If you’re starting a YouTube channel, one of the first instincts might be to share it with the people closest to you—your friends, family, and immediate network. After all, they’ll probably be supportive, right? While that’s true, it might not be the best strategy for building a successful channel. In a recent video by Live Video School (watch here), they make a compelling case for letting YouTube do the heavy lifting instead of relying on your immediate circle for initial growth.
I couldn’t agree more.
Let YouTube Do Its Thing
The YouTube algorithm is designed to identify and recommend content to the right audience—people who are actually interested in the type of videos you’re creating. When you share your channel with friends and family, you’re essentially skewing those early signals. Even if they watch your videos, they might not be engaging with them in the way your target audience would.
For example:
- Your friends might watch your video out of courtesy but not fully engage.
- They might not like, comment, or share it because they’re not the ideal audience.
- This lack of authentic interaction could make YouTube think your content isn’t resonating, slowing down organic discovery.
Instead of forcing growth, let YouTube work its magic. Focus on creating valuable, engaging, and niche-specific content. The algorithm will naturally push your videos to the right viewers over time.
Grow Organically Before Going Heavy on Promotion
Another point is to avoid heavily promoting your channel on your website or other platforms too early. And this advice applies not just to YouTube, but also to music, art, or any creative endeavor. The reasoning is simple: early impressions matter. If your channel, website, or music feels underdeveloped or lacks focus, you risk losing potential long-term followers.
By letting your channel grow organically, you have time to:
- Find your style and voice.
- Build a solid backlog of content.
- Identify what resonates with your audience.
Once your channel starts to establish itself, then you can feature it on your website or actively promote it. At that point, you’ll have the confidence that new visitors will see polished content with a clear value proposition.
The Same Goes for Music
As someone deeply involved in music creation, I’ve found that this advice holds true in the music world as well. It can be tempting to blast your new single or album to everyone you know, but it’s often more effective to let the music speak for itself. Focus on platforms like Spotify or Bandcamp, which have their own algorithms and discovery tools, to help you reach listeners who genuinely vibe with your style.
Let your music grow its own roots before you shout it from the rooftops. Build a foundation of organic fans who truly connect with your sound. When the time is right, you’ll know when to start promoting heavily.
Patience Pays Off
Building anything—a YouTube channel, a music career, or a creative project—takes time. Avoid the shortcuts, trust the process, and let the platforms you’re working on do what they’re designed to do. Focus on creating quality content, and the right audience will find you.
What’s your take? Have you experienced the benefits (or pitfalls) of early promotion? Let’s discuss in the comments or on social media.
Check out the full Live Video School video here for more insights!
