8 Things You Should NEVER Do AFTER Uploading a YouTube Video
You’ve just uploaded your best video yet. It’s got a great thumbnail, a solid title, and content you’re genuinely proud of. But here’s a secret: there are eight things you might be doing right now that could be silently destroying your video’s chances of success. Most creators don’t realise how these actions can turn potential viral videos into complete flops. I’ve seen it happen, time after time, to small creators who are making the same mistakes. Let’s dive into what you should never do in the first 48 hours after uploading if you want your video to get seen.
1. Watching Your Video Too Soon
Imagine this: you spent six hours editing, uploaded it at 3 p.m. on a Tuesday, and immediately clicked to watch it because you’re excited. You watch 30 seconds, think, “This looks good,” and then close it. Congratulations, you’ve just told YouTube that even you don’t want to watch your video. This can be detrimental, especially for small channels. YouTube has almost no data on your video yet, and if you’re one of the first few viewers and click off early, it signals to YouTube that your video isn’t worth watching. If you need to check your video, watch it all the way through or better yet, wait a few hours and let the real viewers give YouTube the data it needs first.
Additionally, consider this: your initial viewership plays a significant role in determining how YouTube’s algorithm perceives your content. Early engagement metrics like watch time and viewer retention are critical. By jumping the gun and watching your video prematurely, you risk skewing these metrics negatively. Instead, focus on promoting your video to an audience that can provide genuine engagement and insightful feedback. This will help create a more accurate picture for the algorithm to work with.
2. Sharing with the Wrong Audience
I get it. You’re excited and want to share your video with your mom, friends, and co-workers. But unless they’re genuinely interested in your content, sharing it with them can harm your video’s performance. They might click out of love, watch a few seconds, and then click off, which results in poor retention rates. YouTube sees this and thinks, “This video doesn’t work,” and stops showing it to people who might want to watch it. Save the sharing for when you have a proven video.
Instead, focus on finding and engaging with communities that are interested in your niche. Join relevant groups, forums, or social media communities where your target audience hangs out. Share your video there, and you’re more likely to receive views and engagement from people who are truly interested in your content. This can lead to better watch times and more meaningful interactions, which in turn can boost your video’s performance on YouTube.
3. Changing Titles or Thumbnails Too Soon
Panic sets in after a few hours when your video has only 23 views. Maybe the thumbnail isn’t good enough, or you should change the title? Here’s the scoop: changing anything after upload can reset your video’s momentum. YouTube treats it like a brand-new video. I’ve seen creators change just one word in their title and lose all momentum. Give your video time, at least a week or two, to perform before considering any changes.
Patience is key here. It’s important to remember that not every video will take off immediately. Sometimes, it takes a few days or even weeks for YouTube to determine the right audience for your content. Resist the urge to make hasty changes based on initial performance. Instead, use this time to gather data and feedback from viewers to make informed decisions about any adjustments.
4. Deleting Videos Too Early
This one is heartbreaking to see. Many creators delete videos after a week because they only got a handful of views. But videos can randomly take off months later. Deleting early means throwing away potential lottery tickets that could still win. Give every video at least a month unless it’s truly embarrassing or off-brand.
Consider the long game with your content strategy. YouTube offers a platform where content can have a long shelf life, unlike other social media platforms where posts are quickly buried. Embrace this fact and allow your videos the chance to be discovered over time. Some videos may not gain traction immediately, but could find their audience later as your channel grows and attracts more subscribers.
5. Obsessing Over Analytics
Stop checking your analytics every 20 minutes. It’s tempting, but it doesn’t help. Early data can be chaotic and misleading. If your channel is small, your data set is too tiny to draw meaningful conclusions. Respond to comments initially, but then step away and come back after a few days to assess performance.
Instead of obsessively checking analytics, redirect your energy towards creating more content and engaging with your audience. Building a successful YouTube channel is a marathon, not a sprint. As you produce more videos, you’ll have more data to analyse, which will give you better insights into what works and what doesn’t. Use this information to refine your content strategy over time.
6. Buying Views
Just $5 for 1,000 views sounds tempting when you’re stuck at 47 subscribers. Don’t do it. Buying views can tank your channel. Bot views confuse the algorithm and teach it to show your content to the wrong audience, resulting in poor retention and performance.
Instead, invest your resources and efforts into organic growth strategies. Engage genuinely with your community, collaborate with other creators, and focus on improving your content quality. These efforts might take more time than purchasing views, but they will create a loyal audience that values your content and supports your growth.
7. Spreading Yourself Too Thin Across Platforms
After uploading, it might seem efficient to post your video across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and more. But each platform rewards different behaviours. Focus on mastering one platform first. Trying to master all at once leads to mediocrity across the board.
Concentrate on building a strong presence and understanding the intricacies of one platform before expanding to others. Each platform has unique algorithms, audience behaviours, and content formats. By mastering one, you can develop a solid foundation and transferable skills that will benefit you when you decide to branch out.
8. Ignoring the Importance of Comment Moderation
Your comment section in the first few hours is crucial. Negative top comments can create a snowball effect. Engage with positive comments early to set a good tone. Guide the conversation by asking specific questions in your video to encourage constructive engagement.
Actively moderating comments not only creates a positive environment but also encourages more viewers to participate in discussions. A well-managed comment section can foster a sense of community, increase viewer retention, and enhance your channel’s reputation. Responding thoughtfully to comments can also build stronger relationships with your audience and encourage viewers to return to your channel in the future.
Most of these mistakes stem from impatience and anxiety, which I understand. The hardest part about being a small creator isn’t making good content—it’s having the patience to let your content find its audience. Your breakthrough video might be the next one you upload or the 50th. Avoid these pitfalls, and you’ll be in a stronger position to succeed.
For more insights on building a sustainable channel and learning how to handle the mental game of low views, check out my complete three-pillar system that helped me grow from zero to 20,000 subscribers in just six months. And if you’re interested in a unique income opportunity, consider exploring The ‘Anti-9-5’ Income Plan: How I Quit My Job And “Retired” Decades Early! for more information on creating a flexible and rewarding career. This system not only supports your YouTube journey but also opens doors to a fulfilling lifestyle beyond the confines of traditional work.
