts from a single well-timed Short. As part of your 2026 strategy, mix Shorts into your content plan to maximize your reach across both short and long-form video consumers.

6. Cross-Promote Your Videos on Social Media

Don’t rely on YouTube alone to get traffic – extend your reach by promoting videos on other platforms. Your target customers likely hang out on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, or X (Twitter). By sharing your YouTube content (or snippets of it) on these networks, you attract viewers who might not find you otherwise. Plus, it reinforces your message across multiple touchpoints, which is great for brand recall.

• • Share teaser clips: When a new YouTube video goes live, create a short teaser for social media. For example, post a 15-second highlight on Instagram Stories or a compelling clip on Twitter with a note like “Full video now on our YouTube – check it out for more!” This entices your followers to click through to YouTube for the complete content.
  • Tailor posts to each platform: Write platform-specific captions that speak to those audiences. On LinkedIn (if relevant for B2B or professional content), you might emphasize the informational value of the video. On Instagram or Facebook, you could take a more casual, engaging tone (“We tested our new gadget so you don’t have to – watch the hilarious results on YouTube!”). Always include the YouTube link or a call-to-action button.
  • Leverage relevant hashtags and tags: Use hashtags like #YouTube and ones related to your niche (#ecommerce, #DIY, #makeuptutorial, etc.) when posting about your video on social. Tag any partner or micro-influencer featured in the video as well – they might reshare it, exposing your content to their followers.
  • Schedule for peak times: Just as timing can affect YouTube performance, it matters on other networks. Post about your video when your social followers are most active (for many brands, weekday mornings or early evenings). This ensures your promotional posts get seen and clicked. (Pro tip: Consider scheduling tools or features like Facebook Premieres or Twitter scheduling to coordinate a multi-platform rollout when your video drops.)

By actively broadcasting your YouTube content across your social media, you create a web of traffic sources all pointing back to your channel. Each platform can funnel new viewers to your videos, helping you rack up views faster and build a cohesive online presence. Essentially, you’re meeting your audience wherever they are and inviting them to your YouTube hub.

7. Embed YouTube Videos on Your Website (and Beyond)

Some of the best places to promote your YouTube videos are outside of YouTube itself. If you have an e-commerce website or write a blog, embed your relevant YouTube videos there. This not only provides richer content for your site visitors (which can increase time on page and conversion rates) but also funnels that traffic to your YouTube, boosting views and engagement.

• • Product pages: If you’re an Amazon seller or have your own online store, use videos to enhance product listings. For example, embed a “how to use” video or a customer testimonial video right on the product detail page. Shoppers are more likely to buy after seeing a product in action – video content can increase conversions by up to 80% in some cases. Plus, every play of the embedded video counts as a YouTube view as long as the user initiates it.

     

  • Blog posts and articles: Whenever you cover a topic in writing, see if you have a YouTube video that complements it. Writing a how-to guide on your blog? Embed the matching tutorial video from your channel. Not only does this give readers an alternative way to consume the info, but it could also lead them to explore your channel for more.

     

  • Email newsletters: Don’t forget email as a promotion channel. If you send newsletters to customers or leads, include a screenshot or thumbnail of your YouTube video that links to it. A compelling subject line like “Watch our new demo (2 min video)” can drive your email audience to become YouTube viewers.

     

  • Community forums or Q&A sites: If applicable, share your videos in places like Reddit, Quora, or industry forums when relevant to a question or discussion (never spam!). For example, if someone asks “How do I assemble X product?” and you have a YouTube video showing exactly that, post it with a helpful comment. This not only racks up views but positions your brand as helpful and knowledgeable.

Every embed or external share is essentially free advertising for your YouTube content. It captures viewers who might not have been actively searching on YouTube but encounter your video while browsing your site or other platforms. Just be sure the videos you embed externally are high-quality and stand on their own (contextualize them with a caption or intro in your blog, for instance). The easier you make it for people to watch your videos wherever they are, the more views you’ll accumulate.

8. Consider YouTube Advertising for a Boost

For a quicker surge in visibility, you might want to invest in paid YouTube ads. While organic growth is crucial, a well-targeted ad campaign can jumpstart views on a new video or promote your channel to your ideal audience. YouTube (through Google Ads) offers a variety of ad formats – from skippable in-stream ads to discovery ads that appear in search results. Even a modest budget can make an impact if used smartly.

• • Choose the right ad format: If your goal is to get more views on a specific video, In-Feed Video Ads (formerly called Discovery ads) could be effective – these show your video thumbnail in the YouTube search results or sidebar suggestions for relevant users. If you want brand awareness, Skippable Video Ads that play before other videos might get your content in front of many eyeballs (just make the first 5 seconds super engaging!).

     

  • Target narrowly: The power of YouTube ads is in targeting. You can aim ads at users by demographics, interests, or even past interactions (like those who visited your website – via retargeting). For example, an Amazon seller of fitness gear could target ads to people who watch workout and health channels. The more relevant the audience, the more likely they’ll actually watch and engage with your video.

     

  • Promote your best content: Use ads on videos that have a strong hook and represent your brand well, because a viewer’s first impression matters. If one of your videos has a high watch-through rate and great feedback, that’s a good candidate to amplify with ads. It’s often better to promote a valuable tutorial or entertaining piece rather than a pure advertisement – the goal is to attract genuine interest, not just push a product.

     

  • Measure and adjust: Keep an eye on ad performance in Google Ads (views, click-through-rate, cost per view, etc.). If an ad isn’t generating enough engagement, tweak the targeting or try a different video/format. When you find something that works (e.g. an ad driving lots of new subscribers at a low cost), consider scaling up that campaign.

Paid promotion does entail spending, so use it judiciously. But in 2026’s increasingly pay-to-play marketing landscape, YouTube ads can ensure your content doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. A short ad run for a key video – such as a new product launch or a campaign with influencers – might give it the momentum it needs to start trending organically. Think of advertising as a supplement to your organic efforts: it can accelerate results, especially when you’re targeting a competitive niche or starting from a smaller channel.

9. Collaborate with Influencers and Content Creators

One of the fastest ways to expand your YouTube reach is by partnering with other creators. Collaborations introduce your channel to a new audience (the collaborator’s followers) and often create buzz. For e-commerce brands, teaming up with influencers – particularly micro-influencers – can drive a surge of views and authentic engagement. In fact, YouTube is becoming a top choice for influencer campaigns, with over half of U.S. marketers planning to use YouTube for influencer marketing in 2026. This underscores how impactful creator partnerships can be.

• • Find complementary partners: Look for YouTubers or influencers in your niche or a related field who have an engaged community. Micro-influencers (say, 10k–50k subscribers) are great because they often have a tight-knit audience and are cost-effective. If you sell artisanal coffee, for example, a micro-influencer who vlogs about morning routines or a barista with a channel could be an ideal fit.

     

  • Do collaborative videos: There are many ways to collab – guest appearances, interviews, product reviews, or a fun challenge video together. Perhaps you send your product to a creator for an honest review or demonstration on their channel. They get content, you get exposure. Each of you should promote the collab video to your audiences, effectively doubling the visibility.

     

  • Leverage influencer trust: Viewers tend to trust their favorite creators; roughly 70% of people trust YouTube influencer reviews as much as personal recommendations. That means if a content creator shows or endorses your product in a genuine way, their fans are more likely to watch, engage, and even consider purchasing. Make sure any collaboration feels authentic – work with influencers who genuinely like or would use your product, so the partnership comes off as credible.

     

  • Shout-outs and channel features: In addition to full videos, even small exchanges can help. You can sponsor a segment in a creator’s video, or they can give your channel a quick shout-out (like “Thanks to Brand X for sending this, check their channel for more info”). Also consider appearing in each other’s videos and encouraging viewers to check out the other’s channel. Cross-pollinating audiences can lift both of you.

Collaborations are a win-win: the influencer gets content or sponsorship, and you get a trusted voice boosting your brand to new viewers. Stack Influence, for instance, is a platform that helps brands connect with micro-influencers at scale – using such a service can simplify finding the right creators to work with. Whether you approach influencers directly or through a platform, focus on building real relationships. A successful collaboration can not only net thousands of views but also create long-term brand advocates in the creator community.

10. Create a Series and Stick to a Consistent Schedule

If you want viewers to keep coming back (and bringing new viewers with them), consistency is key. Consider launching a video series or recurring theme on your channel. A series gives people something to look forward to and can hook them into watching multiple videos (great for views and watch time). For example, an e-commerce fashion brand might do a weekly “Style Saturday” lookbook. Or an Amazon electronics seller could have a monthly “Gadget Unboxing” series. When viewers know a series is ongoing, they’re more likely to subscribe and not miss an episode.

• • Choose a recurring theme: Identify a topic you can dive into regularly that aligns with your brand. It could be a tutorial series (like “Beginner’s Guide to DIY Furniture” with each video tackling a new project) or a behind-the-scenes vlog series (“Startup Life: Week by Week” for a DTC founder documenting business growth). Ensure it’s broad enough to sustain multiple episodes but specific enough that it has a clear identity.

     

  • Use consistent branding: Give your series a name and maybe a custom intro or thumbnail style. This helps viewers instantly recognize new installments. Playlists are helpful here – add each new episode to the series’ playlist so newcomers can easily binge from the start.

     

  • Maintain a schedule: Whether or not you do a formal series, upload consistently. If you decide to post every Wednesday, stick to it as closely as possible. Regularity trains your audience to expect content and builds habit. It also signals to YouTube that your channel is active. An active channel that steadily grows tends to be favored by the algorithm. If weekly is too much, find a cadence you can handle (bi-weekly, monthly), and try not to go AWOL for long stretches.

     

  • Quality over quantity: Consistency doesn’t mean you should pump out low-quality videos to meet a quota. It’s better to post a great video every other week than mediocre ones twice a week. However, do challenge yourself to uphold a schedule – sometimes “perfect” is the enemy of “done.” Plan ahead with a content calendar so you’re never scrambling last minute for ideas.

By developing a series or routine, you transform one-time visitors into long-term viewers. They’ll come back for episode 2, 3, and so on – and probably bring friends along (“You gotta see this series I’ve been watching…”). Over time, this serial effect can snowball your views and subscribers. It fosters a loyal community that looks forward to your content, which is exactly what sustains a growing YouTube channel.

11. Engage Your Community and Encourage UGC

Lastly, don’t forget the “social” in social media – building a community around your channel will organically boost views. When viewers feel connected to you, they’ll not only watch more, but also promote your content via word of mouth. Engage with your audience and even encourage them to participate in your content creation through user-generated content (UGC). For e-commerce brands, UGC like unboxing videos, customer reviews, or contest submissions can be a treasure trove of authentic content that drives interest.

• • Respond to comments: Dedicate time to reply to viewers’ comments on your videos. Answer questions, thank them for feedback, and foster conversations. This kind of personal touch makes viewers feel valued. An engaged viewer is more likely to watch future videos and share them. Plus, high comment activity can even give a slight edge in YouTube’s promotion of your video.

     

  • Ask viewers for ideas: Pose questions in your video or community tab like, “What tutorial should we do next?” or “Which product would you like us to test out?” When people contribute ideas, they become invested in watching the outcome. If you make a video that a user suggested (or answer a viewer’s question in your next Q&A video), give them a shout-out – it builds goodwill and encourages others to engage.

     

  • Run contests or giveaways: Contests can spike engagement and bring in new viewers. For example, you might host a giveaway where participants must subscribe, like, and comment on a video to enter (this naturally boosts your view count and engagement metrics). Make sure the prize is relevant to your brand (attract those who genuinely are interested in your niche, not just freebie-hunters) and that you follow YouTube’s contest guidelines. You can also get creative by incorporating UGC into the contest – e.g., ask fans to submit their own short video using your product, or a photo with a specific hashtag. This not only increases interaction but gives you community-sourced content to highlight (with permission).

     

  • Feature user-generated content: When customers or fans do create content about your brand – maybe someone posted an unboxing video of your product or shared a testimonial on their channel – reach out and acknowledge it. With their consent, you could even compile some of the best UGC clips into a montage on your channel (“Our Customers Try XYZ!”). Featuring real users provides social proof and can attract those users’ followers to check out your official channel.

Fostering a community takes time, but it’s incredibly rewarding. You’ll transform passive viewers into active fans who watch every video, participate in discussions, and advocate for your brand. This kind of loyal base will sustain your YouTube views growth over the long term, far beyond any one viral spike. Plus, the authentic dialogue and content that comes from your community can greatly enrich your channel’s appeal to newcomers.

Conclusion to How to Get More Views on YouTube

Growing your YouTube channel to get more views in 2026 isn’t about one secret trick – it’s the result of combining many smart strategies consistently. By optimizing for search, creating compelling content, leveraging new formats like Shorts, and engaging in influencer marketing and community-building, you can steadily build a robust viewership on YouTube. Remember, every extra view is not just a number – it’s a potential customer or brand advocate discovering your message.

For e-commerce brands and Amazon sellers, the payoff goes beyond vanity metrics. More YouTube views can translate into higher trust, more site traffic, and ultimately more sales. So start implementing these tactics today. Post that new how-to video, reach out to a micro-influencer in your niche, or schedule your next five video ideas on the calendar. With patience and creativity, you’ll see those view counts climb – and your business grow alongside them.