So, you’re on the hunt for your next big YouTube hit. It’s tempting to latch onto any idea that seems to promise viral success, but hold on – there’s more to it than just chasing numbers. Let’s dive into a smarter approach: leveraging “outliers.”
What’s an Outlier?
In the YouTube world, an outlier is a video that significantly outperforms a creator’s average view count. For instance, if a channel usually gets 200K views per video and suddenly hits 1M views with one video, that’s an outlier. But don’t be fooled – not all outliers are created equal, and replicating them blindly can be a costly mistake.
Think Beyond the View Count
If you want to elevate your video ideas, there are several factors to consider beyond just the number of views. Here’s a deeper look:
1. Was the Outlier Video Also an Outlier on Other Channels?
This step is often overlooked. It’s easy to get excited about an idea that skyrocketed on one channel, but you need to check if it performed similarly on others. If multiple channels see success with a particular idea, it’s more likely to be a strong concept rather than a one-off fluke.
2. Did the Outlier Impact Surrounding Videos?
Tools like ViewStats, VidIQ, SocialBlade, and Playboard can help you analyze whether a viral topic or format positively influenced the channel’s overall growth. The goal isn’t just to create a video that grabs a million views; it’s to find a concept that helps your channel grow consistently.
3. If Replications Underperformed, Was It the Idea or the Execution?
Not all outlier ideas work universally. If others have replicated the idea but failed, consider why. It might not be the idea itself but rather how it was executed. Factors such as seasonality, competition, and video length can all influence an outlier’s potential.
One More Piece of Advice
When hunting for ideas, aim for those with variation potential. You don’t want to keep chasing new outliers; instead, find one that can be adapted into a series. For example, if you have a hit with “I Taught My Grandpa How to Dance,” you can create variations like “I Taught My [Insert Relative] How to Dance” or “I Taught My Grandpa How to [Insert Activity].” This approach keeps your content fresh without constantly reinventing the wheel.
Why This Matters
I’m writing this post because too many creators jump on an idea simply because it succeeded on one channel, often without any further research. This practice is risky and can lead to false conclusions about what will work for your channel.
My goal here is to raise awareness and help you avoid common pitfalls. By considering the broader context and potential of outliers, you can make more informed decisions and create content that not only captures views but also fosters sustainable growth.
So, next time you spot an outlier, don’t just copy it – analyze it, understand it, and adapt it to fit your unique style and audience. This thoughtful approach will set you up for long-term success in the ever-evolving world of YouTube.
Theory of YouTube 