How to promote a YouTube video for FREE [50+ tactics]

We recently got a great question from one of our creators: "I have a YouTube video that is relatively successful and I'd like to capitalize on it; how can I promote it to get even more views and subscribers to my channel with 0 ads budget?". That’s a packed question, and we thought we’d answer it fully by sharing all the tactics we have in our toolkit. Before diving in, it's worth noting that you shouldn’t try them all at once. Promoting a YouTube video requires creativity and persistence. So keep it simple: select only what makes sense for your targeted audience, test it, measure the results, improve it or drop it. 
 

Now, on the topic of promoting your YouTube video, there are plenty of free ways to reach a broader audience, and repurposing your content is one of the most effective strategies. Your YouTube video can be repurposed into various content formats to reach a wider audience and cater to different platforms. 

Here's a list of tactics you can try to scale your promotional efforts for an existing video. 

Repurposing your content

1. Short-form videos for social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Facebook Stories

Create short clips of your video that are under one minute long and suitable for sharing on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Facebook Stories. Use Flixier's video trimmer to cut your video into shorter clips, then add captions, stickers, and music to make them more engaging. Distribute on your social media channels, even on personal ones. Be careful to adapt the content for each platform and make sure your content is not covered by the platform’s UI - check it with our safe zones feature. 

2. Audio-only podcast episodes

Create a new piece of content by extracting the audio from your video and turn it into a podcast episode using an audio extractor. Add an intro and outro, edit the audio for clarity, and upload it to your preferred podcast hosting platform. Distribute the uploaded podcast on your channel for your audience to know you’ve given it a new form. Of course, share it on social media, communities and any other distribution channel you can use. 

3. GIFs or animated images capturing interesting or entertaining moments

Capture interesting or entertaining moments from your video by creating GIFs or animated images using Flixier's video editor. Use the GIF maker to create short, looping animations that can be shared on social media or messaging apps.

4. Instagram carousel posts that break down the video content into multiple images or videos

Break down your video content into multiple videos using Flixier’s video splitter. Looking for some structure? Choose from a variety of Instagram ready templates, add your content, and export them as multiple posts.

5. Facebook video post featuring the repurposed content

Create a Facebook video post featuring repurposed content using Flixier's video editor. Use the built-in video templates to add captions, animations, or stickers, and share it on your Facebook page or group to engage with your audience.

6. LinkedIn video post with captions and critical takeaways

Create a LinkedIn video post featuring captions and critical takeaways from your video using Flixier's video editor. Use the professional format to share insights or best practices, and tag relevant people or companies to increase visibility.

7. Snapchat stories using segments of the video content

Share segments of your video content on Snapchat stories using Flixier's video editor. Use the vertical format to make it more suitable for mobile viewing, and add filters or lenses to make it more engaging.

8. Pinterest video pin with a short clip from the YouTube video

Repurpose the YouTube shorts created to promote your video and turn them into Pinterest video pins using Flixier's video editor. Use the vertical format to make it more suitable for mobile viewing, and add text overlays or hashtags to increase discoverability.

9. Video post for a different video-sharing platform

Reach a different audience by posting your video on Vimeo, Dailymotion, Peertube and more. Use the high-quality format to showcase your video's production value, and add a description or tags to increase visibility.

10. Tumblr blog post sharing the video and key insights

Share your video on Tumblr by creating a blog post using Flixier's video editor. Use the built-in templates to add images or gifs, and write a catchy headline or description to attract clicks.

11. Bite-sized videos for TikTok with text overlays

Create short, eye-catching videos for TikTok using Flixier's video editor. Use the built-in templates to add music or text overlays, and make sure to optimize them for the platform's algorithms.

12. YouTube Shorts using highlights from the original video

Use highlights from your original video to create YouTube Shorts using Flixier's video editor. Use the vertical format to make it more suitable for mobile viewing, and add captions or hashtags to increase discoverability.

13. Audio snippets from the video for Twitter Voice Tweets

Use audio snippets from your video to create Twitter Voice Tweets. Use Flixier's audio editor built-in tools to trim or edit the audio, and add a short description or hashtag to increase visibility.

14. Instagram carousel with video clips and images

Create an Instagram carousel featuring video clips and images from your video using Flixier's video editor. Use the built-in templates to add captions or stickers, and tell a story or provide more insights about your video's topic.

15. YouTube video compilation or "best of" highlights

Create a YouTube video compilation or "best of" highlights using Flixier's video editor. Use the built-in tools to trim or crop your video, and showcase the most interesting or entertaining moments from your video's content.

16. Pinterest Idea Pin with video clips and images

Create a Pinterest Idea Pin with video clips and images from your video. Use Flixier's video editor to showcase different ways to use or implement your video's content.

Expanding on your content

17. Blog posts or articles that summarize or expand on the video content

Create a blog post or article. Use Flixier's transcription feature to generate a text version of your video, then edit it to create a readable and engaging article. Distribute it on your blog, LinkedIn Pulse or have it published on online publishing platforms such as Medium. Don’t forget to embed the video or include a link to it.

18. Infographics that visualize key points or data from the video

Create visual representations of key points or data from your video using a graphic design solution. Choose a template, customize it with your brand colors and fonts, and download them as image files to share on social media, include in articles or even share with writers that cover the same topics to be included in their pieces.

19. Slide presentations that outline the main points of the video

Outline the main points of your video by creating a slide presentation. Share the deck as is or embed it in an article, share it as a pdf or create a gated content landing page to capture the emails of those interested in your added value.

20. Pinterest pins with eye-catching visuals and links back to the original video

Create eye-catching visuals and links back to your original video by creating Pinterest pins. Use high-quality images, add text overlays, and optimize them for Pinterest’s search engine.

21. Behind-the-scenes content, outtakes, or bloopers for a more casual and relatable touch

Add a more casual and relatable touch to your video by sharing behind-the-scenes content, outtakes, or bloopers. Use an online video editor to edit your footage, add music or sound effects, and share it on social media or your website.

22. Ebooks, whitepapers, or guides that expand on the video's subject matter

Expand on your video's subject matter by creating an ebook, whitepaper, or guide using Flixier's graphic design tools. Use your video as a starting point, add more in-depth information or case studies, and promote it on your website or social media.

23. Animated explainer videos for Instagram Reels

Create animated explainer videos for Instagram Reels using Flixier's video editor. Use the built-in graphic design tools to create illustrations or animations, and add a voiceover or music to explain your video's topic.

24. Podcast episode with a guest discussing the video topic

Invite a guest to discuss your video's topic in a podcast episode using Flixier's audio editor. Use the built-in tools to edit the audio, add transitions or sound effects, and promote the episode on your website or social media.

25. YouTube video commentary or reaction videos

Create YouTube video commentary or reaction videos using the built-in tools to add overlays or effects, and provide your own commentary or reactions to your video's content.

26. Promotional images or posters for the video on Pinterest

Create promotional images or posters for your video on Pinterest. Use high-quality images or screenshots from your video, and add text overlays or links to increase clicks.

27. LinkedIn carousel presentation based on the video

Create a LinkedIn carousel presentation based on your video. Use a brand-aligned template to add images or graphs, and provide more context or insights about your video's topic.

28. Round-up blog post featuring multiple related YouTube videos

Create a round-up blog post featuring multiple related YouTube videos that are relevant to your audience's interests.

29. Cross-promotion with other creators on TikTok or Instagram Reels

Collaborate with other creators on TikTok or Instagram Reels to cross-promote your video content. Use Flixier's video editor to create joint videos or remixes that showcase both of your talents or perspectives.

30. Instagram Highlight Reel showcasing a series of related videos

Create an Instagram Highlight Reel showcasing a series of related videos using Flixier's video editor. Use the built-in tools to add titles or captions, and organize your videos by theme or topic.

31. Video-based tutorial or a how-to guide on Pinterest

Create a video-based tutorial or how-to guide on Pinterest using Flixier's video editor. Use the built-in tools to add captions or step-by-step instructions, and showcase your expertise or skills related to your video's topic.

32. Lemon8 post featuring highlights from the video

Create eye-catching visuals and links back to your original video by creating Lemon8 posts. Use high-quality images, add text overlays, and optimize them for Lemon8’s search engine.

33. Animated video summary for LinkedIn

Create an animated video summary for LinkedIn using Flixier's video editor. Use the built-in tools to add illustrations or animations, and summarize the key points or takeaways from your video's content.

34. Instagram Reels remixes with other creators' content

Create Instagram Reels remixes with other creators' content using snippets of your video. Use the built-in tools to add music or effects, and collaborate with other creators to create unique and engaging videos.

35. Instagram Guides featuring a collection of related videos

Create Instagram Guides featuring a collection of related videos using Flixier's video editor. Use the built-in tools to add captions or descriptions, and showcase different perspectives or tips related to your video's content.

36. Guest blog posts discussing the video's topic on other websites

Collaborate with other bloggers or experts to create guest blog posts discussing your video's topic. Use Flixier's video editor to create promotional videos or graphics to accompany your guest posts, and link back to your original video.

37. Collaboration with other creators for a video series on YouTube

Collaborate with other creators to create a video series on YouTube that explores your video's topic from different perspectives. Use Flixier's video editor to create joint videos or remixes that showcase both of your talents or perspectives.

38. Quote images or text graphics featuring memorable lines or critical takeaways

Aim for easy to read quotes, a maximum of 10-15 words. Add animations, backgrounds, and overlays to make them more eye-catching.

Engaging with your community

39. Twitter threads that discuss the video's key points in a series of tweets

Discuss the key points of your video in a series of tweets using Flixier's Twitter thread maker. Use the text editor to write your tweets, add images or videos, and publish them as a thread.

40. Live streaming sessions (on platforms like Facebook Live, Instagram Live, or Twitch) to discuss the video content and engage with the audience in real time

Engage with your audience in real-time by hosting a live streaming session on Facebook Live, Instagram Live, or Twitch. Use Flixier's video editor to prepare your content, add overlays or effects, and stream it live.

41. Email newsletters that share the video content with subscribers and encourage discussion

Share your video content with like minded community managers that grow newsletter communities and would benefit from your video’s takeaways.

42. Reddit posts sharing the video and engaging with communities

Share your video on relevant Reddit communities or subreddits using Flixier's video editor. Use the built-in templates to add captions or thumbnails, and engage with the community by asking for feedback or answering questions. Be relevant and don’t spam, you’ll quickly be banned.

43. Quora answers using insights from the video

Use insights from your video to answer relevant Quora questions using Flixier's transcription feature. Use the text editor to add more details or examples, and include links back to your original video.

44. Interactive polls or quizzes on Instagram Stories

Engage with your audience by creating interactive polls or quizzes on Instagram Stories. Use your video's topic as a starting point, and ask questions or provide multiple-choice answers to increase engagement.

45. Instagram Live Q&A session about the video content

Engage with your audience by hosting an Instagram Live Q&A session about your video's content. Use the built-in tools to add captions or stickers, and answer questions or provide more insights about your video's topic.

46. Facebook Watch Party to engage with viewers in real-time

Engage with your viewers in real-time by hosting a Facebook Watch Party. Use the built-in tools to add captions or effects, and encourage your viewers to ask questions or provide feedback about your video's content.

47. Facebook Group discussion around the video content

Engage with your audience by hosting a Facebook Group discussion around your video's content and encourage your viewers to share their thoughts or opinions.

48. Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) session related to the video topic

Host a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) session related to your video topic. Use this to provide more insights about your video's content and answer those burning questions.

49. Clubhouse room where you discuss and expand on the video content

Host a Clubhouse room related to your video topic. Use this to provide more insights about your video's content and answer those burning questions.

50. YouTube Community post with a poll or question

Create a YouTube Community post featuring a poll or question related to your video's topic. Use the built-in tools to add text or images, and encourage your viewers to share their opinions or feedback.

BONUS

51. LinkedIn Event promoting a live discussion of the video content

52. YouTube Premiere to launch a new video with live interaction
 

Promoting your YouTube video on different platforms can help you reach a wider audience and attract more views and subscribers to your channel. By repurposing your video's content into various formats and distributing it across multiple channels, you can increase your video's visibility and engage with your audience in different ways.

So why wait? Start distributing your existing content on more platforms and see the results for yourself. With Flixier, it's never been easier to create engaging video content that will help you grow your audience and achieve your goals.