2023 Top YouTube Channels: Exploring Category Analytics

by Joyce Mirador

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In today's digital age, becoming a content creator is more accessible than ever, thanks to the widespread use of social media, especially during the COVID-19 lockdowns. For those considering a career as a YouTube content creator, understanding the dynamics of top-performing channels is crucial.

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Objectives

This analysis aims to empower aspiring content creators with data-driven insights about effective content strategies on YouTube. In examining the top 995 most subscribed YouTube channels in 2023, we will identify the most popular content categories and the key metrics associated with successful channels. It includes understanding the average number of subscribers, video views, uploads, channel age, and earnings.

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Data Preparation

The dataset is provided by Nidula Elgiriyewithana on Kaggle. It was initially reviewed and cleaned using Excel to address discrepancies such as missing uploads and country data. Further data cleaning was performed in SQL to remove NaN values, update categorical data, and ensure numerical data types were correct. The cleaned dataset was then uploaded to Tableau for visualization and analysis.

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Data Visualization

Please see dashboard below.

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Analysis Results

The analysis revealed that categories such as Entertainment, Music, People & Blogs, Gaming, and Comedy are the most common among top channels. For new content creators, focusing on categories like Education, Comedy, and Howto & Style, which have achievable metrics and substantial audience engagement, can be particularly appealing.

Key Findings:

• Average Video Views: Education (14.3 billion), Comedy (8.0 billion), Howto & Style (4.9 billion)
• Average Subscribers: Education (26.0 million), Howto & Style (20.9 million), Comedy (20.1 million)
• Lowest Average Uploads: Comedy (1,191), Howto & Style (1,919), Education (3,096)
• Lowest Channel Age: People & Blogs (8.1 years), Education (9.1 years), Comedy (9.7 years)
• Highest Average Yearly Earnings: Comedy ($9.2 million), Education ($9.0 million), Howto & Style ($4.1 million)

The analysis also found strong positive correlations between video views and subscribers, as well as between video views and annual earnings. Interestingly, there was a weak relationship between video views and the number of uploads, suggesting that content quality may be more important than quantity.

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Recommendations

Based on the analysis of the top 995 YouTube channels in 2023, here are several recommendations for aspiring content creators to strategically grow their channels:

1. Focus on Popular and Achievable Categories:


• Education: With an average of 14.3 billion video views and 22.4 million subscribers, educational content is highly engaging and provides significant earning potential. This category also has a manageable number of average uploads (2,354), making it a viable option for creators who can produce informative and valuable content.
• Comedy: Comedy channels are popular with an average of 7.9 billion video views and 20.1 million subscribers. Given the high engagement and lower average uploads (1,191), focusing on creating entertaining content can be a successful strategy.
• Howto & Style: This category attracts a large audience interested in practical tips and tutorials, with an average of 4.9 billion video views and 20.8 million subscribers. The achievable number of average uploads (1,919) suggests that consistent, high-quality content can lead to substantial growth.


2. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity:


• The weak relationship between the number of uploads and video views indicates that producing higher-quality content is more important than the sheer volume of videos. Invest time in creating well-crafted, engaging videos that resonate with your audience.


3. Leverage Strong Correlations:


• Video Views and Subscribers: A strong positive correlation between video views and subscribers suggests that driving views can help increase your subscriber base. Utilize SEO strategies, engaging thumbnails, and compelling video titles to attract more viewers.
• Video Views and Earnings: Higher video views are linked to higher earnings. Focus on content that is likely to generate a lot of views, and consider diversifying content to cover trending topics within your chosen category to maximize engagement.


4. Optimize Content for Longevity:


• The data shows that successful channels have been around for an average of 8-9 years. Patience and consistency are key. Develop a content strategy that ensures steady growth over time rather than seeking immediate viral success.

By focusing on these strategies, aspiring content creators can effectively grow their YouTube channels, engage their target audience, and maximize their monetization potential.

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