YouTube Community
What is a YouTube community?
A YouTube community refers to a group of individuals or businesses who connect through shared interest in a specific YouTube channel, topic or creator. This community often engages with each other through comments, likes and shares, and may even form their own sub-communities within larger channels.
Having a YouTube community is essential in terms of YouTube marketing because it helps businesses build brand awareness, increase engagement and more.
Since the platform's launch in 2005, the greater YouTube community has grown exponentially, with more than 2.5 billion monthly active users as of 2023.
The evolution of YouTube communities has been shaped by changes in YouTube's algorithms, the rise of influencer marketing, and the emergence of new content formats.
What makes up a YouTube community
A YouTube community is made up of the following:
Creators: the individuals or brands who produce and publish YouTube content.
Viewers: the people who watch and engage with YouTube content.
Comments: this form of engagement is how viewers and creators interact with one another by leaving feedback, asking questions or sharing thoughts and insights.
Subscriptions: viewers can subscribe to channels they like in order to receive notifications, get regular updates and become a part of that YouTube community.
Engagement: likes, shares, and comments are all forms of engagement that help build a sense of community on the platform.
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Benefits of building a YouTube community
Building a YouTube community can be an effective part of your social media marketing efforts for the following reasons:
Increased visibility: By regularly sharing content and engaging with theYouTube community, businesses will reach a wider audience and increase their visibility online.
Brand awareness: Building a presence on YouTube helps businesses establish brand awareness and recognition among their target audience.
Authentic relationships: Businesses who engage with their YouTube community have the chance to build an authentic connection with followers built on shared values, credibility and trust.
Valuable feedback: The YouTube comments section allows for real-time feedback from viewers, which can help businesses improve their products or services.
Influencer marketing opportunities: Through their YouTube community, brands can find influencers to partner with who will help them reach new customers by tapping into the influencer’s audience.
Challenges of building a YouTube community
One potential challenge of building a YouTube community as part of a wider marketing strategy is standing out in a crowded marketplace. With so many creators and channels on the popular platform, it can be challenging for businesses to differentiate themselves and capture the attention of viewers. To overcome this, you need to consistently create unique, engaging content that stands out from the crowd.
Examples of a successful YouTube community
A great example of a brand that has successfully built a YouTube community is Red Bull. The energy drink brand has created a range of content—including extreme sports videos, music events and behind-the-scenes footage. Their channel engages with visitors, resulting in a loyal following and a community of over 11 million subscribers.
Best practices for building a YouTube community
If you’re looking to create a YouTube community, it’s worth considering the following:
01. Create quality content: To build a YouTube community, businesses need to create high-quality content that resonates with their target audience.
02. Engage with viewers: Responding to comments and engaging with viewers can help build a sense of community and encourage loyalty among subscribers.
03. Collaborate with creators: Partnering with popular creators can help businesses tap into their audience and reach new customers.
04. Use audience building YouTube features: Utilizing features like hashtags, channel banners and watermarks can help businesses establish a strong presence on the platform.