How to encourage viewers to subscribe?

[Precious]

I get decent views but my subscribe rate is really low. out of 1000 views i might get 5-8 new subscribers

What actually gets people to hit the subscribe button? should i be asking people to subscribe or is that annoying?

[Flaky]

Asking for subscriptions works, but only if done right

my subscribe rate improvement:

• before: 0.6% of viewers subscribed
• after: 2.3% of viewers subscribed

what changed: how and when i asked

bad ways to ask:

• asking in first 10 seconds (they don't know if you're worth subscribing to yet)
• "please subscribe it helps a lot" (guilt trip doesn't work)
• asking multiple times per video (annoying)
• generic "subscribe for more content" (not compelling)

good ways to ask:

1. earn it first, then ask

• ask 60-70% through video (after you've delivered value)
• "if you found this helpful, i make videos like this every week"

2. give them a reason

• "subscribe if you want to learn [specific benefit]"
• not just "subscribe" but "subscribe for what"

3. create future value promise

• "next week i'm covering [exciting topic], hit subscribe so you don't miss it"

but here's the secret: CTA barely matters if the content isn't subscription-worthy

people subscribe when:

• video significantly helped them
• they want more of this content
• you have clear value proposition
• your channel looks credible (not 5 random videos)

focus 90% on making subscribe-worthy content, 10% on asking effectively

[Dre]

I never ask for subscriptions and my rate is 3.2%

asking for subscriptions is amateur hour. let the content speak for itself

why i don't ask:

• makes you look desperate
• breaks the flow of content
• viewers know the subscribe button exists
• if content is good enough, they'll subscribe without being asked

what i do instead:

1. create series / ongoing narratives

• "this is part 1 of our 30-day challenge"
• viewers subscribe to follow the journey

2. tease future content

• "i'm testing this for the next month, follow along"
• creates anticipation

3. end with open loops

• "in next week's video, i'll reveal the results"
• makes them want to see what happens

4. make channel value crystal clear

• banner says exactly what i cover
• recent uploads show consistency
• when people check my channel, it's obvious what they'll get

subscription rate is a symptom, not a problem

low subscribe rate means:

• content isn't compelling enough
• no clear channel identity
• viewers don't see value in future content

fix those issues and subscriptions will come naturally

make subscribing the obvious choice. don't beg for it