How to Build an Engaged Community on YouTube? The “Community” Tab and More!

The number of subscribers means nothing if your community is not active. You can have 100,000 followers and zero comments, reach as if banned, and viewers who scroll past after three seconds. Or you can have 5,000 subs and people who write to you every day, ask questions, wait for new videos, and share them with friends.

The difference? Community. Not the number, but the relationship. YouTube today is not just video – it’s also the Community Tab, lives, chats, surveys, Discords, emails. If you want a channel that grows organically and really earns money, you have to stop treating viewers like numbers. And start treating them like people.

A Community Tab that really works – how to use the Community Tab to build a relationship, not just post content

The Community Tab is one of the most powerful tools you get from YouTube, if you only know how to use it. It is not a place for video links. It is a place for dialogue with your community.

To activate the tab, you only need 500 subscribers and an active channel. Then you can publish:

• surveys that engage and provide you with data,
• text posts with valuable knowledge that didn’t make it into the video,
• graphics, behind-the-scenes content, funny moments that create a connection,
• announcements and teasers of new content,
• questions and tokens of appreciation that draw people back.

This works only if you are consistent. YouTube treats the Community Tab like a mini-algorithm: the more interaction, the more people will see your next post. That’s why consistency + value + conversation = success. Most creators throw a link there and move on. You have the opportunity to do more: build a relationship without the need to record another video.

Creating a community on YouTube starts in the comments – a simple reaction system that boosts engagement by 50% in a month

The most underrated feature of YouTube is… replying to comments. Yes, really. Comments are your daily space for building a community, not just a place where you receive hate and spam.

If you want to build a real bond, reply to every comment within the first 24 hours. YouTube treats this as a signal: “this video is alive”. And people who get a heart or reply often return to comment again.

A system that works:

• 30 minutes a day – a set time, e.g., 9:00 or 20:00,
• a heart for every meaningful comment,
• pin the most interesting comments at the top,
• responses with value (not just “thx” – but specifics),
• showing yourself, your style, character.

Creators who implement this seriously see up to a 50% increase in engagement in a month. And that’s without posting new videos. Community is not an event – it’s a process. And it starts right here.

How to manage your YouTube community between videos – a weekly post plan that attracts people back to your channel

YouTube is not a newsletter. You can’t disappear for 10 days and come back with a new video hoping people are waiting. You need a rhythm that your viewers learn. Community Tab is the place where you can build this rhythm.

Here’s a proven weekly plan:

• Monday – teaser: video preview, mini-story, sneak peek, question with CTA,
• Wednesday – value: advice, tip, specific summary of knowledge, graphic carousel,
• Friday – question or poll: viewers vote on a topic or share their opinion,
• Sunday – behind-the-scenes / backstage: show your journey, mistakes made, process.

This system works because viewers have a reason to come back, even if you are not posting a new video. And this increases the engagement on the whole channel – even under the videos themselves. The YouTube algorithm notices this. If you have interactions between videos, it knows that the channel is alive. And if it’s alive – it promotes.

Polls, questions, and interactive formats – the simplest way for the YouTube community to feel like they’re co-creating your channel

The easiest way for people to feel part of your channel? Give them something they can decide on. Polls, voting, questions – every click in the Community Tab is a sign of engagement.

Polls are not just a trick for activity. They are a tool for research and building relationships. Examples:

• “What do you want to see next week?” (4 topics – let them choose),
• “Do you agree with my opinion?” (Yes / No – and comments start flowing),
• “Which of these options is the hardest for you?” (data for the next video),

They work because they are:

• quick to create,
• easy to click (even if someone doesn’t want to write),
• engaging – people feel that they co-create the channel’s content.

The YouTube algorithm treats every vote as engagement. And you gain not just traffic, but also real insight into what your community wants. It’s a win-win – for you and the viewers.

Premiere, live, Q&A – real-time formats that build connections faster than any regular video

If you want a quick increase in engagement – real-time formats like Premiere or Live Stream make a difference. They not only build reach, but create a moment that people want to experience together.

Premiere is an event. You can announce it in the Community Tab, prepare a live chat, and be present in the comments – even if the video was pre-recorded. The result? +200% more interactions than regular posts.

Live Q&A is the most authentic form of relationship. Viewers ask questions, you answer, someone sends a Super Chat, and the atmosphere becomes more personal than in any film. Plus – you can earn money.

It works because in these moments the viewer doesn’t feel like just a spectator – they feel like a participant. Even if you have a small channel, real-time formats can elevate you to a higher level.

From viewer to community member: memberships, Discord, and newsletter – how to build a community on YouTube beyond just the community tab?

YouTube gives you another powerful tool: Channel Memberships. You can set tiers (e.g., 4.99 zł, 9.99 zł, 24.99 zł) and offer something just for members:

• bonus videos,
• early access to new videos,
• livestreams just for them,
• access to a private chat,
• tasks and mini-challenges.

But the community doesn’t need to end on YouTube. Viewers who pay want more. That’s why many creators set up a Discord (for relaxed chats and ideas) and a newsletter (for specific details and announcements). These channels allow you to keep in touch with people, even if YouTube reduces your reach.

It’s this combination – YouTube + Discord + email + members – that creates a solid community. One that will stay with you for a long time, not just for one viral moment.

Already have your community? Time for your own Space on RefSpace!

If you already have an engaged community or are just building one – create your own Space for them on RefSpace.

Your space is where you can:

• post your videos and content without the algorithm;
• recommend specific products you like and use;
• sell your own things (ebook, consultations, materials);
• monetize the relationship, not just the views.

And no – it’s not affiliation. It’s your own little shop, without intermediaries. No company, no logistics, no complications. If your community trusts you, they should find you there.

Go to RefSpace, set up your Space and show viewers that you offer more than just a link in the description.

FAQ

Does the Community Tab work if I have a small channel?

Yes – it often works better because it’s easier to maintain a relationship with a smaller group. The key is regularity and value.

How many times a week should I post in the Community Tab?

At least 2 times, optimally 3–4. More may be too overwhelming – unless each post offers something specific.

What to do if no one responds to surveys?

Give them context. For example, “I want to make a video for you – what do you choose?” And respond to the results. People need to know their voice makes a difference.

Is it worth investing time in Discord?

If you already have an active community – definitely yes. It’s your place independent of algorithms.

How to promote Channel Memberships without being pushy?

Mention them in passing – e.g., “Members have already seen this video yesterday.” First value, then the premium option.

Is RefSpace an affiliation?

No. RefSpace is a place where you decide what to recommend and for how much. You’re not an intermediary, but a creator with your own offer.