There are plenty of posts and videos promising you will hit 1,000 subscribers in no time.

Most of it is a load of crap (pardon my French), or outdated, or simply gimmicks that might as well hurt your channel in long term.

If you want to get your first 1,000 subscribers faster, the recipe is simple.

Give people what they already come to YouTube to watch.

So what do people want to watch in 2026

This is the part most advice skips.

YouTube has been very clear that your content makes the biggest difference, and recent platform analysis points to 10 video formats that consistently earn views and engagement.

If you want the full breakdown, read this: What Videos You Should Make In 2026 (According to YouTube data)

Here are the 10 video types to pick from:

• Challenges
• Behind the scenes
• Real and raw conversations and interviews
• DIY and how-to
• Soundscapes (including ASMR)
• Listicles
• “I tried” experiments
• “With me” videos
• Reactions
• Official drops

How to score your first 1000 subs?

Pick one video type you are comfortable doing.

Make videos and turn it into a repeatable series, not random one-offs.

• Choose one format and commit to it for 30 days so people instantly get what your channel is about.
• Make it a series with the same style, the same promise, the same viewer outcome.
• Ask viewers for the subscribe! One clear line in the first minute and one at the end.
• Upload consistently but don’t spam!

Not comfortable on camera? try soundscapes

If you do not want to speak on camera, soundscapes are a great opportunity.

Soundscapes, including ASMR sounds, are one of the video types YouTube highlights as a strong video format to focus on.

Why make soundscapes videos?

Soundscapes are simple to produce as a format, but they only work if the audio quality is clean and listenable.

Soundscapes are also highly repeatable as a series!

You can make series of sleep sounds, study ambience, cozy room tone, rain and thunder, nature atmospheres, as well as routine sounds.

Download soundscapes for videos, podcasts, games, and audiobooks

Important! Promote your channel outside of YouTube

Do not rely on YouTube alone when you are trying to get your first 1,000 subscribers.

Share your channel in your other platforms, your email signature, your website, your community posts, and even offline (business cards, flyers, posters).

Recommended tool: YouTube Subscribe Link Generator

Use it to generate a clean subscribe link you can paste anywhere, plus a QR code you can print and share offline.

If you want to monetize avoid reused content and AI slop!

If your goal is monetization, build a channel that is clearly original and clearly yours.

Avoid mass-produced, repetitive content that looks templated, and be careful with reused clips and low-effort AI outputs.

Read this: What Counts As Reused Content On YouTube

Also read: How to make authentic videos (and avoid demonetization)

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get 1000 subscribers?

It depends on your consistency and how clear your format is. A repeatable series in one proven video type usually gets there faster than mixed topics and random uploads.

Do i need to show my face to grow on YouTube?

No. Soundscapes, DIY screen-record tutorials, reactions with original commentary, and other formats can grow without face camera.

Which video type is easiest for beginners?

Pick the format you can produce repeatedly. DIY and how-to is easiest if you can teach. Soundscapes are easiest if you can source clean audio and keep the listening experience high quality.

What is the fastest way to get people to subscribe?

Make the channel promise obvious, then deliver it every upload. Viewers subscribe when they want more of the same.