Is Buying Views for My YouTube Channel Legal?

Introduction

YouTube is a popular video-sharing platform where millions of creators showcase their talents, share knowledge, and entertain the audience. With over 2 billion monthly active users, it has become the go-to platform for people looking for videos on almost any topic. The success of a YouTube channel relies heavily on the number of views it receives. And this has led to the rise of a controversial topic – buying views for YouTube channel.

But before we dive into the legality of buying YouTube views, let’s understand what it entails and why people do it.

What is buying YouTube views?

Buying YouTube views means paying a third-party service provider to artificially increase the number of views on your videos. These companies use various techniques such as bots, click-farms, and other methods to inflate the view count. The ultimate goal of buying views is to make a video appear more popular and attract organic viewers.

Why do people buy YouTube views?

The main reason why people buy YouTube views is to boost their channel’s popularity and visibility. With millions of videos being uploaded every day on YouTube, it can be challenging for creators to stand out and get noticed. Buying views can help them appear in search results, recommended videos, and suggested content on the platform. It also creates a sense of social proof that attracts more viewers and increases engagement on their channel.

The Positivity of Buying YouTube Views

Despite being a controversial topic, there are some positive aspects of buying YouTube views that we cannot overlook. Let’s take a look at them.

Helps in kickstarting a channel

Starting a YouTube channel from scratch is not easy, and it can be demotivating to see your videos getting minimal views and engagement. Buying views can give your channel the initial push it needs to gain traction and attract organic viewers. It helps you skip the long and challenging process of building an audience from zero and gives your channel a jumpstart.

Increases social proof

Social proof is a psychological phenomenon where people tend to follow or trust the actions of others in a particular situation. When people see a high number of views on a video, they are more likely to click on it and watch it themselves. It creates an impression that the content is popular and worth watching, thus increasing the chances of getting more views and subscribers.

Saves time and effort

Creating quality content for YouTube requires a lot of time, effort, and resources. And even if you have excellent videos on your channel, it may take months or even years to get the desired number of views. Buying views can save you from this waiting game and give your channel a quick boost. It allows you to focus on creating quality content while the views keep rolling in.

Can attract new viewers and increase engagement

The algorithm used by YouTube favors videos with higher views, likes, and comments. When you buy views, it not only increases the view count but also the chances of appearing in recommended and suggested videos. This can help attract new viewers to your channel and increase engagement, which is crucial for the success of any YouTube channel.

Is buying YouTube views legal?

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room. Is buying views for your YouTube channel legal? The answer is not a simple yes or no. It depends on various factors such as the methods used by the service provider and whether it violates YouTube’s terms of service.

YouTube prohibits the use of bots, click-farms, and any other artificial means to inflate views. So if a service provider uses such techniques, it is considered a violation of YouTube’s terms and can lead to consequences such as getting your videos taken down or even your channel getting terminated. However, if the views are generated organically through legitimate marketing strategies, then it is not illegal.

Risks of buying YouTube views

Like any other controversial practice, buying YouTube views also comes with its risks. Here are some potential risks you should be aware of before considering purchasing views for your channel.

Violation of YouTube’s terms of service

As mentioned earlier, if the service provider uses bots or other illegitimate methods to generate views, it can lead to a violation of YouTube’s terms and put your channel at risk.

Wastage of money

Not all service providers deliver what they promise. You may end up paying for views that are not from real viewers or do not contribute to your channel’s growth. This can be a huge waste of money, especially if you are just starting as a YouTube creator.

Negative impact on credibility

Buying views can only give your videos an initial boost, but it cannot guarantee long-term success. If viewers discover that you have been artificially inflating your view count, it can harm your credibility and reputation as a content creator. It may also discourage genuine viewers from subscribing to your channel or watching your videos.

Summary

Buying views for your YouTube channel may seem like a tempting shortcut to success, but it comes with its own set of risks and ethical considerations. While it can provide initial benefits such as increased visibility and social proof, it is crucial to understand the potential consequences and legality of this practice before making a decision.

 

As a content creator, it is always best to focus on creating quality content and engaging with your audience organically for long-term success on YouTube.  So, make an informed decision before considering buying views for your channel. And remember, authenticity and genuine engagement are key factors in building a successful and sustainable YouTube presence.