YouTube Channels are Dropping like Flies. Here's how we're adapting.

[@SethsBikeHacks]

I didn't include much context about my shoulder, but it's just jacked up a little and will heal on its own. I reached for something moderately heavy at a weird angle, and then couldn't reach as high as a shelf or microwave oven for about a week. I'll be back on the mountain bike by later this week!

[@Donuts_random_stuff]

Get better soon ❤️‍🩹

[@joeybytt9509]

Hope you feel better!

[@manutara2007]

Best wishes from Chile!!

[@jasonellis2546]

Wait till you pull a muscle taking a shower. Getting old is fun! Thanks for the peek behind the creator's curtain, interesting to know why things are changing on YT.

[@MR-puffnstuff]

Walk it and stretch it out you be fine.

[@jiarongwu618]

Me being a viewer that has watched since day 1, I can really see the difference in length of videos. Although it’s disappointing I feel that Seth really tries to keep his video’s consistent which I hope a lot of people are grateful for. Props to you Seth.

[@rickyjewell-tait6194]

Disappointed because you’re getting longer videos? what are you disappointed about? Back in the day Seth would post 5 minute vids

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

I am grateful for every bit of quality content since there's so much ish you can intake in a year. Seth has a good sauce 👍

[@Jehty_]

​@@rickyjewell-tait6194I can't speak for OP, but me personally I don't like filler material. Why should I like it that many KZbinrs pad out a 5 minute video with 10 minutes of filler/rambling?

[@LuisSierra42]

@@Jehty_ Not all long videos are filler, many simply explore complicated subjects and make good use of the runtime

[@Ren_Do_FN]

He also has a toddler

[@johnagudelo1645]

You and Matt's off road recovery are 2 channels I watch religiously because you don't make content based on an algorithm or what people "want to see". But I also don't do shorts, tik tok or really any social media. So I realize I am different. But so are you and that's why I love this channel

[@vilmarojas693]

maybe you can add another channel, The Why Files 🎉

[@wheelieking8651]

Seth actually got me into mtb, such a genuine kind of guy.

[@johnpthunder]

Seth, I got into mountain biking almost solely because of your channel. I love your content and can’t wait to see what you’ll do next. I think you have a great format and a good mix of subjects, personally, I love all the bike builds. Keep it up, I’m certain you’ll come out the other side better than ever.

[@barrynobles95]

Great insight, Thank you for sharing this, Seth.

[@Silidons91]

The thing I miss the most about youtube is the search function working. I will search for a specific video that I've seen multiple times, and pretty much know exactly what the title is. It will be like the 50th video down after scrolling through literally random shit that has nothing to do with what I searched for.

[@huntstyle]

They also put a ton of unrelated suggestions within those search results. It's really annoying.

[@rvgearandfar]

As a creator who's been on youtube for 4 years and just started this new channel a year ago this perspective is absolutely refreshing -thanks for sharing your thoughts Seth and love the adaptations!

[@netposerx]

If you are on a PC watching YT the "J", "K" and "L" keys are your friends. J = 10 seconds back, K = Pause, L = 10 seconds forward. The left and right arrow keys do the same but 5 second back/forward. I use these keys in most every video.

[@Mr.Kcieslak]

I just started mountain biking last year, but sadly, after a week, I went over my hadel bars and broke both of my arms. Your videos are something that I have been watching over the last year and have helped me stay into mountain biking. I could have easily given up after breaking my arms, but your videos helped me stay interested and excited to get back out there. I am still learning and love watching your videos for information and learning about mountain biking. I hope you keep posting videos, and I would definitely watch longer videos from you where you go into more depth about products, skills, trails, and all things mountain biking!!!

[@joshuadohmen]

It's great that someone has explained this so openly, transparently and honestly. Thank you!

[@POTCsIronMan]

as a starting creator , thank you for being very community friendly . most channels don't do what you do by sharing their ideas for growing their subscriber base let alone maintaining . I'll definately be giving substacks try for myself .

[@codybrooks2696]

I agree with a previous comment. I personally enjoy your channels because you can clearly articulate your thoughts to the viewer. You keep me (and others) engaged and communicate clearly with some humour mixed in. Above that, you're a likeable guy, a good person. Exactly the type of person I'm happy to support by consuming your content.

[@texarama]

Wearing a Bob Ross wig at that lake scene would have made this video epic. But I still watched all the way to the end.

[@ltu42]

Absolutely beautiful photography. Gorgeous locations, gorgeous fog, great colors.

[@juniorflock9970]

Dude you're the most transparent and honest youtuber there is, from the early days till now, you are awesome, we will watch you no matter what bro. I've watched you since the lady yelled at you for saying s%^t in your first dropper post video lol.

[@JuggernautMTB]

Thx for pulling back the curtain. I’ve noticed the increase in 20, 30, 40+ min videos from…well…nearly everyone. I’ll watch the longer ones from people like yourself who I follow; but honestly, if I just have something of interest pop up in the feed that is longer than 17 minutes, and another that’s less than 17 min…I’m more likely to watch the shorter one. To each their own I guess. Hope the shoulder issues resolve quickly, those suck.

[@jakestewart3504]

Excellent video- I got so tired of realizing I had been watching short after short I didn’t care about by people I’ve never subscribed to. I deleted all social media apps and now just use KZbin on my smart TV where you can’t get sucked into the stupid shorts.

[@walkerstandard2373]

The videography, editing, audio are so on point. This felt like a polished advertisement for me to move to some mountain town!

[@thelifewithnate]

I love this concept of watching someone go for a hike while they talk about KZbin's current affairs and what the future may hold. I think as some of the old guard KZbinrs quit, it may give some of the absolute newbies such as myself hope that we can produce our own value in the creator ecosystem as bad as that sounds. I believe the thing that will get you far is just one thing: consistency. My videos are absolute trash since I started a week ago, but I'm chugging along and treating it as a learning experience for myself. I want to be consistent with it and actually develop it into a solid channel.

[@kenfoley509]

I started watching you when you lived in Florida along with watching Brian and Alex. I still follow all three of you and I will continue to watch you guys. Many channels have come and gone. I will continue to watch the three of you until you retire.

[@darojos]

Good luck with the changes. I really appreciate these insights into BP and KZbin.

[@merlincultofficial3235]

I absolutely love the fridge analogy that is the best way to describe the way KZbin has evolved

[@Clayton-markisich]

Been watching your videos for years have not gotten bored keep it up!

[@jeremyc1307]

Seth thank you for your honesty and transparency. You have my support! I always look forward to new videos on your channel and now you have given us even more content to enjoy and learn from.

[@davem6749]

Too many ads both from KZbin and the creators makes it unwatchable without adblockers. Especially when you're advertising obvious scams like kamikoto knives or established titles.

[@leehchris888]

Thank you for your prospective on this issue! "Watch time" as being their highest value, explains the low quality long content that's been coming out on other channels.

[@marloncoleman2359]

Seth, you’re so polished I forget I’m watching a KZbin channel!

[@Adr_Jim]

95% of the time I watch your videos start to finish I really love your work thank you!

[@nalder4x4runnerfamilyoverl93]

Well done Seth. I look forward to seeing what you have planned for 2024. I am all for this new move.

[@ricardodias5171]

Just want to say, thanks for the Substack website, and what a clean one. Congrats for the team that made the website.

[@chrisdewey991]

Thanks for adapting and keeping the videos coming. Love your content 💯

[@rotaxtwin]

Thanks for the insight. I had noticed changes with the length of videos but your detailed explanation is much appreciated.

[@massimmortal6782]

Only Seth could make a 12 minute video about KZbin's algo and structure changes and keep people engaged lol. Keep up the good work, legend!

[@markmoreno7295]

Some of like to relax. After a hard day’s work, a la Pipin, we like to kick back and enjoy living vicariously. Thanks for making the effort to provide.

[@christinagreen9795]

Once I found your channel after trying mtb once I then went to watch every video you made. I now keep up consistently and barely ride. I enjoy your content, I enjoy the learning, and I enjoy something different. But kind of the same. Thanks for the commitment and great content ✌🏾

[@roccoburns8886]

Loved watching your stuff over the last four or so years , I guess a lot of KZbin guys have seen their business grow very quickly to a point where as you say your outgoings are getting bigger as well. The crux of the problem is that your channel relies on being under the thumb of the most corrupt and controlling of companies and we need a lot more platforms.Good luck and don’t stop.

[@josholivarez3804]

when i first started watching you it was because i was new to MTB around COVID time. bikes were flying off the shelf, people's only options were buying the high end bikes that were left behind. you could sell your used bike for nearly 2x the amount. I started watching you more and more and mainly because you do such good work. You take the time for the transitions the splicing of videos, everything. it reminds me of an HGTV show with out commercials lol. all Love over here seth!

[@asewamu]

I’m a simple man, I see a new BermPeak video, I watch it start to finish!

[@bhag4444]

It’s funny, I started watching your channels a couple of years ago. I have had zero interest in mountain biking. I found the way you made videos interesting and I learned about random things(your garage build was one of my favorites). However you adapt, you’ll continue to be very successful. And I’ll continue to support. Awesome work brother !!

[@GentleRacer7061]

From watching Seth's bike hacks to berm peak i have always enjoyed your content, i love waking up checking if my favorite youtuber uploaded. Thanks Seth

[@erick1076]

this explains why ive seen all my normal channels do 20+ minutes videos lately

[@joseppedaia3673]

its my first video after months (maybe even a year) at your channel. And only after actively searchingfor it, after remembering, that there was something sometime ago :D The fridge algorithm definetly has decided, that MBT itsn't for me anymore (granted, I'm a roadie, but even that slimmed down). Case in point

[@lollipop8319]

The thing is your content have changed so much since a year back and tbf it's not what I watch for anymore

[@aaronm175]

The vibe of this video is top notch

[@cyclingpinoy5803]

it's good to know what's really going on..nice of you to lay the whole picture and offer some alternative to adapt..well, change is what's constant around. Good to know your innovative towards towards your video content somehow directly proportionate to incentives on social media. God bless.

[@jafranswa]

Love your channel and ill be crossing all available appendages for yalls success =D

[@seanlipinski3363]

Thanks for the update. Been wondering what's been going on and your explanation was appreciated. I've been skipping lots of videos from creators I enjoy recently as I don't have 1hr to watch. I miss the 10-20min videos. Found they were a sweet spot for enough info and entertainment and something I can enjoy when I have gaps in between all the other stuff going on.

[@mygamertag2010X]

I saw this 2 weeks ago by being part of Berm Peak's substack 😂

[@ericmosher6969]

Ah, thanks for the explenations. I wondered why all my channels were posting hour long stuff. much of it boring.

[@bikesandbeyond618]

Liking your compilation video of flip bike projects and the Key West trip (even though I've probably watched them all before)... Thank you for your insight on KZbin and the strategy adjustments for creators.

[@sixstringsandthetruth3891]

I've been watching you since the "will the walmart fatbike float?" days......sometimes I learn something, but its more about entertainment. You've got a good personality for this, great delivery, and the production is great!

[@streddaz]

That was about the same time I started too.

[@davidpalk5010]

KZbin is a business. They will do whatever is necessary to optimise revenue. They have all the stats and are constantly monitoring, so that the necessary changes can be made at the earliest opportunity. This keeps the highest possible revenue flowing in. Creators and viewers are just units of revenue generation and therefore collatoral. It's that simple.

[@robwasnj]

Funny how an MTB channel explained the youtube changes in such a clear way unlike anywhere else! As others have said we enjoy your videos long or short and all different topics, just so well done.

[@Rin-oo9pf]

Here in Germany a YT went though the trouble of making two shorts, beginning identical but one ending with pictures of bread and one ending with a high quality music video. Part of the fun was getting it in the shorts and waiting to find out which one your getting. Many got the bread on tictock and music on yt😂

[@matth8924]

I’m still going to comment for the algorithm.

[@andybidlingmaier4466]

Seth thank you for enlightening us about the new way You tube is changing things for us and you. Glad you're hanging on. I watch a few others that haven't been adding content and I was wondering what was going on. Take care of the shoulder, by the way it doesn't get any easier, at 70 those aches and pains from odd twists and turns are everyday life. Be well.

[@Atopper]

I have the same Shimano tumbler that all the decals have scrapped off too.

[@thirstygreek]

Love that trail! Don’t love the multiple water crossings I hit when I do the loop I roll in there though. They should build a bridge there :)

[@416jr]

Always supported berm peak since day 1

[@stevekoz]

Excited to see you at the off road games in March!

[@Mrtallguy76]

Really insightful video Seth, thanks for the transparency.

[@morinpatmorin1]

Thanks for that thoughtful and informative video. I did enjoy it and learned something! Good luck with the transition.

[@LaNiBa]

I truly admire you as a person Seth. Your values and principles are what you should read in the dictionary under "common decency" Been following you for a good 7-8 years now and I've seen you grow. So thankfull for your explanations like this video which makes you transparent for your audience. Keep spreading your message and keep on staying true to you!

[@Sirmellowman]

I would LOVE to see more stuff with Alex!! you guys are the best pairing ever

[@bermchasin]

Hope the shoulder heals up soon! Im not quitting yt anytime soon. Im happy to be a loser in the game and dont get ad rev anyway.

[@GREYWOLFbike]

Thank you for putting this video together. Despite many (many) technical challenges in 2023, I attempted to put out a new video each week. However, by the end of the year I found my videos were not up to the quality I want on my channel. Ironically I made an explanation video which also experienced technical difficulties. So while my channel has gone dark and will remain so until I’m able to put out the kind of content I really want, I just wanted to say ‘thank’ for being my voice as well as many other creators I’m sure. - all the best

[@jaredhenderson1137]

This explains why I’ve seen a lot of longer videos being posted by creators I subscribe to. Not ideal for me. I prefer videos in the 10-20min range. Longer than that and it feels like too much of a commitment. If my favorite creators need to post longer videos to keep making their living, I’ll watch them and even just put them on in the background. But it’s not my preferred scenario. I’d much rather see shorter videos posted more often. Even if they were the same topic with a part 1, part 2, etc.

[@_ToDesk]

Im still waiting for the flip bike video Mr Seth

[@mtb246]

I quite like the long format videos, once they are purposeful.

[@joeyhebert9881]

brilliant! thanks for posting.

[@brianrivasoconer5543]

I like all your videos , they help me alot ..thankyou

[@slimdog72]

Well said Seth and thanks for the update.

[@MTBRideFree]

I have been trying to grow my channel. I told myself that it would be just for fun if it made me money, then great. But because of that, I have been going for three years and have only 500+ subscribers. I put up content when I feel like it. Also, got to spend money to make money. But the watch time is what is crazy to hit. Thanks for the epic content.

[@npsmediasolutions]

That B roll was so good :)

[@thelifewithnate]

Maybe that's the key to a lot of good videos! B-Roll footage with a small voiceover while you narrate your own videos and then having the camera turn back to you. An interesting tactic that I should implement as a new KZbinr, cheers!

[@npsmediasolutions]

@@thelifewithnate Seth could do a video about a bin bag and it would be entertaining to watch.

[@ВладиславСаркисов-г9ж]

I do love your videos, so hope you succeed with your channel.

[@SchusterLagoon]

There are a number of YT channels that I used to watch religiously that I just don't bother with any more, because I don't want to commit to watching an hour long video. 10-15 minutes is my threshold for what I want out of YT. I understand that they keep changing the structure, and creators have to adapt, but for me if all of the content on YT becomes longer format than what I want to watch, I'll just find something else to do.

[@J0eBl0e]

Thanks for the inside-baseball

[@fernandorosales2789]

Having seen the Second Thought take on this makes me notice the important bits missing here.

[@NotBull068]

My favorite local bike shop just closed out of nowhere last week :(

[@General1Cal]

I had no clue about any of those mountain bike site or channels.

[@xaviermann9963]

Thanks for explaining the situation. You did great videos on the Kent Trouvaille and Ozark Trail Ridge. How about showing the Schwinn Axum DP some love. But then again, the bike only comes in a large frame, so maybe not.

[@xoxoxoxo9988]

Seth keep going you are so entertaining and you care in about what is hapening to us wiewers

[@robertjosephgiarrusso5018]

I see a KZbin video on recomended that I actually want to watch once a week

[@jdowls9538]

I've never understood the "idea" of watching KZbin the way I scroll shorts; that is, letting KZbin recommend everything to watch. I do scroll through the "home" list and add videos I think I'll like to a playlist. But, for the most part, that playlist is all subscribed channels' videos I think I'll like. I'll scroll through my "home" list then the "subscriptions" page, add all the videos Im interested in watching to a playlist, sort by oldest to newest, and watch.

[@featuredodger]

Thoughtful as always, engaging and interesting. Appreciate the work you put into your content. I’ll check out your substack when you launch.

[@TJay05]

Speaking about bad habits, I started smoking cigarettes this year at 32 yo.... Told myself I would quit before I'm 35 or else I can no longer call myself a man . sooner I quit the better but us humans are dopamine junkies. Need a new bike lol when I ride I smoke way less... Thx for the updates on YT algorithms and keep up the good work!

[@Zaza81FCK]

Thanks for this Seth 🤙

[@mikeboynton7550]

Long form Berm Peak content? Ya I’d pay for that!

[@jeffersonsanchez5972]

Thank you for creating some amazing content worth watching. Never give up fight the machine 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@cynic5581]

The creators implementation of mid roll ads makes a difference for me. If they are set to not skippable the video will need to REALLY good for me not to bail midway. I’m not going to make it through this one. 😂

[@LOZUPONEJ]

10 min is the sweet spot

[@c_m3redith691]

as a long time viewer I'd love to see some long form content

[@philherb3843]

And I was wondering why KZbin got so boring lately. Normaly, I play games after work, or, when I am too tired, watch YT. But now, I don't know what to do. When watching YT, I have my news on the other screen or even 9gag parallel to YT.

[@Ben-kg9gp]

Also, can we just talk about the fact that after an adpocalypse, the ads are now more explicit than any of the content banned in the adpocalypse

[@KingofNY12345]

Some incredible shots in this video

[@anthonycroff7030]

Your footage is amazing. What kind of rig are you shooting this on? Also, I'm interested in the audio capture too!

[@_MrSnrub]

Seth's Hike Hacks confirmed?

[@mikefas5406]

One of my favorites is when you learned to ride the unicycle. 😁

[@knowwhey7559]

I'm willing to bet that many of the people leaving, were of the opinion that things like TV, retail stores, desktop computers, etc all died because they couldn't adapt. And here they are leaving because they can't adapt. It's poetic. Life lesson #1: No one owes you a living and nothing is forever.

[@itr0863]

spot on