10 Types of Content that Work Best on YouTube

By Manuela Willbold

Table of Contents

YouTube has evolved into one of the most powerful platforms for content creators, offering a diverse range of opportunities for engagement and monetization.

As we move into 2025, understanding what type of content resonates best with audiences is crucial for anyone looking to grow their channel.

Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting, knowing the trends and preferences can help you tailor your content effectively.

For those interested in maximizing their reach, exploring options like YouTube Shorts monetization can be a game-changer.

The Power of Engaging Content

Engaging content is the cornerstone of any successful YouTube channel and it’s important to understand how the YouTube content management works to boost content performance. It not only attracts viewers but also encourages them to subscribe and interact with your videos.

In 2024, several types of content have proven to be particularly effective in capturing audience attention.

1. Instructional and Educational Videos

Instructional videos are one of the most popular content types on YouTube. These videos provide valuable information and skills to viewers, making them highly sought after. From cooking tutorials to DIY projects, educational content democratizes knowledge and allows creators to establish themselves as experts in their fields. This type of content not only garners views but also builds a loyal audience base eager for more insights.

One of the most popular categories on YouTube is educational content. People turn to YouTube not just for entertainment but to learn something new—whether it’s how to bake sourdough bread, fix a leaky faucet, or master a programming language. Channels of academies and educators have thrived by creating engaging, informative videos that break down complex topics into digestible formats.

Why It Works:

Evergreen Value: Educational content remains relevant over time, driving consistent traffic.
Searchability: People often use YouTube as a search engine to find solutions to their problems.
High Engagement: Tutorials and “how-to” videos encourage interaction through comments, as viewers ask follow-up questions or share their experiences.

2. Vlogs and Personal Stories

Vlogging has become a staple on YouTube, allowing creators to share their daily lives, experiences, and personal stories. This format fosters a sense of connection between the creator and the audience, making viewers feel like they are part of the journey.

ClickDo’s CEO Fernando Raymond vlogs regularly about his personal life on his YouTube channel while also discussing his business and work plans:

Authenticity is key here; audiences appreciate genuine content that reflects real-life experiences, struggles, and triumphs.

Why It Works:

Relatability: Viewers feel a personal connection when they see someone living a life they aspire to or relate to.
Community Building: Vlogs often foster loyal fanbases who actively engage through comments and shares.
Low Production Barriers: Unlike other formats, vlogs don’t require extensive editing or high-end equipment.

3. Entertainment and Comedy

Humorous content continues to thrive on YouTube. Whether through skits, parodies, or comedic commentary, creators who can make their audience laugh often see significant engagement. Comedy is universal, and when done well, it can lead to viral success. Collaborations with other comedians or creators can also amplify reach and introduce your content to new audiences.

Why It Works:

Shareability: People love sharing entertaining content with friends and family, amplifying your reach.
Emotional Connection: Engaging storytelling or humor fosters a deeper connection with viewers.
Repeat Views: Compelling entertainment can bring viewers back for multiple watches.

4. Product Reviews and Unboxing

As consumers increasingly turn to YouTube for product recommendations, review videos and unboxings have gained immense popularity. These videos help viewers make informed purchasing decisions and often lead to affiliate marketing opportunities for creators. Authentic reviews that highlight both pros and cons tend to resonate well, building trust with the audience.

Why It Works:

Purchase Influence: 62% of consumers watch product review videos before making a purchase.
High Search Intent: People actively search for reviews of products they’re interested in buying.
Brand Collaboration Opportunities: Successful review channels often attract sponsorships and partnerships.

5. Challenges and Trends

Participating in viral challenges or trends can significantly boost a channel’s visibility. Due to their shareability, these types of videos often attract a lot of views. Creators who can put their unique spin on popular challenges can engage both existing subscribers and new viewers, driving traffic to their channels.

Why It Works:

Viral Potential: Trend-based videos are often shared widely, leading to rapid growth.
Community Engagement: Participating in challenges fosters a sense of belonging among creators and viewers.
Algorithm Boost: Timely content often benefits from increased recommendations.

6. Gaming Content

YouTube’s gaming community is vast and diverse. From gameplay walkthroughs to live streams and commentary, gaming content continues to attract millions of viewers. Engaging with the audience through live chats during streams can enhance viewer interaction and create a community around your channel.

Why It Works:

Massive Audience: Gaming is one of the largest niches on YouTube, appealing to viewers of all ages.
Interactive Content: Multiplayer games or challenges often invite viewer participation, either through live chat or comments.
Long Watch Times: Gamers often post lengthy videos, which contribute positively to YouTube’s algorithm.

7. Interviews and Podcasts

Interviewing experts or other creators can provide valuable insights and attract their audiences to your channel. Podcasts, whether in video format or as a series of discussions, allow for deeper conversations on various topics, making them appealing to viewers who enjoy long-form content.

At ClickDo Media our expert team interviews entrepreneurs and experts regularly via different magazine and business YT channels like SeekaCast for example.

Why It Works:

Authority Building: Interviews with reputable figures enhance credibility.
Extended Watch Time: Podcasts and interviews encourage viewers to stay engaged longer.
Repurposable Content: Clips from interviews can be shared as standalone videos, maximizing reach.

8. Behind-the-Scenes Content

Audiences love to see the process behind the creation of their favorite content. Behind-the-scenes videos can include anything from the making of a video to insights into a creator’s life. This transparency fosters a deeper connection with viewers, making them feel more invested in the creator’s journey.

Why It Works:

Transparency: Behind-the-scenes videos make creators more relatable.
Exclusive Access: They offer unique insights that aren’t available elsewhere.
Engagement: Fans feel more connected when they see the effort and creativity behind the final product.

9. Live Streams

Live streaming has gained traction as a way to engage with audiences in real-time. Creators can host Q&A sessions, gaming streams, or live events, allowing for immediate interaction with viewers. This format not only boosts engagement but also creates a sense of community among followers.

Why It Works:

Real-Time Interaction: Viewers feel a deeper connection when they can interact directly with the creator.
Exclusive Content: Live streams often offer behind-the-scenes insights or one-time events.
Increased Watch Time: The longer format naturally keeps viewers engaged for extended periods.

10. Short-Form Content

With the rise of platforms like TikTok, short-form content has become increasingly popular on YouTube as well. YouTube Shorts allows creators to produce quick, engaging videos that can reach a broader audience. This format is perfect for bite-sized entertainment, quick tips, or highlights from longer videos, making it an essential tool for creators looking to expand their reach.

At ClickDo we regularly share shorts with marketing and web tips:

Why It Works:

Snackable Content: Short videos are easy to consume and perfect for mobile users.
High Shareability: Quick, impactful clips are often shared widely.
Increased Discovery: Shorts benefit from prominent placement in YouTube’s algorithm.

6 Tips for Maximizing Your YouTube Content’s Success

Regardless of the type of content you choose, here are some best practices to ensure your videos perform well:

Understand Your Audience: Use YouTube Analytics to learn about your viewers’ demographics, interests, and watch behavior.
Focus on Quality: Invest in good audio, clear visuals, and engaging editing to keep viewers hooked.
Optimize for Search: Incorporate relevant keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags to increase discoverability.
Consistency is Key: Upload regularly to maintain audience interest and improve your channel’s algorithm performance.
Engage with Your Community: Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and build a loyal viewer base.
Experiment and Adapt: Keep testing different formats and topics to see what resonates most with your audience.

Conclusion

Success on YouTube is not about chasing trends but finding the type of content that aligns with your passion and serves your audience’s needs. Whether you’re educating, entertaining, or inspiring, the key is to stay authentic and consistent. With the right strategy and commitment, your channel can thrive in YouTube’s vibrant ecosystem.

Author Profile

Manuela Willbold: Blogger and Educator by Passion | Senior Online Media & PR Strategist at ClickDo Ltd. | Contributor to many Education, Business & Lifestyle Blogs in the United Kingdom & Germany | Summer Course Student at the London School of Journalism and Course Instructor at the SeekaHost University.