Here’s a really easy way to get more engagement on your YouTube channel. Use the Community Tab.

If you’ve been surfing the YouTube wave for a while but are still struggling to find that magic elixir for channel engagement, I have good news for you: YouTube has already provided a game-changer. It’s called the Community Tab.

What is the Community Tab?

First things first—let’s talk about what the Community Tab is. It’s that tab you see running along the top of your YouTube channel page, snuggled between the “Videos” and “Playlists” tabs. And yes, you absolutely should be using it if it’s available to you.

In line with my solid belief that if YouTube offers a tool, it’s probably beneficial to jump on that bandwagon, the Community Tab is no exception. Why? Because it’s your channel’s secret weapon for engagement and audience interaction.

The Community Tab as Your Channel’s Mini-Facebook

Okay, don’t tell Mark Zuckerberg I said this, but think of your Community Tab as a scaled-down Facebook feed just for your channel. It’s a place where you can post updates, share behind-the-scenes looks, and even create polls—yes, polls—to better engage with your audience.

How to Unlock the Community Tab

Now, not everyone has access to this tab right off the bat. You’ll need to have at least 1,000 subscribers to unlock this feature. If you’re not there yet, keep grinding; it’s worth the wait. Once you hit that milestone, the Community Tab will become available within a week or so. Trust me, it’s a rite of passage you don’t want to miss.

Post Regularly

To make the most out of this feature, you should aim to post regularly. No, you don’t need to post every day, but at least a couple of times a week is a good starting point. Regular updates can make your viewers feel more connected to your channel like they’re part of an ongoing conversation rather than just passive consumers of your videos.

Use Polls

Polls are an incredibly underutilized feature. Why not ask your audience what type of content they’d like to see next? It not only makes them feel valued but also gives you insight into what’s working and what’s not.

Share Other Content

While the main focus should be on your own videos, don’t hesitate to share other valuable content that aligns with your brand. It could be articles, videos from other creators, or even memes—anything that your audience would find beneficial or entertaining.

Showcase Testimonials and Success Stories

Do some awesome testimonials or user success stories? Show them off! Social proof is a fantastic way to add credibility to your channel and encourage new subscribers.

Announce Upcoming Videos or Events

If you have a new video coming up or maybe you’re going live soon, the Community Tab is the perfect place to build anticipation.

The YouTube Community Tab is an Essential Tool

So there you have it. The Community Tab is more than just a ‘nice-to-have’; it’s an essential tool for building a strong, engaged audience on YouTube. And in today’s digital age, where building relationships is key to long-term success, it’s a tool you don’t want to neglect.