Introduction
As a content creator, it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices on YouTube. The platform's algorithm is constantly evolving, and what worked in the past may no longer be effective in the current landscape. In this blog post, we'll explore five outdated YouTube tips that you should avoid in 2024 if you want to grow your channel and engage your audience effectively.
1. Uploading Videos Daily
One of the most common tips you may have heard in the past is to upload videos to your YouTube channel every day. The idea behind this strategy was that the more content you put out, the more chances you'd have to get discovered by new viewers. However, the current YouTube algorithm has shifted its focus, and this approach is no longer as effective as it once was.
Today, YouTube prioritizes the quality of content over the quantity. The platform's recommendation system is designed to surface videos that are most likely to engage and satisfy the viewer, regardless of when they were uploaded. In fact, you may have noticed that many of the recommended videos on your YouTube feed are older, as long as they continue to resonate with your audience.
Instead of focusing on uploading daily, it's better to invest your time and effort into creating high-quality, engaging content that your audience will truly enjoy. This might mean uploading one video per week, but ensuring that each video is well-researched, well-produced, and tailored to your target audience's interests and needs.
2. Creating a Separate Channel for Shorts
When YouTube Shorts was first introduced, some creators believed that it was best to create a separate channel specifically for short-form content. The idea was that this would prevent the algorithm from favoring Shorts over longer-form videos on the main channel.
However, the reality is that YouTube's algorithm now treats Shorts and long-form videos as separate entities, with different metrics and recommendations. While it's still possible to have a dedicated Shorts channel, it's not necessarily a requirement for success. In fact, many successful creators have found that integrating Shorts into their main channel can be an effective way to reach a wider audience and drive engagement.
Instead of creating a separate channel, focus on producing high-quality Shorts that complement your longer-form content. Experiment with different formats and styles to see what resonates best with your audience, and use Shorts as a way to tease or promote your longer videos.
3. Engaging in Sub4Sub Practices
The practice of "Sub4Sub" (subscribing to someone's channel in exchange for them subscribing to yours) used to be a popular way to grow a YouTube channel quickly. The idea was that by exchanging subscribers, you could artificially inflate your subscriber count and potentially gain more visibility in the algorithm.
However, the current YouTube algorithm has become much more sophisticated, and it can detect this type of "invalid" traffic. Engaging in Sub4Sub practices can actually harm your channel's performance, as YouTube may flag your account for spam or invalid activity.
Instead of focusing on growing your subscriber count through artificial means, concentrate on creating content that genuinely resonates with your audience. Build a loyal following by providing value, engaging with your viewers, and fostering a sense of community around your channel. This organic approach will be much more sustainable in the long run and will help you build a stronger, more engaged audience.
4. Watching Your Own Videos
Another outdated YouTube tip that you should avoid is watching your own videos using multiple accounts or devices. The idea behind this strategy was that by increasing the view count on your videos, you could signal to the algorithm that your content was popular and worthy of recommendation.
However, YouTube's algorithm is now much more sophisticated and can detect this type of activity. Watching your own videos using different accounts or devices can actually be flagged as "invalid traffic" and can negatively impact your channel's performance.
Instead of focusing on artificially inflating your view counts, concentrate on creating content that your audience genuinely enjoys and engages with. Encourage your viewers to watch your videos, share them with their friends, and leave comments and feedback. This organic engagement will be much more valuable in the long run and will help you build a stronger, more loyal audience.
5. Relying on Video Tags in the Description
In the past, it was common practice for YouTube creators to include a long list of relevant keywords and tags in the video description, in the hopes of improving the video's visibility and discoverability in search results.
However, the current YouTube algorithm has become much more sophisticated, and it can now detect whether the tags and keywords in the description accurately reflect the content of the video. If the algorithm determines that the tags are not relevant or accurate, it may actually penalize the video, reducing its visibility and reach.
Instead of relying on a long list of tags in the description, focus on creating a concise, well-written description that accurately and effectively summarizes the content of your video. Use relevant keywords and phrases, but don't stuff the description with irrelevant or unrelated tags. Additionally, consider optimizing your video's title, thumbnail, and tags to improve its discoverability and performance.
Conclusion
As the YouTube landscape continues to evolve, it's important for content creators to stay informed and adapt their strategies accordingly. By avoiding these five outdated YouTube tips and focusing on creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your audience, you can position your channel for long-term success in 2024 and beyond.
Remember, the key to success on YouTube is not about gaming the system or trying to outsmart the algorithm. It's about understanding your audience, providing value, and building a genuine connection with your viewers. By focusing on these core principles, you can create a sustainable and thriving YouTube channel that will continue to grow and evolve with the platform.
If you're looking for more tips and resources to help you navigate the ever-changing world of YouTube, be sure to check out the YouTube 101 Facebook group and the other YouTube 101 videos on my channel. Happy creating!
- Avoid the outdated practice of uploading videos daily - focus on quality over quantity.
- Don't create a separate channel just for Shorts - integrate them into your main channel instead.
- Steer clear of Sub4Sub tactics, as they can harm your channel's performance.
- Don't waste time watching your own videos using multiple accounts or devices.
- Rely on well-written, relevant descriptions rather than stuffing them with irrelevant tags.
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