How to Successfully Launch a YouTube Channel: Insights from MatPat
Published: December 11, 2020
An Insider’s Guide to Launching a Succesful YouTube Channel: Insights from MatPat
Starting a new YouTube channel is both exhilarating and daunting. It demands meticulous planning, methodical execution, and a nuanced grasp of your target audience’s tastes. In this piece, we explore key strategies shared by Matthew Patrick (aka MatPat), the brain behind the eminent channels The Game Theorist and Film Theorists. He sheds light on the tactics that led to an astounding initial success with Film Theorists, netting half a million subscribers in a matter of days following its launch.
Establishing a Compelling Value Proposition
What distinguishes a magnetic new channel that captivates and retains viewers? MatPat identifies the secret sauce as having a robust value proposition that resonates with your viewers, something he notices is overlooked by many content creators. They might launch with sparse content or undefined channel direction, which diminishes the appeal for viewers. Conversely, MatPat champions a strategy of launching with a rich variety of content that sets a clear, engaging tone for what the audience can anticipate in the future.
Aligning with Viewer Preferences
Understanding and aligning with viewer interests is a cornerstone of content optimization, according to MatPat. He stresses the importance of producing content that dovetails with what the audience already enjoys. By interspersing varied types of content and appealing to known preferences, creators can maintain a dynamic and engaging relationship with their audience, thereby reducing the likelihood of losing viewers over time.
Employing Strategic Calls-to-Action
In an interesting take on viewer psychology, MatPat discusses decision fatigue and its implication on call-to-action strategies. Each decision a viewer makes whittles down their mental stamina, which underscores the need for content creators to facilitate an easy decision-making journey for their subscribers. MatPat proposes utilizing psychological cues, reminding viewers about the option to subscribe at different points within the video or during the end slate. This tactic, as he explains, serves to subtly influence the audience’s future actions without demanding immediate commitment.
Addressing Production Challenges
Finally, MatPat touches upon the inherent challenges that come with producing high-quality YouTube content. He underlines that each of his videos is a product of roughly 100 hours of labor, including thorough research, filming, and editing. This dedication to quality underscores the commitment required to produce content that meets the expectations of a discerning YouTube audience.