Building a YouTube channel from scratch, especially with zero subscribers, might seem daunting. But with the right strategies and understanding of how YouTube’s algorithm works, it’s entirely possible to get discovered even when you’re just starting out.
In essence, the YouTube algorithm is designed to connect viewers with videos they are likely to enjoy. The platform prioritizes viewer satisfaction above all, meaning that your content needs to align with what viewers want. Understanding this, as well as the factors that influence YouTube’s search and discovery mechanisms, will help you position your content effectively.
How the YouTube Algorithm Works
At its core, the YouTube algorithm focuses on matching content with viewers based on their behavior, preferences, and interactions. There are four primary factors that influence how YouTube decides to recommend and prioritize videos: viewer behavior, video content, video performance, and channel authority.
1. Viewer Behavior
This includes a variety of elements such as what the viewer has previously watched, searched for, liked, disliked, and where they are watching from. YouTube’s algorithm tracks these behaviors to personalize recommendations. For example, if a viewer searches for workout tips, they’ll likely be recommended similar content in the future.
As a creator, understanding this can help you align your content to target specific behaviors. If you know what your target audience is watching and searching for, you can create videos that appeal to their interests.
2. Video Content
The content of your video also plays a huge role in discovery. This includes your title, description, tags, video length, format, and thumbnail. While tags might not carry as much weight as they used to, having a strong title and thumbnail is crucial. These are the first things viewers see when browsing YouTube, and they need to clearly communicate the value of your video.
It’s also important to optimize your description and title for SEO. Including relevant keywords will help your video show up in searches. For example, if your video is about a specific product or trending topic, including those words in the title and description increases the chances of your video being discovered.
3. Video Performance
Once your video is uploaded, its performance metrics will influence how much YouTube promotes it. Key metrics include click-through rate (CTR), watch time, retention rate, likes, dislikes, comments, and shares. These factors signal to YouTube whether viewers are engaging with your content or losing interest.
A higher CTR means your title and thumbnail are doing their job by enticing viewers to click. Watch time and retention rate show how long people stay on your video, which is one of the strongest indicators of content quality. If people are dropping off too soon, it’s a sign that you need to improve your pacing, content delivery, or structure.
4. Channel Authority
This is built over time and is influenced by factors such as subscriber count, upload consistency, and viewer loyalty. A higher subscriber count signals authority, but it’s important that your subscribers are engaged with your content. A small, dedicated audience is better than a large one that doesn’t interact with your videos.
Upload consistency is also key. YouTube rewards creators who consistently put out content because it increases the likelihood of retaining and growing your audience. This doesn’t mean you need to post daily, but you should stick to a schedule that works for you and your audience.
Tactical Tips for Getting Discovered
With the algorithm’s mechanics in mind, here are actionable steps you can take to get discovered on YouTube even without subscribers.
1. Nail Your Niche
Focusing on a specific niche is essential when you’re starting out. This helps YouTube categorize your content and show it to the right audience. If your content is too broad, it’s harder for the algorithm to know who to recommend it to. Think about what interests or skills you have and create content around that. For example, if you’re passionate about gardening, creating content around specific types of plants or gardening techniques can help you stand out.
It’s also important to research your niche to ensure there’s enough interest. If other creators are successfully posting content in your area, it’s a sign that there’s demand.
2. Create Search-Based Content
Especially when you’re starting out, creating content based on what people are actively searching for can help you get discovered. This doesn’t mean all your content has to be educational or tutorial-based, but it should align with common search queries in your niche.
For instance, if your channel is about tech gadgets, posting a review of a newly released product can help attract viewers who are searching for information about that product. Using tools like Google Trends or YouTube’s search suggestions can give you insight into what people are looking for.
3. Engage With Your Audience
Engagement signals like likes, comments, and shares play a big role in the algorithm’s decision-making process. Not only does engaging content rank better, but it also builds a loyal audience. Encourage viewers to interact with your video by asking them questions or prompting them to leave feedback in the comments.
You can also engage with your audience by responding to comments. This shows viewers that you’re active and engaged with your community, which can help foster a sense of loyalty.
4. Master Different Content Formats
YouTube offers various formats, including long-form videos, shorts, and live streams. Mastering these different formats can help you reach new audiences. Shorts, for example, are a great way to gain quick exposure since YouTube promotes them heavily in its Shorts feed. They also cater to viewers who prefer bite-sized content.
At the same time, long-form videos can establish you as an expert in your niche and attract viewers who are looking for in-depth content. Experimenting with different formats can help you find what resonates best with your audience.
5. Optimize for Video SEO
As mentioned earlier, SEO optimization is crucial for getting discovered. This involves using relevant keywords in your title, description, and tags. You also want to optimize your video file name before uploading it. For example, if your video is a review of a fitness gadget, naming the file “fitness-gadget-review.mp4” can give you a small SEO boost.
Additionally, using timestamps in your description can help with retention and searchability. YouTube’s algorithm favors videos that keep viewers engaged for longer periods, and giving them the ability to jump to specific sections of your video can increase watch time.
6. Improve Your Thumbnails and Titles
A thumbnail is often the first impression a viewer gets of your content, so it’s crucial to make it count. Your thumbnail should be visually appealing and clearly convey what your video is about. High-contrast images and bold text can help your thumbnail stand out in search results and recommendations.
Your title should also create curiosity or provide a clear solution to a problem. Avoid clickbait, but do aim to make your title engaging and informative.
7. Focus on Quality and Retention
Lastly, the quality of your content matters. While you don’t need expensive gear to succeed on YouTube, improving your video and audio quality can help retain viewers. Clear audio and visually engaging content can make the difference between someone staying on your video or clicking away.
In addition, pacing plays a big role in retention. Getting to the point quickly and trimming unnecessary fluff can keep viewers engaged longer, which will improve your retention rate.
Conclusion
Getting discovered on YouTube with zero subscribers isn’t an overnight process, but with the right strategies, it’s absolutely achievable. By understanding how the YouTube algorithm works and creating content that aligns with viewer preferences, you can build a loyal audience from the ground up. Focus on delivering value, optimizing your content for search, and improving engagement metrics to increase your chances of success.