Try to find some kind of "new" things to make videos about. For instance Angry Birds was launched somewhere in the beggining of november and i did for the first time some videos with FRAPS, my main category isn't gaming, it's music. Anyway 2 of them got ranked well from the first days. They're now at 5.000 views each, just from search results. But other 10 videos are at ~500 views.. i tried even to copy the tags and description from the lucky ones,but didn't worked. It's also about timing. Be first to upload videos about something new, and yeah..videoS: better make them in parts like 1minute each if possible rather than one single big video , higher chances to get ranked.
Use google trends, and of course news you hear from ppl and tv.
I don't think adwords it's worth, never tried it, but they are overpriced for what they offer. Btw:becoming a youtube partner can definetly help in rankings, showing in suggestions,that kind of stuff. If you want views use Vagex.com , U2bviews.com, jumpstartviews.com, youlikehits.com if you don't know them already
And also use 9gag and funnyjunk.com("don't forget the F5 button, you will need it when you finally realize that you suck" - frets on fire, it was about the escape button,but whatever), even if your videos aren't in the comedy categories. Just spam the shit out of them and they will be seen.
