The Journey to Growing a YouTube Channel: An Organic Approach
Organic growth on YouTube is a marathon, not a sprint. Unlike the rare cases where a channel goes viral overnight, the process of growing a successful YouTube channel typically takes 3 to 6 months to gain 1000 subscribers and 4000 hours of watch time. Over the next 2 to 3 years, a channel might see around 5000 to 10000 subscribers and 5 to 7 years might be needed to reach 100000 subscribers.
Understanding the Process
However, these averages are heavily influenced by how creators handle the various challenges involved in growing a channel. Each step requires patience, flexibility, and a deep understanding of your audience and content. In the beginning, progress may seem elusive and slow, or even non-existent. Do you have the patience and perseverance to continue putting effort into something that might sometimes feel like a lost cause?
Embracing Flexibility and Experimentation
Achieving organic growth means recognizing big mistakes and small successes, and being willing to experiment with different topics, formats, and niches. Flexibility is key—you may need to change or abandon ideas that aren’t working and try something completely new. Success often comes from adaptability, even if it means pivoting based on audience feedback and market trends.
Self-Reflection and Objectivity
Self-reflection is crucial in understanding what you have to offer and what you lack. Can you be objective enough to recognize when poor performance is due to your own shortcomings, rather than external factors like the audience or the algorithm? Every growth journey involves ups and downs, and maintaining an objective view helps you stay focused.
Research, Analysis, and Experimentation
Before settling into a strategy that works, you must invest a significant amount of time in research, analysis, and experimentation. Understanding your audience and the nuances of YouTube’s algorithms is key. Are you willing to put in countless hours into learning and enduring trial and error to find the answers that work for your channel?
What Takes Time, Stay Patient
Remember that organic growth is a long-term commitment. It requires a steady pace and a consistent effort over months and years. Do you have the knowledge, experience, and understanding of your content to consistently generate new ideas, week after week, year after year? Remember, YouTube is a volatile platform that is constantly changing. Some changes might temporarily hurt your channel.
Motivation and Resilience
In the face of challenges, maintaining motivation can be difficult. Sometimes, you might feel like you are not being heard or that YouTube is against you. Can you stay resilient and keep going even when your motivation wanes? The answer to these questions, and many more, will determine your success in growing your channel organically. With the right effort, you can go above and beyond the averages I mentioned earlier.
Personal Success Story
I managed to navigate these tough questions and achieved significant success within a relatively short period. Within 15 months, I reached 5000 subscribers with 3.6 million impressions, 431000 views, and 23,000 hours of watch time. Additionally, I achieved a steady monthly AdSense income and secured sponsorships. This journey was not easy and required a lot of effort, but with the right mindset and perseverance, you can achieve your goals as well.
Are you ready to embark on your own YouTube growth journey? Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Stay patient, flexible, and committed. With the right effort and attitude, you can successfully grow your channel.