In 2024, YouTube is ushering in a new era for creators, one where the traditional emphasis on subscribers is rapidly becoming obsolete. For new and small creators, this is excellent news because it means the playing field is more level than ever before. With a focus on interest-based content and an evolved algorithm, even channels with zero subscribers can achieve significant visibility and growth. Let’s explore how you can tap into these new strategies and grow your channel in this exciting new YouTube landscape.
Why Subscribers Don’t Matter Anymore
There was a time when success on YouTube was heavily tied to subscriber counts. Channels with large subscriber bases were often the only ones getting views, as the platform’s algorithm recommended videos from creators you followed. But those days are behind us. Today, YouTube’s algorithm prioritizes something much more powerful: user interests.
The focus has shifted from the “social graph,” which is all about who you follow and who follows you, to the “interest graph,” which is centered on the types of content viewers are genuinely interested in. This means that what viewers see on YouTube is now based on their personal viewing history, search history, likes, and other behaviors rather than the channels they’ve subscribed to. This change has leveled the playing field, making it possible for smaller creators to get their videos recommended without needing a large following.
For instance, you’ve likely noticed that after watching one or two videos on a specific topic, YouTube starts recommending similar content, regardless of whether you’ve subscribed to the creators. This is the power of interest-based recommendations. So, as a new or small creator, your goal should be to produce content that aligns with trending interests and what your target audience is searching for.
The Rise of Interest-Based Videos
The key to getting discovered on YouTube in 2024 is creating interest-based content. But what exactly does this mean? It’s all about producing videos that match what people are actively looking for on the platform. Instead of making random videos in hopes that they’ll get picked up, you need to research what’s trending in your niche and craft content that aligns with these interests.
One of the best ways to do this is to analyze what’s working for similar channels. Take a look at channels that produce content in your niche and study their most successful videos. Pay particular attention to “outliers”—those videos that have performed far better than their usual content. Outliers indicate that the topic, title, or approach struck a chord with a larger audience. By analyzing these videos, you can gain insights into what works and replicate those strategies for your channel.
For example, if a channel typically gets 1,000 views per video but suddenly has a video with 100,000 views, that’s an outlier. You should study why that video performed so well. Was it the topic? The timing? The packaging? These are the kinds of questions you need to ask when trying to create your own viral content.
Trend Surfing: How to Ride the Waves of Popular Content
Another powerful strategy for getting views is trend surfing. This involves creating content around popular events, people, or topics that are currently being discussed online. You’ve probably noticed how YouTube’s algorithm will start recommending videos about a trending news story, person, or event once you watch something related to that topic. The algorithm is designed to promote content that’s relevant in the moment, and this includes videos from smaller creators.
Trend surfing is a great way to gain quick exposure, especially if you’re new to YouTube. By creating videos around trending topics, you have a better chance of getting your content in front of a larger audience. The key is to stay informed about what’s happening in your niche and to act quickly when a trend starts to pick up steam.
For instance, you can monitor Google News or social media platforms to spot emerging trends related to your channel’s theme. But it’s not just about reacting to trends—it’s also important to add your unique perspective or insights. Viewers are more likely to engage with your video if you offer something valuable or different from the countless other videos on the same trend.
Mastering the Art of Video Packaging
While content is king, packaging is what gets people to click. Video packaging refers to the combination of your topic, title, and thumbnail. These three elements are crucial in determining whether viewers will click on your video when it appears in their recommended feed.
First, you need to pick a topic that people are interested in and create a title that grabs attention. Your title should not only be intriguing but also include relevant keywords that align with what people are searching for. If the title piques curiosity while clearly signaling what the video is about, you’re much more likely to get clicks.
The thumbnail is equally important. It should visually represent the content of the video and stand out from other thumbnails. Bright colors, bold text, and eye-catching visuals tend to perform well, but the key is to make sure the thumbnail accurately reflects the video’s content. If it’s misleading, you might get clicks, but your retention rate will suffer as people quickly click away.
Maximizing Audience Retention
Once people click on your video, your next challenge is keeping them watching. YouTube’s algorithm pays close attention to how long viewers stay on your video. The longer the watch time and retention, the more likely it is that YouTube will recommend your video to others.
To maximize retention, you need to focus on two things: pacing and value. Pacing refers to how quickly you get to the point and keep the content moving. Avoid unnecessary fluff or long introductions that could cause viewers to lose interest. Instead, dive into the topic early and keep the momentum going throughout the video.
Providing value is also crucial. Whether you’re offering entertainment, education, or inspiration, make sure the content is worth the viewer’s time. If viewers feel they’re gaining something valuable from your video, they’re more likely to watch until the end and even return for more content.
Consistency: The Backbone of a Successful Channel
While individual videos can help you get noticed, consistency is what builds a loyal audience over time. YouTube’s algorithm rewards channels that upload regularly, so it’s important to maintain a consistent posting schedule. Whether you’re able to post once a week or once a month, stick to your schedule to keep your audience engaged and to signal to YouTube that your channel is active.
Having a clear theme for your channel also plays a huge role in long-term success. Viewers are more likely to subscribe and return to your channel if they know what to expect from your content. Developing a core theme or niche helps YouTube understand who to recommend your videos to, and it builds a sense of trust and familiarity with your audience.
It’s also worth noting that consistency doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality. Each video you upload should be an improvement on the last, as you refine your skills and learn what resonates best with your audience. The goal is to create a library of high-quality content that keeps people coming back and attracts new viewers over time.
Staying Adaptable in a Changing Platform
YouTube is always evolving, and what works today might not work tomorrow. This is why it’s essential to stay adaptable and continue learning as you grow your channel. Pay attention to your analytics to see which videos are performing best and why. Use this information to fine-tune your approach and create more of the content that resonates with your audience.
It’s also important to experiment with different types of content and strategies. You might find that shorter videos or YouTube Shorts work well for your niche, or you might discover that live streaming helps you build a more engaged community. The key is to remain flexible and willing to try new things as the platform evolves.
Conclusion
In 2024, getting views on YouTube is all about understanding the new rules of the game. The shift from subscriber-based recommendations to interest-based content means that new creators have more opportunities to get discovered than ever before. By focusing on creating videos that align with viewer interests, staying on top of trends, mastering video packaging, and staying consistent, you can grow your channel from scratch and build a loyal audience. Remember, YouTube rewards quality content, so focus on delivering value to your viewers, and the algorithm will do the rest.