“Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel.”
If you've watched any of my videos, you've heard this phrase. And you've heard it because it works. In fact, when I don't include a call to action in my videos, my engagement drops by 70%.
That's not a coincidence. It's a lesson in psychology, marketing, and human behavior. This article explains why I ask you to subscribe—and why subscription-based communities matter, whether on YouTube or anywhere else.
What Is a Call to Action?
A call to action (or CTA) is a direct request asking the audience to take a specific action. It can be as simple as “subscribe,” “comment,” “like,” or “share,” or as complex as “Join our premium community.”
When I say “subscribe to my YouTube channel,” I'm using a call to action. It's a fundamental marketing principle, and it works across all platforms and mediums—not just YouTube.
Why Calls to Action Actually Work
1. People Are More Likely to Take Action If Asked
This sounds obvious, but it's scientifically proven: explicit requests increase compliance dramatically.
In my experience, when I include a clear call to action asking people to subscribe, roughly double the number of viewers actually subscribe compared to videos where I don't ask.
Why? People have good intentions. They think, “That was helpful, I'll probably subscribe eventually.” But without a direct prompt, they often forget. A clear, direct ask makes it easier for them to act on that intention immediately.
2. Timing Matters: Place CTAs Early
The best place to put a call to action is at the beginning of the video, not the end.
Why? Because not every viewer makes it to the end. If you ask for a subscription 10 minutes into a 15-minute video, you've already lost the viewers who click away during the first minute. By placing the CTA upfront, you ensure that even viewers who don't finish still hear your request.
Additionally, social media is full of distractions. The longer viewers spend watching, the more likely they are to get distracted by notifications, other videos, or other tasks. Front-loading your CTA captures them while they're still engaged.
3. Real-World Example: Movie Theaters
Next time you go to a movie theater, pay attention when they ask you to silence your cell phone.
Notice how most of the audience complies? That's a call to action in real life. Theater owners know it works. They show the request visually on screen, sometimes repeat it, and make it clear that it's the “right thing to do.”
Compliance is surprisingly high—especially when audience members see others following the request. The social proof reinforces the CTA.
YouTube subscriptions work the same way. When viewers see others have subscribed, they're more likely to do the same. A clear ask, repeated consistently, normalizes the behavior.
Why a Large Subscriber Base Matters
Channel Growth and YouTube Algorithm
The more subscribers a channel has, the more views each new video receives. This matters because YouTube's algorithm uses subscriber count and engagement as ranking factors. Higher-subscriber channels get better placement in search results and recommendations.
More views = more visibility = more potential for growth. It's a virtuous cycle.
Attracting Sponsors and Advertisers
Advertisers want to reach large, engaged audiences. When they see a channel with a solid subscriber base and strong engagement, they can quickly assess whether advertising investment makes sense.
A channel with 100,000 subscribers is infinitely more attractive to sponsors than a channel with 1,000 subscribers—even if the smaller channel has higher engagement rates. Volume matters in advertising.
How Subscriber Growth Benefits You (Yes, You)
You might wonder: “Why does it matter if RMRS has more subscribers? What's in it for me?”
Here's the direct connection:
More Revenue = Better Content
When channels have more subscribers, they generate more ad revenue and sponsorship income. That revenue allows content creators to invest more heavily in production quality.
For RMRS specifically, your support over the years has enabled me to hire a staff of nearly a dozen people—including videographers, artists, and writers. Without that revenue, I'd be creating content alone, which means slower output and potentially lower quality.
More subscribers = more revenue = more resources = better, more researched, higher-production-value content for you.
Exclusive Perks for Subscribers
Successful content creators offer exclusive bonuses to their subscribers. For RMRS, I provide access to “ghost videos”—exclusive content that previews material from the paid program Build Your Wardrobe: A Professional Men's Community.
These exclusive videos are only available for a limited time and only accessible via subscriber notifications. It's a small way of saying “thank you” to people who've chosen to follow the channel.
The Bottom Line
When I ask you to subscribe, I'm not being annoying or salesy. I'm making a direct, scientifically-backed request that actually works.
Here's what matters:
- Direct requests work: Explicit asks lead to action. Without them, engagement drops 70%.
- Timing matters: CTAs placed early in videos are more effective than those at the end.
- Growth benefits everyone: Larger subscriber bases mean more resources for better content.
- Subscribers get perks: Exclusivity and insider access reward those who subscribe.
If you've found this post or my videos valuable, subscribing helps you stay updated and gives you access to exclusive content. It also directly supports the creation of more free, high-quality style advice that helps men dress better and live more confidently.
So yes, I'll keep asking. And yes, it actually works.
Watch: Why Do I Ask You to Subscribe?
For more on RMRS and what we offer, subscribe to our YouTube channel or explore our full library of style articles and guides.
