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Get 4000 Watch Hours with This Simple Step

2025-07-11 15:469 min read

Content Introduction

This video discusses the challenges newcomers face on YouTube, particularly the difficulty of achieving 4,000 hours of watch time needed for monetization, a target only about 3% of channels reach. The host introduces strategies utilized by successful creators to boost watch time, including the recent ability to link shorts to longer videos. The 'billboard method' is highlighted as an effective way to funnel viewers from shorts to long-form content, while the 'flood method' focuses on linking all shorts to the latest uploads. The video emphasizes that updating shorts can significantly increase views, aiding in achieving the monetization requirement faster. Tools like TubeBuddy are also suggested for mass updating of video links. Lessons from successful channels exemplifying these techniques are shared, motivating viewers to implement these strategies for their own growth.

Key Information

  • New YouTubers face the challenge of reaching 4,000 hours of watch time for monetization, with only about 3% of channels achieving this.
  • There is a simple strategy used by top creators to boost watch time, which involves linking shorts to their longer videos.
  • This linking method can funnel traffic from popular shorts to long-form videos, increasing overall watch time and aiding in achieving monetization.
  • In late 2023, YouTube allowed creators to link shorts to other videos, enabling a direct pathway to their long-form content.
  • Creators should update links on their successful shorts to direct viewers to their latest long-form uploads for maximizing viewership.
  • The 'billboard method' involves using shorts as advertisements for long-form uploads, significantly enhancing visibility and traffic.
  • The 'flood method' allows creators to link their entire back catalog of shorts directly to their latest long-form videos, driving substantial view traffic.
  • Tools like TubeBuddy's related video manager can automate the process of updating links for multiple shorts in bulk, saving creators time and effort.

Timeline Analysis

Content Keywords

YouTube Monetization

New YouTubers face the challenge of reaching 4,000 hours of watch time to get monetized, which is difficult as only 3% of channels achieve this.

Growth Strategies for YouTubers

Top creators use strategies to boost watch time for smaller channels, including creating both long-form videos and shorts, which can help reach monetization.

Billboard Method

This method involves linking popular shorts to long-form videos, effectively using shorts as advertisements to drive views to longer content.

Funnel Traffic

Creators can funnel traffic from shorts to long-form videos by linking them, helping track watch time more effectively for monetization.

TubeBuddy

A tool that can help manage video links efficiently, allowing users to bulk update links from shorts to long-form videos quickly.

Traffic Source Analysis

Analyzing traffic sources can reveal the effectiveness of linking shorts to new uploads, enhancing engagement and views.

Reviving Old Videos

Creators can apply techniques to revive older videos and increase views, similar to past successful strategies.

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