So, you’ve been on YouTube long enough and know your way around SEO, thumbnails, and the algorithm’s tricks. But let’s shift focus to an often overlooked yet powerful tool for boosting YouTube community engagement: the pinned comment. It can spark conversations, inspire reactions, and elevate your channel’s visibility.
How to Choose a Killer Topic for a Pinned Comment
Start planning your pinned comment while you're still scripting your video. Think about moments where you can naturally mention something that causes discussion—then smoothly integrate it into your storytelling. Share your doubts, express your opinion in the video, and then ask your audience what they think in a pinned comment. The key here is to be genuine.
Here’s the tip: pick a topic that’s a little spicy, maybe even slightly controversial (in a fun way). Sure, you could ask, “What’s your favorite color?” But let’s face it, a rainbow of replies won’t fuel a passionate debate or boost your engagement much. Instead, aim for questions people feel compelled to weigh in on, ones that get them typing furiously to share their take.
Back to Basics: How to Pin Comments on YouTube?
A quick refresher: pinning a comment is super easy (but if you already know this, feel free to scroll down to the juicy stuff). For everyone else, here’s how to do it:
- Post your own comment or choose one from your audience.
- Click the three dots on the right.
- Select “Pin”.
- Confirm your choice.
Boom! Your chosen comment is now front and center.
Best Pinned Comment Ideas and Tips
Now we are going to dive deeper into what to write to make it work harder for you.
1. Turn Pinned Comments into Mini Call-to-Actions (CTAs)
Sure, asking for likes and subs in your pinned comment is an easy way out, but let’s spice it up. Try subtly guiding your audience toward specific actions that benefit both them and your channel.
Example:
“Missed the bonus tip in this video? It’s hidden at [2:35]! Drop your favorite emoji after you’ve found it.”
Or:
“Watch to the very end of the video to see the big reveal!”
- Why it works: You’re driving watch time (hello, algorithm boost!) while creating a playful challenge.
Tip: Linking directly to a timestamp is like giving your audience a treasure map—hard to resist following it. Want them to watch your video to the end? Intrigue and ask your viewers in a pinned comment.
2. Crowdsource Ideas and Content Suggestions
Longtime creators know that the best ideas often come straight from their audience. Your pinned comment can double as a brainstorming session, but let’s avoid the boring “What should I do next?”
Example:
“I’m planning my next video. What’s one topic in [your niche] that no one else is covering? Drop your ideas below, and I’ll give a shoutout to the best one in the video!”
- Why it works: You position yourself as a creator who listens and rewards engagement, while also getting fresh content ideas.
Hack: Mention your audience’s suggestions in future videos—it closes the loop and builds loyalty.
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3. Use Humor to Spark a Conversation
A witty pinned comment can break the ice and encourage replies, even from lurkers. Injecting personality into your pinned comments shows your audience there’s a real human behind the channel.
Example:
“So… I can’t eat pizza if there is no pineapple on it. Ask your questions”
- Why it works: It’s playful and challenges your audience to engage without sounding pushy.
Tip: Follow up with funny replies to keep the comment thread alive. The more comments, the merrier for your engagement rate.
4. Ask for Micro-Opinions
Avoid generic “What do you think of this video?” questions. Instead, ask for highly specific feedback that feels effortless to answer.
Example:
“Quick poll: Do you prefer videos under 10 minutes, or are you cool with longer ones?”
- Why it works: People love sharing opinions, especially when it doesn’t require a paragraph. Plus, the binary choice increases the chances of a reply.
5. Promote Your Community Beyond YouTube
Pinned comments are a great place to funnel your audience into other platforms without being spammy.
Example:
“Want behind-the-scenes chaos? Follow me on Instagram [@YourAccount] for the bloopers.”
- Why it works: You’re offering added value and giving your audience a reason to stay connected across platforms.
Bonus Idea: Create an exclusive hashtag for your community and ask them to use it on socials. Then highlight the best submissions in your next pinned comment.
6. Build a Conversation Thread
Instead of treating your pinned comment as a static billboard, turn it into a dynamic chat.
Example:
“I’ll be hanging out here for the next 30 minutes—ask me anything about this video, and I’ll reply!”
- Why it works: Real-time interaction makes viewers feel special and encourages them to join the conversation.
Tip: Schedule these comment sessions after publishing to maximize the initial engagement spike.
7. Use Pinned Comments for Sneaky Promotions
Monetized channels can subtly plug products or services without coming across as too salesy.
Example:
“Loved the camera tricks in this video? Here’s the gear I used: [Affiliate Link]. Reply if you’ve got questions about setting it up!”
- Why it works: You’re offering helpful resources while boosting your income stream. Even though it won’t get dozens of replies, it may increase a clickthrough rate (CTR).
Important: Always disclose affiliate links to maintain transparency with your audience.
8. Celebrate Your Community
Recognize the viewers who consistently support your channel in the comments or through YouTube Membership by featuring them in your pinned comment.
Example:
“Shoutout to [ViewerName] for supporting my channel! Want to be a member too? Click on the link.”
- Why it works: It encourages joining YouTube Membership while making your viewers feel valued.
Tip: Take it up a notch by creating a “Member of the Month” segment.
9. Gamify Engagement
Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? Use your pinned comment to create challenges or quizzes.
Example:
“First person to guess how many times I said [keyword] in this video gets a shoutout in the next one!”
- Why it works: Gamification taps into the audience’s competitive side, driving more replies. It can even make a viewer rewatch the video!
10. A/B Test Your Pinned Comments
Optimize your pinned comments. Experiment with different tones, formats, or CTAs and track the results.
How to Test:
- Use YouTube’s analytics to monitor which pinned comments generate the most replies, likes, or traffic to external links.
- Rotate pinned comments weekly to keep your engagement fresh and relevant.
Final Thoughts
Your YouTube pinned comment is more than a placeholder—it’s a tool for building relationships, driving engagement, and keeping your community thriving. By thinking outside the box and experimenting with new ideas, you can turn a simple pinned comment into an effective way to increase YouTube engagement.
You know your audience the best. Take some of our advice, combine it, and customize it, adding a personal touch. Additionally, Air Media-Tech can optimize every aspect of your channel, including pinned comments. We are certified YouTube partners who provide professional insights and services to help you achieve more viewers and earn more revenue.
