If you’ve ever wondered why your YouTube channel isn’t growing as fast as you’d like, you’re not alone. Many creators face this challenge, and the reasons may not always be obvious. In this post, we’ll dive into some of the most common mistakes that could sabotage your success on YouTube. With insights from YouTube’s growth experts, we’ll show you how to avoid these pitfalls and set yourself on the path to success.
Whether you’re just starting or you’ve been at it for a while, avoiding these mistakes can make a world of difference.
1. Giving Up Too Soon
One of the biggest mistakes creators make is giving up too early. It’s easy to feel discouraged when you’ve poured your heart into a video only to see minimal engagement. Todd Bupre, head of growth at YouTube, highlights that success on YouTube is not about avoiding failure—it’s about embracing it.
Remember, YouTube is a long game. It’s like training for a marathon. No one runs 26 miles without preparation, and the same goes for building a channel. You might post a few videos that don’t perform well, but that doesn’t mean you should quit. Every video you create is a learning experience. As Todd puts it, “YouTube is not about avoiding mistakes.” Instead, it’s about understanding that each mistake is part of the journey toward growth.
2. Expecting Immediate Results
Many creators expect their videos to take off as soon as they hit the publish button. The truth is, YouTube doesn’t work like that. Some videos may perform poorly at first but gain traction months or even years later. YouTube’s algorithm is constantly reassessing content, and older videos can still find a new audience.
Don’t delete your underperforming videos just because they didn’t get a lot of views right away. Instead, consider updating the title or thumbnail to give them a second chance. You can also promote older videos by including them in your end screens or community posts.
3. Focusing on Quantity Over Quality
It’s tempting to think that the more videos you post, the better your chances of success. While consistency is important, posting more videos doesn’t always lead to better results. It is recommended to focus on quality over quantity.
A common mistake is overloading your audience with too many videos, especially if the content isn’t up to par. High-quality content is far more likely to attract and retain viewers than multiple average videos. One great video can outperform ten mediocre ones. So, spend time crafting your content and make sure each video resonates with your audience.
4. Deleting Videos Without a Good Reason
Creators often feel the urge to delete videos that don’t meet their current standards. However, Todd emphasizes that deleting videos can hurt your channel in the long run. Each video you upload creates a connection between your channel and the viewers who watched it.
When you delete a video, you sever that connection. Instead of deleting, consider unlisting the video or updating it with a fresh perspective. Remember, every video contributes to the data YouTube uses to recommend your content to viewers. Deleting videos disrupts this recommendation system and can slow your growth.
5. Neglecting the Importance of Packaging
It’s not enough to create a great video—you also need to package it in a way that encourages people to click. Packaging refers to your video’s title, thumbnail, and the first 30 seconds. These elements determine whether someone will click on your video and stick around to watch.
A well-designed thumbnail and compelling title are essential, but there is also a big importance to the first 30 seconds. This is where you hook your audience. If viewers lose interest in this critical window, they’re likely to click away, and YouTube’s algorithm will notice.
6. Ignoring Audience Retention
YouTube’s algorithm favors videos that keep viewers engaged from start to finish. This is known as watch time. If your video gets lots of clicks but viewers leave early, it can hurt your channel’s performance.
Creators need to edit their videos with audience retention in mind. Before finalizing a video, take a step back and watch it critically. Are there any sections that drag or don’t add value? If so, cut them out. The goal is to keep viewers engaged throughout the entire video.
7. Failing to Connect with Your Audience
Building a connection with your audience is key to long-term success on YouTube. It’s not enough to post videos—you need to create content that resonates with your viewers. Its worth spending more time engaging with your audience rather than focusing solely on content creation.
One way to do this is by responding to comments, asking for feedback, and incorporating viewer suggestions into future videos. By fostering a sense of community, you’ll build a loyal audience that’s eager to watch your content.
8. Not Testing Your Upload Schedule
Many creators assume that posting more frequently will lead to faster growth. However, Todd Bupre encourages creators to experiment with their upload schedule. Instead of increasing your upload frequency right away, try testing different schedules.
For example, start by posting two videos per week, then gradually increase to three or four. Check your analytics to see how your audience responds. If views and engagement drop with more frequent uploads, it could mean your audience is feeling overwhelmed. Finding the right balance is crucial to maintaining engagement.
9. Overlooking the Importance of Titles and Thumbnails
The old saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover” doesn’t apply to YouTube. People will judge your video by its title and thumbnail, and these elements play a huge role in whether or not they click.
Todd emphasizes that creating a clickable thumbnail and an attention-grabbing title is a marketing skill. You don’t need to be a graphic design expert, but you do need to make sure your title and thumbnail are clear, compelling, and aligned with the content of the video. Misleading titles and thumbnails may get you clicks, but they’ll hurt your retention and your channel in the long run.
10. Not Taking Advantage of YouTube’s Features
YouTube offers several features to help promote your videos, such as end screens, cards, and the community tab. However, many creators fail to take full advantage of these tools.
End screens and cards are a great way to promote older videos and keep viewers engaged with your content. The community tab allows you to interact with your audience between uploads, share updates, and promote upcoming videos. Using these features effectively can help increase your channel’s visibility and boost your engagement.
Conclusion
Building a successful YouTube channel isn’t easy, but avoiding these common mistakes can help you get there faster. Remember to focus on quality, engage with your audience, and keep experimenting with your content. Success won’t come overnight, but with persistence and a willingness to learn from your mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals.
Stay consistent, keep creating, and don’t give up too soon!