YouTube is not a cakewalk at all in 2024! To win the struggle for existence on YouTube, YouTubers need to shrewdly dedicate significant time and effort.
YouTube is an environment for the YouTubers to struggle for their existence in the realm of cracking YouTube’s algorithm and getting seen by the target audience. In the ecosystem of YouTube, only the most adaptable and strategic channels can survive. Discover with TubersMCN how to create YouTube content that goes beyond the click.
The struggle for existence on YouTube mirrors the natural world. To survive, the creators must constantly evolve, crafting engaging content that resonates with their audience and stands out from the ever-growing crowd.
The Struggle for Existence on YouTube
We can directly apply the struggle for existence theory of Charles Darwin to the competitive realm of YouTube. Like an ecosystem, creators fight for survival and success in an environment with limited resources and fierce competition. Let us elaborate how surprisingly the struggle for the existence translates well in the realm of YouTube content creation.
The Components of the Struggle for Existence Theory Applied to YouTube
Here is a breakdown to directly apply the struggle for the existence on YouTube:
| The Components of the struggle for the existence | Different Aspects of YouTube Channel Growth |
| Limited Resources | Limited Viewer Attention |
| Competition | Competition for Views & Subscribers |
| Differential Fitness | Differential Engagement |
| Survival of the Fittest | Channel Growth & Sustainability |
| Adaptation and Variation | Content Evolution & Audience Adaptation |
Limited Resources of Viewer Attention
As in nature, creators are looking for resources on the YouTube environment. Viewer attention is that limited resource which they are struggling for. Viewers have finite time to watch videos, and creators compete for a viewer’s long list of “watch later” content.
Competition for Views and Subscribers
Youtube is not a peaceful garden in which any flower of the channels can burgeon, grow and thrive. The realm is a competitive market in which YouTubers compete fiercely for viewers’ attention. The mentioned competition can be many-sided including niche, content quality, SEO, and acting based on the algorithm.
Differential Engagement in the Struggle for Existence
Since YouTube content is not created equally, only videos resonating the most with YouTube viewers can survive; that is why there is a differential engagement. The following qualities are why some videos are the fittest to survive:
- Triggering Conversations: Videos sparking conversations lead to discussion and comments keeping the viewers hooked.
- Offering Values: Informative or educational content builds credibility with viewers.
- Entertaining and Inspiring: charismatic personalities, humor, and storytelling can make more captivating videos.
Survival of the Fittest Channel
“Fittest” channels in the YouTube ecosystem:
- Grow a loyal audience
- Create content regularly
- Evolve content creation
Evolution of Content Creation in the Struggle for Existence on YouTube
Since YouTube has a dynamic environment changing constantly, successful channels evolve their content compatible with new trends and viewer preferences. Simply put, they tend to:
- Try new formats for creating catchy videos
- React based on the audience feedback
- Jump on Trends to reach new audiences.
The key to survive on the struggle for the existence on YouTube is to adapt, innovate, and strive for viewers’ attention.
The Evolution of YouTube Algorithm Based on Darwin’s Theory
Here is a breakdown to explain the evolution of the YouTube algorithm with Darwin’s theory:
Videos Are Organisms in Darwin’s Theory
Unique characteristics of videos including length, content genre, thumbnail, title, etc. How viewers engage i.e. their watch time, comments, and shares is influenced by these characteristics.
YouTube is the Environment in Darwin’s Theory
The goal of the YouTube environment is reaching the audience and keeping them engaged to watch more.
Algorithm Is the Selection Process in Darwin’s Theory
YouTube algorithm promotes videos with higher engagement. In other words, the algorithm selects which content to appear in recommendations, search results, etc and to survive.
The videos with more engagement provide data for the algorithm to learn from. So the videos with less views need struggling to survive.
Variations Are the Mutations in Darwin’s Theory
Once the creators are ever-experimenting with video formats, thumbnails, and titles just like the mutations in genes. Those variations being suited better with viewers, lead to higher engagement.
The Algorithm Adapts
The algorithm learns from user reactions to detect the features that keep users engaged. That is how the video ecosystem on YouTube is shaped.
| Natural Selection | YouTube Algorithm |
| Stronger organism being thrived | Videos with high engagement getting promoted |
| Environment favoring the traits for survival | Algorithm favoring the characteristics for user retention |
| Ongoing process of evolution | Ongoing process of YouTube evolution |
| Adaptation of the organisms to environment | Adaptation of video styles adapt favoring user preferences |
Bottom Line: the Struggle for Existence on YouTube
The YouTube environment is a competitive marketplace. In this environment, YouTubers are on the struggle for existence so that they can reach the audience. Now you understand the ecosystem of this platform, you can adapt your content survive. So, grab your camera, unleash your creativity, and embark on your YouTube adventure! Never ever be afraid to experiment!
## Wow, this is amazing!
This article really blew my mind. I had no idea. You totally changed my perspective on Darwinism
Thanks for sharing such a well-written and insightful piece! This is exactly the kind of content I love to see.