I almost disabled comments on this video to be a bit of a troll, but decided not to 😂 But actually, here's the video with the REALLY high comments on it: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/g6x_npWblrOrd4E.html

I always find it interesting when someone comments on my video and mention they’ve been watching me for a while, then I see it’s their first comment on my channel! Makes me wonder how many out there are regular watchers that I’ll never know because they never comment

❤ Comments are my favorite part of having a KZfaq channel! And yes, God Bless those sweet ladies who are always there as soon as a new video goes live. I love that they always have an encouraging word for not only me but one another. THEY have built an amazing community and developed friendships among themselves - not just about watching me - and I AM HERE FOR IT ❤ I have the BEST community bar none! 😊❤ Thanks for all you do, Nate. I just looked at your Channel yesterday thinking I might have missed a video because it seemed like a while since I had seen you. 😅

Ever since I became a content creator my entire KZfaq experience has changed. I always tap the like button. And a very huge change I comment. Even if it’s under another comment n

I'm one of your early adopters. Your advice has helped me gain over 5 MILLION views! ⚡️ I watch every one of your videos and always learn something new. Thanks Nate! ⚡️

I have a confession... I don't create KZfaq videos. About 4 years ago a friend asked me to research"doing" KZfaq, and I found you then. Stayed for your unique reliance on data, reflection, curiosity and insight into people's motivations. I always feel smarter after watching one of your videos. Like in my life, I CAN figure out this perplexing thing, bc Nate (not Nick!) demonstrated it's possible to, albeit in a different field. Keep it coming!

I want my regulars to feel like we're friends. That can't happen if the convo doesn't go both ways, so responding to comments is the way I cement the relationships with my audience. We get only limited monetization, so the small money we earn only comes as the result of a sense of connection. Lastly, I read every comment, and give a special shout out in my replies to the "die hards", letting them know that they are recognized as uniquely loyal followers. Never hurts to make someone feel special. Love your stuff Nate. I never miss. Thanks for all the help. Super valuable.

I barely get any comments, but when I do, I make sure to respond. This is what I'm so excited about! Connection and knowledge that I helped someone. Also feedback or requests. I'm looking forward to the day when I'm able to connect with my audience the way you do, Kate. 😅😂. For real though, Nate. 😊

I try to leave uplifting comments on most videos that I watch! My audience is mostly small creators because we have built a community. Thanks so much for all of your guidance! You're my most trusted source for youtube inner workings!! 💜💙💚💛🧡❤💜

Comments are like little gifts of validation from viewers who care enough to let you know that they appreciate the effort you made in making a video for them to watch. I love responding to them as much as I love reading them! 💗🎁💝 Thanks for this video Nate!

I use my comments section to CREATE content regularly. Half of my videos are actually reading comments from the audience to the audience. It’s an interesting system since I post 2 long form videos per day.

I love this!!! When people leave comments on my channel I love to answer to every single one of them! I always think if someone took the time to write a comment I want to give back to that person and it makes me feel closer to the audience ❤. Thank you for this amazing video!

First! 😂 {Edited to "early adopter" as I reached that part in video 😅. I burst into the empty quiet room shouting "hey everybody!"}

Hi Nate. Maybe I've asked this before. In your research, I'm wondering if you ever come across the shelf life of an entire channel. I've been in the game for over 14 years now and had my prime time in the sun. I have over a million subs and 179 million views. KZfaq used to promote my videos for the longest time and as of the last couple of years that has stopped. In spite of trying to reinvent myself, nothing seems to work. Does the algorithm just say: "Nope, this guy has been around too long and it's time for him to start a new channel or retire." Might be a good research topic. It's frustrating to say the least.

Thank you for all you do! While our comments are low, sometimes extremely low, but we agree the comments we get are usually organic and not solicited. Appreciate you and all our best!

I think reading comments and at least liking them, shows your viewers that you care about them. As a creator I think you can NEVER look too much at the comments on your videos. :) I really like how you describe it and set it all out! Thank you for your advice 😃

I love commenting on videos with little or no comments because I love the increased likelihood my comment will be seen by the creator and by others. When I have to comment on a video, it's never the same reason, other than what you placed in the poll. Usually the creator said or did something really relatable. I tend to comment a lot when I have a similar experiences to what their sharing, etc. And speaking of being meta, you had to know you'd get TONS of comments on THIS video! Lol. Well played, Nate. Well played 👏🏿

"Algorithmic Connection" sounds like an early 2000s math rock band that frequently plays at local coffee shops ... I'd go to that show.

As a Brit, 'how's the weather' is a solid conversation starter. It's worked from primary school through uni and well into my work life.

I think the point about not wanting to be the "first to comment" is very accurate, and it applies not only to comments but to subs as well. You gotta start by building trust as a new creator, and creating an active and trusting fanbase is usually the hardest part when starting KZfaq.

You are very autism friendly. You may hear that I can understand you and you put everything simply and you demonstrate it so I can picture it in my mind as I’m going along.

idk what to comment

As a medical doctor I approve every comment on my channel, to avoid someone post a private or confidential health information.

I have been worried with lack of commenting on my very small channel. But I know I am still growing. This video helps me not to worry.

I just love interacting and being able to engage with my subscribers 😊

As always Nate, so much relatable truth in this video. We’ve grown a wonderful international community in the last couple of years, and have so much great interaction. We have so many viewers that say they feel like they know us, but equally we have got to know so many of them through their regular comments. In our last video I actually asked people to comment where they were watching from and had loads of first time commenters who said they had been watching our videos for some time! 😊

I wasn't going to comment, but then that outro music hit. What a banger!

Comments have always been a focus on my channel as I read (all) and respond to nearly every comment I can. I have a great audience that seem to like to engage when I show mistakes I've made, triumphs I've had, or evoked memories they have that relate to a motorcycle I'm working on. Due to the nature of my videos they can't all be memorable but I do find the videos people connect with the most are when I show myself making mistakes and presenting it in a way of a learning experience. I feel this makes me more relatable to the audience and they feel more of a part of experience. This likely goes back to the "breaking the silence" aspect you mentioned as the fear of being an outsider has been eliminated by then so they feel no pressure by commenting and like to share their experience. Anyway, I like the commenting!

That makes so much sense! Every time I have a video get an abundance of comments, it's either telling me what I did wrong and correcting me. In these videos I was playing a game I was unfamiliar with, and told the audience to correct me if I'm doing something stupid.... It worked, because I made a lot of dumb decisions. Or usually it's people telling me an enjoyable part of the video they found funny. I've had very good experiences for the most part, and love creating connections with people and even seeing familiar faces over the months. ⛔⛔⛔⛔One 'hate' comment I always think about though was someone telling me I was wasting my time on the platform and my videos suck etc. Which I then replied "Dad?" they actually responded in a positive manner actually saying it made them laugh. I never get offended by these comments and try to turn them around as a joke to show the "hater" it doesn't affect me. God I love making videos :)

Super interesting. I figured that comments "kept people on the platform", hence it would be important. Our stats show that 56% of our audience is watching on a TV, hence they don't have a simple way of commenting. They would have to go to their computer or grab their phone, find the video, and figure out how to comment. This limitation of certain platforms may be part of the reason that KZfaq does not put as much value on comments as we would expect.

Very helpful info Nate. I have found that at least for my content, the more comments I get, the more youtube continues to recommend that content. I used to ask for comments as well but now like you I give them a reason to comment.

If I watch a video and someone asks a question that is not one that just anybody can answer, but "I" can answer either because of my skillset or my unique knowledge, I find myself almost unable to "not" comment. It doesn't just have to be a question with an answer, but even an event where my comment will be unique so I feel my response makes "me" unique.

Thanks Nate interesting take on comments. This year is my 5th year on KZfaq. I went fulltime after 5 months. Looking forward to the next 5 years ❤

i created my first channel 11 years ago, life happened, - yawn! but i still kept that space for me to watch channels i had found - never commenting. not even liking. because as a viewer on that channel i often had nothing to add to the conversation already going. 3 years ago made this channel. and would again just watch and leave, mostly. because i found on the handful of channels i do leave comments on, nothing is added, no conversation is created, its just me writing a comment with no interaction from the channel i leave a comment on. i've followed you a few years, and often never know what to say, so i still rarely comment.. and i don't know why i never see community feed on my home feed, its just not there, so i miss a lot. i watch you because you seem friendly, like we are just sitting having a chat... and the way you teach - means i want to listen. i know and understand that many people "just" watch the vids and never comment, because i was that type of viewer, its not a good or a bad thing, it "just is".

I love the comments aspect of videos. I kind of agree they don't do much to move the needle but it's still engagement and I think it plays a small role in engagement points that the algorithm uses, maybe just a notch above tags lol

Very interesting video. I try giving a reason for commenting by asking a question about them, but often few comments come through answering my question. Adding a noteworthy situation to drive comments makes sense. I appreciate the insight!

OG here. Always excited to watch your videos. You upload the same day as I do so after I get mine up I always go check yours out! When I have to stop and comment in the middle of a video usually because I really relate to something or because something is really funny or emotional in some way.

I love getting comments and responding. It’s my favorite part and why I make the damn videos! 😂 good or bad, it helps me know what direction to go or stay away from.

Interesting topic my friend. Kudos to you Nate for putting forth a YT channel that is in a very crowded space. This isn't a topic I've heard discussed for 5 years or more. Here's an unrelated comment to the video: how did you get the "Transcript" button in the description? The other technique to getting comments--especially on education channels--is to post something controversial that a lot of people "think they know" about. And when people leave comments, respond with a question to get even more comments - if you can. Don't be weird about it and try to ram a round peg into a square hole! Be sure to ask them "open ended questions" as opposed to "yes" or "no" questions. On an education channel, the last way to promote your own material, is to leave a comment with the "playlist URL" to the video to which you're referring. All the very best, Cheers Rick

Very good points! Haha, I didn’t get to be the first one to break the silence as by the time I watch this there are 790 before mine. What we do with other bloggers is that we comment each others posts. Ofc it’s good for back linking too, but I see it also the way to help other bloggers exactly because we are the ones to break the silence and then make it easier for “normal” followers to comment too. I don’t know if it’s common in KZfaq but at least if I end up seeing a video especially from the small channel I tend to leave a comment.

Great breakdown on the mindset of the commentor and how to get comments 👌🏾

from 249 subs to 33k mate. In a month. Life is good Nate Ol Mate.

Community is what I feel the comments can help create or add to for each episode. People aren't even watching long form videos fully so when someone takes the time to comment, it is incredibly important to us and it's a priority to respond to show how much we value it. I know the feeling I get when I comment on a video and that creator responds and I want others to feel the same way. Without that conversation, there is no community. The comments alone have created some very cool international relationships for us that would have never happened without the viewer leaving it and us responding to it. Thanks for a great video as always Nate. I certainly booped it. 🙂

I actually found this video really interesting. I already assumed that comments had a direct tie to views. This is super cool and helpful. Thank you so Much for making this video.

I missed the poll but agree that a funny bit often makes me comment, especially when it's dry or very subtle, almost like an Easter egg for those who have a sense of humour but inflames those that don't (weirdly specific?). I'm a a big believe in a hearty welcome and always say 'welcome back friends' as an opener. Interesting vid, thanks - food for thought.

Totally agree with the "like you know them" vibe - you've created that here 100% - I have been watching you for YEARS - and since you've moved to your own channel - it's only getting richer! :)

I comment a lot, like you said, when I see a good video that I know took effort to do. Being a creator, I know how energetic a nice comment can be and I know what efforts are put into a good video.

I agree, liking/hearting/responding to a comment builds that connection!

🤯 Wow, this video was a game-changer! I've been struggling to get more comments on my videos, and the tips shared here are pure gold! 💎 I'm definitely going to try implementing the "question of the day" strategy and focus on building a more engaging community. Thank you so much for sharing these insights, Nate Black! Can't wait to see the results on my own channel. 🚀

That end screen made me wanna comment 🤣🤣 what a BOP!

As someone who's gotten solid comments, but low views, I can confirm that comments don't seem to push the algorithm. I've observed this on other channels too, where a creator will only have three hundred views, but forty meaningful comments ranging from commentary to conversation with the creator. Smaller channels with dedicated audiences sometimes seem to do better than bigger channels, because they can rely on the dedication of the community they do have (for example, doing well with a Patreon, even though they only have 1000 subscribers, because those following them are so close to them). I'm beginning to accept that I'll never be a big youtuber, but, as someone who has a couple "OG adopters" who regularly comment on my videos, I am confident I can build a tighter, more close knit community, which, in time, while it won't make me rich, may still allow me to pay a couple bills doing what I love AND connecting to others in a more genuine way.

Thanks for another interesting video Nate. I hadn't thought whether KZfaq considered comments in their choice to deliver my videos until you mentioned it. Now that you did, it seems to me KZfaq SHOULD weigh comments and we creators' handling of them in their algorithm. Because, if a video receives a lot of comments and if the creator actually replies to a lot of comments, isn't that better and more worth recognizing and sharing than say a video that gets zero comments or even a video that gets lots of comments but the creator does not reply to any of the comments received? To me the best channels receive comments and the creator replies to comments. These comments add great value to videos in my opinion. And I think we've all used YT to solve problems around the house or with the car or with our computer and when a video doesn't answer our question we hope to find the answer in the comments. Without comments, there are no answers.

For me, on my small channel, the videos that viewers relate to in a way that brings up genuine emotion, whether what's happening could be defined as “good/funny” or not, receive more comments. GENUINE being the most important word in that sentence. By sharing my own trials and tribulations honestly, I think I make my viewers, who are generally older people like me, feel SEEN. And that counts for a lot, I think. People want to connect, to tell me how they got through a similar situation, tell me how they relate, etc. I’m still at the size where I can respond to every comment, and I think direct contact, as you said, is important to my viewers. I know it's important to me! Whether comments have algorithmic value or not, I don't think they are overrated at all for a channel that thrives on community, and that's really why I'm here. Personally I get the least comments on DIY or teaching videos because that’s not what my core audience is here for. I respond to your videos because, unlike other YT educators, you do put your genuine self into it. And I LIVE for that little "Nate Black LOVED your comment" notification!

Wait this is such an interesting idea! I recently had the same -- a video that had way more comments than usual. It's content was different from my usual videos and it had higher reach. Turns out lots of other people wanted to share their own experiences, which was awesome! Your analysis of the comment types was so cool. Great insight and I've seen the same within my own comment sections. Thanks for the awesome insight, Nate!

Mate, I love your content, it is helping me with my football content. 33k subs -> 40K here we go !

This is all new to me, despite being on KZfaq for years. I always just posted my music and walked away. I'm not a touring band. I'm an older, solo instrumentalist. I don't want to become an influencer (if that were possible), but I do want to entertain and interact with my fans more. So, I'll keep on learning and figure out how to give more and be intentional with what I post. Thanks for all you do Nate and Nate's community.

Interesting take on this. To be honest I always thought the same - essentially only the extra view counted towards earning more impressions vs the fact that a comment was left. I used to try to think of less awkward ways to say, 'hey you, leave a comment' but I couldn't really come up with anything so I just don't ask normally. I have some videos that do have a lot of comments and some that I kind of scratch my head over why they don't have comments. I will say though, just for my channel, paying attention to these comments is responsible for some of the success. I cover Smartphones and cases / accessories on my channel. I posted a review of a screen protector with a demo phone, but people really wanted to see 'the real deal'. I created a follow up video to the initial review, which is something I generally don't do, and that video has done quite well for a channel my size in my opinion. I've also picked up on things that people are curious about from comments on videos as I don't have a high rate of comments on polls or community posts. I find comments when left to be quite valuable. Thanks for video, I try to watch them all in between the 9 million things I'm always doing 🙃

That outtro music!!! 🎉

Connections are exactly what this platform is all about. Building community means more than any stats.

I usually say if you have any insights or comments please post them in the comment section. AlsoI like your end screen music!

I'm a small youtuber still catching with my subs, views and watch hrs. These tips are great help. Thank you ❤🙏

My main source of business is my blog, but for some reason, blog commenting has gone way down over the past decade. I've heard tons of bloggers lamenting the good old days when blog communities felt more lively. Now that liveliness is here on KZfaq. I can post a video that gets 1/100th of the views but 10x as many comments. I think it's one of the best things about KZfaq right now. We can build vibrant communities here.

I always try to read my comments and I too look at their channels!

This is so interesting. I don't get many comments on my videos, but the ones I get come from a sort of trusty band of loyal viewers, and they are very much of the direct conversation variety, sort of like we're a (very small) KZfaq family. When I get comments from someone new, and they're (nearly always) positive, they may be commentary type comments, but again, often sharing their life experiences, telling me how much it brings back memories etc, so direct conversation. Some are heartfelt and complimentary, then I get tears in my eyes and feel it is worth doing KZfaq, even with glacial progress over 5 years! Thanks as always Nate, all the best, Angela (on my Sunday afternoon, mothers day, time to myself to learn about KZfaq hours!)

This is 100% correct. From my own experience I recently made a video about my channel getting 1million views. In that video I said how much I loved getting comments and I got loads more comments than normal (proportionately for the amount of views anyway). I have a small group of people who comment on lots of my videos and I always read their comments and take on board any advice they have given me on what they like or don't like.

I get a wild mix of comments and try to reply to all of them, which gets time-consuming when there are more than a thousand on a vid. A small percentage are trolls, they get an instant mute, some just need a quick reply, but some have spawned pages of discussion, fired off new video ideas and brought in some useful sales and commissions. Sometimes I forget to check the withheld comments that get blocked because they contain links or trigger words, but that also means I have to see the mean-spirited troll comments from sad bedroom-dwellers who are trying to bully me into caring what they think. Pity it can't be a separate comment filter for links, some of them are excellent. I watch your videos because of your style and presence, and of course for the highly-relatable content, but the comments are often useful and enlightening.

You are so right! I remember the people who comment on our videos and recognize them when they comment int the chats. They become friends, some. ( And we get a lot of comments)

Totally agree. Also, I've been on KZfaq since the beginning (from my personal account), and I realize I've only commented like 3 or 4 times. Now that I'm starting my own KZfaq channel as a hobby, I'm more likely to support other people with similar hobbies or search for videos like yours where I feel I'm part of a community. So, that part about creating a welcoming space is very true. Love the video!

Thank you so much for digging around on this. I think the comments not equaling spreadability is surprising, but relieving. It does make me start questioning though: what is the end goal of connection? Simply monetization? Is it basically just a vanity metric? Something like “how much I help people” is nice, but not easily quantifiable…

I’ve been watching since channel makers was itty bitty and came over here when you did, I have no idea if/how identical I comment. As a creator/consumer of videos I think you’re spot on about giving people a reason to comment, I’ve never commented because someone asked me to. While the amount of comments might not have a direct tie to the algorithm I think it does help me understand how interested people are in the topic, it usually reflects for me in the retention percentage.

Comments are a great way to build a community. And I'm amazed how worthy comments can be on Posts if you ask your audience questions on what they'd want to see in the future. I also think that by answering comments, I have a better chance to transform a commentator into a subscriber!

Glad to see you post! Been a while and I thought

Great tip about making the audience feel welcome to comment when you have low view counts. This has been something I've been trying to figure out myself as I've been judging the strength of my community based on comment engagement, which seems to be a struggle. Thanks for another great one Nate!

Thanks Nate!

I remember your video from that mailing list you had on Channel Makers, that was about welcoming viewers into a video, and it was great. So a dedicated video about the topic would be great too :) I'm not sure how early adopter I am, I think the channel was 8-10k at that point, maybe three years ago?

Thank you Nate! Happy Wednesday! 😍

I like this!!!! Thanks Nate!

I've worked in several KZfaq channels over the past years and getting comments is one of the hardest thing to do. Views end up coming if you work hard, but comments always require an extra step. Nice video, Nate! Greetings from Spain :)

Man I appreciate this Nate!

I'm glad to be one of the first who commented subscribed and commented on your Nate Black channel. I was subscribed to Channel Makers and commented there for a long time before this channel. Keep up the great videos; I love hearing your KZfaq insight Nate. :)

Whenever someone makes a negative comment on my channel, people start bickering in the comments and it seems to help the video, sadly!

Thanks for the outlook and tips.

That makes sense. Thank you for the video, Nate

Thank you Nate ❤

You can get a lot of comments if you make a small spelling mistake or mispronounce a name. Ask me how I know 😅

Learned tons here. Thank u Nate🎉❤

Another great vid Nat man🤙. Surprise, surprise, the comment are almost keeping up with the 👍. Now that’s impressive! But to the video, give people a reason to comment was my biggest takeaway👊.

This is so clever! Thanks for the idea.

Well said Nate... comments give me a pulse on what is going on. I read EVERY comment, and Ive been very lucky to have a community that is very supportive. Most "negative" comments are coming from a genuine desire to see me improve. Yeah.. I do get some trolls from time to time, but rarely does it give me much of a pause (ok.. so some sting a bit.. but its ok.. I had my ego removed LONG before starting to create videos). Thanks for all the vids that help us all get better. Keep em coming.

I appreciate all your videos, helps us out a lot!

Your advice in this video will help me immensely. Thank you!

Thanks! This has been a question for me!!!! Love your stuff Nate!

I'm glad you made this video because I've been struggling with this

Love how ya keep it real and break it down in a way anyone can understand

I am so glad. Thank you for the video. I worked now so long on growing my channel and finally habe a small increase of subscribers but hardly ever comments. Doesnt Matter how I try to get some. I am so glad that i don't have to increase the comments to grow 😊

Outro track fire 🔥 Been watching you since channel makers ^^ This video helped me realise some of the flaws leading to few comments on certain of my videos. Thanks Nate, have a good day ^^

I’m also one of your EA. And each time I watch one of your videos I come away with at least one positive AHA moment. Thanks for that! But I need a few more of those so I can dip my toes back into making videos. I gave up after my first four due to friends and family telling me I suck. So now I’ve become a full time watcher of ‘how to do better videos’ (and yours are some of my favorites to watch) until I’m ready to start again. ⏳1 year on, still just watching.. watching … watching 😂

Thank you very much for this content!❤

We appreciate you Nate. Thank you for the work you put into these videos to help us improve.

Thank you for these great tips! I always find your videos to be helpful!