A New Era for Creators on YouTube

We are entering a new era on YouTube, where subscribers mean nothing. They’ve become a vanity metric. The big question is: What’s working right now on YouTube? Is it still possible to start and grow a channel? Absolutely! In this article, we’ll cover the four best strategies that work today, and how one creator achieved 1,000 subscribers in just 9 days and monetized in 15 days.

If you’ve been feeling discouraged because your videos aren’t getting the views you expect, you’re not alone. The game has changed, but there is a massive opportunity for new and small creators to thrive by understanding how the YouTube algorithm works today.

YouTube’s Algorithm Today

Here’s the biggest change: Subscribers don’t matter anymore. YouTube has shifted from the social graph (focused on who you follow) to the interest graph (focused on what you like and watch). Your recommended videos are now based on your interests, searches, and viewing history, not on whom you follow.

In fact, YouTube is becoming more like TikTok, as Alex Hormozi explains:

“Subscribing means nothing; followers are vanity metrics. What matters now is if you can get people to click, retain, and return to your videos.”

What this means for small creators is that you don’t need a large subscriber base to get recommended. Focus on creating smart, interest-based videos that resonate with viewers.

Four Effective YouTube Growth Strategies

1. Learn from Video Outliers

One of the best ways to grow your channel is by studying outliers—videos that significantly outperform a channel’s average. For example, if a channel typically gets 1,000 views per video but one video gets 100,000 views, that’s an outlier. This means there’s strong demand for that video’s topic.

You can find outliers manually by searching a channel’s videos by “most popular,” or you can use tools like VidIQ to quickly identify high-performing videos on competitor channels. VidIQ’s “Outliers” feature ranks videos based on how much better they perform compared to the channel’s average, helping you find proven video ideas for your niche.

2. Trend Surfing

Another powerful strategy is trend surfing. YouTube’s algorithm recommends trending topics and content, including from small creators. When a person or event is trending, the algorithm recommends other videos related to that topic, regardless of a channel’s size.

Use tools like Google News to identify trending topics in your niche, then create videos that add your unique perspective to the conversation. Trend surfing can provide a steady stream of views and help you grow your channel faster, even if you’re just starting.

3. Master Video Packaging

Video packaging includes your topic, title, and thumbnail—the key elements that get people to click. Mastering this skill is critical, especially for new channels trying to get noticed. A strong video package will help you stand out in the recommended videos div.

Here’s how to package your videos effectively:

• Topic: Choose a relevant and timely topic that resonates with your audience.
• Title: Craft a compelling, curiosity-driven title with relevant keywords.
• Thumbnail: Create an eye-catching thumbnail that stops the scroll.

Using VidIQ or similar tools can streamline this process by helping you find top keywords, refine your title, and get inspiration for your thumbnails. VidIQ even offers AI tools to help you optimize your video descriptions, tags, and scripts.

4. Develop a Elite How To Theme

While chasing trends can boost your visibility, it’s essential to build your channel around a core theme and niche. This will help you build a loyal audience and a lasting brand. By developing a consistent content strategy, viewers will know what to expect from your channel, making them more likely to return and engage with your content over time.

Final Thoughts

In 2024, the YouTube landscape has evolved, but with the right strategies, small creators can still achieve success. By studying outliers, trend surfing, mastering video packaging, and building a clear content strategy, you’ll position your channel for sustainable growth. And remember, tools like VidIQ can make your content creation process faster and more effective.