Why I'm Writing This - YouTube's Algorithm Has Changed
I'm no YouTube expert, but I'm definitely a research addict.
I've spent countless hours watching tutorials, reading articles, and just observing what works (and what doesn't) on my own channel, StumpedRiddles.
What I've come to realize—and it might surprise you—is that the old metrics of YouTube success aren't the only thing that matter anymore.
So, I thought I'd share some of what I've learned.
It's Not Just About Likes or Subscribers Anymore
We've all heard it before: get more subscribers, get more likes, and you'll grow. And yes, those metrics still matter—but they're no longer the whole picture.
In fact, you can have a video blow up even if you have zero subscribers. I've seen it happen. The reason? Interest-based retention.
What Is Interest-Based Retention?
This is the real game-changer.
YouTube's algorithm (which is constantly evolving) is getting smarter at feeding content based on a viewer's actual interests.
It's examining search history, viewing behavior, and even the types of videos people finish and rewatch. The algorithm then pushes videos not just because they're popular, but because they match someone's interests.
YouTube and much of social media are building their own version of TikTok's For You Page.
You might be thinking, "Well, if I subscribe to a channel, it's because I'm interested in what they have to say." Sounds logical, right? But surprisingly, that's not always how it plays out. Think about how many channels you've subscribed to, only to rarely—if ever—watch their videos again. We've all done it. Subscribing doesn't always equal ongoing interest or engagement.
How This Changes Everything
This shift means that the focus is less on building a massive following and more on creating content that resonates deeply with a specific audience.
You don't need thousands of subscribers to make a splash. You just need the right video to reach the right people.
I've seen some of my own riddle videos gain more traction than I expected—not because they were perfectly edited or had fancy intros, but because the riddle struck a sweet spot in the interests of certain viewers.
That's encouraging, especially for creators just starting out.
Niche Growth Is Slower (But Powerful)
Here's something else I've learned the hard way: niche content tends to grow more slowly. If you're not making videos in a massive trend space like gaming or beauty, growth takes time.
I wrote more about this last week, but it's worth repeating—being in a niche like riddles means you're not trying to reach everyone. You're aiming for your people.
And that's actually a good thing. Your community becomes more engaged, and your content is more likely to be shared among people who genuinely care.
The First Three Seconds Matter (A Lot)
One of the most essential pieces of advice I've heard repeatedly (and am still trying to master myself) is this: the first three seconds of your video are everything. That's your hook. If someone doesn't connect with those first few moments, they scroll. Period.
So, I'm experimenting with ways to capture attention fast. Whether it's a powerful statement, a visual twist, or a bold question—I'm trying to start strong. Because if the algorithm notices people clicking away too fast, your video is basically toast.
New Ideas vs. Recycled Content
Now let's talk content. The internet is saturated with duplicate, recycled content. That's just the way it is.
But here's something I remind myself of: even old ideas can feel fresh if you find the right angle.
That's what I try to do with StumpedRiddles. There are tons of riddles out there, sure—but I try to inject personality, humor, and a little twist.
It's not about inventing a whole new concept every time. It's about presenting it in a way that feels new or different.
Here's my latest creation to spark interest - the creation of the Riddle Sisters! Four young ladies with different personalities reading riddles and competing for attention. Their names are "Pink-Haired-Patsy, Educated Ellie, Gentle Violet, and Wild Roxy."
Here's Educated Ellie's most recent riddle post!
Final Thoughts (AKA What I'm Still Learning)
I'm still figuring all of this out, but I wanted to share these nuggets in case they help someone else.
The biggest takeaway? You don't need a million likes or subscribers to be successful on YouTube. You just need a good idea, a solid hook, and a clear sense of who your video is for.
And honestly, I think that's kind of exciting.
Your videos are always very cool, eye-catching and fun! In our household (not me specifically) we spend a lot of time of YouTube. I "like" the videos I like, mark some to watch later, and subscribe to creators that are in niches I enjoy. Other members of our family watch videos, but don't have a YouTube account to like or subscribe, so it is good to know their views still count.
ReplyDeleteMy 'kids' are more into YouTube and other social media than I am, but I admire anyone who is clever and creative enough to come up with interesting things to view. Well done with your market research, Barbara, and I wish you much success with your YouTube videos.
ReplyDeleteThis is spot-on, Barb! I’m also finding that the same things apply to Instagram. Finding and focusing on a niche, grabbing your audience’s attention in the first 3 seconds, presenting content in a fresh and engaging way, etc., are also the keys to success on IG.
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