Navigating Mean Comments as a New YouTube Creator

Starting a YouTube channel can be an exciting venture, but it's not without its challenges. One of the most daunting aspects for new creators is dealing with mean comments and negative feedback. This article will guide you through managing these comments effectively, ensuring a positive and engaging community interaction. Let's explore some strategies that can help you build a healthy and supportive community on your channel.

Understanding the Problem

Mean behavior on YouTube comments can take many forms, from trolling to outright hostility. While it's understandable to be concerned about these negative interactions, it's important to recognize that the majority of YouTube users are well-intentioned and contribute positively to the community.

Strategies for Managing Comments

One effective approach is to leave comments open by default and use channel-level controls to manage individual trolls. By doing this, you can strike a balance between engaging with your audience and protecting your channel from harmful interactions.

Leaving Comments Open

Research has shown that leaving comments open without restrictions can be highly beneficial for your channel. You can meet interesting people and have engaging conversations with a well-intentioned subset of the community. However, it's crucial to consider the nature of your content. If the comments section becomes too overwhelming, you may need to temporarily or permanently disable comments or opt for pre-approved comments, which can be time-consuming but maintain a civil environment.

Addressing Trolls

Hiding Trolls
Probably the most effective way to deal with trolls is to hide their comments. This feature, known as a shadowban, allows the troll to see their comments, but other viewers cannot. This method is particularly effective for about 90% of trolls on YouTube. While it may seem simple, it can be highly frustrating for trolls as they can no longer spam comments, which can encourage them to leave the community they have been trying to disrupt.

Engaging with Trolls
Sometimes, engaging with trolls can have surprising results. For example, if a troll is complaining about production quality, you might reply with an ultimatum for them to prove their points with a donation. In practice, these complaints are often baseless, and the trolls are usually unable to meet such demands, which can expose their clownery to the community. Use this approach judiciously and ensure it does not overshadow positive discussions.

Managing Truculent Commenters
Some commenters might be engaging in hostile behavior, which can be categorized as truculent. These users often believe they are smarter than the creator and are frustrated by constructive feedback. It's important to acknowledge thoughtful contributions even when they are poorly delivered. In cases where the comment is purely adversarial, you can politely inform the user that they have been 'snoozed' for truculent behavior and welcome them back when they can demonstrate civil engagement. Remember, in practical terms, such bans are rarely lifted.

Handling Serious Issues

Reporting Serious Offenses
For more serious issues, such as bigotry, sexism, or cyberbullying, it's essential to report the comment rather than simply hiding or deleting it. Reporting these comments will alert YouTube's moderation team and can lead to consequences for the user, including timeouts or bans. This approach not only addresses the issue but also helps maintain a healthy community by deterring such behavior in the future.

Dealing with Legal Threats

If a comment involves legal threats, it's important to take immediate action. Delete offensive comments and hide them from the public. This helps protect your channel and ensures that no one is threatened or intimidated.

Conclusion

Starting a YouTube channel can be challenging, but with the right strategies and a positive mindset, you can navigate the landscape of mean comments effectively. By understanding the different types of trolls and implement appropriate measures, you can create a vibrant and supportive community around your content. Remember, good luck, and enjoy the journey as you build your YouTube presence!