YouTube launches Hype to empower small creators: Here’s what you need to know

YouTube has just unveiled Hype, a new game-changing feature aimed at leveling the playing field for small creators. This tool helps smaller creators compete against the big names with massive followings, driving more traffic to their videos. With Hype, fans can rally behind their favorite channels, giving emerging creators a real shot at reaching broader audiences.

Since its debut a few days ago, Hype has already sparked conversations across social media. YouTubers are buzzing about how this could transform the growth potential of smaller channels.

What Is YouTube Hype?

YouTube Hype

Hype lets fans “hype” videos from channels with fewer than 500,000 subscribers, increasing their visibility on the platform. This feature includes a leaderboard showcasing the top 100 hyped videos each week. By keeping Hype separate from YouTube’s usual recommendation algorithm, the platform aims to provide a fairer discovery process.

In a blog post, YouTube said the concept of hyping originated from a straightforward observation: passionate fans desire to play a role in the success of their favorite creators. They seek more than just watching and liking content—they want to actively contribute to helping those creators gain visibility.

In a YouTube survey of over 2,500 viewers aged 18-45 from the US, Japan, and Germany, more than 75% of respondents, including over 80% of Gen Z viewers, expressed interest in supporting small and medium-sized creators in growing their channels.

“I love that I can directly support the creators I care about. It feels like I’m part of their journey,” one of YouTube’s early testers said.

How Does Hype Work?

Hype introduces a new way for viewers to engage with content. Just like liking or sharing a video, fans can now hype it up. When someone hypes a video, it gets added to the leaderboard, highlighting the top 100 hyped videos for that week. Each country will have its own leaderboard, and the more “Hypes” a video garners, the higher it ranks.

Here’s how it breaks down:

• Fans can hype up to three videos per week, giving smaller creators a nice boost.
• The Hype leaderboard ranks videos based on fan engagement, serving as an extra avenue for discovery.
• Hype operates independently of YouTube’s recommendations and search results, acting as a complementary feature.

A Boost for Small Creators

Hype opens up new opportunities for channels just starting out:

• Increased Visibility: Smaller creators can reach new audiences and gain momentum.
• Fan-funded Revenue: Soon, fans will have the option to purchase hype, supporting their favorite creators.
• Small Creator Bonus: A point multiplier helps smaller channels ascend the leaderboard faster.

Why This Matters for Smaller YouTubers

This feature is a potential game changer for creators with smaller followings. Here’s how it benefits them:

• 500k Eligibility Limit: Only videos from creators with fewer than 500,000 subscribers can be hyped. This keeps Hype off the channels of major influencers like MrBeast or KSI.
• Small Creator Bonus: Each time a subscriber hypes a video, it earns hype points. Smaller creators will receive more points, giving them an even greater chance to attract views.

Leveling the Playing Field

YouTube’s motivation behind Hype is clear. According to Bangaly Kaba, a director of product management, the goal is to create equity among creators: “We saw a disproportionate growth in earnings, even though most of our creators are smaller than 500,000 subscribers.”

The launch of Hype seems beneficial for small creators, even if it means bigger names may lose some visibility.

Impressive Beta Test Results

YouTube’s beta tests in Turkey, Taiwan, and Brazil delivered promising outcomes:

• Over 5 million hype actions across 50,000 unique channels in just four weeks.
• More than 30% of beta testers were aged 18-24.

What’s Next?

While there isn’t a set date for a wider rollout, YouTube plans to expand Hype based on insights from the beta tests. This feature could significantly impact content discovery, empowering smaller creators to grow their channels and connect with new audiences.

Stay Updated

As YouTube continues to evolve, staying informed about its updates is key. Check back for the latest news, tips, and strategies to help you excel on the platform.

Maximize Your Hype Potential

To make the most of Hype, consider these tips:

• Create engaging content that resonates with your audience.
• Encourage fans to hype your videos.
• Keep an eye on your analytics to refine your approach.

By leveraging YouTube’s Hype feature, small creators can tap into a valuable tool for discovery, expand their reach, and cultivate a loyal following.