Picture this: a devoted YouTube community that eagerly awaits each video release, passionately shares your content, and actively engages in meaningful conversations. Sounds like a dream come true, right?
The truth is, building a thriving YouTube community is not only possible, but it’s also the secret weapon behind some of the most successful channels on the platform.
In this blog post, we’ll share six key strategies that we use to help foster an engaged and loyal following, ensuring a channel’s growth and influence continue to rise.
From active community management to tapping into the power of collaboration, these tried-and-tested tactics will propel your YouTube channel to new heights. So, let’s dive in and start building a YouTube community that positions your channel at the forefront of your niche!
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Connect and engage with your audience
Building a loyal and engaged YouTube community starts with connecting and engaging with your audience. By fostering a personal connection with your viewers and giving them access to you, you give them a chance to get to now you and your business more closely. This leads to more loyal supporters and advocates of your channel.
Part of how you do this is by responding to comments on your videos. Answering comments indicates that you appreciate viewers engaging with your content. It also shows that you’re willing to take the time to read and talk with your audience directly.
Responding to comments also shows your passion for your subject matter. If you’re willing to spend time engaging in meaningful discussion around your video topics, that’s a clear demonstration that you’re on YouTube to really have an impact beyond just driving revenue. People notice these things!
Going live
Live streams also provide a great opportunity to engage with your audience in real time. Consider going live on a regular basis to answer audience questions, shout out people by name, and show the more casual, less polished version of yourself and your business.
bonus tip
Swifties? Beliebers? Little Monsters? What do these names all have in common?
They’re built around a specific fandom, forming community and kinship. Giving your community a name creates a fun and inclusive feel, making your audience feel like they are a part of a community of like-minded individuals. Naming your community also gives you a good way to talk to viewers instead of AT them.
Use the YouTube community tab
The YouTube community tab offers creators a unique opportunity to engage with their audience beyond videos by sharing updates, polls, and other relevant content.
Here are some ways to leverage the Community Tab:
- Ask for feedback and opinions: Asking for feedback ensures that the content you’re producing is valuable to the audience.
- Conducting polls and surveys: Create a poll where the audience gets to choose what you shoot next.
- Sharing links to content: You can use the community tab to highlight older pieces of content as they become relevant in the current news cycle.
- Asking for ideas for future posts: A great way to help your viewers feel like they are contributing and to help yourself generate more topics.
- Celebrate Milestones: Share your channel's achievements and milestones with your audience to make them feel like they are part of your success.
- Post Behind-the-Scenes Photos: Share sneak peeks or behind-the-scenes images from your video shoots to give your audience a glimpse of the creative process.
- Announce Contests and Giveaways: Use the Community Tab to announce contests or giveaways, encouraging audience participation and boosting engagement.
Many YouTubers overlook this powerful built-in feature. Utilizing the Community Tab is an effective way to include your audience in your channel’s journey, and show your personality and business beyond just videos.
Deliver valuable and consistent content
Quality content is the foundation for building community on YouTube. Without content that actually delivers real value, you won’t be able to engage and retain viewers. Start by focusing on giving your audience what they want and need. Maybe that’s education, entertainment or a mixture of both.
To create truly valuable content, get to know what your viewers really want. Spend time on forums, social media, and comment sections in your niche. Look for common questions and hot topics, so you can address them in your videos. Being the go-to expert in your field will keep people coming back for more of your valuable insights and perspective.
Be consistent
Once you’ve nailed the quality aspect, it’s time to bring consistency into the mix. Consistency is key to keeping your audience engaged and helping them fit your content into their routine. Stick to a schedule so your audience knows when to expect your content. To help with this, we always suggest creating a content calendar that you can realistically commit to.
By delivering quality content consistently, you’ll not only grab your viewers’ attention. You’ll also build a community that’s eager to consume and engage with your content.
Create a compelling membership program
Did you know that memberships not only offer an exclusive feel to your community but can also financially support your channel?
Paid membership programs generate revenue while providing exclusive perks to your most dedicated fans. Perks can include access to a private chat or Discord server, allowing members to connect personally with each other and the creator. Additionally, you can offer exclusive feeds, emojis, badges, and more.
For example, our client Eckhart Tolle has an exclusive YouTube membership program. The subscription cost is minimal (close to what it costs to buy a cup of coffee) and members get access to the following perks:
Memberships foster a deeper sense of community, creating an space for fans to connect with like-minded individuals. Engage members with interactive content challenges, giveaways, and shoutouts, making your membership program even more enticing.
Team up with other YouTube creators
Collaborating with other creators is a powerful strategy for building and fostering your YouTube community. This approach not only introduces your channel to new audiences but also encourages a sense of unity and collaboration within your niche, making your community more appealing and connected.
Here’s how to collaborate for community growth:
- Research your niche: Find suitable partners who share similar interests and have their own engaged communities. Successful collaborations can merge these communities, creating a larger, more diverse audience for both creators.
- Cross-promote on channels: Organize guest appearances or joint live projects on each other's channels, and share clips on social media to maximize exposure. This collaboration showcases your channel's commitment to fostering community by supporting and engaging with other creators.
- Feature creators in community posts: Sharing links to their latest videos or promoting their products in your Community Tab demonstrates your channel's inclusivity and willingness to collaborate. This can encourage reciprocation and help build relationships within your niche's community.
- Organize collaborations and shoutouts: Working together on projects and acknowledging each other's contributions strengthens the bond between creators and their communities. This joint effort can lead to a more active, engaged, and connected audience.
By collaborating with other creators, you not only expand your channel’s reach but also contribute to building a supportive and thriving community that values collaboration and engagement.
Key takeaways
To build a thriving YouTube community, focus on these five essential strategies: connecting and engaging with your audience, utilizing the YouTube Community Tab, creating valuable and consistent content, developing a compelling membership program, and teaming up with other YouTube creators.
While these are five ways to foster community, remember that there’s always more you can do to strengthen your channel’s presence. Continuously learn, adapt, and improve to keep your community thriving and growing. If you need guidance in developing a strong community on YouTube, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help!
