How to Get More Comments on Your YouTube Videos?

I recall a moment at INSTABOOST when we were chatting about a friend’s cooking channel that seemed destined for greatness but somehow couldn’t coax viewers into commenting. You know what’s funny? Her videos showcased delicious recipes and candid, humorous mistakes – yet the comment section remained eerily silent. It reminded me of an old movie scene where the protagonist stands on a bustling street corner, shouting greetings into the void, only to be met with polite nods and people hurrying by.

Perhaps you’ve felt that same frustration when you pour your heart into editing, storytelling, or comedic timing, only to see likes or views rolling in while meaningful feedback stays hidden. Sometimes, a nudge is all that’s needed to jumpstart a dialogue: maybe it’s a playful question you slip in at the end of your monologue, or an unexpected call to action (“Tell me about the strangest meal you’ve ever cooked!”).

At INSTABOOST, we’ve noticed that viewers respond when they sense you genuinely want their input, rather than treating comments as a statistical afterthought. And if you’re ready for a little extra help, you might explore how to expand your YouTube reach so that more potential fans stumble upon your content in the first place. Let’s be honest – if nobody sees your videos, who will engage in the conversation you’re trying to spark?

Some months ago, a creator we worked with at INSTABOOST confessed she was petrified of making her videos too interactive, fearing she’d come across as desperate. Ironically, that reluctance often discourages the very engagement channels thrive on. The funniest part? She had a knack for telling small personal stories that were equal parts embarrassing and endearing, the kind of anecdotes that practically beg for an “Oh, that happened to me too!” reaction in the comments. By slowly weaving those tales into her uploads, she started noticing more playful banter from viewers eager to share their own experiences.

Adding just a dash of personal flair – maybe referencing a cringe-worthy moment from your university days, or teasing an out-of-tune guitar strum in the background – can make your audience feel invested in your world, prompting them to pitch in with their own perspectives. If you’re keen to harness this momentum, don’t overlook the subtle advantage of making your channel seem alive and buzzing. That’s why some people choose to grow your loyal YouTube fanbase with INSTABOOST, ensuring potential viewers immediately sense there’s a vibrant community unfolding. After all, if a random passer-by sees you’ve got a dedicated following, they’re more likely to leap in with a comment – especially if your brand of honesty or humour resonates with them.

I once heard someone at INSTABOOST describe comments as the “oxygen of a healthy channel,” and that metaphor stuck with me. Without genuine interaction, your brilliant content might wither in an echo chamber of polite but distant views. So how do you encourage the comments that keep your videos breathing?

One trick is to provide prompts or even small rewards – think of a quick quiz at the end of your tutorial, or a “would you rather” style question that compels people to pick a side. Or perhaps you could highlight the most clever or heartfelt commenter in your next upload, giving viewers a little spotlight for their insights. Interestingly enough, I saw one travel vlogger promise to read a viewer’s bizarre travel story aloud if it made her laugh – needless to say, she was swamped with witty remarks.

Another aspect to consider is your overall social proof, because viewers are more inclined to leave feedback if they see others doing the same. Sometimes, that means choosing to gain visibility through likes to subtly signal that your channel is already fostering engagement worth diving into. Sure, it’s a small step, but it can serve as a spark for larger discussions, especially when your videos end on a note that begs for a conversation rather than a quick “click away.”

Years ago, one of my favourite gaming channels tried an unusual experiment: they added a few seconds of purely silent, unedited footage at the end of each video, then asked viewers to name that odd moment with a quirky phrase or pun in the comments. It was so random – basically dead air that made you think, “Uh, did they forget to cut this?” Yet it became a running joke, prompting watchers to comment ironically about that ‘silent cameo.’

That’s the essence of how spontaneity can stimulate interaction: give your audience a strange, humorous, or thought-provoking moment to latch onto, and they’ll often respond with unexpected enthusiasm. Another channel I know of even tested a mini “spot the hidden object” game mid-video, prompting frantic timestamps in the comments from eagle-eyed fans. At INSTABOOST, we love these creative approaches because they remind us that, while conventional calls to action are important, sprinkling a bit of fun or unpredictability can do wonders.

If your channel feels stuck in the algorithm’s blind spot, it might also help to help videos trend faster so they’re more likely to land on the homepages of potential supporters. Because, let’s face it, you can dream up the most unique conversation starters in the world, but if no one finds your content, they’ll never get the chance to comment on that bizarre final blooper or hidden Easter egg.

Sometimes, even the most interactive of creators finds themselves stagnating because they’re hitting the same loyal viewers without attracting fresh eyes. I remember a friend at INSTABOOST who discovered that her weekly film critiques were only resonating with a small circle of dedicated subscribers, and her comment section rarely grew beyond those familiar names. Then, in a stroke of inspiration, she branched out by featuring cameo appearances from local theatre enthusiasts. Suddenly, her channel cross-pollinated with a new audience segment, sparking fresh discussions.

Another useful tactic? Share behind-the-scenes stories that can be reposted or retweeted easily, luring in folks from social platforms who might be enthralled by your ‘insider details.’ If you’re eager to go beyond organic word-of-mouth, you could expand your video visibility and intentionally spread your content to corners of the internet where potential fans await. The more people who see your unique angle or comedic timing, the likelier you are to light up those comment threads.

At the end of the day, word-of-mouth remains a powerful ally – but it can’t do all the work alone, especially if the platform’s algorithm is burying your uploads under a tidal wave of competing videos.

You know what’s amusing? Some of us at INSTABOOST have argued that building a supportive community is almost like hosting a captivating dinner party. You invite friends, set an inviting ambience, serve appetising dishes, and then let the natural conversations flow. If one element is off – say, the food is bland or the setting too cramped – the entire evening falls flat.

Similarly, your channel needs consistent design, an engaging persona, and a flexible attitude that accommodates viewer preferences. Keep the lines of communication open by reading comments yourself, occasionally addressing them in new videos, or even turning a particularly insightful remark into a comedic short. Meanwhile, consider how a complete YouTube growth pack might fortify all the moving parts of your strategy at once. After all, you don’t just want random passers-by; you aim for watchers who stick around, tell their friends about your content, and fill your comment section with valuable perspectives or silly jokes.

By shaping a channel that values conversation as much as raw view counts, you create a space where everyone feels comfortable chiming in. And that, in my experience, can turn an ordinary upload into a lively hub of exchange – the sort of place fans not only watch, but also return to, ready to contribute their voice to your growing dialogue.