Why your low effort Youtube Videos succeed and your high effort Videos fail

Creating content for YouTube is a labor of love — or so I thought. Like many YouTubers, I poured hours, days and sometimes weeks into scripting, filming and editing videos that I was sure would blow up. Yet, when I hit publish, these carefully crafted masterpieces often barely made an impact. Ironically, the videos I threw together in a few hours ended up going viral. If you're scratching your head at this paradox, you're not alone.

Here’s what I’ve learned about this phenomenon, how it applies to my channel and why it could change the way you create content.

The Harsh Reality: Effort Doesn’t Always Equal Results

I used to believe that the harder I worked on a video, the better it would perform. So, I spent weeks scripting intricate narratives, perfecting transitions, filmmaking and obsessing over tiny details. And what happened? Those videos flopped. On the other hand, my “low-effort” videos — like my Shot on iPhone 14 video — skyrocketed in views (almost 3 million views).

It wasn’t just a one-time thing either. My follow-up video, Shot on iPhone 15 Pro, followed the same pattern. While it took me some days to shoot, it outperformed my projects that I shot on a professional mirrorless Canon camera by a mile with 800k+ views.

Why Do Low-Effort Videos Succeed?

It’s not that effort doesn’t matter—it’s that the perception of authenticity and relatability often matters more. Here’s why low-effort content resonates so well:

1. Authenticity Connects With Viewers

Highly polished videos can sometimes feel too corporate or distant. Low-effort videos often exude authenticity because they’re raw, unscripted and feel more real. Viewers crave genuine connection. Ironically, the imperfections in these videos make them feel more human.

2. Shareability is Key

Quick, relatable content is easier for people to share. My "Shot on iPhone" videos had a simple premise: showcasing the beauty and creativity that anyone with a smartphone could achieve. People loved sharing these because they were instantly understandable and inspiring.

3. The Algorithm Loves Engagement

YouTube's algorithm prioritizes watch time and engagement. Low-effort videos often cater to bite-sized attention spans, making them perfect for casual viewers. This increases shares, comments and likes, boosting their performance.

What You Can Learn From My Experience

If you’re a creator struggling to figure out why your most polished videos aren’t performing, here are some takeaways from my journey:

1. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection

Your audience doesn’t want perfection—they want authenticity. Videos that feel genuine, even if they’re less polished, often resonate more deeply with viewers. Think about the story you want to tell or the emotion you want to evoke rather than obsessing over every tiny detail.

2. Experiment With Simplicity

Sometimes less really is more. Try creating a video that strips away the complexity. Start with a simple concept you’re excited about and focus on executing it quickly. For example, instead of scripting every word, let your natural enthusiasm carry the content.

3. Learn From Your Analytics

Your analytics are your best friend. Study which videos are performing well and dig into the data to understand why. Are viewers engaging more with shorter, simpler videos? Do they respond better to specific types of content? Use these insights to shape your strategy.

4. Embrace Iteration

Not every video will be a hit, and that’s okay. Treat each upload as a learning experience. If a low-effort video succeeds, analyze what worked and build on it. Conversely, if something doesn’t resonate, tweak your approach for next time.

5. Value Creativity Over Complexity

Simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing creativity. Some of the most engaging videos come from simple yet innovative ideas. The key is to focus on delivering value—whether that’s entertainment, education or inspiration. A great idea, executed quickly, often beats an elaborate production.

6. Don't Be Afraid to Pivot

If your original content strategy isn’t working, pivot. As creators, we sometimes get attached to our vision, but the reality is that YouTube rewards adaptability. Embrace the unexpected successes and lean into what works.

The Bottom Line: Success Isn’t About Effort — It’s About Connection

YouTube is unpredictable, and success doesn’t always align with the amount of effort you put in. But what you can control is how well you connect with your audience. Whether it’s a low-effort video like Shot on iPhone or a passion project, the key is to stay authentic and create content that resonates.

If you’ve been breaking your back over high-effort videos with little to show for it, take a step back. Experiment with simplicity and focus on what truly engages your audience. You might just find that your next viral hit comes from embracing imperfection.