08 Aug Collaboration: A cheat code for YouTube Channel Growth (11 Examples)
Sure you can slow grow the old fashioned way… but there is a better way.
Collaboration has become the dominant strategy for channel growth and audience expansion. By joining forces with other creators, creators (and brands) can tap into new audiences, showcase diverse perspectives, and create content that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
Why Collaboration Works:
- Audience Cross-Pollination: Collaborations expose your content to your partner’s audience, potentially attracting new subscribers.
- Fresh Perspectives: Bringing in guest creators adds new voices and ideas to your content.
- Networking Opportunities: Collaborations can lead to long-term partnerships and industry connections.
- Increased Creativity: Working with others often sparks innovative content ideas and flushes less .
- Enhanced Credibility: Partnering with respected creators can boost your channel’s authority.
Examples of Successful YouTube Collaborations:
Freethink, a channel focused on innovation and progress, has collaborated with various experts and organizations to create compelling content. Their series “Hard Reset” often features collaborations with industry leaders and innovators.
Example: Freethink partnered with Impossible Foods for a video on the future of food, combining their storytelling expertise with Impossible Foods’ industry knowledge.
These science-focused channels frequently collaborate, combining their unique styles to explain complex topics.
Example: Their video “The Backwards Brain Bicycle” went viral, showcasing how collaboration can lead to innovative content.
These popular entertainment channels have collaborated multiple times, creating fun, engaging content that appeals to both audiences.
Example: The “Will It?” series often features guest appearances, including members of the Try Guys.
- Kurzgesagt and CGP Grey
These educational channels have collaborated on several animated videos, blending their distinct styles.
Example: Their collaboration “The European Refugee Crisis and Syria Explained” combined Kurzgesagt’s animation with CGP Grey’s narration.
Michael Stevens of Vsauce has appeared in several Tested videos, bringing his scientific curiosity to Adam Savage’s maker projects.
Example: Their “Vsauce Explores Spaceship” video combined Vsauce’s inquisitive style with Tested’s hands-on approach.
Before SourceFed’s closure, Philip DeFranco frequently collaborated with the channel he founded, creating news and commentary content.
Example: Regular appearances on each other’s channels and shared news coverage.
These tech-focused channels have collaborated on various product reviews and discussions.
Example: Their “Smartphone Awards” videos combine their expertise in tech reviews.
These vloggers have collaborated on numerous projects, often creating spectacular stunt videos.
Example: Their “Aladdin Magic Carpet Prank” video went viral, showcasing the power of collaborative creativity.
While not external collaborations, the interactions between Bon Appétit’s cast of characters became a hallmark of their channel.
Example: The “Gourmet Makes” series often featured guest appearances from other Test Kitchen chefs.
- TED-Ed and various animators
TED-Ed collaborates with numerous animators to bring educational content to life.
Example: Their “What Causes Kidney Stones?” video, animated by Avi Ofer, showcases how collaboration can enhance educational content.
- Crash Course and various experts
This educational channel partners with subject matter experts to create in-depth series on various topics.
Example: Their “Statistics” series, hosted by computational biologist Adriene Hill, demonstrates how collaboration brings expert knowledge to a broader audience.
The Power of Ongoing Collaborations:
Many of these examples aren’t one-off collaborations but part of ongoing partnerships. This approach allows creators to build rapport with each other’s audiences and create a sense of anticipation for future collaborations.
Implementing Collaboration in Your Strategy:
- Identify potential partners whose audience and content align with your brand.
- Start with small collaborations to test compatibility and audience response.
- Be open to different collaboration formats: guest appearances, joint projects, or content swaps.
- Ensure that collaborations provide value to both parties and their audiences.
- Promote collaborative content across all partners’ channels for maximum reach.
Values Alignment
Remember, the key to successful collaborations lies in finding partners who share your values and can bring something unique to your content. By fostering these relationships and creating compelling collaborative content, you can harness the power of community to grow your YouTube brand channel.
Collaboration is big part of our Story Growth™ Partnership, If you want help, hit us up! It all starts with a Story Growth Workshop!
