Why YouTube’s Algorithmic Growth Can Be Challenging for New Channels

YouTube, a search engine optimization (SEO) powerhouse, is designed to grab your attention by showcasing a vast array of video content. However, the primary focus is on the video itself, and the platform often treats established and up-and-coming channels equally. This means that while a large channel might receive a boost in views, the same cannot be said for new YouTubers trying to break through.

YouTube’s Business Goals

YouTube’s primary business model revolves around attention, which it sells to advertisers. Unlike traditional media, YouTube doesn’t inherently care about the growth of individual channels, as long as it can keep viewers engaged. With millions of videos uploaded daily, it's simply not feasible for YouTube to prioritize the growth of new channels to the extent that it could harm other content. This approach is more about maximizing overall engagement and ad revenue than fostering individual creators.

Quality of Content and Practice Makes Perfect

Many new YouTubers start off with poor-quality content, which can hinder their growth. However, this doesn’t mean that YouTube actively stifles new talent; it’s more a result of the sheer volume of content and the competition. Becoming a successful YouTuber takes time, effort, and practice. A common piece of advice is to create around 100 videos to develop your skills. As you gain experience, your content will likely become more engaging and resonant with your audience.

Strategies for Growing Your Channel

While YouTube’s algorithm may not be biased against new channels, it does favor those who produce quality content consistently. Here are some strategies to help you grow your YouTube channel:

Sharing Your Content on Social Media

Ensure that you share your videos on all your social media accounts. Posting your creations on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Telegram, and podcast show notes can introduce your content to a wider audience. Additionally, embedding your videos on blogs or websites where you have editor access can help drive more traffic. Utilizing your video descriptions effectively is crucial. Even if not everyone reads the description, those who do are usually more engaged fans. Encourage them to follow you on social media by providing links in the description.

Focusing on Quality Content

To stand out in the crowded YouTube space, focus on creating interesting and engaging content. Interact with your new audience and incorporate their feedback into your future videos. Quality thumbnails, tags, descriptions, and titles can also improve discoverability. For example, if you create game-related content, include the game’s name in your tags. Detailed descriptions with links to your social media profiles, interesting facts about yourself, and other relevant information can also help.

Avoiding Cheating and Gaining Honest Subscribers

It’s important not to try to cheat the system. Subscribing to other channels with the intention of gaining subscribers back is frowned upon and can lead to a quick decline in audience engagement. Instead, focus on gaining subscribers honestly. Encourage real viewers to like, comment, and share your videos, as their interaction is more valuable in the long run. Enjoy your content and create videos you’re passionate about. This will make it easier to reach out to your audience and grow your channel organically.

In conclusion, while YouTube’s algorithm may not openly favor new channels, following these strategies can help you build a successful and engaging content channel. Focus on quality over quantity, share your content on multiple platforms, and build a genuine and engaged audience.