3 Things SLOWING Your Channel Growth (Stop Doing These Things!)

After consulting with multiple YouTubers 1:1, I've distilled some things that don't matter as much as you'd expect to grow a YouTube channel. These are some mistakes YouTubers make, and what to do instead.

I also share more outside YouTube:

[ThatNateBlack]

Howdy everyone!
How are you feeling about your YouTube journey right now?

[SirKaijuBlack]

Every upload is a step closer to your dreams. Consistency and passion are your greatest allies. Keep creating, stay inspired, and watch your channel flourish. You've got this!

[BackyardMaine]

I had three videos (at different times) take off months after they were uploaded and nothing in the analytics could have predicted this happening. Views from (10k to 120k after 11 months), from (15k to 427k after 12 months) and from (4k to 178k after 24 months). Don't give up on old videos.

[FatherSonFishing-xocm]

I can be a bit OCD on things. So, this advice really helped me stop over focusing on all the available analytics. Another big thing for me was when I saw my 3rd video perform WAY lower than the previous ones I started over focusing on it, the analytics, and negativity. Then I stopped, made some needed self-critiques, realized my son hadn't watched the video yet (one the main reasons I make this content is for us to enjoy it together), and sat and viewed it with him. That joy we shared really brought me back to a positive space as a new creator.

[AceInTheSpade]

The timing of this video couldn't be more perfect. I have a real problem with always moving the goal post on myself and comparing myself to other channels even when videos do well I don't take enough time to celebrate the good. Sure it's a good thing to push yourself to improve but like you said connecting, and being helping is FAR more important. Something I need to remind myself of constantly.

[AIKnowledgeGo]

Love this fresh take on ditching the number-crunching madness for genuine connection! It's like you've traded the calculator for a compass that points straight to what YouTube is really about. Subscribed for more of these reality checks!

[HappyHealthyWife]

Nate, keeping it real! This is also the conclusion that I am coming to after watching hours upon hours of channels like VidIQ, Channel Makers and Film Booth. They focus a lot on making videos on how to make thumbnails, making a catchy intro, make a good title and your channel will explode. After years of following advice like this, it seems to me that none of that stuff matters nearly as much as having good content.

[MimiK]

Howdy howdy Nate! Love and appreciate this video. And you said you "didn't plan on saying" those things that just came out. But most definitely needed to hear that. I think it was for me. ❤ At times, we can feel our channel isn't growing as fast, or maybe we're not doing enough. But, you're right! What we do does matter, and I love what I do and hope to impact and encourage others for a very long time! Thank you for your encouraging words!!

[MeAndmyshadows]

Thanks Nate for the uplifting moment in this video. I’m trying and think I’m doing well. Not entirely sure anymore but I’m trying. My shorts do better than long form.

[LymeRegisFossils]

“Creating something that matters, ”hats 🎩 off to all those trying to do this on YouTube! A really good succinct video, thank you 🙏 and fun at the end .

[lys_is_me]

Howdy howdy
I feel.i understand analytics really well now and I'm happy with my channel.
It is all about me and it has helped me mentally so much in such a short amount of time.
It's making me happy, and I have recently had feedback from viewers saying how much they understand what I'm expressing

[StoutPinesHollow]

I liked your “Next Focus” idea. It narrows down the overwhelming tasks at hand.

[Allyourtravels]

Perfect example of views going up so who cares.... I'm currently watching this video 7 MONTHS AFTER it was uploaded... And it is perfectly what I needed at this exact moment. I appreciate you for doing these. Thank you

[whereisgabri]

Thanks for the encouraging words, really appreciated. Interesting the advice on outro…I’ve removed them entirety however sometimes I feel my videos end abruptly. Anyway…keep experimenting is one of the funniest thing of youtube!

[Unicornidor]

Thanks, Nate. Been binging a lot tonight. 12.13am in Australia. Will watch more videos tomorrow. Thanks, thanks, thanks. xxxx

[MamaRosie]

I just came to the realization that views matter most after listing out all of my shorts in order of most viewed and then putting the swipe through rate next to them. I realized that the ones with the best metrics were actually pretty low on views even when I added in average view duration 🤯 Your videos are so helpful! You make me not want to give up. From now on, my primary focus will be on creating content with VALUE to kids who are my son’s age.

[mumthings]

Came here for the extremely thorough research (as always), left having a little cry after Nate’s impromptu pep talk 😂 I needed that today. Just handed in my notice on my day job and needed the confidence boost. Thanks Nate!

[doreennekesaofficial]

Did I just see a Howdy Howdy in the background? Wow! It's always so exciting to watch Nate anytime any day! Thank you Nate for helping me to become a natural public speaker on my sit down videos. I am learning everyday. Of course I am victim of posting my videos on my other social media platforms. Let me focus on value.

[WelcomeToSteph]

Omg wasn't expecting that pep talk at 0:49 but really needed it!

[FredoRockwell]

I always value your videos, but this one in particular is particularly good. I agree with every point, and think you've expressed it in a very clear and compelling way. I also think your unplanned diversion into talking about the value of creators was excellent - and for me, timely. Yesterday I was contacted by another YouTube I know who is feeling discouraged. I'm sending this to him now - it is full of encouragement and advice that is perfect for him. Thank you!