Top 10 YouTube Video Types to Grow Subscribers and Income in 2023

With the ever-increasing popularity of YouTube as a platform, it has become crucial for content creators to choose the right video types that resonate with their target audience.

Did you know that the global number of YouTube users is projected to soar in the coming years?

According to recent forecasts by Statista, between 2023 and 2028, there will be an astounding increase of 263 million users, representing a growth of 30.29 percent. This staggering statistic highlights the immense potential for content creators to reach and engage with a larger audience on YouTube.

In this article, we will explore a diverse range of YouTubve video types that have proven to be highly effective in attracting subscribers and generating income. Whether you're looking to share your knowledge, entertain, or showcase your creative skills, we've got you covered planning your YouTube content according to these categories will help you in achieving greater success.

Before we dive into the top 10 YouTube video types, it's important to understand the power of video content in driving engagement and revenue don’t forget to check our guide, “Is YouTube Affiliate Marketing Still Worth it in 2023?”. It delves into the benefits, strategies, and success stories of affiliate marketing on YouTube.

Now, let's explore the exciting world of YouTube video types that will set you on the path to success. Whether you're a beauty enthusiast, a gaming fanatic, or a travel lover, there's a video type that will captivate your audience and help you achieve your goals.

Get ready to unleash your creativity and engage with your viewers in meaningful ways. Let's discover the top 10 YouTube video types that will drive your subscriber count and boost your income in 2023!

Top YouTube Video Types to Grow Your Channel in 2023

Regardless of the content or genre, you create YouTube videos on, there is space and opportunities for growth for anyone and everyone on YouTube. There is an audience for all types of content, and as long as you make constant efforts to optimize your video to reach this target audience, you can grow your YouTube channel.

To make life easier, especially for creators that are just starting out, we have compiled a list of some of the best YouTube niches to generate more revenue and grow your following.

1. Product Reviews

Product review videos have become a go-to resource for consumers seeking authentic and insightful information before making a purchase. With countless influencers establishing themselves as trusted voices in the YouTube community, these reviews have gained tremendous popularity and impact.

Unlike traditional text-based reviews, YouTube product reviews provide viewers with the added advantage of witnessing how a product performs firsthand. This visual element, combined with the reviewer's personal feedback, enhances the credibility and reliability of the information provided.

Building a community and establishing yourself as an authentic authority may require time and dedication. However, the product review category offers ample opportunities to grow your YouTube channel. By creating engaging and informative product review videos, you can attract new subscribers who are actively searching for reviews in your niche. These viewers, who might not have discovered your channel otherwise, will be drawn in by your expertise and insights.

When filming a product review, it is crucial to conduct thorough research on the product. Reviewing popular items within your target audience's interests will increase your chances of gaining more views and subscribers. Choosing lesser-known products may limit the potential reach and impact of your review.

Product reviews not only attract new subscribers but also benefit your existing subscriber base. As your loyal viewers engage with your product review content, they are more likely to stay connected and generate additional revenue through increased ad revenue. Furthermore, by strategically placing affiliate links in your video description, you can drive traffic from your channel to affiliate landing pages.

Also, you can sign up to Shopper.com for free and gain access to affiliate partnerships of over 25,000 brands. Now just have to create a Shopper page and strategically place them on your YouTube channel such as a description, about section, etc. This presents an opportunity to earn a percentage of any purchases made by your subscribers, expanding your income streams.

In summary, product review videos are a powerful tool for YouTube content creators. By providing genuine and valuable insights, you can establish yourself as a trusted voice within your niche.

This is also a good way to repurpose your content if you are a product review blogger, looking forward to exploring new avenues to skyrocket your commissions.

2. DIY Tutorials

DIY tutorials have become a staple on YouTube, attracting viewers who are eager to learn new skills and engage in various activities. Whether it's building a wooden gate, mastering a new recipe, or delving into a new hobby, YouTube tutorials offer a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration. If you have expertise in a particular area and a desire to share your knowledge with a wider audience, YouTube provides an ideal platform to showcase your skills.

One successful example is @JonnyDIY, who demonstrates the process of building a wooden gate in a video. Not only does Jonny provide step-by-step instructions, but he also includes links to the tools used during the process. This level of detail and accessibility enhances the learning experience for viewers, making it easier for them to follow along and replicate the DIY project.

This way you can list multiple affiliate products that have been used in accomplishing a task in your YouTube description of the DIY tutorial video.

The beauty of tutorial videos lies in their ability to cater to different learning styles. Visual learners benefit from visual demonstrations, while auditory learners absorb information through clear explanations and instructions.

So, if you have a passion for sharing knowledge and empowering others, consider diving into the world of DIY tutorial videos on YouTube. With dedication and creativity, you can engage a wide audience, help them learn new skills, and forge connections with both viewers and brands. Embrace the power of YouTube and become a source of inspiration and guidance in your chosen field.

3. Gaming Videos

In our guide, on the most profitable affiliate marketing niches in 2023, we shared that gaming is a lucrative niche for affiliate marketers and, it is also a good segment for Youtube influencers.

However, gaming is not exactly everyone's cup of tea, but there is so much potential in this genre today that if you are into gaming, you can make a living out of it. There are plenty of leading brands that are heavily investing in e-sports and competitive gaming. Energy drinks like Monster Energy and Red Bull which back in the day, only promoted high-adrenaline sports, and athletes are now actively participating and even hosting gaming competitions.

In 2018, Red Bull mentioned gaming content creators like Rich Leigh as YouTube rising stars one should be watching in 2018.

Also, gaming peripheral brands, audio device makers, fashion brands, home decor, and brands across several platforms are now eyeing the gaming sector which can help creators interested in getting affiliate partnerships and influencer marketing deals.

What's even better about coming up with a gaming channel is that you can engage with your audience in real time, which again makes it a platform that lets you build a community. This is one genre that also helps creators share a closer bond with their audience than most of the other categories thanks to the gaming channels mostly using the live streaming facility.

4. Vlogs

If you are comfortable with speaking in front of the camera and looking for one of the easiest ways to kickstart your YouTube journey, vlogging can be an option.

Vlogs are video-based blogs that mirror the concept of traditional web blog posts, allowing individuals to share captivating glimpses into their day-to-day lives and provide engaging and informative content.

Vlogs let you in on the video maker's mind and perspective by showing or presenting what they see or experience. To an extent, vlogs can be equated to reality television, and you can get a chance to see into the life of a vlogger that you follow.

Vlogs are perfect if you like recording videos and sharing what you see with a wider audience. Travel and beauty vlogs are some of the most searched video categories on YouTube. People often look forward to new uploads from their favorite vloggers, and there are many brands, resorts, educational apps, and others who would be willing to associate with your YouTube channel.

5. Unboxing

Unboxing is a category where creators literally earn money for opening a package.

It has become an internet phenomenon on YouTube, with high-end consumer electronics being a popular focus. These videos provide valuable insights for viewers, who often make purchasing decisions based on the reviews and recommendations from their favorite unboxing channels.

From gadgets to food and garments, unboxing videos have expanded to cover a wide range of products, making them a trending and lucrative content format. By taking inspiration from top unboxing channels like Unbox Therapy, creators can generate endless content ideas and engage with their audience in exciting ways.

The channel, which belongs to Lewis George Hilsenteger, has amassed over 18.2 million subscribers and has received more than 4.4 billion views as of April 2023.

Through Unbox Therapy, viewers can witness the thrill of unboxing the latest tech gadgets without having to spend their own money to purchase them.

6. Video Podcasts

Podcasts have gained significant popularity, with over 160 million projected for 2023. Capitalizing on this trend, creating a YouTube channel for podcasting offers a powerful opportunity to reach potential viewers.

Video podcasts, a rising trend in content marketing, provide a dynamic way to showcase podcasts in a recorded video call format. By transforming podcast episodes into shorter, edited clips that highlight passionate rants, contrarian opinions, or tutorial walkthroughs, creators can optimize their content for YouTube's searchability. These targeted clips, ranging from 2 to 5 minutes, align with YouTube keywords and can also be repurposed as YouTube shorts for maximum exposure. This approach, as opposed to sharing full, unedited podcast conversations, has proven to generate better engagement and performance on YouTube.

7. Haul

If you are a fashion and beauty YouTuber, hauls need to be your best friend in terms of content. Haul videos are always less risky and more rewarding in terms of marketing. There are hundreds of brands out there that are always on the lookout for influencers to market some of their latest collections and products. This is also a win-win solution regardless of which way you look at things, as most brands that associate with you for haul videos would send over a collection of their products like the latest dress collection or product combos.

8. Educational

Educational videos on YouTube are always in great demand. Viewers love it when they get a lot of new information in video format. Educational videos with creators who have great knowledge about the topic they are mentioning can become an instant hit. It does not matter if the topic of your YouTube video is beauty, fashion, fitness, or sports. As long as your educational video provides a detailed insight into the topic, chances are always high for your content to reach the maximum possible viewers.

9. Comedy/Sketch Videos/Funny Videos

Comedy and sketch videos, known for their entertainment value, have a broad appeal on YouTube. These videos not only aim to make viewers laugh but can also serve educational purposes or promote products in a humorous way.

Humor-centric videos possess a strong potential for social sharing, particularly when executed well. By effectively integrating humor into their content, brands can establish trust with skeptical customers who may be wary of overtly product-focused material.

Comedy and sketch videos have immense potential for viral sharing, often spreading rapidly across social media platforms. Many YouTube comedy channels amass audiences larger than those of network television comedy shows, showcasing the broad appeal and reach of this genre.

Notable channels such as Smosh, College Humor, and Fail Army have also capitalized on the entertainment potential of comedy, consistently engaging viewers and converting them into loyal subscribers.

One remarkable example of blending comedy with advertising comes from AAA Insurance, who cleverly reimagined Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up." Their humorous take on the song resonated with audiences, effectively promoting their brand while providing entertainment value.

10. Ask Me Anything (AMA) Videos

In an "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) video, a subject matter expert engages with the audience by answering their questions on trending topics and discussing their approach.

This particular format aligns perfectly with YouTube Live, which enables real-time live streaming. Viewers have the opportunity to pose questions in the chat, and the subject matter expert can respond immediately. After the live stream concludes, the video is archived on YouTube, allowing people to access it at their convenience

The AMA genre is particularly valuable for creators with a well-established audience as it fosters a deeper connection and helps establish their authority. The interactive nature of AMA streams and videos creates a relaxed atmosphere for discussion.

When hosting your own AMA stream, it can be beneficial to have a whiteboard accessible. This facilitates clearer explanations of ideas by the subject matter expert.

Conclusion

In conclusion, YouTube offers a wide range of video types and genres that can captivate audiences and provide tremendous opportunities for content creators. Whether you choose to explore gaming, DIY tutorials, product reviews, vlogs, podcasts, unboxing, or comedy sketches, each category has its unique appeal and potential for success.

By understanding the characteristics and benefits of these YouTube video types, content creators can strategically align their content with their audience's interests and preferences. This enables them to establish their presence, engage with viewers, and ultimately achieve their goals, whether it be building a community, promoting products, or generating revenue through affiliate marketing.

Moreover, the power of YouTube as a platform lies in its versatility and ability to adapt to evolving trends and audience demands. As technology advances and viewers' preferences change, new video types and formats will continue to emerge, offering even more opportunities for creators to innovate and engage with their audience.

In this dynamic landscape, it is crucial for content creators to stay informed, experiment with different video types, and continually refine their content to stay relevant and stand out from the competition. By leveraging the potential of YouTube and embracing the creativity and passion within, creators can carve their own path to success and make a lasting impact in the digital world.

So, whether you're a seasoned YouTuber or just starting your journey, seize the opportunities, explore the possibilities, and unleash your creativity to make your mark in the vast and exciting realm of YouTube. The possibilities are endless, and the rewards are waiting for those who dare to dream big and embrace the power of video content on YouTube.