How to Find a Small YouTube Channel: Unearthing Hidden Gems

Finding a small YouTube channel feels like discovering a secret speakeasy in a city of mega-clubs. It’s about forging a genuine connection, often before the channel becomes overrun with brand deals and algorithmic pressures. The journey to uncover these hidden gems takes a bit of finesse, a dash of patience, and a willingness to delve beyond the recommended videos that dominate our screens.

So, how do you actually do it? The core strategy lies in leveraging YouTube’s own features and exploring niche communities. This involves crafting specific search queries, utilizing filters effectively, and venturing into less-trafficked corners of the platform. Let’s break it down:

Crafting Ultra-Specific Search Queries

Forget generic searches like “gaming videos.” Instead, think hyper-specific. What kind of gaming are you interested in? “Indie horror game playthroughs” or “retro RPG speedruns” are far more likely to lead you to smaller channels. Use long-tail keywords – phrases that are more specific and less competitive. The more descriptive you are, the more likely you are to bypass the established giants and stumble upon a smaller player. Think about:

• Specific topics: Instead of “cooking,” try “vegan baking for beginners” or “fermented foods recipes.”
• Target audience: “Productivity tips for students with ADHD” is a more precise query than simply “productivity.”
• Unique formats: “Stop motion animation tutorials” or “acoustic guitar covers of 90s songs” will narrow your search considerably.

The Power of YouTube Filters

Once you’ve run your hyper-specific search, the real magic begins: filters. Located usually at the top of the search results page (look for a “Filters” button or icon), these are your secret weapon. Here’s how to use them effectively:

• Upload date: Filter by “This week” or “This month” to find channels that are actively creating content and still relatively unknown. Fresh content often signals a smaller, growing channel.
• View count: This is a crucial filter! Experiment with limiting results to videos with fewer than 100, 1,000, or even 10,000 views. This will drastically reduce the pool and increase your chances of finding nascent creators.
• Duration: Depending on your preference, you might want to filter for short videos (under 4 minutes) or longer videos (over 20 minutes). This can help you find channels that are focused on specific content styles.
• Type: Choose “Channel” if you want to find specific small channels rather than individual videos. This can be hit or miss, but when it hits, it’s gold.

Explore Related Channels and “Up Next”

Once you find a smaller channel you like, dive deeper into their ecosystem. Check out their:

• “Channels” tab: Many creators promote other channels they admire or collaborate with. This is a goldmine for finding similar content and expanding your network.
• Recommended channels: Look at the channels that YouTube recommends to this smaller creator. Often, they’ll be in the same niche and of a similar size.
• Comment sections: Engaging with smaller channels often leads to discovering other creators who are also active in the comments.
• “Up Next” suggestions: After watching a video from a small channel, pay attention to the videos that YouTube suggests next. The algorithm often connects similar, lesser-known creators.

Embrace Niche Communities

YouTube isn’t an island. It’s part of a broader online ecosystem. Venture into:

• Reddit: Subreddits dedicated to specific interests are often hubs for sharing and discovering small YouTube channels. Search for subreddits related to your niche and look for threads where people are promoting or recommending channels.
• Forums and online communities: Similar to Reddit, niche forums are great places to find hidden YouTube gems. Look for forums dedicated to specific hobbies, interests, or industries.
• Discord servers: Many small creators have their own Discord servers where they interact with their audience and promote their content. Joining these servers can be a great way to discover new channels and connect with like-minded people.
• Twitter: Use relevant hashtags to find creators sharing their content and engaging with their audience.

Look Beyond English-Language Content

The English-speaking YouTube world is vast, but also extremely competitive. Consider exploring content in other languages. You might discover amazing creators in smaller, less saturated markets. Even if you don’t understand the language perfectly, subtitles can help, and you might find a unique perspective or content style that you wouldn’t find elsewhere.

Subscribe and Engage!

Once you find a channel you enjoy, the best way to support it (and encourage similar content) is to subscribe, like their videos, leave thoughtful comments, and share their content with others. Engagement tells YouTube that you value the content, which can help the channel grow and reach a wider audience. You are now part of the speakeasy crew.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions related to finding small YouTube channels, answered with the same insightful approach:

1. Why should I bother looking for small YouTube channels?

Beyond the novelty, smaller channels offer a more intimate and authentic experience. You’re more likely to get personalized responses to your comments, witness genuine passion and experimentation, and directly contribute to a creator’s growth. Plus, you might discover the next big thing before everyone else does!

2. How do I know if a channel is “small”? What constitutes a small channel anyway?

There’s no universal definition, but generally, a small channel has under 100,000 subscribers, and ideally under 10,000. However, subscriber count isn’t everything. Focus on engagement (comments, likes) relative to views. A channel with 5,000 subscribers and high engagement might be more “small” than one with 50,000 and low engagement.

3. I’ve tried all these tips, but I’m still only finding big channels. What am I doing wrong?

Be patient! Finding smaller channels takes time and persistence. Refine your search queries, experiment with different filters, and explore different niche communities. Also, remember that YouTube’s algorithm is constantly changing, so what works today might not work tomorrow.

4. Are there any tools or websites that can help me find small YouTube channels?

While there isn’t a single “magic bullet” tool, some websites and browser extensions can help. Look for tools that allow you to filter search results by subscriber count or view count. Also, consider using social media listening tools to track conversations and mentions related to your niche.

5. How can I support small YouTube channels once I find them?

Beyond subscribing and engaging, consider supporting them through Patreon, Ko-fi, or other crowdfunding platforms. Sharing their content with your friends and followers is also a great way to help them grow.

6. Is it okay to contact small YouTube channels directly?

Absolutely! Many smaller creators are happy to connect with their viewers. However, be respectful and professional. Don’t spam them with self-promotion or irrelevant requests. Offer genuine feedback or ask thoughtful questions.

7. How can I avoid wasting time on channels that are inactive or low-quality?

Check the channel’s upload frequency and the quality of their videos. A channel that hasn’t uploaded in months or that consistently produces low-quality content might not be worth your time. Look for channels that are actively creating content and that put effort into their videos.

8. Are there any downsides to following small YouTube channels?

One potential downside is that smaller channels might be less consistent with their uploads than larger channels. They might also have lower production values or less polished content. However, these are often trade-offs for the authenticity and connection you get with smaller creators.

9. How do I know if a small YouTube channel is trustworthy or credible?

Use your critical thinking skills. Look for evidence of expertise or experience in their niche. Check their sources and fact-checking. And be wary of channels that make outlandish claims or promote scams.

10. Can I use these strategies to find small channels on other video platforms, like Vimeo or Twitch?

Yes! The same principles apply to other video platforms. Use specific search queries, explore niche communities, and look for channels with low view counts and high engagement.

11. What if I want to start my own small YouTube channel?

Go for it! The world needs more authentic voices. Focus on creating high-quality content that you’re passionate about, and be patient. Building a channel takes time and effort.

12. Will small YouTube channels stay small forever?

Not necessarily! Some small channels will eventually grow into larger channels, while others will remain small and focused on a niche audience. The important thing is to enjoy the journey and support the creators you believe in, regardless of their size.