In a nutshell

  • Consistency and engagement are crucial for YouTube success, so avoid irregular posting schedules and ignoring audience feedback if you don’t want to fail.
  • Video quality and a focused content strategy can make or break your channel, so don’t skimp on these elements.
  • Ignoring SEO and analytics will keep you in the dark about your performance, hindering your channel’s growth.

With so many success stories popping up all over YouTube over the years, finding success on the platform may look easier than it is. Many people mistakenly believe that if they simply upload to YouTube, they will find the same success that creators like MrBeast see. However, success isn’t guaranteed. In fact, it’s easier to fail than you might think. If you’re a creator aiming for long-term success, here are some “best practices” for failure that you’ll want to avoid.

Have an irregular posting schedule

Consistency is key on YouTube, but if you’re looking to drive away your audience, keep them guessing when you’ll post next. An irregular schedule means viewers won’t know when to look for your content. This pattern can become a real issue for viewers who want to see your content but never know when new content will drop from you. They will either forget your channel exists or simply move on to another creator they can watch more often.

If you want to avoid this, create a content calendar and plan out your content drops. Try to post regularly so you remain on your viewers’ radars.

Ignore audience feedback and engagement

Interacting with your audience through comments, likes and subscriptions is crucial for growth. So, if your goal is to alienate your viewers, ignore them. Don’t ask for their opinions and never respond to their comments. It’s not your job to keep your audience engaged, right? Their feedback may help you improve your content in the long run, but why would you ever want to listen to them? You’re the creator, after all.

In reality, creators who want to succeed need to listen to their audience. They’re the ones that ultimately keep your channel going. If they aren’t engaged in your content, then something is wrong. Now, if success isn’t your goal, then go ahead and make the content you want. But, if you want to grow as a creator, you need to take in feedback from your viewers.

Disregard video quality

Video quality helps keep viewers engaged and coming back for more. If you’re aiming for failure, however, don’t worry about it. Why bother with a tripod or proper lighting? Shaky, dim footage will drive viewers away effectively.

Now, if you are working with a limited budget, there are ways to effectively boost your video quality, like filming near natural light (a window) or investing in an external microphone, as most internal camera microphones are horrible. You don’t need to have a huge studio to make quality videos. If you put some effort into your setup, it will show.

Lack of strategy for your content

Posting random videos on the fly? That’s perfect if you want to fail on YouTube. A well-thought-out content strategy helps you stay focused and makes your channel appealing to a specific audience. Lack of planning will leave you stressed and will confuse your viewers about your channel’s purpose.

For those who want to succeed, with no overall strategy, you will extinguish the motivation you may have now for the process, which will undoubtedly lead to failure.

You can combat this by, again, mapping out your content. For example, Mondays throughout the month could be for brainstorming video ideas. On Tuesdays, you shoot the week’s current video idea. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, you edit. And on Fridays, you schedule the completed video to post at some predetermined time on Saturday. The idea is to strategize and plan the work involved in being a YouTuber so you stay energized and calm.

Cover every video topic you can think of

Niche channels often do well because they attract a specific audience. If you want to do the opposite, be a jack-of-all-trades. Cook in one video, review books in the next, and give plumbing tips in the one after that. Your audience won’t know what they’re subscribing to, and that’s a great way to lose them.

Alternatively, for success, find your niche and stick to it. If you’re a gaming channel, likely your viewers won’t want to see you make film essays.

Forget SEO

Titles, descriptions and tags can help your videos appear in search results. Ignoring SEO is an excellent way to stay invisible on the vast YouTube landscape. If you’re aiming for zero discoverability, keep those video descriptions empty.

On the flip side, to gain more views, really focus on nailing your SEO. Look for key terms and topics for your titles and descriptions that will boost your content in the algorithm.

Rely solely on organic YouTube Traffic

If you’re determined to fail, don’t promote your videos anywhere but on YouTube. Ignore other social media platforms or other content platforms that could help bring in a wider audience. Why share when you can hope that viewers will magically find your channel?

For those who want to succeed, remember this: A YouTube channel without marketing is like an author expecting people to find and read their book in the dark. Let people know that your content is out there. Otherwise, no one will know to look for it.

Overlook analytics

YouTube Analytics is a treasure trove of insights on your audience, performance and earnings. If you want to fail on YouTube, never look at it.

Of course, if you want to succeed, make sure you learn how to read all your analytics. Not only will they help you know how your channel’s doing, your analytics will help you know how to proceed moving forward.

Burn out by making videos that don’t motivate you

Last but not least, if you want to fail, burn out by creating content you’re not passionate about. Lack of enthusiasm is easy to spot, and it won’t be long until you dread hitting that record button.

It’s common for YouTubers to feel like they can’t step away from their channels. But know that your health always takes priority when it comes down to it. Take care of yourself, and not only will you be happier, but your content will also be better because of it.

Time to fail on YouTube (or succeed)

Failing on YouTube is as easy as ignoring these principles. But if you want to grow your channel and find long-term success, take this guide and do the exact opposite. Good luck with whichever path you decide to take.