How frequently should I upload dental videos to YouTube

Okay, so I’m trying to grow my YouTube channel for my dental practice. We do everything from routine cleanings to cosmetic dentistry. I’ve started making videos – walkthroughs of our clinic, explainers about different procedures (like root canals and teeth whitening), and even some Q&A videos answering common questions patients ask. They’re all pretty good quality, I think!

But I’m really struggling to figure out a good upload schedule. I don’t want to overwhelm people and have them unsubscribe, but I also don’t want to be forgotten.

Currently, I’m thinking maybe once a week? Is that enough? Should I be aiming for more? Less? And what day of the week is best for dental-related content? Do people even want to watch dental videos more than once a week?

Also, I’m a dentist, not a videographer! Balancing patient care, running the practice, and making videos is a lot. So, whatever upload frequency I choose needs to be sustainable for the long term. I’m looking for a sweet spot – enough to grow the channel, but not so much that I burn out.

Any advice from people with experience in YouTube, especially in the medical or health niche, would be greatly appreciated! I want to attract more patients!

Answer

The optimal frequency for uploading dental videos to YouTube depends on several factors, including your goals, resources, target audience, and content strategy. Here’s a breakdown of considerations and potential frequencies:

Factors Influencing Upload Frequency:

• Goals:
  • Brand Awareness/Patient Acquisition: If your primary goal is to attract new patients, consistent and frequent uploads can improve visibility and establish you as an authority.
  • Patient Education: If your focus is educating existing patients, less frequent, in-depth videos may suffice.
  • Monetization: If you aim to generate revenue through YouTube’s Partner Program (ads), a more frequent upload schedule can increase watch time and ad revenue.
  • Thought Leadership/Professional Development: Targeting other dental professionals may warrant less frequent, but highly specialized and research-backed content.
• Resources:
  • Time: Creating high-quality videos requires time for planning, filming, editing, and promotion. Be realistic about how much time you can dedicate.
  • Budget: Video production can involve costs for equipment, software, editing services, or actors (if needed).
  • Team: Do you have staff who can assist with video creation and channel management?
• Target Audience:
  • Demographics: Are you targeting a specific age group or demographic with particular dental concerns? Understanding their online habits can inform your upload schedule.
  • Interests: What type of dental information are they actively searching for? Tailor your content and frequency to their interests.
  • Engagement: Monitor comments and analytics to see when your audience is most active and receptive to new content.
• Content Strategy:
  • Content Pillars: Identify the core themes or topics you’ll cover in your videos.
  • Content Calendar: Plan your video topics and upload schedule in advance to maintain consistency.
  • Evergreen Content: Create videos that remain relevant over time, such as oral hygiene instructions or explanations of common dental procedures.
  • Trending Topics: Capitalize on current dental news or trends to attract viewers.
• YouTube Algorithm:
  • Consistency: YouTube favors channels that upload regularly.
  • Watch Time: Videos that keep viewers engaged for longer periods are ranked higher.
  • Engagement: Comments, likes, shares, and subscriptions signal to YouTube that your content is valuable.

Potential Upload Frequencies:

• Daily (7 videos per week): This is a very aggressive schedule that requires significant resources and a well-defined content strategy. It can be effective for rapid growth but may be unsustainable in the long run. More suited to large dental practices with marketing teams.
• Several Times a Week (3-5 videos per week): A more manageable option that allows for consistent engagement and algorithm optimization. It requires planning and efficient video production. This allows for variety in content and provides more opportunity to capture interest on trending topics.
• Weekly (1 video per week): A sustainable frequency for most dental practices. It allows for creating high-quality videos without overwhelming your schedule. It’s key to focus on engaging and informative content.
• Bi-Weekly (1 video every two weeks): A less demanding schedule that still maintains a presence on YouTube. Suitable for practices with limited resources or a focus on in-depth, complex topics. This would suit a specialist practice better than a general practice.
• Monthly (1 video per month): The minimum frequency for staying relevant on YouTube. Best suited for patient education or building a library of evergreen content. It may be difficult to gain traction with such an infrequent upload schedule.

Recommendations:

1. Start with a sustainable frequency: Begin with a realistic schedule you can consistently maintain, such as weekly or bi-weekly.
2. Prioritize quality over quantity: Focus on creating engaging, informative, and well-produced videos.
3. Analyze your analytics: Track your video performance to see what resonates with your audience and adjust your strategy accordingly.
4. Engage with your audience: Respond to comments, answer questions, and solicit feedback.
5. Promote your videos: Share your videos on social media and embed them on your website.
6. Experiment and adapt: Don’t be afraid to try different upload frequencies and content formats to see what works best for your channel.
7. Be Patient: Building a successful YouTube channel takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.

Ultimately, the best upload frequency is the one that aligns with your goals, resources, and target audience. Consistency and quality are key to building a successful dental YouTube channel.