How I'd Blow Up a YouTube Channel THIS YEAR (Real Examples)

I've done hundreds of hours of 1:1 work with KZbin creators recently, and this is the top thing making KZbin channels grow quickly this year.
PERSONALIZED HELP 📈:
My strategy for winning on KZbin: • Welcome to KZbin 202...
Business/personal consulting: radicalyt.com/
IDEATION 💡:
My SEAS method for picking winning ideas: • How to Pick KZbin Vi...
AI-backed customized-to-channel ideation + titles: vidiq.com/nateblack/
RUNNING A CHANNEL ⚙️:
The free template I made (and recommend) for running a KZbin channel (ideas, production, timeline, goals): clickup.pxf.io/c/5015775/1909...
RECORDING 🎙️:
Microphone I use in videos (I rarely do any audio processing, and the room is only lightly sound-dampened): amzn.to/47PBzvz
Mic arm for the above: amzn.to/3GjdYYi
Lav mic I've used for hundreds of videos: amzn.to/3utYCgV
Lighting really good for talking head videos: amzn.to/3uBbZw0
I also share more outside KZbin 🧡:
Instagram (behind the scenes): / thatnateblack
X/Threads (thoughts): / thatnateblack
#growonyoutube

[@ThatNateBlack]

EDIT: wow that was fast - all booked in 2.5 hours! ORIGINAL: After being booked for a few months, I just opened some slots to work with me (on a Black Friday deal)! Very limited spots available, on a first come first serve basis (when they’re gone they’re gone). Book here: radicalyt.com/ Looking forward to the new year! Whether it’s with my help or not, you’re doing awesome 😎

[@the_eerie_faerie_tales]

You mean a... Nate Black Friday Deal? 😊

[@ThatNateBlack]

@@the_eerie_faerie_tales ...yes haha

[@DryMouse]

Don't forget to Pin this comment!

[@MDCreekmore]

@@ThatNateBlack Hey, Nate, why don't you do a review of the Elgoto wave 3 microphone that you're using including setup and plugins you recommend to get the best sound. Also, an updated webcam review like you did for channel makers but with the newer webcams that are available now.

[@albertolopezcazalilla]

You definitely need a course to serve the audience needs hahaha

[@MrThinkImPossible]

No the like button didn’t light up because I instantly boop the like button as soon as I begin watching. Since I became a content creator I always hit the like button fr every video I watch. It’s a way to show appreciation to the creator. I know it took some sort of effort to post the content.

[@quailstudios]

Yes!

[@thetrailheadgarden]

Lol same

[@RDUnitedTV]

Same

[@your_spirit_guide]

all the videos that we like will go to a folder/category on KZbin. From there we can track back what are the videos we click the like button so far

[@FeralForaging]

My reaction: "Hey, that's me. Wait... that's ME?!" I feel so honored to be featured in a video on this channel that I have been watching and learning from myself for a long time!

[@ThatNateBlack]

It's Jesse! you're rocking it man. Looking forward to you hitting your goals next year!

[@nyrman]

congrats maaan :)

[@quailstudios]

Cool Jesse!

[@osoivory]

ahaha and ur a bigger youtuber this is great and wholesome love to see it man

[@quailstudios]

@@osoivory If you could find your audience you would have it made my friend.

[@LindaNystorm]

I think that today it's really easy to ramp up your numbers on any platform, especially on KZbin. You just need to use some tools to make your social presence as big as possible from the beginning of your channel or your account (personally used fame ster for promoting).

[@Messican_44]

Totally agree

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Our channel has grown by a lot this last year too! From about 8k to almost 22k, which I did not expect but this video helps me see why. Sometimes it's hard to know what's working so you can keep doing that thing! Thank you Nate!

[@ChristianAnimePodcast]

I thought this was a really insightful way to reframe the notion of a "target audience." I think a lot of us turn off when we hear business-esque jargon like that, but when you put it as simply as "giving people what they want," that framework is far easier to plan videos for. Love your stuff Mr. Black! One of the only channels I don't watch videos at 2x speed for.

[@DannyJuke]

Idk why but this channel oozes integrity. I don't feel like I'm being misled or funneled. Thanks, Nate!

[@Roxilou]

Ooooh, the three points are super helpful. Still in my experimental first year here (or my probation period 😂 )so it's good to consider this. Especially as I'm not 100% sure I'm giving the audience what they want right now... Interestingly, I love the slow life videos, they're definitely a break from busy Tokyo life. But had never thought of it in the terms of it bringing me relaxation and peace, although now you've said it, it's clearly why I watch them!

[@torijvideos]

Thank you, Nate. This was a real eye-opener. KZbin recommended me one of your videos like a couple of days ago and I've been hooked ever since. Keep it up!

[@CourageousPainting]

Thanks for another great video Nate! I've known for a long time that having a clear message is important. However, it's challenging to understand what people want from you and what the message should be, especially when the channel is based on passion. I'm excited about next week's video because there's always something missing in my videos. I have many good things happening with multiple videos, but I need to tie them together in some way.

[@cafeaulivre]

This ☝

[@TheLaserLordLOL]

Another banger video! Thanks for the advice, especially the example with the Pokémon Channel. I was in a line of thinking I needed to do one niche topic/idea for a while to grow, but focusing on the root and making the best videos you can is honestly very liberating advice.

[@dadandsondoitall]

I appreciate you and all you do for the community! It is greatly appreciated. We try to use these tips to help us build a true community here while providing value to both the viewer and ourselves! All our best and we wish you and yours a very met Happy Thanksgiving!

[@becomesavvy]

Love the new microphone, Nick 😂 Honestly, this video (+ vidIQ’s new growth tools) have really inspired me to get more serious about the “why” of my channel…I thought I had a general understanding of what I wanted, but after I sat down to establish who I was making videos for and why I was making them in the first place, it turned out that I was making videos COMPLETELY OPPOSITE to my goals…I honestly had no idea how far off I was until I starting writing it all down. My plan is to use the new year to "realign" my channel and try out some new types of content that I think would better suit the people I'm trying to reach. Definitely gonna refer back to this vid while I'm planning things out :)

[@MrCrackers8]

Great to see you Nate! I was an early subscriber of channel makers and I've just now found your channel! Love to see it, and love your videos.

[@eyesonindie]

I noticed that new KZbin feature maybe a week or so ago, someone said "subscribe" and the subscribe button glowed. SO cool!! And...great video, too! Thanks as always for your insights and most of all thank you for the variety of channels and types of creators you feature.

[@enamoroo]

Okay, now how do you keep on doing this to me? 😅 It's wild how much your youtube videos help me understand and grow as a creator. This video singlehandedly changed my whole outlook, not only on how to build my channel but also my brand as a whole. We're a french couple who handcraft unique gifts that all have a specific feel. And yet, for some reason, I never thought I could build my content around this calm/ cozy/ loving feeling. As a result, I tend to attract other crafters more than my actual target audience. Now I'm going to completely revamp my strategy for 2024 around this. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to credit you for FINALLY getting some growth and consistency 😅 .I'm SO looking forward to next week's video! Thank you so much for your work. I hope you know how helpul you really are to all of us. ❤

[@ThatNateBlack]

YES! remember this comment, and let me know how it goes this year!

[@enamoroo]

@@ThatNateBlack I promise I'll do ;-)

[@thehigherstandard]

Your videos have continually gotten better and better since the move to your own channel. Thanks for all you do!

[@hannah_stevens]

Excellent information Nate this is very useful. I have actually noticed that channels that focus on one particular topic that people do actually want to watch seem to blow up so it was really great to see my suspicions confirmed 😊

[@worldadventuresonlinepresc6454]

Very valid points! I didn’t really think about the “deeper” meaning. I will be looking at ways to highlight that! Thank you!

[@Mr.andMrs.Silver]

hello Nate, i follow u since FOREVER (i feel) but i enjoy every second of your content, you are so real and this is what i love about watching your videos, i wanted to start a youtube channel since 3 years or so but never had the courage, a month ago i decided to do it, however, i am lost, i dont know what to do!! but thank you for your videos, it is helpful.

[@SirTools]

Always a great in depth view for growing a channel, thanks Nate !🤠

[@FoolishFishBooks]

Hi Nate, Just here to drop some heartfelt love for you and the incredible work you do. I'm pretty sure you're single-handedly responsible for my channel still being a thing I'm excited about in 2023. All my very best wishes to you and the wonderful community you've brought together :)

[@ThatNateBlack]

wow thank you! I appreciate you sharing that. Carry on!

[@Connor4x4]

Thank you Nate! Been following your advice and even though I've quit making shorts and focusing on long form content and my watch hours are starting to climb up.

[@NomadOverNormal]

This is so true! I have a video blowing up (micro blow up lol) and 2 of my 3 last videos have done this… here’s what I’ve noticed: 1. My CTR in the first 12 hours is bad. 1% or worse. It’s hard for me to not go and freak out and change nothing, but I realized that this is absolutely normal for an un-categorized channel. YT doesn’t know who to show the video to, and eventually it’ll figure it out. It usually takes between 36-72 hours, then the CTR climbs between 3-8% as youtube sends it from 200 impressions to 2,000. 2. YT finds who the categorize the video to and it works extremely well. My views for my new library video are 82% not subscribed. And my likes are nearing 10 which is really good for a video of mine. 3. I knew that this video would do well because I designed the title and thumbnail before. The title is “replace your subscription services with a library card.” It’s super relevant to today and people’s angst towards subscription price hikes. And it’s the first of its kind on KZbin. I could have used the title “replace your subscriptions with THIS” to create “curiousity” But from my experience working to build larger channels “this” only creates one question, which is “what is he talking about?” And answered in the first 10 seconds. People will click away cause they weren’t expecting to watch an 8 minute video about the benefits of a library. Using both “cancel subscriptions” and “library card” in my video title, creates a curiosity loop. How do these two things relate? It primed my viewers before clicking on the video exactly what they were getting into. The first 5 seconds validates that. The next 55 seconds sets us up for what they will take away. And the next 7 minutes delivers. Hope this helps anyone curious on how I think about this stuff:) it’s pretty neat.

[@ThatNateBlack]

this is gold!

[@soez_strg6166]

Your content looks great, but the problem is that it provides no value and isnt focused on entertainment

[@NomadOverNormal]

@@soez_strg6166 thanks!

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thanks Nate! As always though, the thing that matters is monetization potential. I am willing to bet the food & home related channels you’ve mentioned makes (can make) more in affiliate / sponsorships than the shorts channels. Subs don’t tell the full story 😊

[@ThatNateBlack]

yes. it's a topic I've been considering tackling more, and would love to hear your insights on it Anna

[@AnnaBucciarelli]

Thanks Nate! @@ThatNateBlack I've been a full time creator for ~2 years now and have lots of thoughts obviously:) but of course Ed from @filmbooth is much more eloquent in covering this topic. Essentially, without proper monetization strategy that goes well beyond ad sense, having a silver {or gold} button pretty is much useless. I mean, it is certainly cool! And it strengthens your reputation in a particular market {i've got a book deal as I was approaching 100K and i credit YT for this 100%}, but its what you do with this reputation that will determine your income and ultimately your lifestyle. I went the Patreon route, and that's more than enough in an art nieche but there are so much more to consider. Sponsorships, affiliate links, products, 1:1 coaching etc. Physical vs digital products is like a whole separate topic within this discussion. Anyway, lots of thoughts - happy to connect offline if you want to explore. Love everything you do! Happy to see you thriving on your own channel, AB

[@AiMovieTrailers]

Best Information on how to grow a channel i've ever seen.Thanks Nate!

[@PrimalEdge]

That channel about burning things peaked my interest. I did a video a while back on how to start a campfire in the snow with a match, KZbin demonetized it, I disputed the demonetization, then they remonetized it, only to permanently demonetize it a year later. I’m wondering how KZbin is going to handle their fire content long term.

[@ThinkDad]

Exactly what I needed this morning, This week is the week where I really begin. Thank you Nate

[@justjoemer]

I cant wait for next week! Every video always makes me think that I have something I want to improve, and it truly helps ty!

[@ClearDiscussion]

I've been binge-watching your videos a bit Nate, mainly because I feel like I actually gain something more with each one. You have a unique way of getting more out of seemingly simple ideas. Thanks for your insight.

[@ThatNateBlack]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad to hear that you feel like you're gaining something from my videos. carry on!

[@joseortizreflects]

You are easily my favorite KZbin Teacher, Nate. Thank you for explaining things so well; I've learned a lot watching this channel.

[@SezCreate]

Hey Nate!! Thank you so much for your videos, I always watch them and gain so much. One niche that I feel is sometimes passed over yet seems to be growing is art channels. It's kind of an interesting niche to look into and I would be SO interested in hearing your thoughts and suggestions on channels growing in the art world. 🎨🎨🎨

[@ThatNateBlack]

Noted!

[@ThrivewithGary]

Who was that famous guy back in the 70s who painted trees really quickly?@@ThatNateBlack

[@TheTilsonFam]

We have also been on a growth transition! We started last year, and have started catching on after a lot of trial, error, and breaks! Thanks for all the great info, and for everyone watching you got this too!

[@robinsnestradio]

I would enjoy watching that channel about burning things. Weird but interesting. I also enjoy shorts so I get it👍🏽. I am paying attention Nate. My channel is growing 👍🏽👍🏽

[@PhotiniByDesign]

Thank you Nate, your time and effort is appreciated.

[@BearOfTheBeach]

Nate!! I started watching you when I ran my channel Kamikaize, but thanks to your advice I have two different channels that I started that are BOTH MONETIZED!! I'm so glad I found your new content, because I really learned so much from you and can't thank you enough for everything. You're the best, man!

[@AnEnchantedLife]

The LIKE button DID light up! That is SO cool! Thank you again for your energy & wisdom. This vid is another one I need to watch again & make notes from. Love from Northern Ontario!

[@YouTubeProTips]

Appreciate the effort in creating this! Awesome content as always.

[@JamesH97Gaming]

I'm looking forward to next weeks video as I think I have without knowing started this process recently or something similar in the last month.

[@naturesoundsaustralia]

Very very interesting info as usual Nate, thank you!! 😊

[@850club]

Bro, you changed my entire concept of core audience on another video you did. Subscribing for life 😎

[@treasurearth]

Those are some great examples. It is tough to find the way to grow and find your Nitch. Appreciate your sharing. All the very best in 2024 !!!

[@imdemari]

This has been eye opening! Thank you Nate, you never disappoint.🤝

[@ThrivewithGary]

Looking forward to the next video Nate, always on the money!💰

[@TheFarmerTheCheesemaker]

Great stuff!! Thanks for helping us hone our channel!!

[@MythicMarkus]

love the lightning of the scene Nate.always cool

[@MagnusR.F.]

Hi Nate 😁 I just wanted to tell you that I love your channel and are looking forward to next weeks video and all future videos!

[@marinellaartist]

Definitely personality and challenges. I’m taking a break from editing because I like to tell stories about why I’m creating art and how I feel. Hope that this will get more values in my channel. Thank you for sharing, you gave me hope. I love challenges it makes me grow as an artist.

[@SquareUp1]

My Boop went all colourful and sparkly 🙂. My little one just noticed... Good one Nate, like always. This shows different types of contents have their own watch community. Take care everyone and stay Blessed 🙂

[@brucesmithoutdoors]

Thank you for your help. I appreciate each video. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@DavidWhitten]

I liked the “find the root” point you made near the end there Nate. I agree that it has to be personal for people. Without that personal connection, people simply won’t and don’t care.

[@captdeadmeat]

your videos are always so relatable and informative. Thank you

[@OurNerdCorner]

You consistently help me with every single video. Keep doing the great work, Nate!

[@ASMRDrDawson]

So very simple that I wouldn't think of all those things together. Thanks!

[@SomeDadGaming]

Great video! I always learn something that I need to tweak after watch one of your videos! 💯

[@the_eerie_faerie_tales]

I'm so glad you didn't scrap the "howdy howdy!" 😊

[@NewFoundLands]

omg it did light up!! That was so cool! I had to doubve check if that was a part of the video.

[@ThisBytesForYou]

Many have explained the same, but you learn things differently by the way people teach it, I think the way you are explaining things is so awesome, thank you

[@KeenosQuest]

Solid video!! Thanks for making it!

[@FoodFunDiary]

Interesting info😁💜looking forward to the next one

[@garycoote]

Nate you got me hook to your Channel, just with the introduction

[@SonKosen]

Thanks Nate for another fire video. 2024 will be our year!

[@Tzingy.DanSingSoul]

This is mindblowing. Thanks Nate for another simple clear useful advice. I'll try to refine my brand like you explain. 🤞🏻🤞🏻

[@Ask22]

We love you Nate !!! You are awesome !!!

[@usergrassy]

The light button did light up with rainbowy colors lol i love this feature

[@thetrailheadgarden]

This is so good. I think my channel would be "teaching how to build a community garden" first, and "a sense of hopeful change" second.

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

I always like the Mr. Black videos ( I also like the Mr. Jack White hit songs). I know the advice doesn't pertain to my channel, but it still is great fun watching. tHanks for the videos & Happy tHanksgiving!

[@gblyndensrandomreviews]

I have seen these things too, but thank you for laying things out clearly for me 👊🏻💥👊🏻

[@stephanieparisi]

i appreciate your videos so much nate! 🎉

[@dividenddudes]

Love it! Nice Microphone :) Keep killing it Nate!

[@ThatNateBlack]

hey I got a good recommendation :)

[@SupermamaLiving]

Gonna just leave us waiting like that 😆… You so rock those teaser endings 👊🏽 Looking forward to the guide

[@bycreativepaula]

Ohhh I love how the like number changes as I watch too!

[@budgeterg]

Another very helpful video! thank you for sharing!

[@irunoffroad]

Getting to the root of what people already want is such a clear philosophy. As a trail runner I want fitness but in a scenic location that takes me out of my day to day. I look forward to exploring this. Thanks Nate

[@TheJourneyIntoYouChannel]

Thank you! This is so helpful. I love this channel. I've done the things you mentioned in this video and am very happy with my growth after a month as a new channel. My focus is on spiritual growth, but there's also a personal development aspect where I offer practical applications for the concepts I speak about. Is the link to your new guide posted anywhere? I'd like to see it.

[@BBBHardcoreComics]

The way that you are breaking it down is like your coaching me right now

[@YouCanDIYHome]

Thanks Nate!

[@1LifeWithTony]

Been watching you for a long time I just started this channel to test out a few things. My other channel was more towards the automotive side of things but I wanted to have more freedom when it comes to what to post .

[@ShaySunshyne]

So helpful! Starting to do this now ✨

[@GrowingBonsai]

Such a clever hook at the end of your video. Nice. I guess I need to plan my videos better!

[@ThrivewithGary]

Hey Nate I have been following you for years and seen so many people get a benifit from you but sadly even though I am with VIDIQ and so on I am thinking of walking away from this and over 3000 subs I have a few loyal people but my intention was to sell a book and so on online as well as help others get beyond stress and emotions my channel has tanked and I think the best thing to do is read it its last rights. Your video was spot on but I just can't discover what it is that they really want whilst giving them what they need. I am close to closing down but thank you for all the hard work that as I can see is working for others out there in KZbin land.

[@digitaljowjowtv]

Thanks! I hope someday I know what to focus on..

[@jeffsantos93]

Damn the picture looking fantastic on this one.

[@RoadReality]

What a timely video! I recently was reminded, by a great many viewers, that my channel is not about motorcycles. It's not about the scenery [specifically]. It's about ME. But not really ME. It's the comedy delivered to the viewer. It has even been suggested that I host a late-night TV show. That right there is confirmation that what I'm doing has value, and I should keep at it! All that is to say that yep, it's not what you THINK your channel is about, it's what the VIEWERS think it's about, and what they get from it.

[@FeefeeDelights9886]

Another great video. I have been binge watching since i found you Nate. I was wondering where you went when you left project 24. Thank God i found you.

[@LaymeYT]

Hey Nate! Love your videos so much. This dilemma has been plaguing me for months. If i create minecraft videos and get minecraft followers, to then create a similar concept but on a different game called rust, then dont i basicly keep losing the previous game audience every time i switch to a new game? I feel also very restricted on not being able to do certain concepts because im stuck to my channel concept. I feel like variety is just a bait. Hope you make a video about variety and this concept one day!

[@derryXDINES]

I have a strong feeling Pat's DPM channel has a higher purpose as a SuperFans case study. My son (he's 7) is a huge fan of that channel, and he even sent me to VidSummit with Pokemon cards for Pat to sign just in case I ran into him. I did, and Pat not only signed them, he threw in a (signed) Deep Pocket Monster sleeve. It wasn't about the cards, it was about connecting deeper. The content on that channel totally delivers on story and is the perfect example of how to treat your supporters in addition to how to get them involved.

[@ThatNateBlack]

Yes 100%

[@PittsTake]

Thanks Nate

[@LuckyStone888]

Very intersecting ideas. KZbin might shift focus, but your advice is solid no matter what KZbin does to the analytics models,

[@UnhingedProductions1]

All great ideas! I’ve had some growth this year. However it seams to me that KZbin or viewers think my niche is seasonal. This gets frustrating at times

[@Konarali]

That like button exploded with colour when I bopped it. Great video 🎉

[@RossetBespokeButlers]

Nate your channel is absolutely amazing. I think the first lesson I learn every time I look at your videos is that the person presenting is the most important thing. Even though we all talk about editing, thumbnails and all of that. I believe it is first the person we care about then the content. I tried to watch another channel that you will know recently and even though the content was good it just did not hold my interest,

[@dairyfarmkindoflife]

Such a great intro, so catchy 👏 Please start a podcast!! I feel like you could literally export the audio of your videos and podcast them.

[@mijansky]

Watching the video in full-screen and like button was pressed anyway in the first 3 minutes. Jokes aside; the feature was active for your channel also and I saw it on some of your previous videos. 👍

[@ThatNateBlack]

Thanks for that! And good to know

[@john-wiggains]

Omg get to the root of it. I literally teach my clients this stuff, but I wasn’t doing it for my KZbin channel. THANK YOU!!! I just wrote a script because you inspired me. I’m hiring you someday. I already have another KZbin coaching commitment. But someday! I’ll keep watching till then. SUBBED!

[@MrGreen99]

This before and after thumbnail with an arrow is trending right now

[@thimblebin]

Yes, the like button lit up (on my laptop). Love your videos, thanks, Nate!

[@PreparedSustainableLiving]

I think my channel does bring something what people want too. I'm actually in the same area of some of the channels you showed. But my channel is still struggling. Maybe I am not interesting enough yet. Thanks for your video. So helpful

[@adventuresinrodbuilding]

Very helpful information. Hoping to transform that information into viable changes to help grow my channel more.

[@FurthermoreJack]

You've managed your clicking sound Nate very good quality