When most people think about YouTube, they think of long-form videos, Shorts, or maybe livestreams. But there’s one feature almost nobody talks about, and it’s one of the easiest ways to stay in front of your audience.
It’s called Community Posts, and it’s seriously underused.
If you’re a creator or a brand and you’re not using it, you’re missing out on free reach, instant feedback, and a way to stay active even when you’re not posting videos.
There’s growing chatter that consistent Community Posts signal activity to the algorithm, helping your content stay more visible overall. It’s not a confirmed trick, but it’s a valid point many creators believe.
Let’s break it down in a way that’s clear and actually useful.
What Exactly Are Community Posts?
Imagine you had a way to speak to your YouTube subscribers the way you would on Instagram or X, but without needing a new video or editing anything.
That’s what Community Posts are.
You can share:
- Text updates
- Polls
- Images
- GIFs
- Video previews
- Links (to your new video or even your product page)
These posts show up on your subscribers’ feeds. Sometimes, they even come with a notification if the person has the bell turned on. That means you get a direct line to your audience, without the pressure of creating a full video.
Also read: Chad Hurley Net Worth: From Co-Founding YouTube To Controversies
Why This Feature Matters More Than You Think
Think about it. You probably upload once or twice a week. In between, your channel just sits there. Community Posts fill those quiet gaps. They’re your chance to keep conversations going, test ideas, and show your personality without needing to script or edit anything.
It also takes way less effort, and the return can still be pretty great.
Here’s an extra bonus: These posts appear in YouTube’s mobile feed, right next to video thumbnails. That means they can reach people even if they’re just scrolling casually, without having to search for your channel.
How Brands Can Actually Use This
Let’s talk about real, practical ways brands, not just creators, can use Community Posts.
1. Hype Up a New Launch Without a Full Video
Say you’re about to drop a new collection, product, or service. Instead of waiting for the official video, post a teaser.
Example:
A coffee brand shares a blurred-out photo of a new flavor and asks:
“Our new drop hits this Friday. Can you guess the flavor?”
This builds curiosity. Comments roll in. You’re already getting attention before the actual release.
Now when the video or announcement goes live, more people care because they were already part of the build-up.
2. Behind-the-Scenes Moments
Not everything you do needs to be in video format. Use Community Posts for behind-the-scenes photos, short updates, or things that feel too small for a full video but still matter to your audience.
Example:
A tech review channel posts:
“Filming the Pixel 9 Pro review today. Any last-minute things you want us to test?”
Now followers feel included and maybe even look forward to the review more than usual.
Also read: Why do Indian Youtubers Earn Less As Compared To The Rest Of The World? – Explained
3. Polls That Actually Guide Your Content
One of the most useful features here is the poll.
You don’t need to overthink it. Even simple questions can give you loads of insight and drive interaction at the same time.
Example:
“Which topic should we cover this Friday?”
- YouTube Shorts tips
- Affiliate marketing ideas
- SEO hacks for 2025
People love being asked for their opinion. When they vote, they’re more likely to watch what you create because now they feel like they helped shape it.
How Creators Are Already Using It (and Why It Works)
Some of the biggest YouTubers use Community Posts to stay connected with their audience, but what’s interesting is how differently they all use it.
MrBeast, for example, doesn’t always use it to promote videos. Sometimes he just posts a random poll like “Would you rather have $1,000 or a mystery prize?” with no real context. It sounds silly, but people comment like crazy.
Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) occasionally drops photos or tech memes. He uses it to stay present and keep the conversation going between uploads. When he does post a link to a video, it feels more casual, not like an ad.
Even smaller creators, especially niche ones, often get more engagement on posts than they do on videos. That’s because text and polls are easier to interact with. They take two seconds. No need to stop and watch a 10-minute video.
For a brand, this kind of lightweight interaction builds familiarity and trust over time.
Mistakes to Avoid
Using Community Posts doesn’t mean just dumping random thoughts or links. There’s a bit of a rhythm to getting it right.
Here are a few common mistakes:
❌ Posting only links to your videos
If every post just says “New video is live, go watch it!”, people will ignore it after a while. Give them a reason. Ask a question or say something interesting about the video before dropping the link.
❌ Being too formal or robotic
These posts should feel like they’re coming from a real person. Don’t copy-paste your press release tone here. Use the same voice you’d use in a caption or a text to a friend.
❌ Posting too often
Unlike Stories or Tweets, Community Posts stick around longer. You don’t need to post every day. A couple times a week is plenty if each one adds something useful or fun.
How To Create a YouTube Community Post (In 60 Seconds)
If you’ve never tried it, here’s how to post:
On Desktop:
- Go to YouTube Studio or just YouTube.com sign in with your google account.
- Click the “Create” button (top right) → Select “Create post.”
- Choose your post type: text, poll, image, video, or GIF.
- Type your message, add media if needed.
- Hit “Post” — done.
On Mobile:
- Open the YouTube app.
- Tap the “+” icon at the bottom → Choose “Create a post.”
- Write your update, attach content if needed.
- Tap Post.
Note: You need at least 500 subscribers to unlock Community Posts.
Here is an infographic of the above steps for you to understand better and quickly.
Also read: Learn How To Check If A YouTube Channel Is Monetized Or Not
A Simple Checklist to Get Started
If you’re not sure how to begin, here’s a quick way to ease into it:
- Start with a poll related to your next video
- Share a behind-the-scenes photo with a quick caption
- Post a teaser about something coming up next week
- Ask your subscribers a question related to your niche
- Reply to comments on the post to keep the thread alive
That’s really it. You don’t need to overplan it. Treat it like talking to your audience, not pitching to them.
To Conclude
YouTube has changed a lot over the years. Shorts, live streams, longer-form content and it’s all part of the game now. But through all of that, one thing stays the same: people want to feel connected to the creator or the brand behind the videos.
Community Posts give you that connection. They help you stay visible without shouting, get feedback without guessing, and build loyalty without extra budget or production time.
So next time you log into your YouTube dashboard, don’t skip that little “Create post” button. Try it. Say something. Ask something. Share something.
It just might be the easiest move you make to boost your channel this year.
