Best YouTube growth tools for creators

YouTube growth tools sit inside YouTube Studio as browser extensions and help with keywords, titles, thumbnails tests and competitor tracking. Both main players overlap heavily, so the choice is mostly about which workflow you prefer.

See the 2 picks
Nub, happy with this pick
Nub’s pick

vidIQ, for channels looking for what to make next

vidIQ helps you find video ideas and keywords, track competitors and see what is trending in your niche, through an extension and a web app.

Try vidIQ

How to choose

Keyword data
Search volume and competition scores are estimates. Use them to compare ideas, not as truth.
Thumbnail and title testing
A/B testing is where these tools can pay for themselves quickly.
Channel size
Some features matter only once you publish weekly. Start on the free tier.
The usual mistake
Chasing keyword scores instead of making the video people in your niche are asking for.

At a glance

ToolBest forFree planHow it charges
TubeBuddyChannels that want to test thumbnails and manage many videos.YesFree plan, then monthly plans
vidIQChannels looking for what to make next.YesFree plan, then monthly plans

The picks

1.TubeBuddy

YouTube Studio extension with A/B testing.

Visit TubeBuddy

TubeBuddy adds keyword research, bulk editing and thumbnail and title A/B testing to YouTube Studio through a browser extension.

  • Thumbnail and title A/B tests
  • Bulk editing for large channels
  • Works inside YouTube Studio
  • Keyword scores are estimates
  • Best features on paid plans
Best for
Channels that want to test thumbnails and manage many videos.
Free plan
Yes
How it charges
Free plan, then monthly plans

2.vidIQ

Keyword research and daily video ideas.

Visit vidIQReview

vidIQ helps you find video ideas and keywords, track competitors and see what is trending in your niche, through an extension and a web app.

  • Daily video ideas
  • Competitor and trend tracking
  • Useful free tier
  • Can push you towards chasing trends
  • Scores are estimates
Best for
Channels looking for what to make next.
Free plan
Yes
How it charges
Free plan, then monthly plans