Hi! When we started I modeled on RTR as well. I chose several areas to focus on: Thomas trains, Step2 coaster, science experiments, playdoh and puzzles. Only Thomas and Step2 generated traffic; the channel could not get traction with the other keywords. Thomas seems a reliable staple these days too, there is a steady audience and Thomas videos will build you good loyal subs. You have to find the popular tags inside the Thomas niche, as
@FamilyToyReview stated 'the great race' is popular, as was 'accidents will happen'.
In terms if views and subs, Yt works on a scaling system. The more subs you have, the more traffic you generate, and the more Yt promotes you. Unfortunately under 1k-2k subs, it's very hard to reach 'real' viewers outside of other channels. By real viewers, I mean actual viewers (kids using their parents iphone and ipads, etc) from the public who don't have their own channels. If you check your sub box, most subs are other channels. If that is true, you are part of a 'sub loop'. While that is unavoidable in the startup phase, the goal is to reach real viewers. The channel subscribers are generally not real viewers, but are other creators (like you and me) who watch for different reasons than a child would watch. That's why the views are low. You have not reached your real audience yet.
The only way I know of reaching real viewers at a low sub count, in a reasonable amount of time, is Adwords. Some on here use it, some are opposed to it. Running Adwords will place your video as the next clickable on the right column at the top of suggested. Think about that position for 1 cent!!
Other ways you can reach real subs is build authority in an area (like Thomas) with a set of targeted video. Check out a channel Cars4David as an example of this strategy. After a dozen or two videos, Yt would likely start placing you in suggested of related channels in your thematic vertical. I recommend you check out that channel and many others in the Thomas niche to see how the algorithm works with thematic verticals.
I would recommend not wasting time on social media. Kids 2 y.o. don't use Twitter an Facebook to find channels. Their parents are also very unlikely to go to those platforms to find kids channels to watch.
Here are a few direct quotes from my Yt brand manager that illustrate the most important things for kids channels:
“Strong thumbnails are key! Clarity, focus, high contrast, will drive clicks. Often it’s a 1 second decision, sharp thumbnail will appeal more.”
“Great way to be found and not rely on Suggested or Search is trending topics. But you have to be quick. Make sure the trending topic is suitable for your audience as well.”
“For kids channels, almost all traffic is driven by Suggested, with Browse a close second. Kids don’t read titles or anything else, and simply click on the most engaging thumbnails.”
“The system is really good at identifying what people watch together, what they watch in the same session.”
“Yt will group videos thematically and through related verticals.”
These are direct statements from a Yt brand manager, and can be taken as fact. They are Gold!
Good luck on this amazing journey...
Your child will play a huge part in being the star. I'm focusing on what my kids like to play with. I have a 3 yr old son and 2 yr old daughter and I've considered doing separate channels because it confuses YT boys and girls toys mixed. Luckily I have some great URLs to use but I too get discouraged easily. I have 23 subs so you're doing great!
