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Replying to YouTube comments – just like LinkedIn comments – takes time. In theory, at least. Realistically, most channels won’t get a gazillion comments to begin with. Even with tens of thousands of views you might have a handful of comments. But, yet, it’s good to wonder does replying to comments on YouTube help? Yes, it does.
Understanding how the algorithm works
The YouTube algorithm loves engagement. Think of it as a complex matchmaker trying to connect viewers with content they’ll enjoy. When you respond to comments, you’re essentially giving the algorithm a thumbs-up that says, “Hey, people are having meaningful interactions here!”
The algorithm is sophisticated, considering multiple factors when deciding which videos to recommend to viewers. Watch time plays a crucial role. The system also evaluates engagement metrics like likes, comments, and shares. Click-through rates tell YouTube whether thumbnails and titles are compelling enough to make people want to watch. Perhaps most importantly, the algorithm studies user behavior patterns to understand what types of content resonate with different audiences.
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Ways to engage
There are options for how to respond to comments, and each approach has its benefits. While text replies work fine and are quick to do from desktop, video responses can make interactions more fun and personal. They’re especially engaging when done through YouTube Shorts. Just know that video replies have to be done through the mobile app – can’t be created them from desktop. But the extra effort can be worth it since video responses create additional content for the channel while showing off personality.
I’ve found that even responding to simple comments like “Great video!” can help. Maybe they actually meant it, and it feels better than a negative comment. But keep in mind that negative comments can also help the video reach more people.
The community aspect is where the magic really happens. Fostering genuine connections is invaluable and grows audience.
Each response shows viewers you value their input and encourages others to join the conversation.
The key to staying on top of comments is having a good system. In YouTube Studio’s dashboard, you can easily find comments you haven’t responded to yet. This feature is invaluable for keeping track of engagement, especially as your channel grows and comments become more frequent.
To find unresponded comments, look for the filter option for “Haven’t responded” – to quickly identify which comments need attention. From there, decide how to best engage with each comment.
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Dealing with negative comments
Negative comments are part of the creator journey, and yes, they can be tough to handle. I’ve had my share of comments that felt like a punch to the gut. At one point, I created my own “Mean Tweets” video. The key is remembering that engagement – even critical engagement – still signals to YouTube that your content is generating discussion.
Not all criticism is toxic, though. Sometimes, negative comments can provide valuable feedback about content and can even lead to better content next time. The trick is learning to distinguish between constructive criticism and plain negativity. When someone takes the time to explain why something didn’t work for them, that’s worth paying attention to.
Being okay with crickets
When asking for comments, you have to get comfortable with the possibility of silence.
“I mean, obviously there’s going to be some times where you put things out there and say, ‘comment such and such,’ and you’re going to get crickets,” says Instagram expert Corey Walker on “The Business Storytelling Podcast” about IG comments, but the statement certainly applies to YouTube, too. “It’s kind of part of the sales game. And if you’re not willing to put yourself out there, then you know, you just kind of have to try it and do it, and hopefully, if you do it enough, you’ll start getting those comments.”
She emphasizes that it’s largely “an ego thing,” suggesting that creators need to push past the fear of no engagement. The potential benefits of active comment sections often outweigh the temporary discomfort of occasional silence.
Maximizing comment engagement
To make the most of comment engagement, respond when you can, especially in the first few hours after publishing. Early engagement can help the video gain momentum in those crucial initial hours. Keep responses genuine – viewers can spot copy-paste responses from a mile away. Use negative feedback constructively when possible, but don’t feel obligated to engage with trolls.
Creating a healthy comment section takes time and consistent effort. It’s about setting the tone for your community and showing others how to interact respectfully. When viewers see you engaging thoughtfully with comments, they’re more likely to leave meaningful comments themselves.
As a channel grows, it’s important to develop a strategy for managing comments effectively. This might mean setting aside specific times each day to respond to comments or prioritizing certain types of comments that warrant more detailed responses. Video replies, while more time-consuming to create, can be particularly effective for addressing common questions or themes that come up repeatedly in your comments.
Consistent comment engagement can lead to several long-term benefits for your channel. First, it helps create a loyal community of viewers who feel connected to your content and are more likely to share it with others. Second, it provides valuable insights into what the audience wants to see more of, helping you create better-targeted content. Finally, it can lead to collaborations and opportunities as other creators notice your active community engagement.
So while dealing with comments isn’t always easy, and some days you might want to avoid the comment section altogether, staying engaged with your audience is one of the most powerful tools you have for channel growth. Just take it one comment at a time, be genuine in your responses, and remember that building a thriving YouTube community is a marathon, not a sprint.
The effort you put into engaging with your audience through comments, whether through text responses or creative video replies, will pay dividends in the long run.