So you wanna build a community on YouTube?
Sep 30, 2024 – [[read-time]] minute read
Being a YouTube creator isn't just about making videos and racking up views and subscribers - it's about building a community of fans who truly connect with you and your content. Think of your channel as your own little corner of the internet where you can share your interests and passions while connecting with a global audience who cares about the same things you do. So, how do you transform casual viewers into a tight-knit community of fans who come back to you and your channel again and again? We’re sharing our top tips to help you build a thriving community on YouTube.
Keep the Conversation Going in the Comments
The comments section is your virtual hangout spot. Reply to comments, answer questions, and start conversations like you would with your IRL friends! It's your chance to show your viewers that you're a real person who cares about what they have to say. Don't be shy about asking questions in your videos to get the conversation flowing or pin a comment to highlight something important. You’ll have moderation tools to help you set the tone of your comments in YouTube Studio..
Try this: See a comment that sparks a video idea? Try replying with a Short to use the comment as a starting point for a new video. If you’re low on time, even just tapping the heart on a viewer’s comment can help show your appreciation. Every little interaction counts!
Engage Between Uploads with Posts
Posts are your way to share the fun stuff that happens behind the scenes and keep in touch with your audience in between videos. Think polls where your viewers can vote on what kind of videos they want you to make next, sneak peeks of your next merch drop, quizzes, bloopers, celebrations, and more! Tease your upcoming videos, give shoutouts to your fans, showcase fanart, or just share a funny story or meme. It's all about making your viewers feel like they're part of your world so they can go from casual watchers to dedicated fans. Remember: posts can be shown to a wider audience than just your subscribers, so this is your opportunity to nurture your connection with both casual and dedicated viewers, helping them get to know you.
Try this: Next time you’re filming, try snapping a behind the scenes photo and uploading it as a post to let your audience know what’s coming next. Many times, viewers actually prefer less polished content, so keep things casual and don’t worry about making your posts picture perfect.
Get to Know Your Audience on Live
Going live is a tried and true way to deepen your connection with your audience, and bonus: no editing required! Once live, you can host a Q&A, stream with a friend, teach a class, play a game, or even just chill and chat about your day in a relaxed, informal setting. Hanging out with your fans on live will bring your community closer together and help your audience get to know the real you. Cultivate a supportive, loyal community by including inside jokes, traditions, or your signature catchphrase in your stream. Whether you want to use the YouTube mobile app, a webcam, or an encoder to live stream, you have options when it comes to choosing how to connect with your audience in real-time.
Try this: Going live right before you Premiere a new video is a great way to build excitement and anticipation with your audience. Just turn on Live Redirect in YouTube Studio, select your Premiere, and your viewers will automatically be sent to your new video’s Premiere at the end of your live stream.
Reward Your Loyal Fans with Channel Memberships
Channel memberships let your biggest fans support you by joining your channel with a monthly membership fee. You can offer your members special perks like exclusive members-only videos, Shorts, posts, and live streams as well as custom emojis to help show that you appreciate their support. Think of your membership as a VIP club for your most dedicated fans where you can build a thriving community and unlock a new earning opportunity.
Try this: Want to give your viewers a preview of what it’s like to be a member of your channel? Eligible creators can gift up to ten memberships each month— free of charge—during live streams and Premieres, offering fans a 1-month trial experience to experience your perks. If you’re a member of the YouTube Partner Program, you can get started with channel memberships in the ‘Earn’ tab in YouTube Studio.
Remember: building a community is a journey, not a race. So, be patient, be yourself, and enjoy connecting with your viewers as they support you on your creative journey. The more you engage and nurture your community, the stronger your bond will become. Happy creating!
