With constant algorithm updates and policy revisions, how do you stay on top of changes that affect your content? Which recent changes have impacted your channel positively or negatively? Are smaller creators being left behind?

YouTube is actually unpredictable. Part of the updates benefit the creators and other parts damage visibility. The changes don't really favour smaller creators and they risk being left behind.

I really do think Youtube has been going down the drain since Google took over years ago. Yet I'm still on Youtube because I feel like that's where most of my audience is. I haven't tried branching out yet, I know Peertube exists but I don't have the means to host my own instance currently and I'm not a fan of Rumble since I don't politically align with that platform. Tiktok could work if I made shorter videos. I really do think creators are just being managed, and if you bring in lots of profit for the platform you're actually heard and taken care of. Whereas channels with barely any subs that aren't monetized often get struck with false copyright claims that are harder to appeal.

I am not much of a youtube creator but as a content creator I believe if your focus is on evergreen topic and the content on less saturated but also popular topic, you will never be affected by algorithm changes. Well, you might be affected little bit in the beginning but ultimately you will make a come back.

I keep up with platform updates by reading news and talking to others. Some recent changes have helped my content get seen more, but others made things harder. I think smaller creators have a tough time, but staying flexible and being genuine can help.