Building a YouTube channel is often described as a marathon, not a sprint. But for many creators, this marathon can feel more like running in circles around an algorithm that seems to mock them.
If you've ever thought about quitting your YouTube channel, it might help to remember that most creators give up just before they are about to hit a breakthrough. Don’t make the premature decision of quitting a YouTube channel before understanding how YouTube’s compound interest can lead to long-term success.
One of the harsh realities of YouTube is that most creators quit before they ever see any form of success.
Whether it's due to bad luck, poor content, or simply a lack of patience, many have unrealistic expectations. They see viral videos and assume that success should come easily and quickly, when the opposite is true. Take these numbers for instance:
The struggle isn’t just limited to new creators with even the top channels facing significant failure rates.
Successful YouTube channels operate like investments, not vending machines.
Think of your channel as a savings account, with every video you upload acting like a small deposit. Initially, you may not see significant growth, but as you keep feeding your channel quality content, YouTube will start to reward you. This is where the concept of YouTube's “compound interest” comes into play. The more you invest in your channel, the greater the potential payout down the road.
When it comes to the idea of YouTube’s compound interest, think of it in three phases:
The key is to keep showing up, even when the views are low and the engagement seems non-existent. You don’t have to be the most talented or the most charismatic; what matters is your persistence.
For example, take well-known tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, known as MKBHD. In the early days of his channel, his videos were not the best in terms of production quality, yet he kept posting. His tenacity paid off, and he is now a leading figure in the tech space.
The bottom line? It’s not about being perfect. It's about being relentless.
When you adopt a long-term “investment” perspective, each video becomes a stepping stone toward something greater. Instead of fixating on the video that didn’t perform well, focus on what you are building over the next few years. This long-term strategy will help you weather the ups and downs of content creation.
Feeling stuck in the grind is completely normal, but quitting a YouTube channel during this phase means giving up on future breakthroughs. Remember, even seasoned creators are always learning and evolving, so don’t feel discouraged if you still have a lot to learn yourself.
What many creators miss are the subtle indicators that precede meaningful growth, such as:
1. Shifting focus from numbers to community
When you start thinking more about serving your existing audience than chasing new viewers, you're aligning with YouTube's core algorithm values.
2. Consistent skill improvement
If your 10th video is better than your first, and your 20th better than your 10th, you're building the foundation for eventual success.
3. Small patterns of growth
Success rarely arrives as one viral explosion—it often appears as small, consistent increases in retention, subscribers, or engagement.
Impatience kills more YouTube channels than poor content ever could.
YouTube’s algorithm rewards long-term commitment. When you stop worrying about immediate views and start focusing on the value you provide, your channel will begin to grow. This shift in mindset often occurs around the time of monetization. Many creators find that once they achieve the milestone of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours, they realize that the focus should be on serving their audience rather than chasing the algorithm.
Remember: Expecting to become an overnight sensation is unrealistic. The obsession with going viral can lead to a gambling mentality where each video is a desperate swing for success. Even if a viral moment happens, it often leaves creators unprepared for sustained growth.
The YouTube journey includes inevitable periods of creative explosion followed by burnout—experienced by creators of all sizes. Before quitting a YouTube channel, recognize that these cycles are normal and that success often arrives just beyond your breaking point.
By treating your channel as a long-term investment, you position yourself to experience the rewards that come to those with the patience to persist when others quit.
Remember, every creator has their unique journey, and yours is just beginning.
Related Article: Get Your Mind Right for YouTube Success
Darryl is a writer with years of experience in online video software, combining technical expertise with a passion for educating audiences. When not writing, he’s tending to his farm surrounded by horses, chickens, dogs, and somehow cramming more plants into his garden than it could ever reasonably hold.
Aug 27, 2020
2 min read
Aug 17, 2020
7 min read
Apr 12, 2020
7 min read
