Most creators are unknowingly making one mistake that’s holding back their growth:

They create videos they want to make…

Instead of creating videos, their audience is searching for.

It sounds simple, but it’s one of the biggest reasons channels stay stuck.

You might have:

  1. A powerful message
  2. Smooth editing
  3. Tons of energy on the camera

But if no one is searching for that topic, YouTube won’t recommend it.

That means:

  1. No search traffic
  2. No click-throughs
  3. No growth

Let me break this down for you with a real-world case study.

How My “Coldest City” Video Took Off

I recently published a video titled:

“Visiting the Coldest City in the World -71°C (-95°F) | Yakutia, Siberia”

At first glance, it might seem like just another travel vlog.

But it was way more intentional than that.

Before I even booked a flight, I did my research.

I searched YouTube for videos on the coldest city on Earth, and guess what?

One video had 50 million+ views

Another had over 4.2 million

So instead of guessing or hoping something would go viral, I leaned into what was already working.

But here’s the thing:

I didn’t just copy what was out there.

I made it personal:

Told the story from my perspective

Focused on raw reactions to the extreme cold

Captured culture, emotion, and moments that people could actually feel

The result?

Proven topic + Unique perspective = Growth.

Within days, the video started exploding.

And now, it’s on track to hit 3 million views.

  1. Not because of luck.
  2. Not because of clickbait.

But it tapped into existing demand with a fresh voice.

Here’s a 3-Step Fix That Works

1. Find Proven Topics

Go on YouTube.

Search within your niche.

Look for videos from the past 3–6 months with high views relative to the channel size.

That’s your goldmine.

These videos are proven audience hooks.

  • Don’t guess.
  • Don’t assume.

Let the data tell you what people already want.

2. Add Your Perspective

Once you’ve found a topic that works, don’t just copy.

Ask yourself:

  • What’s missing from this conversation?
  • What can I explain better?
  • What unique experience can I bring?

This is where your voice shines.

Your personality isn’t on the topic.

It’s in the way you tell the story.

3. Repeat with Intention

Growth doesn’t happen by accident.

It happens when you commit to the process:

Study → Adapt → Publish → Learn → Repeat

You’re not “selling out” by creating content your audience wants.

You’re serving first.

And when you serve first, you earn the trust to share what matters most to you later.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, growing on YouTube comes down to:

  1. Following what works
  2. Adding your unique twist
  3. Doing it with intention

This is the same strategy I’ve used for years, both on my channel and while helping other creators grow from stuck… to scaling.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start growing:

👉 Join the YouTube Creator Academy

See you inside,

Tayo