Choosing the right YouTube video format can make or break your channel’s performance.

We’re not talking about choosing between creating long form videos or YouTube Shorts (pro tip: do both – long form is where the money’s at, and Shorts can act as ads for your long form).

We’re not talking about file types or video encoding either but since you brought it up, MP4 H.264 is probably the best bet as it’s YouTube’s official recommended upload encoding setting. YouTube also supports uploads in a bunch of formats, both lossy and lossless, including ProRes and CineForm.

But enough on what we’re not talking about. Let’s talk about what we are… talking about.

In this guide, we’ll break down why video format matters, explore the most effective video styles for growing a YouTube channel, and show you how to align them with your goals using tools like YouTube Analytics and YouTube end screens.

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Every YouTube video format tells a different kind of story, and some formats connect with your audience better than others. Let’s explore some tried-and-true formats for viewer engagement.

Tutorials, how-to videos, and vlogs

Tutorials and how-to videos are some of the most searched content types on YouTube. Whether you’re teaching viewers how to install software, bake a cake, or build a website, these formats thrive on clarity and structure. Use step-by-step narration, zoom-ins, and captions to make learning easier.

Vlogs, on the other hand, build connection. They’re informal, personal, and perfect for creators looking to show their personality. The best vlogs feel authentic, often incorporating behind-the-scenes content or daily life insights.

To boost retention for these formats (or any format) make smart use of YouTube end screens. Add links to related tutorials or playlists to guide your audience toward your next video.

Reviews, interviews, and live streams

Product reviews and comparisons help audiences make informed decisions. If your channel covers tech, lifestyle, or beauty, reviews can become a cornerstone of your content strategy.

Live streams create real-time engagement and community. From Q&A sessions to live product demos, streams let you connect with your audience instantly. Use live streaming best practices to plan your setup and keep the interaction going.

Interviews add credibility and a fresh perspective to your content. Whether you’re featuring industry experts or fellow creators, interviews diversify your channel and add authority—especially important for building EEAT (Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness).

Related Reading:

YouTube Live Streams: 5 Brand New Features For Creators

How to choose formats that support your channel goals

Not every YouTube video format will serve your specific niche or audience. To grow effectively, you need to align your content types with your viewers’ preferences and your long-term goals.

Match your content to your audience

The key to success is knowing what your audience wants. Use comments, polls, and YouTube Community posts to get feedback. Then, tailor your formats to those insights.

If your followers are asking questions, tutorials and explainer videos might be your best bet. If they’re more interested in your personal opinions or lifestyle, vlogs and behind-the-scenes content may work better.

Don’t forget to analyze which videos perform best. Look for spikes in watch time, likes, or shares, then replicate that format.

Use YouTube Analytics to double down on what works

Once you’ve experimented with a few video types, head over to YouTube Analytics to track performance. Focus on metrics like:

  • Watch time – Are people watching until the end?
  • Click-through rate (CTR) – Are your thumbnails and titles pulling people in?
  • Audience retention – When are viewers dropping off?

Pair these insights with strategic YouTube end screens to keep viewers moving through your content. By adding end screens that promote similar videos, playlists, or subscriptions, you can extend session time and improve your channel’s overall performance.

YouTube end screens: The secret weapon for format success

No matter which YouTube video format you choose, end screens are critical for maximizing engagement. These are the clickable elements that appear in the last 5–20 seconds of your video.

Use them to:

  • Suggest related videos in the same format (e.g., more tutorials or interviews)
  • Promote your channel or website
  • Direct viewers to a playlist with a similar theme

To set up an end screen, check out YouTube’s official guide on adding end screens on YouTube. End screens not only improve user experience they help your channel too.

Final thoughts: Let your format fuel your growth

Choosing the right YouTube video format is about more than aesthetics—it’s about aligning with your audience, your niche, and your long-term goals. Whether you opt for tutorials, vlogs, reviews, or live streams, the key is to be intentional.

Use your analytics, listen to your audience, and experiment until you find the mix that drives results. And don’t underestimate the power of YouTube end screens to guide your viewers to the next step on your channel.

Want to dive deeper? Check out these essential TubeBuddy blog posts to elevate your YouTube strategy:

Get an unfair advantage on YouTube

Give your YouTube channel the upper hand and easily optimize for more views, more subs, and more of every metric that matters.

get started

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In this article

Popular video formats to engage your audience
How to choose formats that support your channel goals
YouTube end screens: The secret weapon for format success
Final thoughts: Let your format fuel your growth