What YouTube’s fastest-growing channels don’t want you to know
Forget expensive ads. This simple approach is the secret to steady growth.
It was the summer of 2017. YouTube was already packed with flashy vlogs and over-the-top challenges. But, amidst this noise, one creator quietly uploaded his 5th video.
It wasn’t flashy or loud - just a short, thoughtful reflection on simplicity.
This wasn’t the kind of content that typically went viral. No gimmicks. No outrageous thumbnails. Just clean visuals, a calm voice, and a focused message.
Week after week, the videos trickled onto his page, barely moving the subscriber count. Meanwhile, other creators were continuing to explode with viral content. Flashy stunts, clickbait titles, and algorithms that rewarded spectacle over substance.
It would’ve been easy to quit. To pivot to what looked like a faster path.
But this creator had a strategy: focus on one platform, one message, and one format - his format - until something clicked.
While others scattered their energy chasing trends, he committed to simplicity, consistency, and authenticity - even when it felt like no one was watching.
For months he continued to create and post videos that felt imperfect to him. Audience feedback was slow, but steady, and he used every comment, like, and share to fine-tune his process.
What happened next wasn’t overnight success. But it was consistent, relentless growth.
By the end of his first year, his channel had finally gained some real traction, crossing over 100,000 subscribers. By the second year, it was clear he wasn’t just another YouTuber.
He was building a brand.
Within a few years, this once-quiet channel became a hub for millions seeking clarity in a noisy world.
Did you know that creators who post consistently, regardless of quality, are 30% more likely to grow a significant audience in their first year?
Feedback from early content provides signals for improvement, making future posts even stronger.
The man behind the disciplined approach above? Matt D’Avella.
Today, Matt’s YouTube channel boasts over 3.9 million subscribers and has grown into a full-fledged brand with documentaries, courses, and collaborations.
But, his success wasn’t built in months. It took years of consistent effort.
Matt’s story is a masterclass on keeping your content strategy simple and efficient.
Before his YouTube success, Matt was juggling freelance filmmaking gigs to pay the bills.
He didn’t have endless hours to create perfect content, so he focused on quantity first - producing consistent videos that helped him learn what resonated with his audience.
What started as a handful of videos in 2017 has grown into a movement that inspires millions to simplify their lives. Matt’s journey proves that when time is tight, committing to quantity first and improving quality through feedback isn’t just smart - it’s essential.
Here’s how to use my Q.U.I.C.K. Framework to build your content strategy, with the limited time you have available:
• Q – Quantity First: Focus on producing as much content as possible within your capacity. Prioritize consistency over perfection. Aim for at least three posts a week on your chosen platform, for at least 30 days (90 is better).
• U – Use Signal to Improve: Pay attention to what your audience engages with. Comments, likes, and shares reveal what resonates.
• I – Iterate as You Go: Adjust your content strategy based on feedback. Refine your format, tone, and delivery with each post.
• C – Commit to One Platform: Stick to a single platform to build momentum and avoid burnout. Spreading too thin will hurt your consistency.
• K – Keep Showing Up: The most critical step - stay consistent. Growth happens when you stay in the game long enough to see results.
Why This Works
Focusing on quantity first builds confidence and momentum. You can’t improve what you don’t create. Consistent content builds the habit of showing up. Every post, even the imperfect ones, add to your progress.
Audience feedback provides clarity. By observing which videos or posts get the most engagement - views, comments, or shares - you’ll see patterns. These signals guide your strategy, so you’re not wasting time guessing what your audience wants.
Finally, consistency builds trust. Showing up regularly signals reliability and commitment to your audience. They don’t need you to be perfect - they just need you to be present.
Here’s What You’ll Get Out of It
• A clear roadmap to build your personal brand without overthinking.
• A method to balance consistency and gradual improvement, even with a 9-5.
• The confidence to prioritize action over hesitation, letting progress guide your strategy.
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”
Your Turn
Stop waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect content. Today:
1. Pick one platform and commit to creating and posting three posts or videos a week for the next 30 days.
2. Track engagement metrics - likes, comments, or shares - to identify what resonates.
3. After 30 days, review the results. Double down on what works, refine what doesn’t, and create a plan to maintain consistency for another 90 days.
As Matt D’Avella proves, success doesn’t come from getting it perfect - it comes from just getting started - then figuring it out along the way.
PS: No matter how many productivity apps come out, Apple Notes will always be my daily driver. But, when it comes to delivering content to others, I gotta admit, Notion is top tier.
As a lifelong Google docs girlie though, I’ve definitely missed a step, or ten, when creating lead magnets in Notion.
I’m in the process of creating some dope stuff for you guys - hosted in Notion - and to make sure I didn’t keep forgetting steps, I created a checklist for myself to follow. But I’m guessing I’m not the only one who’s missed “can duplicate” far too many times.
So, if you also want to streamline your Notion lead magnet creation and avoid rookie mistakes, grab my free ‘Ultimate Notion Lead Magnet Checklist’ below 👇🏾