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!

Subscribing to a small channel and watching them grow feels great

To all of us stuck in small channel jail, don’t give up you’ll soon get out. 👊🏽

KZfaq has spent nearly two months recommending this video to me. I scrolled across it 20 times in my feed. I finally clicked on I just saw KZfaq would stop recommending it..... And this video is explaining why KZfaq did this.

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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!

Thank you for helping me stay positive, so many people tell me my small channels deserve more views and are seriously underrated. I'll keep doing everything you said to do, so even if I don't have success at least I know I tried. Competition is so extreme and every niche is over saturated compared to what it was like 15 years ago, anyone will be lucky to become a big channel. To everyone reading this don't ever give up, it's not over till it's over, you can achieve success in life!

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

here's whats currently working for me. I've grown to 50k subs in 3 months 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 -

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

This is why I take big channel advice who started years ago, with a pinch of salt because the dynamics are very different for smaller channels and for those starting out now. And with the algorithm changing all the time. So thanks for flagging this as a real thing!

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

This is so helpful to know I’m not alone. Some videos take HOURS to upload! And the flatline is the worst. Thanks Nate!

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 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 started a brand new channel. BUT I remember with my main channel, before I got any viral videos, all of my videos had around 50-500 views. Now those same videos that had 50-500 views has 50k-600k. So you are NOT making them for nothing! If your videos are high quality enough and you are consistent enough they WILL eventually catch on to the algorithm along with the new ones.

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.

Great video! The past 2 months, i've been getting comments like, "how's this video not getting any views..". Ever since I started experimenting with my content, like new topics, editing and comedy, things started to take a turn. I recently hit the 1k sub mark and finally got monetized thanks to this channel.

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 ☺

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! :)

So!!! I am not the only one…You confirmed my analysis of this situation… Video takes forever to pick up. It’s so frustrating and I often feel like quitting when I am not seeing expected results. Thanks for your honesty in discussing this in a reassuring way 😊

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.

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.

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.

Great input! I really enjoyed the analogy between channel size and the farmers market. I’ve even caught myself doing the same thing by looking for a “more vetted” channel with more subscribers when searching for a specific topic. Best thing to do is consistently put out quality content and it will grow! Everyone keep strong 💪

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.

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

I have watched many people talk about small channels but you are by far the most detailed and with the intent to help small youtubers grow thanks ❤

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!

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

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.

This is so us. We have videos that the off and then completely flat line. We are putting out shorts. It has helped some. The struggle is real. And thanks for not swearing. It is appreciated. Lynn and Danny

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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!

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

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.

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👍🏽🎁

Nice explanation. Best video for explanation than others. ❤

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!

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.

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” 😅

for all who see this keep grinding and working hard you’ll get to the top one day. You will be successful prayers up and blessing up! 🙏🏽

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.

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

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!

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 :)

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! 🙌

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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 👍

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

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.

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.

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 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.

I officially opened my channel today. Thank you!

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.

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

This is exactly what I needed to see. I always wondered what I was doing wrong even with my research. I really appreciate this. It’s motivating. Thank you. 🙏🏾😌

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.

Thanks nate, for being here!

Thanks, Nate, for your insight. This is true. I'm starting to see results on my KZfaq channel for being consistent.

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

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.

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😎

Oh my goodness, that flat line is the BANE of my YT 🤦‍♀and I am SO glad to hear that your advice wasn't Shorts (because I hate them! I do make them, but I hate them 😅) Just joined your waitlist! Thank you for this insightful video!

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!

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

To everyone reading this comment just Keep working hard and make sure to stay consistent, you WILL get there, it's just a matter of how much effort you put into your videos. Good luck everyone.❤

Great video! I especially liked the part on how audiences who come to small channels are different than those who watch larger channels. You have me thinking about making some good changes. I have a really small channel with only 6 videos. Going to get on it and keep improving. Thanks for creating these and helping!

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.

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

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

We're only in the intro and I'm just like, THANK YOU! So many channels act like the playing field regardless of channel size and it's just not.

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👍.

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 😁

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

This is such good advice that isn't the same as the thousands of other videos on channel growth. Thank you for this.

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.

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.

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!

Super relatable - thank you so much. I am in the mental health and wellness space - working on creating that presence for sure!

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 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 :(