If you’ve ever tried to grow your channel on YouTube or just find videos that are actually worth watching, you’ve probably been frustrated by the YouTube algorithm. Let’s be honest—the YouTube algorithm sucks. It’s a harsh reality for many creators and viewers alike. I’m here to break down exactly why that is, what’s wrong with it, and how we might fix it.
YouTube’s recommendation system, once heralded as a game-changer for content discovery, has slowly morphed into a frustrating, often downright broken system. If you’ve felt like your videos aren’t getting enough views, or you’re watching irrelevant videos despite what you’re into, it’s not just you—it’s the algorithm. In this article, I’ll dig into the reasons behind the failings of the YouTube algorithm, how it’s affecting creators, and why the platform might not be the paradise it once was.
The Myth of the Algorithm That ‘Knows You’
Let’s start with the basics. For years, we’ve been told that YouTube’s algorithm is incredibly smart. It learns about your interests and presents videos tailored to your tastes. However, in recent times, the truth has become painfully clear: the YouTube algorithm sucks. Instead of helping you discover meaningful content, it often pushes you into an endless cycle of clickbait, irrelevant recommendations, and recycled trends.
One would think that after years of data, YouTube would have perfected the art of recommending videos. But somehow, the algorithm constantly falls short. It’s like an overenthusiastic robot trying to predict your next move but missing the mark every time. You get suggestions that make no sense—content that has little to do with your interests. If you watch a DIY project video, suddenly you’re getting five different suggestions for unrelated lifestyle videos. And it doesn’t stop there. You’ll be bombarded with videos from creators who aren’t even in your niche or interest area. The YouTube algorithm sucks when it comes to curating relevant content.
Why Small Creators Are Left in the Dust
If you’re a small creator, you’ve probably felt the pain of trying to get noticed. The YouTube algorithm sucks for smaller channels because it rewards big-name creators with millions of subscribers while smaller ones struggle to get any visibility. Even if you’ve worked hard to create great content, the odds are stacked against you.
The algorithm tends to favor well-established channels with large subscriber bases and high engagement rates. This creates a massive barrier to entry for new creators. It’s almost as if YouTube is saying, “We’ve already got the big players. Sorry, you’ll have to fight for scraps.” But even when small creators do manage to get a few views, YouTube’s algorithm often buries their videos in search results, making it difficult to grow their channel organically.
There are other factors that contribute to this. YouTube has become a platform that rewards sensationalism and drama. This means that quality content gets overshadowed by sensationalist titles and eye-catching thumbnails. For creators who are genuinely trying to build an audience based on their passion, the YouTube algorithm sucks because it punishes authenticity and rewards clickbait.
The Hidden Bias of YouTube’s Algorithm
Another issue is the hidden bias within YouTube’s recommendation system. For example, the algorithm often promotes content that appeals to the masses, rather than niche topics. This might seem like a good business strategy, but it leaves certain voices and topics silenced.
This bias is incredibly frustrating for content creators who want to explore unique or less mainstream subjects. In fact, if your video isn’t in line with popular trends, it’s almost impossible to get traction. This lack of variety in recommendations stifles creativity and innovation, and the YouTube algorithm sucks for fostering a diverse content ecosystem.
What’s worse is that this bias isn’t just a minor flaw—it directly impacts who gets to be seen. Channels that don’t cater to the masses struggle to get any exposure at all, despite their potential to offer something different and valuable. The result? A lot of great content never sees the light of day.
The Role of Paid Promotions in the Algorithm
The role of paid promotions is another reason why the YouTube algorithm sucks. The platform has increasingly favored content from creators who pay to promote their videos. Even if a video is poorly made or irrelevant, as long as it’s backed by a hefty advertising budget, it will likely appear in the recommendations of users.
This creates an uneven playing field where content that has little value but a large budget can overtake smaller, organic creators with high-quality work. It’s a massive flaw that alienates creators who can’t afford to pay for visibility. For viewers, this means that the content they see is often diluted and overly commercialized, full of ads or promoted videos that lack originality.
How You Can Fight Back Against the Algorithm
So, what can you do as a small creator or an everyday YouTube user who’s fed up with the platform’s broken system? Here are a few things to consider:
-
Diversify Your Content: The more content you create that caters to your niche, the more likely YouTube will start recognizing you as a source for relevant videos. But, make sure to stay authentic. Authenticity is one thing YouTube can’t fake.
-
Engage with Your Audience: Engagement matters. YouTube’s algorithm takes engagement into account when promoting videos, so reply to comments, ask for feedback, and encourage interaction.
-
Utilize Other Platforms: If the algorithm keeps letting you down, try branching out to other platforms, like TikTok, Instagram, or even Reddit. These platforms often have less restrictive algorithms that let smaller creators thrive.
-
Stay Consistent: While the algorithm may be frustrating, consistency is key. Posting regularly and optimizing your content for SEO can still help boost your visibility in the long run.
-
Challenge the System: Use the power of the community to challenge YouTube’s algorithm. There’s strength in numbers. Engage in discussions, create petitions, and keep pushing for a more balanced recommendation system.
Conclusion: The YouTube Algorithm Needs a Major Overhaul
In the end, the YouTube algorithm sucks—and there’s no getting around it. It’s not just a minor inconvenience; it’s a fundamental problem that needs fixing. From its inability to recommend relevant content to its bias against small creators and over-reliance on paid promotions, YouTube has a long way to go before it can claim to be the ideal platform for creators and consumers alike.
As creators, we need to adapt and find workarounds, but that doesn’t mean we should accept the current state of things as permanent. The platform needs to listen to its users and make changes that actually prioritize quality content over popularity contests. Until that happens, the algorithm will continue to suck—but that doesn’t mean we can’t still make our voices heard.
FAQ Section
1. Why does the YouTube algorithm suck for small creators?
The YouTube algorithm favors larger channels with millions of subscribers, making it difficult for small creators to gain visibility. Smaller creators often find their videos buried or ignored by the platform.
2. Does paying for ads help your videos get more views?
Yes, paying for promotions can help increase visibility. However, it also means that creators with bigger budgets may get prioritized over those creating organic, high-quality content.
3. How can I beat the YouTube algorithm?
Focus on creating engaging, consistent, and authentic content. Engage with your audience, optimize for SEO, and use multiple platforms to diversify your reach.
4. Is the YouTube algorithm biased?
Yes, there is evidence that the YouTube algorithm favors mainstream content over niche or independent voices. This bias can hinder the discovery of diverse content.
5. Why does YouTube recommend irrelevant videos?
YouTube’s algorithm often pushes irrelevant or sensationalized content in an effort to increase engagement. This can result in poor recommendations that don’t match your interests.
6. Can I trust YouTube’s recommendations?
Not always. The algorithm is far from perfect, and you might find that it suggests content that doesn’t align with your interests. It’s often driven by factors other than content relevance.
