Making a Successful YouTube Channel

Introduction

• Getting your first 1,000 subscribers is hard.
• On average, it takes 12 to 18 months.
• Five channels did it in less than 60 days by following specific strategies.
• These channels have strategies relevant for channels with less than 15,000 subscribers.

Secret to Getting Views Before Posting Videos

• Example: MKBHD started with random videos then focused on tech product reviews.
• Channels like Polisy thrive by launching in high-demand niches.

Finding High Potential Niches

• Use Google Trends to find growing search topics.
• Example: "how to invest" is a consistently growing search term.
• Check top-performing videos in that niche on YouTube.
• Use VidIQ to analyze smaller channels' performance within that niche.

Tools for Research

• Google Trends: Access billions of data points to find growing search topics.
• VidIQ: Analyze video performance, identify high-performing keywords, and understand terminology in the niche.

Charm the YouTube Algorithm

• Focus on what people want to watch, not trying to hack the algorithm.
• Create videos that resonate deeply with your target audience.

Creating Videos that People Want

• Identify specific topics within your niche that your audience is obsessed with.
• Example: Channels focusing on airplane engines or how to record iPhone screens.
• Build an Audience Avatar Profile to understand your audience deeply.
• Use provided worksheets to research and answer key questions about your audience.

Importance of Packaging

• Thumbnails and titles are the first interaction point.
• Thumbnail Tips: Simple, clear, and directly related to the title. E.g.,: TellMe expensive.
• Title Tips: Make big promises and create an information gap to encourage clicks.
• Ensure coherence between thumbnail and title.

Increasing Audience Retention

• Use the three-act structure (hook, rising action, climax).
• Hook: Inciting incident to capture interest.
• Rising Action: Build tension with deeper exploration and specific examples.
• Climax: Deliver the key information to relieve tension and satisfy the audience.
• Balance keeping the climax towards the video end to boost watch time.

Emulate Successful Formats

• Double down on video formats that perform well on your channel.
• Look for what your channel's audience prefers and replicate the successful videos.
• Ensure you have a mix of creative freedom initially but settle into proven formats.

Summary

• Identify growing niches and understand your audience deeply.
• Invest time in creating excellent thumbnails and compelling titles.
• Use structured video formats to keep viewer attention.
• Repeat formats that have proven successful on your channel.
• Stay in tune with audience demands and adapt as necessary.