How to Promote Your YouTube Channel Across Social Media

Has your YouTube channel stopped growing? If you’re seeing fewer views and subscribers than normal, it’s time to switch things up. One option is using other social platforms – Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, Clubhouse, and many others – to promote your channel.

To do this well, you need to think like a strategist. Each social platform is different and requires a specific plan to attract followers.

Read More: How to Expand Your YouTube Community Without Burning Out

That’s why creators like Ben Leavitt, who is a social media strategist, are invaluable on YouTube. On his channel, he teaches people how to grow their business using social media. For YouTubers looking to promote their channel on a second platform, the common question is, “Which one is right for me?”

“It needs to be specific to your type of content,” Leavitt says. “Each platform lends itself to a better place you can send someone that accents or accompanies your YouTube channel. They all serve great purposes.”

In this episode of TubeTalk, we chat with Leavitt to understand the differences between each social platform. He shares tips for leveraging these community builders in 2021, even as new apps like Clubhouse emerge.

Keep reading to discover Leavitt's five-step plan for promoting your YouTube channel.

1. Choose the Right Social Platform for Your Goals

Each platform has a different culture, content style, and propensity for connection. For example, users on TikTok watch dozens of short videos in rapid succession. If you’re trying to connect instead of strictly entertain, you might consider another platform – perhaps audio conversations on Clubhouse or live streams on Twitch. Instagram and Twitter have direct messaging, so those are great for connecting anytime.

2. Focus on One Platform, Then Slowly Build Up

There’s only so much time in a day. Choosing one place to connect with viewers outside of YouTube is smart. You’ll learn how much time it takes to manage a second profile and if you’re actually up to the task.

3. Manage the Account Yourself

Even if you have the means to hire a strategist, you can learn a lot by keeping things in-house. There’s so much to learn when you join a new platform – the content people post there, the “language” of the site/app, how users behave. You should explore those things so you have the knowledge, then outsource time-consuming tasks as your business grows.

4. Protect Your Time

Remember, you still have YouTube videos to make. If your second social account is highly addictive, set some intentions for how long you’ll be there. Clubhouse is a great example because while it’s a productive app, you can spend hours listening to conversations. Set an alarm so you can get in, connect with viewers, and get out.

5. Figure Out What’s Working

Take a look at the content you’re creating outside of YouTube. Whether you’ve chosen Twitch, Clubhouse, Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook to expand your community, ask yourself one question: Is this working? This doesn’t mean analyzing how many followers you have. If they’re not fulfilling your original goal – sharing your content, leaving comments, or something else – the plan is failing.

If you can do these five things, you'll have the energy to promote your YouTube channel and measure the results.

"It really comes down to the type of content you're making and where people are consuming that," Leavitt says. "Understanding your audience is going to be very important."

Bonus: Quick Tips to Grow On Social Media

YouTube:

1. Stick to one niche.
2. Create content for your target audience.
3. Have a good thumbnail for every video.

Instagram:

1. IG is very saturated now, so aim to be in the top 1% of creators.
2. Become an authority in your niche.
3. Post consistently.

TikTok:

1. Create lots of content – the more the better.
2. You don’t need a niche, but consider having one to retain followers.
3. Build a connection with fans. Find a way to funnel them to more authoritative platforms, like YouTube.

Podcasts:

1. Record your episodes (as videos) and post five-minute clips on other platforms.
2. Have patience. There's no “discovery system” for podcast episodes, so word of mouth is important. Just keep posting.
3. Before you go all-in, make sure you love podcasting. It takes a long time to attract loyal listeners.

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