How YouTube Works To Make SMALL Channels GROW!

Summary

The YouTube algorithm is designed to support small channels, according to Todd, the head of discovery at YouTube. He assures creators that YouTube cares about small channels and has dedicated teams to help them succeed. Todd discusses the 'explore exploit problem,' balancing between showing popular videos and discovering new content. Recent algorithm updates aim to promote smaller channels more frequently, as evidenced by Mr. Beast's anecdote of a video with a hundred subscribers gaining millions of views. The video emphasizes the importance of video packaging for small creators to increase visibility and views.

Takeaways

• 📢 YouTube's algorithm is designed to favor small channels, as confirmed by Todd, the head of discovery at YouTube.
• 🛠️ There are dedicated teams at YouTube working to ensure small creators can break through and get discovered on the platform.
• 📈 Small channels are defined as those hitting milestones like 300 subscribers for the first time, with thousands achieving this daily.
• 🔍 YouTube faces the 'explore exploit problem', balancing between showing popular videos that users are known to enjoy and discovering new content.
• 🌐 The algorithm is being updated to promote smaller channels more frequently, allowing them to gain more visibility and potentially grow their audience.
• 🎥 Mr. Beast's story illustrates that with the right content, even a small channel with minimal subscribers can achieve significant views through the algorithm.
• 🎶 For monetization, creators are encouraged to use licensed music and sound effects from platforms like Epidemic Sound to ensure they can still earn revenue through AdSense.
• 📹 The importance of 'YouTube video packaging' is highlighted, which involves creating and packaging video ideas that entice viewers to click and watch.
• 🔄 YouTube experiments with new features and algorithm changes with different groups before rolling them out more broadly, which may explain variations in user experiences.
• 📈 Small creators should focus on creating content that resonates with viewers and has the potential to be enjoyed by a wide audience to increase their chances of algorithmic promotion.
• 🗓️ Patience is advised for small channels, as the algorithm may take time to find the right audience, leading to a gradual increase in views over time.

Q & A

What did Todd, the head of discovery at YouTube, confirm about the YouTube algorithm?

Todd confirmed that the YouTube algorithm actually favors small channels and that there are dedicated teams to ensure small creators can break through on YouTube.

What is the purpose of the team dedicated to small creators on YouTube?

The team's purpose is to help small channels get discovered and succeed on YouTube by making sure they can break through the algorithm.

What is the 'explore exploit problem' that Todd mentioned?

The 'explore exploit problem' refers to the balance between showing users new and undiscovered content (explore) and showing them content that the algorithm knows they will enjoy based on their preferences (exploit).

How does the YouTube algorithm decide what videos to show users?

The YouTube algorithm decides what videos to show users based on the best performing videos in a specific topic and the user's viewing history and preferences.

What is the 'explore' aspect of the YouTube algorithm?

The 'explore' aspect involves introducing users to new videos that have not been watched much, potentially discovering the next popular channel or video.

How many channels hit 300 subscribers for the first time every day according to Todd?

Todd stated that thousands of channels hit 300 subscribers for the first time every day.

What is the issue with the YouTube algorithm when it comes to smaller channels getting discovered?

The issue is that smaller channels may not have enough views or subscribers for the algorithm to determine if their videos are well-performing, which can limit their visibility.

How has the YouTube algorithm shift affected small channels according to the script?

The algorithm shift has started promoting smaller channels to more people, helping them get discovered and determine if their content is well-performing.

What is the role of 'epidemicsound.com' in the context of the script?

Epidemicsound.com is a website recommended for licensed music and sound effects that YouTube creators can use in their videos while still being able to monetize through AdSense.

What promotional offer does 'epidemicsound.com' have for viewers of the video?

Epidemicsound.com is offering a 50% discount on an annual personal plan to viewers who use the code THINK50 at checkout.

What advice does the script give to small YouTube creators regarding video packaging?

The script advises small creators to focus on YouTube video packaging, which involves coming up with video ideas and packaging them in a way that attracts viewers and encourages clicks.

Outlines

00:00

📈 YouTube Algorithm Supports Small Channels

The head of discovery at YouTube, Todd, confirms that the YouTube algorithm favors small channels and aims to push them more prominently. He emphasizes YouTube's commitment to small creators, highlighting dedicated teams that ensure they can break through. Todd discusses the 'explore exploit problem,' which involves balancing the algorithm between showing popular videos and discovering new content. He explains that while the algorithm is good at predicting user preferences, research shows that users enjoy discovering new channels and topics. YouTube is working on introducing lesser-known videos to viewers more intelligently. The video also mentions a shift in the algorithm that promotes smaller channels, evidenced by the narrator's personal experience of seeing recommendations for channels with low views and subscribers.

05:01

🚀 Growing Views for Small Creators on YouTube

Mr. Beast shares a story about helping a small YouTuber with only a hundred subscribers achieve over a million and a half views, demonstrating the effectiveness of the YouTube algorithm for small creators. The video emphasizes the importance of 'YouTube video packaging' for small creators, which involves creating compelling video ideas that entice viewers to click and watch. The narrator suggests that understanding and implementing effective video packaging is crucial for small YouTubers to gain views, rather than just focusing on producing the best video possible. The video includes a call to action, inviting viewers to learn more about video packaging in a subsequent video.

Keywords

💡YouTube Algorithm

The YouTube Algorithm refers to the complex set of rules and processes that determine what videos are recommended to users on the platform. In the video, it is emphasized that this algorithm is designed to favor smaller channels, ensuring they get visibility and a chance to grow. The script mentions that YouTube has teams dedicated to helping small creators break through, which is a testament to the algorithm's role in nurturing new talent.

💡Small Channels

Small channels on YouTube are those with fewer subscribers and typically less visibility. The video script highlights that YouTube is actively working to ensure these channels can succeed by being included in the recommendation algorithm. The script provides an example of a channel with only 36 subscribers being recommended, showcasing the platform's commitment to leveling the playing field for new and smaller creators.

💡Discovery

Discovery in the context of YouTube refers to the process by which users find new content and creators. Todd, the head of discovery at YouTube, discusses the platform's efforts to improve discovery for small channels. The video emphasizes the importance of discovery for small channels to gain subscribers and increase their viewership, which is a key aspect of YouTube's algorithm.

💡Explore Exploit Problem

The Explore Exploit Problem is a concept discussed in the video that refers to the balance between showing users content they are familiar with (exploit) and introducing them to new content (explore). Todd explains that while the algorithm is good at exploiting user preferences, it also needs to explore and recommend new channels and videos to keep the platform diverse and engaging.

💡Subscribers

Subscribers on YouTube are users who choose to follow a channel to receive updates on new content. The video script mentions subscribers as a metric of success for small channels, with a focus on channels hitting 300 subscribers for the first time. This milestone is used to illustrate the growth potential for small channels and how the algorithm can help them reach a wider audience.

💡Monetization

Monetization on YouTube refers to the process by which creators earn revenue from their content, typically through ads. The video script mentions the importance of using licensed music and sound effects from Epidemic Sound, which allows creators to monetize their videos without violating copyright laws. This is crucial for small channels looking to generate income from their content.

💡Video Packaging

Video packaging is the strategy of creating and presenting video content in a way that attracts viewers. The video script suggests that before creating a video, small creators should focus on packaging their ideas to make them appealing to potential viewers. This includes coming up with compelling titles, thumbnails, and descriptions that encourage clicks and views.

💡Views

Views on YouTube are the number of times a video has been watched. The video script discusses the importance of views for small channels, as they are a key metric for success and growth. The script also mentions how the algorithm can help small channels gain views by recommending their content to users, even months after the video was initially posted.

💡Feedback Loop

A feedback loop in the context of the YouTube algorithm refers to the process by which user engagement with a video influences its recommendation to others. The video script explains that if a video receives positive engagement (likes, watches, etc.), the algorithm will recommend it to more viewers, creating a loop that can lead to exponential growth in views.

💡Optimization

Optimization in the video script refers to the process of improving various aspects of a YouTube video to increase its chances of being recommended by the algorithm. This includes not only the content of the video but also its title, description, tags, and other metadata. The script mentions an example where a video with a hundred subscribers got over a million views after optimization, demonstrating the power of this strategy.

Highlights

YouTube's algorithm is designed to favor small channels, according to Todd, the head of discovery at YouTube.

Small channels are being pushed more into the YouTube algorithm for recommendations.

Todd emphasizes that YouTube cares about small creators and not just big ones like Mr. Beast.

YouTube has dedicated teams to ensure small creators can break through on the platform.

The team monitors metrics such as channels hitting 300 subscribers for the first time.

Thousands of channels reach 300 subscribers every day, indicating the platform's growth.

YouTube faces the 'explore exploit problem' in discovering and promoting smaller channels.

The exploit side refers to the algorithm showing the same types of videos based on best performers.

Research shows that users enjoy discovering new channels and topics on YouTube.

The explore problem involves finding and promoting videos from creators with little to no views.

YouTube is working on fixing the issue of undiscovered videos with no initial views or subscribers.

The algorithm has been updated to promote smaller channels to more viewers based on feedback.

Mr. Beast shares a story of helping a small YouTuber gain over a million views organically.

YouTube's algorithm can significantly increase video views if it detects high viewer engagement.

For small creators, understanding YouTube video packaging is crucial before creating content.

Epidemicsound.com is recommended for licensed music and sound effects to monetize videos.

YouTube experiments with new features and algorithm shifts before expanding them to all users.

Mr. Beast's anecdote illustrates the effectiveness of YouTube's algorithm in promoting quality content.

Transcripts

- This YouTube employee just confirmed

that the YouTube algorithm actually favors small channels.

Also saying that smaller channels

will be getting pushed more into the YouTube algorithm.

Now, the person saying all of this is Todd,

who is the head of discovery at YouTube

and is in charge of the YouTube algorithm

for recommendations.

And here's what he had to say

about if small channels could succeed on YouTube.

- [Todd] Talking about small creators,

just wanna emphasize to all the creators out there

that are wondering if YouTube cares

about like small creators,

or just like big ones like Mr. Beast.

And, you know, we do care about small creators.

We actually have teams that are dedicated to making sure

that small creators can still break through on YouTube.

- This right here is exactly why I love YouTube.

The fact that they want small channels to succeed.

They even have a team that is meant

for helping small channels get discovered on YouTube.

Todd even said that this team is looking at things

like how many channels are hitting 300 subscribers

for the very first time.

And just for fun,

guess how many channels hit 300 subscribers per day?

- [Todd] There's thousands of channels

that are doing that every day

- [Mr. Beast] Every day?

- [Todd] Yeah, every day.

- Every day, if you're a small channel,

then you're probably excited to be hearing all of this.

However, there is a problem that YouTube is facing

when it comes to getting smaller channels discovered.

- [Todd] Trying to find the balance,

so we call it the explore exploit problem.

- Todd goes on to explain the exploit side of things first,

which basically is when the YouTube algorithm is so good,

it knows you so well that it ends up giving you

the same types of videos over and over again,

because it just knows you're gonna love them.

And the way the YouTube algorithm works

is it's going to give you those videos

based on the best performing videos out there

in that specific topic.

You'd think that when it really be a problem,

I mean why not always just get videos

that you absolutely love?

Well based on a lot of research,

YouTube found out that people like finding new channels

and new topics and basically just finding new things

that they like to watch on YouTube.

So then on the other hand, we have the explore problem.

- [Todd] Explore is like, okay,

we have all these videos over here.

No, one's really watched them.

Maybe there's a diamond in there,

that is the next Mr. Beast.

How can we like find out who's gonna watch them?

And we're really trying to find ways

to introduce them to viewers more intelligently.

- Todd then goes on to explain

that they're trying to fix this problem

of these awesome YouTube videos that are out there

that aren't getting any views,

because they just don't have any subscribers yet.

They don't have enough traffic.

So the algorithm doesn't know

if people actually like this video.

There's not enough data to see

if it's a well performing video.

But I believe that actually as of today,

this problem has been fixed

because of the feedback that they got from viewers

wanting to discover new channels and new topics.

They've actually made this a part of the algorithm

to start sending out smaller channels

to more and more people,

so that they can determine if it's a well performing video.

Now, the awesome thing is I've noticed this

the past few days on my YouTube channel

and I have proof of this algorithm shift

actually working to promote smaller channels.

But before I show you that,

if you're looking to make money on YouTube,

then you need to know about epidemicsound.com.

I think media, this is our go-to website,

when it comes to the music we use

and the sound effects that we use in these videos.

The awesome part about using the music and sound effects

from epidemicsound.com,

is that you can still monetize your videos

and make money through ad sense.

And that's why it's so important to use licensed music

and sound effects in your videos.

And luckily epidemic sound is hooking up everybody major.

They wanna give everyone watching this video

50% off an annual personal plan,

if you use the code, THINK50 at checkout.

So if you wanna start using awesome music in your videos

and still make money, make sure to use the link

in the description and use our code at checkout.

So I told you I approve

of this YouTube algorithm shift happening.

So let's open up YouTube.

So you guys can see what I'm talking about.

So this is on my personal YouTube channel.

And as I scroll on my homepage,

I've noticed a lot more smaller YouTube channels,

like this 90 views, three months ago.

He's got 36 subscribers

and YouTube is recommending me his video,

which this used to not happen.

I used to not be able to find new channels like this,

but now I'm getting small channels on my feed all the time.

And if we actually go to his YouTube channel,

you can see that he only has four videos posted.

And something that's really, really interesting

is you can see he posted four months ago

and three months ago.

Now there's tons of people in our community

who get really discouraged

when they don't get a lot of views in the first day,

first week, even first month.

And what I've noticed, and what I saw here is that

YouTube is actually recommending videos months later.

So give the YouTube algorithm a little bit of time

to find the right audience.

And then eventually you're gonna start getting some views.

I want you guys to comment below and let me know

if this shift is also happening on your homepage.

Are you seeing a lot of newer channels,

that don't have a lot of subscribers

or don't have a lot of videos?

That's what I've been seeing.

Let me know in the comments below

if you're seeing that as well.

YouTube will experiment with new features

and algorithm shifts with different groups,

and then they expand it over time.

So if you're not seeing this yet, that would be why.

If you're still doubting that the YouTube algorithm

is rigged for small creators,

then you definitely need to hear

this story from Mr. Beast.

- [Mr. Beast] And I have a friend who like had

helped a YouTuber with like a hundred subscribers

and we helped them like optimize video and ended up getting

like a million and a half views without us pushing it.

So I know it does work.

If a video is clicked and watched,

a high percent of the viewers enjoy it,

it'll just get like a hundred views,

then the next day, a thousand,

then 10,000 and just keep climbing.

So it's funny to see it work in real time

cuz you can kind of almost think like,

what it's thinking there.

It's like, oh these 10,000 people liked it,

let's give it to 50,000.

It's like, oh they liked it.

And it keeps growing.

- If you wanna start getting views as a small creator

then this is the number one most important piece of advice

that I would tell you first.

Because most small YouTubers think

that they just need to make the best video possible.

So they end up wasting so much time shooting and editing

just to get zero views on that video.

It's because there's this very important step

that you need to do

before actually making your YouTube video

and most small channels never do this,

so they just end up staying as a small channel.

What you need to understand first

is YouTube video packaging.

This is how to come up with video ideas and package them

into something that people want to watch and click on.

And I show you everything you need to know

in order to do this effectively all in under 10 minutes.

So click on the screen,

I'll see you guys in the next video.