The Frustration of a Small Creator

In a recent online post, a YouTube creator expressed their bewilderment and frustration with the platform’s algorithm. “I really don’t know where the mistake is,” they wrote.”But somehow I have the feeling that YouTube or the algorithm plays me a prank…” This sentiment echoes the feelings of countless small creators who struggle to gain traction despite their efforts.

the creator detailed their past experience on YouTube, noting that about five years prior, they had a channel focused on “Ebikes/Scooter and much more…” During that time, before the rise of YouTube Shorts, they were able to gain approximately 40-80 subscribers per month. they noted that the videos on this older channel were of significantly lower quality.

Now, in 2025, the creator has shifted their focus to Twitch and uploads gaming content to YouTube, hoping to promote their Twitch channel. However, they describe inconsistent results, particularly with youtube Shorts.

“Shorts are, for example. A phenomenon for itself, sometimes the video has 0-5 calls for days, but you can now upload it, and get a view of 2000-3000 calls within a few hours. In general, I commute between 0-5 / 250-800 / 2000-3000. As if YouTube had set up so that the tutorials should captivate the first seconds so that the user does not scroll further, but that doesn’t make sense in my case. It can be so exciting/boring, either it is pushed or not … The time when you upload something is completely irrelevant and had not changed anything in the numbers.”

The inconsistency in views for Shorts is a common complaint among creators. One day a Short might garner minimal attention, while the next sees a surge in views. The creator also points out that tutorials are pushed in the first seconds of the video.

The Real Struggle: Long-Form Content

The core of the creator’s frustration lies in the performance of their longer, more extensively edited videos. “But what bothers me the moast are the normal videos that I cut & edit them extensively, and now and then do not even get 5 views,” they lamented.

this is a significant issue for many creators. While Shorts offer a chance for rapid visibility, long-form content is often seen as the foundation for building a dedicated community. The creator emphasizes that their goal isn’t primarily profit-driven. “Don’t get me wrong, I am nobody who is the click horny, I would just be happy to build a small but fine community. I do not go to intentions with profit, but see it more as a hobby and like to entertain people.”

However,the lack of views on their edited videos is discouraging. “Still, I think it’s a shame that the YouTube algorithm is so h… My humor or kind may not be for everyone, but to get so little calls on the normal videos is simply strange, I haven’t seen it in any other. Even if you only upload garbage in 240p you get about 20-40 views on it…”

Decoding the Algorithm: Viewer Satisfaction is Key

So, what’s going on? Why are meticulously edited videos sometimes overlooked while seemingly lower-effort content gains traction? The answer, according to experts, lies in YouTube’s relentless pursuit of viewer satisfaction.As Buffer’s 2025 guide to the YouTube algorithm points out, “youtube’s algorithms prioritize viewer satisfaction, and we know what metrics and features they use to measure that.”

This means factors like watch time, audience retention, and engagement (likes, comments, shares) play a crucial role in determining a video’s visibility. If viewers click away quickly, or fail to engage with the content, the algorithm is less likely to promote it. This explains, in no small part, why the creator is noticing that in tutorials, a tutorial that can captivate the watcher in the first seconds is highly likely to be promoted more.

Strategies for Growth: A Multi-Format Approach

So, what can creators do to improve their chances of success? The Buffer guide suggests a multi-format content strategy. “Consider a strategy to create multi-format content eventually,so there’s something to suggest in a revelation feed.” This means diversifying content offerings to include shorts, live streams, and longer, more in-depth videos, each catering to different audience preferences and algorithmic signals.

Here are additional insights to help creators navigate the YouTube algorithm in 2025:

• Optimize for Search: Conduct thorough keyword research to identify terms viewers are actively searching for. Incorporate these keywords naturally into video titles,descriptions,and tags.
• Promote on Other Platforms: Leverage social media to drive traffic to YouTube videos. Share engaging clips and teasers to pique interest.
• Collaborate with Other Creators: Collaborations can expose a channel to a new audience and boost visibility.
• Analyze and Adapt: Regularly review YouTube Analytics to understand what’s working and what’s not. Adjust content strategy based on data-driven insights.

Counterarguments and Considerations

It’s crucial to acknowledge that algorithm manipulation is not a guaranteed path to success.Some argue that focusing solely on algorithmic trends can lead to inauthentic content that fails to resonate with viewers. Others point out that luck and timing can play a significant role in a video’s virality.

Furthermore, the focus on viewer satisfaction can incentivize clickbait and sensationalism, potentially devaluing high-quality, informative content. Though,the core argument remains: understanding how the algorithm works is essential for creators looking to maximize their reach and build a lasting presence on YouTube.

The creator’s Next Steps

Returning to the original creator’s dilemma, they concluded their post with a plea for advice: “Maybe someone has a tip for me. How the algorithm can be boosted a little… Sorry in advance for so much text 😅”

Based on the available information and industry best practices, the following recommendations can be made:

1. Refine Content Strategy: Analyze audience retention data to identify drop-off points in long-form videos. Adjust pacing, editing, and content to maintain viewer interest.
2. Optimize Titles and Thumbnails: Ensure titles are descriptive and engaging, and thumbnails are visually appealing and accurately represent the content.
3. Engage with Community: Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and foster a sense of community around the channel.
4. Experiment with Different Formats: Continue to explore Shorts,but also consider live streams and interactive content to diversify offerings.

Conclusion

The YouTube algorithm remains a complex and ever-evolving force in the online video landscape. While there are no guaranteed shortcuts to success, a deep understanding of the algorithm’s priorities, combined with a commitment to creating high-quality, engaging content, is essential for creators looking to thrive in 2025. The creator’s struggle is a microcosm of the challenges faced by countless individuals striving to make their voices heard on the world’s largest video platform. By focusing on viewer satisfaction, optimizing content, and actively engaging with their audience, creators can increase their chances of breaking through the noise and building a thriving community.

The creator invites viewers to explore their channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHrFHHphAXWFhfi4jxZe9Pw