UPDATE: people are asking, so here you go: if you want my exact take on planning out your year for success, I got you with this video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/m6iljcKW186ZhYk.html The book is called Essentialism, and you can get the audiobook (free!) with my super-dee-dooper custom link here: bit.ly/3v8NCGK I've been listening to a LOT of books this year, and this one is top tier so far!

This is honestly the only channel worth watching in the KZfaq growth niche. The rest just regurgitate the same talking points about posting consistently, niching down and making good thumbnails. This is the only channel that consistently digs deeper and comes up with unique and wonderfully presented ideas and thought processes. Thanks for all you do Nate!

This confirms my suspicion that that only thing holding me back now is consistency. It really is difficult especially because I get REALLY into my edits, but I've decided to be stupid this year and focus so much more time to my channel. Also, I get quite a few of those "How does this not have more views" comments fairly often, it's super validating every time.

THE FLATLINING ISN'T JUST A ME THING!? Oh thank god, this video gave a lot of excellent advice, thank ya!

I’m someone that has a large channel at 100k and a small channel stuck at 4.3k and no matter what I do it just doesn’t grow. I feel for anyone trying to build channels now - it’s tough… my 100k channel I started 10yrs ago when it was easier. But my smaller channels that I started in the past year/s is flatlining. There are so many talented ppl out there just not being seen and if seems the lesser talented ppl are getting the views 😂 it’s effed up !

The illustration of marketplace vs small audience interaction is so accurate. People will absolutely join in once others are already there

Oh my goodness you are probably the ONLY person I've ever seen who actually acknowledges that things are very different for smaller channels. So many people act like we're all the same and if I do what you do I'll get past the slump.

Hey Nate, I've been watching your videos religiously for 2 years and I thought my channel was dead at 5k subs, 10k subs, 30k subs, and even 50k subs. I've pivoted a few times and FINALLY I think I've found which content I can do long term. I even thought my intitial dream was dead so many times that I opened a 2nd channel in a differente language and KILLED it, only for that 2nd channel to stall out at 50k subs. I finally had 2 viral videos in the last 2 months and all that hard work has finally paid off. I'm finally being associated with other big youtubers in my niche, and I now understand that advantage that big youtubers have. It was so HARD, but your videos kept me going. What I've learned is just basically to keep being consistent, and make quality content and your version of success will come. Thanks!

here's whats currently working for me. 1.) Make good videos - probably will take 2-3 weeks / 8hrs a day , here and there 2.) do that consistently 3.) learn from your mistakes 4.) adjust accordingly - Ive done these steps for close to a year now and my channel is now slowly just starting to grow. no other formula -

Wow, my friend, you are literally the only one talking about this. I’m still a very small channel. And yes, the views will go up and then immediately flatline. Sometimes they’ll take off again, and then flatline again… It’s very strange behavior.

I think the analogy with the farmer stall is very valid. Would you click on a video with 100 views vs one with 100k? People tend to do what others do. Sad reality

What's weird is many creators are doing the exact opposite of what gurus are saying and still blowing up their channels. The algorithm is always changing and I think even the viewers are demanding something different of what we've been watching the last 5 years.

If you are reading this comment, don't worry your channel is going to get better we all got this!

2 comments: 1. My channel just hit 1000 subscribers on Friday (at the moment we were driving through ID and I thought of you 😊) and in the ensuing days I have seen so much more love from KZfaq in terms of exposure and growth since hitting that magic number. 2. Your card display is giving me mission flashbacks haha

Thank you for not swearing. It's appreciated, and makes me feel better about watching your videos if my son is around.

I appreciate your help videos Nate. There's tremendous truth. With that said, when you are a small channel putting your heart, soul and tons of time into growing and making between $1 & $4 per day on KZfaq after being monetized for a period of time, a real job is still necessary to pay the bills. I try to put a portion of 7 days a week into my channel but it's not always realistic and burn out is a real thing. Working so hard on the channel and at the end of the day you've made $1.70 takes the wind out of your sail. I love my channel and believe in it which is the only reason I'm still here after trying for 5 years. I believe at some time it will start growing and I eventually plan on posting 2 or 3 full length videos per week but for now I struggle to post 1 video and maybe a few shorts. Hopefully the channel can survive to the point of real growth. KZfaq sends surveys questioning fairness of large channels vs. Small channels but I have no idea why because they continue doing the same thing.

I had no idea about the upload speeds! No wonder mine take ages... 😅 I've found this all to be super true. The hardest part of being a small channel is getting enough visibility. Once you start building up a small group of "fans," the momentum builds. I'm in the early phases of that and it's been motivating! Thanks for the tips, Nate! :)

Just a shout out, I started youtube 6 weeks ago and I've been religiously consuming content and focusing on my quality and its working. 2200 views on my video from Sunday before it flatlined with 8% ctr and 60% retention. ❤ thanks for doing this stuff man

I like Nate that you started to give content to really small channels. Nice niche, cool decision. Respect.

Nice to know we're not the only ones who flatline on KZfaq. Lots of work to stay alive.

A lot of great advice! Thank you! I started my YT a little over a year ago, but didn't get semi-serious until last summer... the flatlining and other issues are so exhausting and sometimes very discouraging. I think you truly have to enjoy what you're doing, and do what you want to do and treat it as a hobby more than anything, otherwise if you have greater expectations like wanting to get monetized quickly and maybe get "famous" it is going to kill the whole idea of being a content creator. There are so many small channels I follow that are amazing with very high quality content and I don't understand how they get less thank 1k views. Good luck to us all ☺

This was eye-opening. Yes, my 4k videos took 2 hours before, and these days it litterally takes a minute or two to encode. I just thought KZfaq got better. Thank you for the video, as always.

Finally a creator channel confirming what I've been saying all along (and which fir instance VIDIQ keeps denying, even laughing me in the face about it). I've been uploading for two years now, 400 quality videos/shorts, providing as much data to the algorithm as I'm capable of... People love my content, likes, subs, very few dislikes and Ive had many comments on why the channel isn't bigger and how everyone should be seeing the content.... But the algorithm still ignores the channel... And even worse, it keeps testing it with the wrong audience... middle-aged males do not want to see our teenage girl vlogs (and the few that do, we don't want as an audience). With 400 videos, nearly 2.5k subs the algorithm should know better... but it doesn't :(

I needed this one. 😊 How often I hear - why is your channel so small - this deserves more views - you will be as big as them someday.

Thanks for uploading this. The simplified and friendly way you explain, show what to do, and how to do it helps make the whole frustrating channel growth process less daunting. I'll definitely be watching more of your videos.

I'll say it again...THANK YOU for being honest! All those "other" channels offer zero help and just remake the same video every week. I have a small channel that is going through most of what you described. I appreciate your integrity.

I know the feeling, I do storytelling, mainly before sleep at bedtime and I see hardly any views or subscribers. I've only been going a couple of weeks but to not get at least 1 subscriber is demotivitating. My content in the first few videos are probably not up to scratch, it has been a long learning curve this past couple of weeks but I try to improve. I keep pushing myself to keep posting videos every 2 days but man it is hard when you don't see any sign of life on your channel. I heard KZfaq used to be so different years ago but now they penalise new and small channels.

That was a great farmers market comparison. I've been very appreciative of my early comment viewer. I've also seen more small channels on my feed since starting my small channel. Best of all, my recent video is really outperforming my average, gave me 30 new subscribers, and I'm starting to see those encouraging small channel comments. The timing on this video really helped boost my confidence. Thanks Nate!

Booped the thumbs up- dude for the record, I have been on a fallout 4 binge using KZfaq as a search engine for specific tasks and you are hundred percent on target. My home feed is a ton of 15-100 view smaller channels or very closely related topics. I love this channel. It helped me change the direction of my own into a more business centric one. I can’t be the only creator that struggles with “do I upload it all onto one channel” or “ I should have a channel dedicated to these different presentation styles of me” 😅

Hi Nate. It's 3am right now and I'm awake trying to figure out what I can do to improve my next video. It's been a very rewarding but also frustrating 2 months constantly feeling like I'm doing well, but also knowing that I could do 10x better right now. This last month, I always feel like I can blow up, but during the day while my mind is busy, I just can't figure out how.. until past 12am I rewatch each video and am slowly starting to understand exactly... why it hasn't blown up. I have officially unsubscribed to 90% of the YT channels right now on this particular account so I can focus purely on my work, but your channel is that one awesome channel that I absolutely love. You rock mate! Thanks for the awesome content.

Nate I just love listening to your personality, humour and advice even though I have zero time, zero humour and zero personality to make my channel grow. Your point about "acknowledging to your audience that your channel is small" resulting in "viewers [eagerly] expecting you to be there with your presence" (7:25) is beyond profound and I'll keep that point on the backburner for "one day when I have time for another video". I'm sure I won't easily find that insight out there. Thanks for inspiring as you often do, that's why I make the exception and continue to sucscribe to your channel.

Nate that's the *BEST* and smoothest integration of "boop the like button" that I've seen on your videos thus far. 😅 Very nice! 🎉

Hey Nate, I’m just starting out and I was using your channel for a lot of guidelines, and I just wanted to say I’m getting a lot of growth recently because of it. Thanks for all your work!

Everything you mentioned about the analytics of a video happens to mine all the time. I get 200-400 views and the impressions practically disappear. My most viewed video of mine got about 145K impressions in 15 days, gave me the most subs, then KZfaq practically killed all the impressions fast. I was like saying, What the heck KZfaq. At least I have about 10 videos that have more than 1K views, but they go flatline too. Ugh I just keep making more videos, and maybe 1 or 2 will go viral someday. Keep up the good work Nate!!! I’m glad I sub to you for learning more information. I can’t wait to get the option to test different thumbnails A/B/C. I’m still waiting. The big channel’s get it I bet.

This is honestly the most informative "youtube growth" video I've ever seen.

Nate, I watched a ton of videos on YT Algo and I came across you on my recommended. This is one of those rare videos that I feel FINALLY giving me INSIDER INFORMATION. Some of this info is so new to me that I found myself rewinding just to let concepts sink in. You’re brilliant, your minimal editing and music DOES NOT bother me at all. You truly deserve more views, I hope you can roast a video I’m making when I’m done with it.

I booped the like before you told me to! As others have said, this seems like the only channel that goes a bit deeper. I guess the algorithm is getting to know ME better now😎

Thank you. As a small channel who is trying to get a message out to the world, this was helpful. Continue making videos, get outside opinions, and keep being authentic. Sounds like usable tips to me.

Me: ***only commenting, because there are already a bunch of other comments*** This is greaaaaaate advice. Thanks so much! How come you don’t have more subscribers??? You deserve a kazillion.

Thank you! I knew it, and I’m so glad you got to see data that proves it. And thank you for giving us direction and ideas to focus on. This is by far the BEST video I have seen that applies to me right where I am. I am excited to see the video you are working on next.

I typically have come to expect clickbait on this topic, but this was all really good and well put. Made me laugh with the outtakes too.

Howdy howdy Nate. Just started my channel a bit back and I feel growth is just along the margins. I have a good feeling about this. My only issue, is that like you mentioned in the beginning of the video, the impressions suddenly stop on videos. For no apparent reason. My question would be how to have more consistent impressions, and I know A LOT of other creators will relate. I would love to have my channel roasted haha, it's been a dream of mine throughout my 5 different channels on yt. I love your videos man, keep going no matter what. And to let you know, your new style (the long curly hair is amazing) and the story telling format of making these videos is BRILLIANT. Never skipped your videos, ever. You, my friend, are a good man.

This video is amazing and on spot. "Thank you for making this video, this video deserves way more view than it has!"

Already watched this a few times over. It is full of very good info! Very important for us small channels. Thank you, Nate! Love how you snuck in the "boop" this time!

One if my first videos to get 1k+ views flatlined and i was SO CONFUSED. I had old channel with more subs that never did that, and i looked everywhere for an answer. Now i finally know it's a common thing among small channels thanks to this video!

My god hearing that the spike into flatline is mostly a 'small channel symptom' is so reassuring. I always thought KZfaq was finally pushing my content to new audiences but they just didn't like it so KZfaq stopped showing it. Although lately pretty much all my videos get that spike instead of just a few. Great video as always Nate. Really the biggest takeaway for me in this video is to produce more (quality) content. Give KZfaq more to play with.

So interesting! It’s amazing how helpful your videos are. I usually stay up till midnight to watch you but fell asleep last night 😂

Thank you, it's about time someone talks about this, Almost all of the videos about small channel advice on KZfaq are NOT for small channels! So frustrating. So thank you. I'm in small channel hell right now but I hope that will all the advice I got from you and few others I will get out.

This is the most helpful creator video ive ever seen! THANK YOU!! i was really feeling frustrated and hurt from my lack of success! I realize now that im just a small channel. It gives me hope! Thanks... i subbed

I have wondered about this impressions thing before. Right now, it feels like my channel is starting to break out of that "testing spike" period. My most recent video is my best performing and I've been continuously getting impressions for the past few days (sitting at about 112k right now). Curious to see how the next video does and what the impressions are like then. Thanks, @ThatNateBlack for all the useful videos!

I always thought that processing time depends on the codec/container you export your video in. Interesting.

Thanks a bunch Bro. I have to positively emphasize that you did not simply say "Upload videos on a daily basis to feed the algorithm with data", but also mentioned the importance of high-quality content, as KZfaq doesn't care about how many videos you upload within a given period of time, but rather focusses on the audience's satisfaction with your content. But you pointed out what I already expected, and heard from other KZfaqrs: It is about the lack of data the algorithm can work with. And indeed, KZfaq is still a great chance to build a business, starting with organic traffic first, but it is way harder than in the beginning, before the platform was flooded by trillions of videos, and millions following up each and every day. Wow... the comment is longer than expected, I should head back to work. But I could not help myself but watch your video first.

I am getting the "your channel should be bigger" comments, I'm glad to hear that is a good sign, awesome! With 2000+ subs and 800,000ish views I still struggle with an insane fluction in views. 200,000 on video, 17 on the next. One of the best things that's happened is that there is one topic that always performs well, and I do focus on that one topic often but there's more in my niche to discuss. Anyway, good video.

This is soooo helpful! Thanks! Growing my channel has been a slow slog....I appreciate your information to help people like me stay sane and focused while trying to stay in the game and grow.

This guy is full of it!

I hope everyone’s channels will grow this year as we all try and work on them! We got this. :)

This is incredibly helpful, thank you. As a smaller channel I've noticed the flatlining, too. Your description of blind spots and ideas or info you're not aware of yet helps me appreciate it's not just because my content sucks 😅. Will apply what you've shared here and have subscribed.

As high a quality as you can, but one should NOT fear 1080p or 1480p or even 2k , a lot of people don't have the greatest cell phones poor people don't care ... ... 360 vids are super fast and YT needs them 1080p

Good content! Small channels struggle for years. If everyone commenting supported each other’s channel, we would all get out and grow together.

Loved the whole card concept to help explain this. The flat line is really frustrating I admit, however, YT definitely does continue to push. I have many videos that didn't begin really taking off untill months and in some even years later. Also love the roast videos Nate keep them coming!

Everything you've said is so true! 🙏🙏 Great video - my channel didn't start to pick up until I really focused down on my niche and allowed the algo to figure out what to do with me.

Finally a guru that admits the playing field isn’t even! You have my respect

I just killed a viral video. Wrong audience. I'm a small but growing channel. the algo is hit and miss with me. I am definitely in a niche audience. And I'm getting the thank you for making awesome videos on Myanmar! I will keep grinding and I know it will go off. i got monetized in under 6months so I know I'm on the right path. the algo is so weird. i just ignore it. I have a two year time frame for this. I want to give Myanmar a gift and I'm not focused on money as I have a job

Third! I love your channel. I don’t think of it being getting stuck, statistically, smaller channel probably makes up most of the KZfaq channels, and it is okay being small, as long as you are doing what you enjoy, it doesn’t have to be big.

You'll be so pleased to know you showed up on my feed and I've not seen you before Nate. I'm so glad you have found you and your channel :)

My biggest takeaway is, creating focused data (aka more vids) at the highest level you’re are capable of. You’ve definitely made me a believer in concept that fewer, but higher quality content, is better then more content created at a lower quality. As always, great content Nate👍.

Hey Nate, genuine question which I know is not to do with the channel but I don’t know what to do because I’ve never done this before a singer who has died a year ago Bobby Caldwell. His channel has recently got hacked and it’s been taken over now literally as we speakby scammers. As he is dead, I don’t want to report the channel because the channel has no one to put the channel back if he dies but I don’t know I have reported the individual live streams but should I report the channel as well? Also I am a very tiny channel so this will be very interesting to me and I long to see your advice.

Thanks for the video. You’re the only authentic KZfaq tut guy around. Vidiq channel just keep printing out the same videos that do nothing to help.

This was one of the best explainer videos walking through “small channel” rules versus “big channel” rules. Thank you for sharing!

Thank you again Nate! I was wondering what is considered a "small channel" now. I guess it depends a lot on the niche. What I can say is that ever since I got to 20k many more people than before have come knocking at my door for Collab, sponsorships and whatnot. I really cannot imagine what it's like for people with hundreds of thousands or with millions of subs and views 😱 And by the way, just to follow one of your points, I can't understand why your channel doesn't get more views/subs 😁

Small channel hell is a great place to test ideas and try new things. Being a small channel can be fun. If you have no viewers, you don’t need to pander to an audience. You do what you want.

On that small channel grind right now, thank you for the advice! It’s not easy and demotivating sometimes. Little by little quality and consistency win the day!

I'm a solo animator that started my own studio a couple years ago. I made it a goal to start building my channel this year. This video was super helpful. Thank you!

Thanks nate, for being here!

It takes 3 hours + to unload and process my videos.

I hit a massive spike on a video and experienced the flatline too. I'm glad I'm not alone, but I hope my channel can continue the pace I was given. Great video Nate! Thank you for your tips.

Amazing insights. When I feel lost in my YT journey, I come here for clarity and peace of mind. Thank you!

What a video! Love your general way of explaining how to progress in general but this video really opened my eyes to other things I need to try as a new(ISH) vlog!

Finally some clarity and an honest approach. Very refreshing to hear you say the truth! I am going to implement these suggestions. Thank you Nate👍🏽🎁

Hey Nate. You’re 100% correct. I’ve never heard the whole Position concept and your insight really resonated with me and gaining a better understanding of how I should be developing my approach to planning my videos. For most I am a teacher but for one niche/pillar, I’m more a commentator or hero. Much appreciation for the insight! I’ve got 278 subs in my first 7+ months of my journey. I’ll keep you posted as my journey continues!

100% people are heard followers generally. Nobody wants to comment, like, follow, rate, whatever kind of feedback there is available to give, unless they see at least a decent amount of it already. Then they join the crowd. Very few even give a like unless they see a bunch of likes already given. Trolls will be the comments on many small channels cuzz they love the attention😂 Ive had like 20+ channels since youtube started. I have some newer 2023 channels but quit all my older ones years back including this one that I erased all my videos around 2018. This channel at one time was my only channel I ever had over 1000 subs on. I had thousands of videos on multiple channels & was around the 500-700 subs range.

Oh, first time I have been semi early to your video! Anyway, love your content and I have learnt so much. Out of all the KZfaq gurus you are one of the best 👍

Hard to explain but your endings make me anxious. You just drop out of existence when i think there’s more. I know that s your method but still makes me anxious. I know im probably the odd one 😅

Thank you! I've been watching that flatline wondering how to change it, thinking I'm the only one dealing with it. Knowing others have the same struggles makes it easier to keep going. Thank you again for a great video!

I so appreciate this video. It helps me feel like I’m not going crazy when things like spikes followed by sudden flatlines in impressions happen. And it’s so helpful to know that by continuing to grind, get better and put out the best content I can, I’ll eventually find my way out. I needed that reminder today!

Thanks for this. It helped me see that I am on the right track with my presence. My "regular" job and responsibilities have limited the amount of content that I can post, but at least I know I'm making a good impact (for viewers and growth) with what I am putting out.

First responder!! 🎉🎉😁😁

Love ya Nate. Appreciate your help. Been watching you since my channels inception a year ago and I definitely attribute a percentage of my growth to your tips

Thank you for the tips! After 3 years, I think we have barely hitting the "presence" with our small community and its wonderful to see that those that love our content are always eager to see what what comedic craziness we come up with! Need to look more into the "blind spots" Best of blessings! 🙌

I create YT shorts n I figured out the KZfaq algorithm. 🎉🎉🎉your videos has helped me hack the algorithm.

How funny you mention dropping everything else that is not in your focus. I recently dropped Facebook. I Had my personal Facebook account deleted because it is a time waster and drama-filled. Then I a new blank profile ( turned off the notifications as well) and made a page for my KZfaq channel which is my laser focus. It has been a game-changer for me.

on the way to get out of the small channel life! Thanks for all Nate!

You are spot on here. Not enough data to evaluate. I think I know my problems just feel like I need to change my genre and I find that hard to do because I absolutely love making my videos. I just know they aren't as good as the bigger channels. Lighting, sound, editing, but it's just me so I just keep plugging away. Thanks Nate I appreciate the information.

KZfaq has made it so that you “HAVE” to make content everyday practically and become a shell of yourself in order to survive.

Excellent info! Thank you Nate for taking the time to put in the minor details.

Thank you for the insight, love the getting yourself out of the “creation bubble” analogy. 9:20 look forward to learning more from you.

Oh wow the farmer’s market booth is so true! I avoid the lone booth 🤣 yes, too much pressure

Hey Nate. 3 months into my KZfaq journey and loving/appreciating your content aimed at me.

Some seriously good advice here. I've seen that testing mode from the algorithm and it's very frustrating. But it helps to be able to step back and see a bigger picture going on. Still sucks being a little fish in a big pond, but that feels different to just thinking nobody likes your content!

This is the most useful qualitative and logical content i have seen in months about youtube growth