Want more views on YouTube? More money from AdSense? More explosive growth for your channel? Then stop making this one colossal mistake that’s killing your reach before you even hit publish. I’m not talking about thumbnails, SEO, or content quality—this is something far more basic, yet devastating if ignored. And guess what? You’re probably doing it right now.
Let’s break it down with hard data, insider tricks, and a few brutal truths. Because if you’re serious about growing on YouTube, you can’t afford to get this wrong.
The $70,000 Upload Mistake (And Why Your Phone Is Killing Your Views)
Here’s the cold, hard truth: Uploading directly from your phone is a silent view-killer. Why? Because YouTube’s mobile app hides a critical setting—one that determines whether your subscribers even see your new video. Miss this, and your content gets buried before it has a fighting chance.
Belmont (creator of the viral channel Serum) discovered this the hard way. His $70,000 viral video almost flopped because of this one unchecked box. Here’s how to fix it:
- NEVER rely on mobile uploads for final publishing (use it for drafts only).
- On desktop, scroll down to “Publish to subscriptions feed and notify subscribers”—it’s grayed out on mobile!
- Manually check this box before hitting publish. Otherwise, zero notifications go out.
Think of it like sending a party invite but forgetting to tell anyone the address. Your video might be amazing, but if YouTube doesn’t notify your subs, you’re shouting into the void.
The Altered Content Trap (Why "Yes" Destroys Your Reach)
YouTube recently added a sneaky new checkbox: “Altered content.” It sounds harmless, but here’s the kicker—selecting “Yes” tells YouTube’s algorithm to suppress your video. That’s right. One wrong click, and your reach plummets.
Belmont’s rule? Always click “No.” Even if your video includes edits, effects, or AI tools (which almost all do), never flag it as “altered.” YouTube’s algorithm interprets this as low-quality or spammy content. Don’t give it a reason to bury you.
Public vs. Unlisted: The Upload Strategy That Skyrocketed a Channel to $900K
Here’s where most small creators self-sabotage. They upload a video, hit “Public,” and pray for views. Big mistake. Belmont’s $900,000 secret? Always upload as Unlisted first. Here’s why:
- YouTube’s AI needs time to “read” your video. It analyzes visuals, audio, and context to determine who to promote it to. Public videos get thrown into the algorithm blind.
- HD processing takes time. Ever noticed your video looks blurry at first? Unlisted lets it fully render before viewers see it.
- You can perfect metadata later. Descriptions, cards, end screens—rushing these kills retention. Unlisted buys you time.
Pro tip: Even when YouTube claims 4K is “still processing,” it’s usually a glitch. Don’t wait—just ensure HD (1080p) is ready before going public.
Premieres and Scheduling: The Hidden Pitfalls
Scheduling videos seems convenient, but here’s the ugly truth: Many creators report lower performance on scheduled uploads. Belmont avoids it unless absolutely necessary. Why? The algorithm might prioritize manually published videos (though YouTube denies this).
As for Premieres? Skip them. They don’t boost views, and live chats rarely justify the effort. Focus on manual public releases at peak times.
The $1 Million Checklist (Do This Before Hitting Publish)
Ready to stop leaving money on the table? Here’s Belmont’s pre-publish ritual:
| Step | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Upload as Unlisted | Lets YouTube analyze content and process HD |
| Check "Notify Subscribers" | Mobile uploads disable this by default |
| Click "No" on Altered Content | Avoids algorithmic suppression |
| Add mid-roll ads (if monetized) | Forgetting this slashes AdSense revenue |
| Manually switch to Public | Scheduled videos may underperform |
Want to see Belmont’s strategy in action? Watch the original video here:
Final Thought: Your Turn to Dominate YouTube
YouTube isn’s just about content—it’s about systems. The difference between 100 views and 100,000 often comes down to these tiny, overlooked settings. So ask yourself:
- Have you been unknowingly suppressing your own videos?
- Could your upload strategy be the only thing standing between you and viral growth?
- What’s stopping you from implementing these fixes today?
Drop your answers below—let’s debate, troubleshoot, and grow together. And if you’re ready to take your skills to the next level, join us in "The Shining City on the Web". Your next viral video starts here.
P.S. Need gear to up your production game? Check out these must-have tools for creators—all vetted for quality and performance.
Wait! There's more...check out our gripping short story that continues the journey: The Ghost in the Machine
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