"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

• Winston Churchill.

Understanding the Challenges

Small YouTube channels face unique challenges that differ significantly from those encountered by larger channels. Here are some key issues:

1. Different Rules for Small Channels:

   • Processing Time: Smaller channels often experience longer video processing times compared to larger channels. This can delay the availability of your content.
   • Algorithmic Behavior: The algorithm may test your videos in cycles, leading to spikes and flatlines in views. This testing period can be frustrating but is a natural part of the algorithm's process.
   • Resource Allocation: YouTube allocates more resources to larger channels with proven content, which can affect the visibility of smaller channels.

2. Audience Behavior:
   • Human Psychology: Audiences behave differently around small channels. They are less likely to engage with new or less popular content, similar to how people might avoid a booth at a farmers market with no crowd.
   • Niche Audiences: However, when audiences are deeply engaged in a specific niche, the algorithm is more likely to show them videos from smaller channels relevant to that niche.

3. Visibility Settings and Algorithmic Issues:
   • Visibility Settings: Ensuring your video visibility settings are correct (Public, Unlisted, or Private) is crucial. Incorrect settings can significantly impact your video's reach.
   • Algorithmic Issues: Sometimes, channels may experience issues like lost chapter integration, which can plummet views. These issues can be frustrating and may require patience and persistence to resolve.

Solutions for Gaining Visibility

1. Provide More Data to the Algorithm

• Increase Content Output: Producing more quality videos gives the algorithm more data to work with, increasing the chances of your channel gaining traction. Focus on creating consistent, high-quality content.
• Optimize Video Settings: Ensure your video settings are optimized for visibility. For example, changing the visibility from public to private and back to public can sometimes update frozen view counts.

2. Engage with Your Audience

• Authenticity and Acknowledgment: Be authentic and acknowledge your channel's current status with your audience. This can build trust and encourage engagement.
• Encourage Comments: Engage with your audience through comments. Positive comments like "This video deserves more views" can be indicators that you're on the right track.

3. Remove Blind Spots

• Seek Outside Perspective: Get feedback from others to identify blind spots in your strategy. This can help you focus on the right areas and make necessary adjustments.
• Analyze Analytics: Use YouTube analytics to understand your audience better and adjust your content strategy accordingly.

4. Optimize Your Channel

• Channel Customization: Customize your channel to make it more appealing. Use featured sections to showcase your best content, which can help attract more views.
• Avoid Common Mistakes: Be aware of common mistakes that can stunt your channel's growth, such as incorrect settings or poor content organization.

Summary

Gaining visibility as a small YouTube channel requires a combination of strategic content creation, audience engagement, and optimization of your channel settings. By understanding the unique challenges small channels face and implementing the right strategies, you can increase your chances of success.

By focusing on these areas, you can make your channel more visible and attractive to both the algorithm and your audience, ultimately helping you grow and succeed on YouTube.