Hi all! Today I got to turn on ads monetization for YouTube! I’ve been all-in for 18 weeks in a niche with no one else - help for people converting to Judaism. There’s a big need in this area but few resources, for complicated reasons. You’re just one video away from big things! Just two (2!) viral-for-me videos built this channel. That’s a little frustrating because I’ve put out so many videos in this time, but I can see how much I’m learning as I grow.

Hey guys, You know I like my stats, and thought I would share :) So I stumbled across a post r/youtube for growth tips when I came across a post by a data scientist working with a mid-sized channel. Their insights into a recent YouTube Studio update were eye-opening, and I thought they’d spark some great discussion here. I’m really curious to hear your thoughts—do you agree with their take on the algorithm? Have you noticed similar patterns in your analytics or tried their strategies? Here’s a simplified summary of their post. I have tried to break down complex ideas like “CATs” for those who are not aware of the term The data scientist noticed YouTube Studio’s “Audience” tab now splits viewers into three groups: Regular (long-time, loyal watchers), Casual (newly subscribed or watched recently), and New (first-time viewers). They believe YouTube’s algorithm works like a “warm start” system, similar to TikTok’s, where videos are first shown to Regular viewers, then Casual, and finally New viewers based on engagement speed (not just total views). Comments within the first few hours are the biggest driver of reaching New viewers. They also explain why follow-up videos after a viral hit often flop—Casual viewers (“zombie subscribers”) don’t engage as much with your core content. Their tips for sustainable growth: 1. Start with CATs in the first 30 seconds (Curious, Approachable, Tangible): 2. Update your fanbase intuition: Your Regular and Casual viewers shift over time, so adapt your content to match their changing interests. 3. Plan “Key Moments”: For videos over 10 minutes, create engaging moments every 2-3 minutes (like mini CATs) to keep viewers hooked, shown in the “Key Moments” graph. 4. Track comments per 3 hours: This metric strongly influences total views, but every channel’s baseline varies. I checked my Studio and saw the new audience categories, which made the “zombie subscriber” issue click for me. Anyone else seeing this in their analytics?

OK, this is almost microscopic compared to the other wins here. I almost didn't post. But, it's not nothing. I reached 10 subscribers today, and my last video just surpassed 20 views. I started the channel in May and I believe my niche - holistic health for Christian women - is pretty small. So I am not surprised with slow growth. But I am pleased that there has been steady growth, small though it is, so far. So, YAY! 😁

Just hit 200 subscribers on YouTube today! It might be a small number to some, but it means the world to me. Every single one is a person choosing to be part of this journey—and that feels pretty special. Onwards!”🤩

Guys - I have consistently posted videos for two weeks straight! 🥳That's a big accomplishment for me. I joined this group a few months back and then fell away for a minute - I got down on myself for not following through. 😔 I have lists and sticky notes of things that I tried doing and it didn't come to fruition. I was inspired to try again and change direction, and see where the wind blows. 👏 And - so far so good! 🥳I just want to tell anyone out there that is feeling sucky because they aren't doing what they had planned, or fell away, or things aren't working has they thought they should - that its OKAY to shift gears, its OKAY to start again, it's OKAY to accept that something didn't go as planned and pivot. 🎤It would be super great if anyone wanted to share about a time they accepted that things were not going has they had "planned" and that they had to realize it was OKAY. - thank you 💖 🎤