Top YouTube Features Every Creator Should Use in 2025

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Standard Features (For New and Casual Creators)
• Advanced Features (For Professional Creators and Businesses)
• What’s New in 2025: Emerging Features You Should Know
• Conclusion

Introduction

In 2025, YouTube is one of the most widely used venues for producers. Every day, millions of people watch and post videos on it. As a creator, YouTube offers many features that can help you improve your content, increase your audience, and even make money.

In 2025, YouTube is constantly updating to meet the needs of creators. These updates bring new tools and features that can make a big difference in how you grow your channel. Regardless of your level of experience, success depends on your ability to use the right features.

In this article, we will show you the top YouTube features that every creator should use in 2025. We have broken these features down into three categories: Standard, Intermediate, and Advanced. This will help you pick the tools that are right for your stage as a creator.

This section will focus on Standard Features. For new creators or those who like to keep their channels basic, these are excellent options. These features are easy to use, yet they provide a lot of value in terms of improving your content and audience engagement.

By using these basic features, you can begin to grow your channel and create better content. These tools will help you organize your videos, keep viewers engaged, and improve your channel’s appearance. By utilising these features consistently, you will provide the groundwork for future expansion.

In the next sections, we’ll look at Intermediate and Advanced Features. For creators looking to elevate their channel, these capabilities provide additional choices. But first, let’s explore the standard features that every creator should start with.

Standard Features (For New and Casual Creators)

Standard features are tools that help you get started with your YouTube channel. These features are perfect for creators who are new to the platform or those maintaining a simple channel. They assist you with arranging your material, communicating with viewers, and enhancing the professionalism of your movies. By using these tools, you may increase audience engagement and expand your channel.

#1 Video Uploads & Basic Customization

Uploading your videos with titles, descriptions, and thumbnails is crucial. YouTube allows you to customize every video with these basic features. Important components of the display of your video are the title, description, and thumbnail.

Why It’s Important

Titles help viewers understand the video topic. Whereas thumbnails serve as a visual sneak peek at your video, descriptions provide more information about the content. These components assist increase clicks since they are the first things visitors notice.

How to Use                                                    

When uploading a video, make sure the title is clear and informative. The description should contain key details and relevant keywords. For the thumbnail, use bright, high-quality images that represent the content.

#2 Playlists

Videos can be grouped by topic or theme using playlists. Playlists may be made for various series or kinds of material. Playlists assist in structuring your videos so that visitors may quickly locate related material.

Why It’s Important

Playlists help you stay on top of things and entice people to watch more of your material. By grouping videos in a playlist, you increase the chance of viewers watching multiple videos in a row. This improves your watch time, a key factor for YouTube’s algorithm.

How to Use It

Add each new video you post to a playlist that is appropriate for it. If you have multiple types of content, create separate playlists for each category. To ensure that viewers know what to anticipate, give your playlists obvious titles.

#3 Video Analytics (Basic)

Video analytics show how your videos perform on YouTube. Views, viewing time, and audience demographics are among the basic metrics that are visible. You may better analyse your video’s performance and audience with the aid of these insights.

Why It’s Important

You may use basic statistics to identify the most popular videos and those that want improvement. By analyzing your performance, you can improve your content and grow your channel. Knowing your audience also helps create more targeted content.

How to Use It

After publishing a video, check your analytics to see how it’s performing. Pay attention to important data like engagement rate, views, and viewing time. Make more videos that your audience will like by using this data to improve your content.

#4 End Screens & Cards

You may include interactive elements in your films, such as end screens and cards. End screens might encourage viewers to subscribe or promote other videos when they show up at the end of your video. Viewers may be directed to different videos, playlists, or external connections using cards that display throughout the video.

Why It’s Important

You can keep people interested in your content with these features. You may advertise your other films and extend the duration of viewers’ attention by utilising end screens and cards. They also encourage viewers to subscribe and stay connected with your channel.

How to Use It

In the last 10 to 20 seconds of your video, include end screens. Use cards during the video to promote relevant content or ask for engagement. Make sure your cards are relevant to the video topic to avoid confusing your viewers.

#3 Basic Channel Branding

Your profile photo, banner, and channel description are all part of your branding. These elements represent your channel and make it more appealing to viewers. A good brand helps establish trust and credibility.

Why It’s Important

When someone visits your channel for the first time, they see your banner and profile photo.  A channel with a strong brand conveys a polished image. Viewers may learn more about your channel and the reasons to subscribe from your description.

How to Use It

Choose a profile picture that clearly represents your channel or brand. Make sure your banner is high-quality and reflects your content style. Create a succinct yet interesting channel description that explains to viewers what to anticipate from your videos.

#6 Video Chapters

Timestamps can be added to the video description in video chapters. By doing this, you may segment your video and make it easier for viewers to browse.  Chapters are especially useful for long videos, where viewers may want to jump to specific parts.

Why It’s Important

Video chapters improve the user experience. Instead of watching the full film, viewers can fast-forward to the sections that interest them. This feature can help increase retention and keep your audience engaged.

How to Use It

Add timestamps to your video description. If your video is a tutorial, for instance, provide timestamps for every step. Make sure the timestamps are formatted correctly and match the content in your video.

#7 Custom Thumbnails

Thumbnails are the small images that appear next to your video on YouTube.You may make eye-catching, unique thumbnails that accurately convey the information in your movie. Video marketing requires the use of unique thumbnails.

Why It’s Important

Custom thumbnails make your video stand out. An effective thumbnail may raise your click-through rate (CTR) considerably. Without an attractive thumbnail, viewers may skip over your video even if the content is great.

How to Use It

Make an understandable, eye-catching, and content-relevant thumbnail. To create your thumbnail, use programs like Photoshop or Canva. Avoid clutter and keep the text on the thumbnail short and readable.

Intermediate YouTube Features (For Growing Creators)

As your YouTube channel grows, it’s time to unlock new features that can improve your content, boost engagement, and increase your revenue. These features are perfect for creators who are seeing steady growth and want to enhance their channel further. Below are the intermediate features every growing creator should use in 2025.

#1 Monetization Options

YouTube offers different ways to monetize your videos. You can activate advertisements when you sign up for the YouTube Partner Program. Super Chats may also be used during live streaming, and channel subscriptions can be made for devoted viewers.

Why It’s Important

Monetizing your content helps turn your passion into income. These alternatives allow you to continue creating content and get money as your views increase.

• YouTube Partner Program: You may monetise your videos by allowing advertisements.
• Super Chats: During live streams, viewers can donate money to you.
• Channel Memberships: Fans may purchase unique movies and badges, among other special benefits.

These monetization options provide the financial support you need to focus on content creation.

#2 Community Tab

Through the Community Tab, you may communicate with your subscribers directly. You can post updates, polls, photos, and links to keep your audience engaged between video uploads.

Why It’s Important

By using the Community Tab, you may establish a closer relationship with your audience. Your subscribers will stay informed and engaged with your material if you do this.

• Polls and Q&A: Ask questions and get input from your audience to engage them.
• Photos and GIFs: Share behind-the-scenes content or fun moments.
• Announcements: Use the tab to announce new videos or live streams.

This feature helps you keep your audience engaged and strengthens your community.

#3 Channel Memberships & Super Chats

Through monthly subscriptions, channel memberships enable your followers to help you out. In exchange, users receive emojis, badges, and access to exclusive material. Super Chats allow your viewers to donate money during live streams to interact with you.

Why It’s Important

These capabilities enable you to charge your audience directly. Additionally, they promote greater engagement and establish a stronger bond between you and your audience.

• Exclusive Content: Offer members-only videos or posts for paying subscribers.
• Badges & Emojis: Let members use special badges and emojis during live chats.
• Live Interaction: Super Chats create an interactive live stream experience with real-time donations.

Both features provide additional income streams and enhance community engagement.

#4 Content Localization (Subtitles & Translations)

Content localization allows you to add subtitles and translations to your videos. This makes your material more widely available to a global audience. YouTube can automatically generate subtitles in multiple languages, or you can manually add your own.

Why It’s Important

Adding subtitles and translations helps reach people who speak different languages. For artists hoping to reach a worldwide audience, this feature is crucial.

• Automatic Subtitles: YouTube generates subtitles for most languages, making your videos accessible.
• Manual Translations: You can add your own translations or use YouTube’s tools for accuracy.
• Reach a Global Audience: Translations open your content to viewers worldwide, increasing your channel’s reach.

Content localization not only makes your videos accessible to more people but also helps you grow your audience internationally.

#5 Scheduled Publishing

Scheduled publishing allows you to set a specific time for your video to be published. This feature is useful for planning content ahead of time and keeping your channel consistent.

Why It’s Important

Consistency is key on YouTube. Even when you’re busy, you can keep up a consistent publishing schedule by scheduling your videos. Your audience will remain interested and come back for more if you do this.

• Consistency: Stick to a regular upload schedule to keep viewers coming back.
• Best Time to Post: Schedule videos to go live at the best time for your audience, regardless of your time zone.
• Content Planning: Plan your content in advance and ensure it goes live on time.

Scheduled publishing helps keep your channel organized and ensures that your videos go live at the right time to reach the most viewers.

#6 YouTube Stories

YouTube Stories are short videos that disappear after 7 days. You can use them to share quick updates, behind-the-scenes footage, or sneak peeks for upcoming content.

Why It’s Important

Stories provide a more casual and personal way to engage with your audience. They allow you to connect with your viewers between regular video uploads.

• Quick Updates: Use Stories to share announcements or teasers for upcoming videos.
• Behind-the-Scenes: Show your creative process, or share personal moments with your audience.
• Instant Engagement: Stories encourage quick interactions and immediate feedback from your audience.

YouTube Stories let you keep in touch with your audience over time and foster a more relaxed, interesting environment.

#7 YouTube Polls & Engagement Features

YouTube offers polls and other engagement tools to directly interact with your viewers. You can create polls to ask questions, get feedback, or involve your audience in decisions about your channel.

Why It’s Important

Engaging your audience increases their sense of importance and involvement. Using polls to gather immediate feedback and maintain user interest in your material is a terrific idea.

• Polls: Ask simple questions to get feedback and involve your audience.
• Engagement: Use polls to learn what your viewers like, what they want to see next, or to make content decisions based on their preferences.
• Community Building: Polls create a sense of community and encourage your viewers to participate more actively.

Polls and engagement features are easy ways to keep your audience involved and ensure that your content meets their preferences.

Advanced Features (For Professional Creators and Businesses)

As a professional creator or business, you are likely looking to expand your audience, increase engagement, and monetize your content. YouTube offers several advanced features that can help you reach these goals. In 2025, these tools provide opportunities to enhance the quality of your content, boost interactions with your viewers, and maximize your revenue potential. Let’s examine some of YouTube’s most cutting-edge tools for content producers who want to grow their channels.

#1 YouTube Studio Advanced Settings

The main location for YouTube channel management is YouTube Studio. You may fine-tune your video’s metadata, tags, titles, and descriptions using the advanced options.

Why It’s Important

The advanced settings in YouTube Studio allow you to improve your video’s visibility and performance by optimizing its metadata. By tailoring SEO settings for each video, you ensure your content ranks better in search results, which increases the chances of attracting a larger audience.

How to Use It

• Go to YouTube Studio and click on the Videos tab.
• Click on the Edit option after selecting a movie to view the advanced options.
• Here, you may change the video’s privacy settings and edit its title, description, and tags. Additionally, you can enable monetization, manage subtitles, and set up your video’s engagement settings.

By optimizing these settings, you improve your video’s discoverability, giving it the best chance to perform well on the platform. Advanced YouTube Studio settings are crucial for creators who want to maximize their SEO and make their videos easier to find by new audiences.

#2 Live Streaming

YouTube live streaming gives producers the opportunity to interact with their audience in real time. This feature is perfect for hosting interactive sessions, such as Q&As, live performances, product launches, or community updates.

Why It’s Important

Live streaming fosters deeper engagement with your audience. Through live conversations, it allows viewers to communicate with you directly, fostering a sense of immediacy and community. Furthermore, live streams can also be monetized through Super Chats, donations, or sponsorships.

How to Use It

• To start a live stream, click on the Create button at the top of your YouTube homepage and select Go Live.
• You will be taken to the YouTube Live dashboard, where you can set up the stream’s title, description, and settings.
• Once your stream is live, you can interact with viewers via chat, answer their questions, and even run polls to keep them engaged.

You may improve your content strategy by using the real-time feedback that comes from live streaming, which also helps you establish closer relationships with your audience. It’s also an excellent way to drive more engagement, particularly with fans who enjoy interacting with you live.

#3 YouTube Ads (Advanced)

YouTube provides advanced tools for creators to promote their videos through advertisements. By using YouTube Ads, creators can reach a wider audience and boost their channel’s visibility. Using demographics, hobbies, and even behaviour, this capability enables highly targeted advertisements.

Why It’s Important

Using YouTube Ads enables you to promote specific videos or your entire channel, targeting viewers who are most likely to be interested in your content. By guaranteeing that the correct audience sees your content, advanced ad targeting raises return on investment (ROI).

How to Use It

• In YouTube Studio, go to the Monetization tab and enable ads for your videos.
• Under YouTube Ads, select Ad Settings to choose from various ad types like skippable video ads, non-skippable ads, and display ads.
• You can customize your ad campaign’s audience by selecting specific age groups, interests, or geographic locations.
• You can also set your budget and track the ad performance through detailed analytics.

Using YouTube Ads is a powerful way to amplify your reach and boost your content’s exposure, ultimately growing your subscriber base and increasing views. Advanced YouTube Ads tools allow for tailored campaigns that increase visibility among users most likely to engage with your content.

#4 Super Thanks

Super Thanks is a monetization feature that allows viewers to make a one-time donation to you as a form of appreciation for your content. When enabled, viewers can purchase a Super Thanks during video playback, which is highlighted in the comment section.

Why It’s Important

This feature provides creators with an additional revenue stream. It also encourages deeper viewer engagement, as fans feel more connected to the creator and are rewarded for supporting their content.

How to Use It

• In YouTube Studio, go to the Monetization section and enable Super Thanks.
• Once activated, viewers will be able to click the “Super Thanks” button below your videos and send donations.
• As a creator, you can thank your supporters in the comments or during your videos, which further strengthens the relationship with your audience.

Super Thanks is a simple yet effective way for loyal fans to show their appreciation while offering creators a way to earn revenue beyond traditional ads. It’s an easy way to monetize your content while building a more engaged community.

#5 Channel Analytics (Advanced)

YouTube provides an in-depth analytics dashboard that gives you a detailed view of your channel’s performance. You can analyze metrics like audience retention, traffic sources, click-through rates (CTR), and more.

Why It’s Important

Informed choices regarding their content strategy are made possible by advanced analytics. You can improve your strategy for channel growth by knowing which videos do well, where your traffic is coming from, and how your audience is involved.

How to Use It

• The whole analytics dashboard may be accessed in YouTube Studio by selecting the Analytics option.
• Explore key metrics such as Audience Retention to see how long viewers watch your videos and where they drop off.
• Utilise traffic sources to find out where your audience is coming from and demographics to find out more about the geography, age, and interests of your audience.
• Regularly review these reports to adjust your content creation strategy and improve future video performance.

Channel analytics are indispensable tools for advanced creators. They allow you to track performance, optimize your content, and make data-driven decisions to increase channel growth. Understanding what is and is not functioning is made evident by analytics.

#6 YouTube Shopping

YouTube Shopping allows content producers to sell goods straight from their channel. This feature integrates with platforms like Shopify, allowing you to showcase products under your videos or in a dedicated “Store” tab.

Why It’s Important

For creators with a product line, YouTube Shopping creates a seamless way to monetize their channel and turn videos into a direct sales channel. It enhances the viewing experience by offering a convenient way for viewers to purchase products while engaging with content.

How to Use It

• In YouTube Studio, go to the Monetization section and link your store to YouTube.
• Choose which products you want to feature under your videos.
• You can add shopping links in video descriptions or directly in the video itself using YouTube’s Shopping feature.

YouTube Shopping is an excellent feature for creators with merchandise or other products to sell, turning your videos into revenue-generating tools. It helps increase sales by allowing viewers to purchase directly from the platform while consuming your content.

#7 Brand Partnerships & Sponsored Content

Partnering with brands allows creators to make money by promoting products or services in their videos. These collaborations often involve sponsored content, where a brand pays for exposure in exchange for product placement or a dedicated video.

Why It’s Important

Many producers rely on sponsored material as their main source of revenue, particularly those with a sizable fan base. Additionally, it enhances credibility because companies want to associate with reputable producers in their industry.

How to Use It

• Use platforms like Famebit or Channel Pages to connect with brands looking for creators.
• To uncover chances, participate in influencer marketing programs or make direct contact with businesses.
• To preserve openness and audience trust, always let your audience know about sponsored content.

Brand partnerships and sponsored content are invaluable for professional creators who have a strong following and are looking for additional ways to monetize their content. These partnerships contribute to the growth of your brand and are a substantial source of revenue.

What’s New in 2025: Emerging Features You Should Know

In 2025, YouTube continues to introduce innovative features that help creators grow their channels and engage with a wider audience. Your content will become more effective, interesting, and accessible with the help of these new capabilities. Let’s look at some of the most important tools you may utilise to remain on top of trends.

#1 Auto Dubbing

A new technology called Auto Dubbing enables video producers to automatically translate and dub their work into many languages. YouTube’s AI handles the translations, saving time and effort. Instead of manually adding subtitles or voiceovers, this tool makes your videos accessible to a global audience with minimal work.

Why It’s Important

This feature expands your reach by making your content available to non-native speakers. It helps you engage with viewers worldwide, which can lead to a wider audience and more subscribers. Auto Dubbing increases the visibility of your content by breaking down language barriers, making your videos more inclusive and accessible.

How to Use

To use Auto Dubbing, simply go to YouTube Studio, select your video, and choose the languages you want. YouTube’s AI will automatically add the dubbed voiceovers to your video. This tool is simple to use and can save you a lot of time compared to manual translations.

#2 Thumbnail A/B Testing

YouTube now allows creators to run A/B tests on their thumbnails. You can upload two or more thumbnail options, and YouTube will test which one performs better. This feature helps you optimize your thumbnails to increase clicks and improve your video’s performance.

Why It’s Important

Thumbnails are essential for attracting viewers to your videos. A compelling thumbnail can greatly increase your click-through rate (CTR). By experimenting with several designs, you can determine which one draws the most attention, increasing the likelihood that your channel will get more subscribers.

How to Use

Go to YouTube Studio and pick a video to utilise for Thumbnail A/B Testing. Upload many alternative thumbnail selections, then let YouTube to display them to various visitors at random. YouTube will provide performance data showing which thumbnail performed the best. This enables you to improve the outcomes of your subsequent thumbnails.

#3 YouTube Hype

YouTube Hype is a feature designed to help creators with a loyal fanbase. If you regularly engage with your audience, YouTube will help your videos trend faster. This tool boosts your video’s visibility by promoting it to a larger audience based on the loyalty and engagement of your fans.

Why It’s Important

For creators with a strong community, YouTube Hype is a game-changer. It increases the likelihood that new readers will suggest your work. You can swiftly expand your channel and draw in additional subscribers with more visibility.

How to Use

To take advantage of YouTube Hype, focus on building a dedicated fanbase. Regularly interact with your audience, and encourage comments, likes, and shares. As your channel gains more engagement, YouTube will start promoting your videos more actively, helping you reach a broader audience.

#4 Dream Screen

Creators may use the Dream Screen functionality to create AI-powered backdrops for their YouTube shorts. This feature uses artificial intelligence to create stunning visuals, allowing you to focus on your content while Dream Screen takes care of the background. Enhancing your films is quick and simple using this method.

Why It’s Important

Dream Screen enhances the visual attractiveness and engagement of your shorts by adding an exciting aspect. As Shorts become more popular, having an eye-catching background is key to standing out. This feature is easy to use, saves time, and helps your videos look more professional.

How to Use

When creating a Short, select the Dream Screen option. YouTube will automatically add a variety of AI-generated backdrops to your video if you select one. This allows you to create unique, creative content without needing advanced editing skills.

Conclusion

To help artists expand their channels and interact with a larger audience, YouTube keeps adding new tools. Features like Auto Dubbing, Thumbnail A/B Testing, YouTube Hype, and Dream Screen provide creators with powerful tools to optimize their content and reach more viewers.

By using these emerging features, you can stay ahead of the curve and continue building your channel in 2025. Whether you’re expanding your global reach with Auto Dubbing, testing thumbnails for higher engagement, or adding stunning visuals to your Shorts with Dream Screen, these tools make it easier to create better content and grow your audience. Embrace these features to make the most of what YouTube offers and take your content creation to the next level.