I hate to say this, but making original content is literally the worst thing you can do if you're aiming to grow an audience.
I've heard people say this and I've experienced it myself. I get virtually no subs through YouTube search or suggested, only through promotion and with that, there's no "snowball" effect happening (I'm 6 months in, and in terms of growth, I'm having the worst month.)
To put it harshly, you have to decide what's more important to you - doing what you love or gaining an audience. But perhaps you can find a compromise?

To put it harshly, you have to decide what's more important to you - doing what you love or gaining an audience. But perhaps you can find a compromise?