Quote Originally Posted by TeraRamis View Post
Honestly, YouTube is just terrible.
Well, sort of.

In the sense that they are akin to "mainstream music companies," or mainstream FM or satellite radio, I agree. There are but three major record labels (Sony, Universal, Warner) and they decide what to promote, what commercials and music videos to shove in front of your face or into your ears, etc. Underground music doesn't get promotion, though there are gems underground that shine brighter than anyone on stage accepting an award. YouTube is exactly like this; if you want underground or less popular music, you must search it out proactively.

However, in the sense that it is a repository for most of the video and audio that humankind creates (or has created), it is amazing. Will they promote local, underground artists to me? Nah, probably not. However, I can find that local, underground artist on YouTube, if I search for them. That, in and of itself, is awesome.

On topic, I agree with most of what's been said above. Unfortunately, you need YT views / comments / likes to get YT views / comments / likes, so lots of times networking outside of YouTube will be productive for your channel.