167| What's Actually Working on YouTube Going Into 2026

If you're unsure what to post on YouTube going into 2026, you're not alone. The platform hasn't just changed — people's expectations have changed. In this episode, I'm breaking down what's actually working on YouTube right now and why the creators seeing growth aren't chasing trends, viral formats, or flashy editing. They're creating content that feels relatable, story-driven, and grounded in real life. I'll walk you through the shift I'm seeing across YouTube, share concrete examples from different niches (including cooking, real estate, and home décor), and explain why clarity around who you're creating for matters more than ever — whether you have a business or not. If you want more views in 2026 without burning yourself out or turning into someone you're not, this episode will give you a much clearer direction. Show Notes In this episode, we talk about: Why "what worked before" isn't enough going into 2026 The shift from polished, formulaic content to relatable, story-driven videos What viewers are actually responding to right now on YouTube Why clarity around your audience matters — even if you don't have a business The difference between creating helpful content and creating clickable content Real-life examples of what to post in different niches: Cooking and food content Real estate channels Home décor and lifestyle creators How storytelling drives views without feeling salesy Why chasing views alone is exhausting — and what works better long-term Want more support? If you're trying to grow on YouTube and want clearer direction on what to post, how to package your videos, and how to build momentum without burning out, you can learn more about my YouTube program at: https://thisisvirginiakerr.com/this-is-youtube-school