Out of curiosity, does anyone have any tips to promote a game so it is popular?

I know how to make a good game, but I am curious as to how to promote it so it gets more popular and more people playing it.

This question is very often asked. There are two main things:

1. Be active in the community. Talk to other people. Play their games. Leave feedback.
2. Use social media, have a website of your own outside itch.io, and promote it.

Just don't try to act like the marketing department of a big publisher, because people are fed up with that. Plus, they can see through bullshit.

Be there. Be a person. It's not easy, but there are no shortcuts.