Watch time is MORE IMPORTANT than subscribers

YouTube Tea Break

View time, also known as watch time, is considered more important than the number of subscribers for a few reasons:

1. **Algorithm Preference**: YouTube's algorithm prioritizes watch time over the number of subscribers. This means that videos with higher watch times are more likely to be recommended to users, increasing their visibility and potential for more views.

2. **Monetization**: To be eligible for YouTube's Partner Program, which allows you to make money from ads on your videos, you need to have a certain amount of watch time in addition to a minimum number of subscribers. Therefore, high watch time is crucial for monetization.

3. **Audience Engagement**: A high watch time indicates that viewers are genuinely interested in your content and are willing to spend time watching it. This level of engagement can be more valuable than a large number of subscribers who don't actively watch or engage with your videos.

4. **Insight into Content Quality**: High watch times can provide valuable insight into the quality and relevance of your content. If people are watching your videos for longer periods, it suggests that your content is resonating with them, whereas a high number of subscribers doesn't necessarily mean your content is impactful.

5. **Sustainability**: A channel can have a large number of subscribers but still have low engagement if the content doesn't hold viewers' attention. Channels with high watch times are more likely to have sustainable, long-term success.

In conclusion, while having a high number of subscribers is beneficial for social proof and reaching the minimum requirement for monetization, increasing your watch time is generally more beneficial for your channel's growth and success.