Tap into this massive audience and increase your views with a few simple ways to make your content more accessible on TV.

Over a billion hours of YouTube content are watched on TVs every day. This is an incredible source of views to take advantage of. However, viewers may view content in a slightly different way than on the web or mobile devices.

To ensure you capitalize on this massive audience, it’s important to ensure your content is formatted to suit this audience. Who better to seek advice from than YouTube itself, which has provided these 5 must-have tips for optimizing your YouTube content for TV?

Understand your television audience

Knowing the people you want to reach is a crucial factor in ensuring your content is created for the right people. You already want to check how your content is received by television audiences.

Go to YouTube Analytics advanced mode and filter by device type. From here you can gain valuable insights into TV viewing time, views and subscriber growth. Pay close attention to average viewing time, as TV viewers often engage with longer content.

Optimize for the big screen

People watch content on their TV not only because it’s convenient, but also because it looks good. Consider uploading your content in 4K if possible, as many home TVs will be available in 4K. High-quality footage combined with professional lighting and color grading creates an immersive viewing experience that captivates audiences.

Create eye-catching thumbnails

Your thumbnails serve as a digital poster for your videos. Design them with high-resolution images (1280 x 720 or higher) and a clean, balanced layout. Clear and concise images are crucial to attracting attention on larger screens.

Embrace episodic content

Engage your audience with serialized content. By using an episodic format, you can build anticipation and encourage binge-watching. Consider organizing your episodes into playlists for a seamless viewing experience that allows people to continue watching your videos without having to reach for the remote.

Optimize your channel page

Your channel page is your brand’s digital showcase. Prioritize a clean and minimalist design that is easy to navigate on larger screens. Upload a high-resolution channel image (2560 x 1440 pixels) to create a visually stunning impression.

If you’re a musician, we’ve got lots more advice on how to make an impact on YouTube and get credit and payment when your music is used in other videos. With Official Artist Channels and Content ID, you can maximize your presence on YouTube and grow your exposure as an artist.