Upload Hacks for YouTube That Waste Your Time
The internet is filled with so-called “experts” who promise to unlock YouTube success with secret hacks. Unfortunately, many of these strategies are outdated, ineffective, or flat-out wrong. Let’s clear up some of the most common myths about uploading YouTube videos and dive into what actually works.
Myth #1: Rename Your Video File for SEO Magic
One of the longest-standing myths in the YouTube world is that naming your video file with SEO keywords will boost its performance. Some claim that giving your file a descriptive name like “best-dog-training-tips.mp4” will help YouTube rank your video higher in search results.
The truth? This myth was debunked over six years ago. Experts like Derral Eves, a pioneer in YouTube education, have shown that your file name has no bearing on how YouTube classifies or promotes your video. YouTube’s algorithm focuses on factors like watch time, engagement, and metadata—not the title of your video file.
Myth #2: Unlisted Videos Hurt or Help Performance
You may have heard conflicting advice about uploading your videos as “unlisted” before making them public. Some people say this gives you a head start on views, while others warn it can hurt your video’s reach.
The truth? Neither is accurate. Uploading as unlisted won’t harm or improve your video’s performance. YouTube has explicitly stated that this doesn’t affect your reach. However, uploading as private is often the better choice. This allows you to fully optimize your video with tags, descriptions, cards, and end screens before it goes live, and you can schedule it for a specific release time.
Myth #3: YouTube Places Ads in Awkward Spots
Another common misconception is that YouTube might insert ad breaks in the middle of your video in a way that disrupts the viewer experience.
The truth? YouTube places ads strategically to maximize viewer retention and revenue. The platform benefits when viewers stay engaged, so there’s no incentive to place ads awkwardly. That said, you can manually select ad placements to ensure they align seamlessly with your content flow.
Myth #4: Tags No Longer Matter
YouTube has stated that tags have minimal impact on a video’s performance, leading some creators to think they’re completely useless.
The truth? While tags aren’t as influential as they once were, they still serve a purpose. Tags can help YouTube understand your content and connect it with related videos. Use them strategically to interlink your channel, playlists, and video topics. This can potentially improve the chances of your videos being suggested alongside one another.
Myth #5: Add Videos to Long or Random Playlists
Many creators believe that simply adding their videos to playlists is enough to increase watch time.
The truth? Playlists only work if they’re strategic. Instead of dumping videos into large, generic playlists, create binge-worthy playlists with clear, engaging titles. A well-structured playlist can appear in search results, on the homepage, or in suggested videos, encouraging viewers to watch more of your content.
What Actually Works on YouTube?
Now that we’ve debunked the myths, let’s talk about what really drives results:
Plan Your Title and Hook Before Filming
Your video’s title and opening 30 seconds are crucial. A clear, curiosity-driven title paired with a strong hook will keep viewers watching until the end.
Focus on Content Structure
Deliver your insights in a way that’s easy to follow and engaging. If you’re struggling with this, check out my Video Game Plan Mini Course, where I teach a proven structure for creating successful videos.
Create Irresistible Thumbnails
Your thumbnail is your video’s first impression. Make it visually compelling and aligned with your title to grab attention.
Simplify Your Strategy for Long-Term Success
Avoid chasing shortcuts and hacks that don’t stand the test of time. Focus on creating quality, valuable content that resonates with your audience. If you want to learn more about optimizing your video structure for success, visit trenalittle.com/gameplan.
By steering clear of these myths and implementing proven strategies, you’ll build a stronger, more sustainable YouTube presence. Ready to take your channel to the next level? Let’s make it happen!
