How to Get Out of Small Channel H3LL, Forever 

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: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-eBuZ_erh5UU.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

This is honestly the only channel worth watching in the RU-vid 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.

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!

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 -

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!

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.

RU-vid 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 RU-vid would stop recommending it..... And this video is explaining why RU-vid did this.

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 !

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!

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

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

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

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.

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 💪

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.

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.

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! 🙏🏽

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 RU-vid 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. RU-vid sends surveys questioning fairness of large channels vs. Small channels but I have no idea why because they continue doing the same thing.

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

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 ☺

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

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! :)

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 RU-vid in terms of exposure and growth since hitting that magic number. 2. Your card display is giving me mission flashbacks haha

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

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.

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.

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 RU-vid got better. Thank you for the video, as always.

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.

dang man, I have seen maybe 10 of your videos, and every single one SLAPS - absolutely clear and concise and so so on point. Thanks for putting this stuff out there!! woah 55k subs? dang, we're here early

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.

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. 🙏🏾😌

Nice explanation. Best video for explanation than others. ❤

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.

Booped the thumbs up- dude for the record, I have been on a fallout 4 binge using RU-vid 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” 😅

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

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.

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

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!

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 ❤

I really like how you described the parallel between the audience with a small channel and a person being the only one walking up to a booth who has to face the seller one on one. It really clicked with me. On my other channel I make content which is relatively niched and I think what you mentioned might be why my videos have few viewers.

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!

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

I officially opened my channel today. Thank you!

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

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.

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.

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 RU-vid practically killed all the impressions fast. I was like saying, What the heck RU-vid. 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.

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 :(

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!

My god hearing that the spike into flatline is mostly a 'small channel symptom' is so reassuring. I always thought RU-vid was finally pushing my content to new audiences but they just didn't like it so RU-vid 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 RU-vid more to play with.

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.

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 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😎

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.

This is the best video about growing a youtube channel i've seen 🤩 now its time for me to work hard to apply your advices🙏 i hope we all make it one day and come back to this video and thank nate again🙌

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

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.❤

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!

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

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

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 RU-vid used to be so different years ago but now they penalise new and small channels.

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!

Thanks nate, for being here!

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

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!

Thank you, it's about time someone talks about this, Almost all of the videos about small channel advice on RU-vid 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.

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

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 :)

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!

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

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

I appreciate this insight! Love watching you tubers channels grow

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.

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'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!

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!

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!

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👍🏽🎁

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

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 RU-vid 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 RU-vidrs: It is about the lack of data the algorithm can work with. And indeed, RU-vid 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.

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.

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 RU-vid gurus you are one of the best 👍

I’m a relatively new creator. My learning curve is through the roof. I’ve been getting better and better in every video and while, like most of us who feel the results don’t match the input, I stay positive because I genuinely enjoy doing what I’m doing. Stay true to you, don’t accept mediocrity, and let your enthusiasm be contagious. Results are slow coming but they are coming.

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 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 😁

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

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!

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.

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👍.

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

This is such good insights, Nate. I also think because RU-vid has less data for small channels, it's harder for the algorithm to figure out who to show your video to vs. a big creator's video which has way more data points for them to work off of. imo small creators also have a harder job of 'convincing' someone to watch their videos because of the natural social proof of the view counter under each video. You could have a better idea/title/thumbnail than a bigger creator but because of the natural social proof of their videos/channel, theirs will always get more chances by the algorithm = more views.