Low Views? Don't Give Up! Why Your Passion is More Important Than the Numbers

Many YouTubers, from large channels to smaller ones, are reporting significantly lower viewing figures, which inspired me to write this. It’s an attempt to encourage creators to persevere – and, honestly, a motivation for me as well.

It's a familiar pang, isn't it? You've just poured hours into planning, filming, editing, and uploading your latest YouTube video. You hit publish, full of hope, only to watch the view counter tick slowly – or sometimes, not at all. Maybe your recent uploads are underperforming compared to previous ones, or perhaps you're just starting and finding it hard to gain traction. The doubt creeps in, whispering: "Is it even worth it?" "Should I just stop?"

We've all been there. It's human to want validation, to see our efforts rewarded. The YouTube algorithm can feel like a fickle friend, boosting some content and seemingly ignoring others. It's easy to get caught up in the comparison game, looking at channels with millions of subscribers and feeling utterly insignificant.

But before you consider throwing in the towel, let's hit pause and recalibrate. Let's rewind to the very beginning.

Why Did You Start?

For many of us, especially those sharing our hobbies, passions, and unique interests, the answer isn't "to get rich," "to become famous," or even "to make a living."

It's about passion. It's about sharing.

• You wanted to document your woodworking projects.
• You loved talking about your favourite video games.
• You had a unique travel experience to share.
• You were excited to show off your latest knitting pattern.
• You wanted to share your knowledge of historical trivia.
• You simply enjoyed the creative process of making videos.

If your primary motivation isn't monetisation or mass appeal, why are you letting view counts dictate your joy and dedication?

Your YouTube Channel: A Digital Scrapbook, A Creative Outlet

Think about the sheer pleasure you get from your hobby itself. That feeling doesn't diminish because only ten people watched your tutorial on how to build a birdhouse, or because your review of a niche board game didn't hit thousands of views. The process itself – the planning, the learning, the doing – is often the greatest reward.

Your YouTube channel, in this light, becomes so much more than a quest for virality. It's your digital scrapbook, a personal archive of your passions. It's a creative outlet where you can experiment, learn new skills (both related to your hobby and to video production), and express yourself without the pressure of external metrics.

Redefining Success Beyond the Numbers

When you're driven by passion, success takes on a different meaning.

• Success is the joy of creation itself. The satisfaction of bringing an idea to life.
• Success is that single comment from someone who says your video helped them, inspired them, or simply made their day.
• Success is the growth you experience – becoming a better storyteller, a more skilled editor, a more confident presenter.
• Success is building a small, dedicated community around your specific interest, no matter how niche.
• Success is having a growing library of content that reflects your journey and can be a source of personal pride for years to come.

Imagine the future you, looking back at all the videos you've created. Would you regret making them because they didn't get enough views, or would you cherish the memories, the skills, and the connection they represent?

So, What To Do When Views Are Low?

Keep creating. Keep sharing.

1. Re-connect with your "why." Remind yourself of the original passion that sparked your channel.
2. Focus on the process, not just the outcome. Enjoy the journey of making videos.
3. Engage with the community you do have. Even if it's just a handful of loyal viewers, they are real people who appreciate your content. Respond to comments, build relationships.
4. Experiment and learn. Use this time to refine your craft, try new editing techniques, or explore different angles of your hobby.
5. Don't compare. Your journey is unique. Focus on your own growth and satisfaction.

Your journey on YouTube, especially as a hobbyist, is a marathon of passion, not a sprint for numbers. Don't let the algorithm or the fleeting nature of view counts steal the genuine joy you get from sharing what you love.

Keep uploading, keep inspiring, and keep enjoying the incredible process of bringing your passions to life. Your passion is your greatest view count.