Does it feel like the YouTube algorithm is ignoring your small channel?

We hate to bring bad news, but you might be right. There's a chance YouTube 

It's probably not for the reasons you think, like the algorithm changing or YouTube favoring large, popular channels. More than likely, you need to know 

We hate to see so many channels stall out, so we asked Todd Beaupre, director of product management at YouTube, how to stop it. As he explained the algorithm, we learned 

 creators must know to grow an audience.

So if you want to turn your small channel into a large one, keep reading for some YouTube algorithm hacks!

Secret No. 1: The Algorithm Serves the Viewer, Not the Other Way Around

Spoiler: Many people know this secret already. They realize the YouTube algorithm is a recommendation system; its job is to 

But while many people know this, plenty of creators don't have that information. Some think the algorithm or video creators 

 what people watch, but that's not true.

"The main job of the algorithm is to serve the user when they show up," Beaupre says. "A lot of creators think about things from the creator's perspective, like 'Oh, I make a video, and then YouTube pushes it out to a bunch of people.'"

"For the most part, recommendations and [YouTube videos from search] don't get pushed out. They're pulled from viewers."

In other words, viewing patterns on YouTube influence the algorithm. You can post thousands of high-quality videos, but they'll only get views if they appeal to a specific audience.

Secret No 2: The Algorithm Uses Watch History to Recommend Videos

So far, we've learned that viewers determine what they like, and the algorithm delivers that experience.

But that raises a few questions: How do you get 

 content to show up on a video suggestion list? How do you make the algorithm 

First, get your content into someone's watch history, Beaupre says. The algorithm will notice your channel as more people watch your videos.

"We use watch history as probably the most important signal we know about a viewer to figure out what they want to watch next," Beaupre says.

So if the algorithm knows Viewer A watches your videos, it may conclude that Viewer A wants to see more of your content — which is exactly what you want to happen.

Secret No. 3: The Algorithm Looks at Titles and Descriptions When You Have No Views/Subscribers

Every channel has to start somewhere, and YouTube knows this. That's why new channels with no behavioral data, such as watch history, are analyzed for their metadata instead.

"I would say YouTube search is probably the first place for fresh videos," Beaupre says. "You upload a brand new video around Minecraft, [for example], and we're going to consider that video when someone searches for Minecraft based on the title and description."

So if you're a new creator with no views or subscribers, 

 to get the algorithm's attention. Do some 

Secret No. 4: Sometimes Your Niche Is too Competitive

We typically say there's an audience for every interest, especially on YouTube. But what if millions of people create videos on the same topic? That makes it harder to stand out no matter what you do.

Beaupre's advice? Take the road less traveled.

"I would discourage creators from trying to compete in the most competitive spaces in the word," he says. "Rather than go after the Minecraft query, for example, you might want to find a niche that isn't already being served by a million other videos."

finding trending topics for your YouTube videos

. Go to Google Trends and research people's interests, or head to platforms like TikTok and Twitter to discover subcultures in various niches. If you can find an underserved community, you'll be one step closer to finding your niche.

Secret No. 5: Don't Rely on YouTube to Promote Your Small Channel

Remember what we said about the algorithm and watch history?

To satisfy viewers, YouTube will make recommendations that mirror 

Once again, that raises another question: What do you do when no one has watched your videos yet?

If you're in this situation, Beaupre says it's time to look beyond YouTube.

"I wouldn't rely entirely on YouTube as the only way to drive attention to your content," he says. "Identify other places where your content might be relevant. That could be anything from Facebook groups to Discord servers to Twitter."

"Seed your video in places where you're going to get some watch history and kickstart that signal [to the algorithm]."

That doesn't mean you should spam your videos in community forums. Be intentional about where you share videos, ensuring that A) your ideal viewers hang out there and B) your videos solve their biggest problems. That's how you do clean, effective promotion.

You won't have to do this forever, but it's a powerful way to kick off your YouTube journey.

Small YouTube Channels Benefit from These Tips

YouTube's recommendation algorithm is complicated, but we hope this post explained the trickier parts. At the very least, you should understand five things to grow a small YouTube channel:

The algorithm serves the viewer, not the other way around.

The algorithm uses watch history to recommend videos.

The algorithm looks at titles and descriptions when you have no views/subscribers.

A competitive niche = less opportunity for views.

You can't rely on YouTube to promote your small channel, so leverage other social media.

Want to hear more advice about these tips? Watch this video to strengthen your knowledge of the YouTube algorithm.

Now that you understand the algorithm, here's how to make people watch multiple videos on your channel.

YouTube video views spike to 184.8K, showing a 999% growth rate on chart.

How does the YouTube algorithm work? In this post, we get helpful answers from YouTube's director of product management.

5 Secrets You Didn’t Know About the YouTube Algorithm

New creators have a lot to learn when they join YouTube, TikTok, or any platform for the first time. For one, there's the task of turning random viewers into loyal, long-term fans. After that, making money from content becomes a real possibility.

What rarely makes the list, though, is understanding the creator economy, 

which is estimated to be worth $104.2 billion

. After all, who has time to explore the vast content ecosystem? That means learning to thrive on multiple platforms, understanding all the money-making tools, and keeping up with industry news.

Which raises an important question: Is learning the creator economy worth it for everyone? Should it be required for every YouTuber, TikToker, or anyone building an audience?

Jim Louderback and Renee Teeley, co-hosts of 

, say, "No." Only certain types of creators need to go that far.

"If you just want to get noticed, have fun, and find a girlfriend or boyfriend, you don't need to follow the creator economy," Jim says. "But if you're planning to make a career out of community-first media, then the second thing you should do after posting your first video, podcast, or episode is subscribe to The Creator Feed."

The Creator Feed is a weekly show exploring industry news, trends, updates, and how all of it affects creators. For instance, 

, and how can entrepreneurs leverage that perk? Will AI-generated art change the look and feel of YouTube thumbnails forever?

No matter the topic, Jim and Renee break down the major points, share insights, and advise creators on how to move forward.

They can do this because they're both content experts. Jim is the editor and publisher of 

, a weekly newsletter presenting news, strategy, and analysis on the creator economy, web3, and the metaverse. He's also the former general manager of VidCon.

Renee is a creator economy executive and the former senior vice president of Content and Community at TubeBuddy. She has helped creators and brands grow their businesses through video and is a longtime creator herself.

Want to explore the creator economy? Listen to The Creator Feed podcast on 

, or your favorite podcast platform. You can also read this fun interview with Renee and Jim to get acquainted with the show!

Q: Why did you start The Creator Feed podcast? What's your ultimate goal?

: We had nothing better to do at the time. No, seriously, there was a gap in the market between more interview shows and pure tip shows. We wanted to fill it.

We cover the mix of creator business news, advice, and insights for those who are higher-end or professional creators. We're great for people who aspire to 

, as well as the Creator Economy Curious (CEC). But really, professional creators are our target.

Q: Have you seen creators directly benefit from following news in the creator economy? If so, how?

: Absolutely. Many creators are building businesses and offering products and services to help others. Following news and trends can highlight gaps in the market.

For example, Paddy Galloway noticed a market gap for creator resources and developed a job site for YouTube creators called 

Q: There are so many places to make and monetize content. How can people learn about the creator economy without feeling overwhelmed?

: Start small. Listen to our podcast. Read my newsletter. Follow some smart folks on Twitter and LinkedIn. Go to some events like VidCon or VidSummit.

But in the end, make a bunch of content, experiment, and find out what works for you. We have ideas, but no one has the answers to every question. And every creator is different.

Q: On your podcast, how do you determine which news is most important to share with creators?

: I talk about what I think is most interesting, important, and strategic. Or who I want to make fun of that week. Depends on the mood.

: Same as Jim. I try to pick stories that will impact creators. I especially like discussing complex topics to provide some clarity or at least our opinion on what it means for the industry long term.

Q: For each piece of news, you share the pros and cons creators could face. It's very balanced and honest. What guides your process?

: Be honest, and be beholden to no one. I worked off and on in corporate America for most of my career and found that it's hard to say what you think at a big company. My paycheck — or lack thereof — is not determined by any company, platform, or creator. It's freeing and fun.

: Same! We're having honest conversations about the creator economy — the good and the bad.

Q: Speaking of pros and cons, creators have mixed emotions about how YouTube will monetize Shorts in 2023 — requiring 1,000 subscribers and 10 million Shorts views in 90 days. What's your take?

 is a positive move for the industry. It puts pressure on other platforms to figure out more sustainable monetization options.

However, YouTube hasn't been direct about the amount of money going to creators. YouTube stated, "From the overall amount allocated to creators, they will keep 45% of the revenue."

What is the allocated amount? Are creators receiving 45% of the total ad revenue or just a portion of the money coming in from advertising?

Also, 10 million Shorts views in 90 days is still challenging for many new creators. I'd like to see that number come down, so the average creator has a path into the YouTube Partner Program within six months.

Q: You've both built businesses in the creator economy. What's the hardest part about going from creator to entrepreneur?

: Well, I'm sort of going the other way. I wrote for top computer magazines and newspapers and hosted a TV show on TechTV in the late '90s and early '00s, but then I didn't do anything for 15 years. Now I'm leaning back into my creator roots in the world of no gatekeepers. So far, it's not hard. It's more freeing.

: I'm sort of going the other way as well. I started my career helping brands and creators with tech solutions. Then shifted to creating content that empowers creators and brands to grow their communities and build their businesses using video.

I'm doubling down on content this year. Not only does it help others, but I also love the creative process. Our podcast can help creators navigate the creator economy and think about their content strategically as a business.

Q: Have you noticed any traits of successful digital entrepreneurs?

: Being able to do the hustle. It also helps if you can 

, build a company, and have fun along the way. I'm not sure there's a correct path, but I prefer the latter.

: There are many paths to success, but it's a lot more fun to build a company if you love the product and the team.

Q: What makes The Creator Feed stand out from other podcasts?

: I think the background of our cover art for the podcast is really popping. That helps us stand out. Plus, Renee's picture is great.

: What helps us stand out is our commentary and perspective based on years of experience in the industry. Plus, Jim's picture is great.

Q: What can creators expect to learn in future podcast episodes?

: Whether AI-generative art, text, and voice can actually replace podcasters anytime soon. Spoiler alert: The answer is no. But we'll keep working on it.

: What Jim really thinks of the MrBeast Burger.

The Creator Feed podcast hosts Renee Teeley and Jim Louderback on purple background

You know the value of getting views and followers, but what about navigating the creator economy? In this Q&A, The Creator Feed podcast explains why you should 'study' like a content pro.

The Creator Feed Podcast: Why Learning the Creator Economy Is Worth it

Thanks to TikTok's increasing popularity, it’s now possible to 

. You can do this in many ways, such as receiving video tips, making money from live streams, and using brand deals to increase your revenue.

But those are just a few options. In this guide, we’ll explain:

Step 1: Join the TikTok Creator Next Program

Creator Next is an exclusive program for TikTok influencers who want to monetize their audience. It’s the gateway to 

 monetization tool on the platform, so apply for Creator Next first.

Be based in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Italy, or Spain.

Have a TikTok account that’s in good standing (follows 

Have a personal TikTok account (not a business account).

If you meet the requirements, you’ll gain access to tools that help you develop your channel and make money from TikTok: the Creator Marketplace, the Creator Fund, Video Gifts, Live Gifts, and Tips.

But more on that later. The first step is applying for TikTok Creator Next!

Creator Next: How to Apply for Monetization on TikTok

1. Open the TikTok app and tap the profile icon.

TikTok Monetization: All the Ways to Earn Through Creator Next

In this section, we’ll dive deeper and explain the monetization tools in the Creator Next program.

1. Earn Money Through the TikTok Creator Fund

TikTok pays creators from a large collection of money called the Creator Fund. In 2020, the fund was expected to pay creators at least $200 billion in its first year. Now it’s estimated to reach $1 billion or more.

How much you’ll get paid depends on many factors, such as the region you live in, if your content is original or not, the engagement rate on your videos, and more.

But, be warned: One critique of the Creator Fund is that it takes 

 of views to cover your entire livelihood.

So if you're wondering how much money you can make from TikTok — and you're a small creator — the figure is closer to side-hustle pay.

 explains that she made $937 in one month from the Creator Fund, which is nothing to sneeze at. And she accomplished that with 25,000 followers.

“I feel like people overgeneralize that the TikTok Creator Fund doesn’t pay you anything, but it kind of does,” Jessica says. “It fluctuates a lot. So you can’t rely on the Creator Fund as a primary source of income, but it’s a nice little bonus here and there."

To make money from the Creator Fund, you should meet five requirements:

Be accepted into the Creator Next Program.

Have at least 10,000 followers on your TikTok channel.

Have at least 100,000 video videos in the last 30 days.

Have an account based in the U.S., and make sure it’s in good standing.

: Videos you made prior to getting monetized through the Creator Fund aren’t eligible for compensation; neither are live streams, duets, and stitches.

Make sure you’re in the Creator Next program, then follow these steps to apply for the Creator Fund:

Live streaming is another way to make money with your channel, particularly through LIVE Gifts.

TikTok viewers send you virtual gifts during a live stream (shown above). These gifts are typically fun animations and stickers.

TikTok awards you a number of “Diamonds” based on how many gifts you received and the popularity of your live.

Redeem Diamonds for real money. You’ll get 50% of the revenue while TikTok receives the other half.

Here are the requirements to receive LIVE Gifts:

Live in a location where LIVE Gifts are available.

Have an account that’s at least 30 days old and in good standing.

Video Gifts allow you to make money on individual TikTok videos. It’s similar to receiving LIVE gifts, in that:

Viewers tap the gift icon in the comment section to send animations and stickers.

TikTok awards you a number of Diamonds based on the amount of gifts you received and your video’s performance.

Only videos with a gift icon have this option. Also, viewers 

 send gifts for duets, stitches, advertisements, sponsored content, promoted posts or videos violating TikTok’s community guidelines.

Plus, you'll need to meet these requirements to receive Video Gifts:

Have published a video in the last 30 days.

Have an account that’s in good standing.

Make sure you’re in the Creator Next program, then follow these steps to turn on Video Gifts:

Tap the menu icon in the top-right corner.

4. Get a Brand Deal Through the TikTok Creator Marketplace

The Creator Marketplace is where companies go to find influencers for paid campaigns.

TikTok logo on smartphone screen next to scattered US dollar bills representing revenue.

Are you a TikTok creator? Want to make money from your videos? If the answer is yes, use this guide to monetize your short-form content.

How to Make Money on TikTok as a Creator [Step by Step]

Getting views on a YouTube video is challenging, but it’s definitely not impossible. Once you master a two-part process, it’s easy to hook viewers:

Create a bold thumbnail that makes people stop scrolling

Write an intriguing title so viewers want to click your video

 content. For example, what do you think most viewers do at the end of a video? Do they watch more content from the same channel, or do they leave to see what else YouTube has to offer?

As a growing creator, you want people to watch as many videos as possible. You want to satisfy them, make them binge your content, and show the YouTube algorithm your channel is worth promoting.

There’s a way to make it happen, but only if you know a simple YouTube trick.

First, Understand Your ‘Average Views Per Viewer’

Before we share our little trick, there’s something you should know: YouTube tells you whether your content is binge-worthy or not.

You can find this data in the YouTube Studio. It tells you if people watch multiple videos in a row or leave without watching more.

That leads us to an important metric called 

, or AVPV for short. AVPV represents the number of videos each unique viewer watches on your channel (on average).

For example, let’s say your channel’s AVPV is three. That means the average viewer watches three videos on your channel before leaving.

But why is AVPV so critical on YouTube? Well, the higher this number goes, the better you are at convincing people to watch multiple videos. In fact, if your AVPV is somewhere around the number 1, 

that means people leave your channel after watching one video

The survey below shows that many creators have an AVPV of 1 to 1.4. So it’s in everyone's interest to boost that figure.

How to Find Your ‘Average Views Per Viewer’ on YouTube

Now that you understand AVPV, here’s how to find yours on YouTube:

2. Adjust the time period for the last full month you have data on. This switches your data points to the last 12 months of channel performance.

4. Click the blue plus button to add another metric. Choose 

 column to sort your performance over the last 12 months.

This is what you’ll see in the end — your AVPV from 12 months ago up until today (all 12 months 

How to Increase ‘Average Views Per Viewer’ — and Make People Watch More Videos

Now it’s time to reveal our little trick. If you want viewers to watch multiple videos, don’t wait for YouTube’s algorithm to show them content. Skip the waiting period and tell viewers what to watch.

How do you do this, exactly? We recommend using 

An end screen is an interactive outro that appears in the last 5-20 seconds of a video. You can put clickable elements on an end screen, such as links to a website, a YouTube subscribe button, and best of all, 

But the trick isn’t to make any old end screen. 

You want to make an end screen that suggests one more video to watch, not three or four. That way, viewers won’t feel overwhelmed by a bunch of options on the screen, and they can simply tap the next video.

Also, try to suggest a video that’s related to the current one. It should be an extension of the main story because that’s what people came to see.

If you do this over time — use an end screen to suggest one relevant video — your AVPV 

We tested this strategy on the vidIQ channel and found tremendous success. Instead of viewers watching one video on our channel, they now watch

Here's our AVPV in 2021 before using end screens:

And here's our AVPV in 2022 after using end screens:

More than anything, the key to success is making bold YouTube end screens. So here’s a quick guide to show you how!

Man shocked by low 1.4k YouTube views on video analytics screen.

It's hard to grow a YouTube channel when viewers leave after watching one video. Use this simple trick to suggest more content and make them binge watch!

A Simple Trick to Make Viewers Watch Multiple YouTube Videos

It's been a while since YouTube shared a big update. But if you poke around the 

 all at once. They reveal significant changes to the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), new ways to monetize short and long videos, and music licensing tools.

1. New Rules for YouTube Shorts Monetization

Since 2021, the YouTube Shorts fund has been the primary way to monetize short, vertical videos.

Creators who make popular Shorts get paid through a monthly bonus, which ranges anywhere from $100-$10,000.

The bonus amount depends on how many views a creator is pulling in.

 of views to earn a few hundred dollars each month.

YouTube Shorts Monetization - How to Profit from Short Videos

YouTube has big plans when it comes to monetizing your channel.

Lydia Sweatt

Posts Written By Lydia Sweatt

5 Secrets You Didn’t Know About the YouTube Algorithm

The Creator Feed Podcast: Why Learning the Creator Economy Is Worth it

How to Make Money on TikTok as a Creator [Step by Step]

A Simple Trick to Make Viewers Watch Multiple YouTube Videos

4 YouTube Updates That Will Help You Get Monetized Faster

Meet Tim Schmoyer, Your New YouTube Coach at vidIQ

YouTube Will Recommend Long-Form Videos to Shorts Viewers [Algorithm Update]

Brooklyn and Bailey Get 11M Views During Challenge to End Period Poverty

How to Find Your Biggest Competitors on YouTube

So Far, These Are MrBeast's Most Impressive YouTube Stats

Why Some YouTube Shorts Don't Attract Long-Form Viewers [Algorithm Update]

YouTube Partners with Shopify to Help Creators Sell Merch