The Problem with YouTube
Newest Cat Compilation – Funny Cat Compilations: Crazy Cats #shorts
Our latest short is up! 🐱🎉
This video showcases just how YouTube’s algorithm change has impacted small creators like us.
Watch below:
It only received 562 views (formerly called reach) and 305 engaged views (formerly just views). Since
YouTube’s major policy change in July 2025 and the algorithm change starting March 31, 2025, we’ve
seen steep drops in visibility and engagement.
How YouTube’s Algorithm Change Hurt Our Channel
Before the March 31 update, we were doing much better. One of our most successful Shorts was
📺 Funny Cat Compilation: Cats in Trouble #shorts
This video received:
6,300 views
51 new subscribers
803 likes
But after YouTube’s policy change in July 2025 and the algorithm change reclassifying metrics, we lost
visibility and couldn’t see what used to be called reach. Now only one number is shown, and our numbers took a hit.
Other Problems We Faced
We also endured issues unrelated to algorithm or policy changes:
We received a content strike because YouTube’s automated Content ID system mistakenly
flagged the Koran being read in Oromo as piano music.
Someone stole our avatar, causing our channel to become hidden in searches. YouTube
eventually fixed it after we complained, but by then we had changed our avatar—and stabilized
our channel visibility.
During that period, this Short: 📺 Funny Cats: Cat Compilation #shorts
Received:
607 engaged views
613 total views
Every disruption can reduce reach and engagement, making it harder to grow.
The July 15 Disaster: YouTube Content ID Claims
On July 15, 2025, YouTube enforced one of its most devastating updates: it began issuing claims on
Audio Library music. They had previously told creators that YouTube Audio was safe. Three years ago,
we trusted it.
Suddenly:
We got 50 content claims.
One video had 5 minutes of ambient wind claimed, even though it was self-recorded.
The fallout:
📺 Funny Cat Compilation: Cats Being Cats #shorts
This video dropped to:
62 views
28 engaged views
If you want to know how to protect a YouTube channel, this is a key lesson: without proper licensing,
there’s no recourse.
What We Learned – Advice for Small Creators
Because of all this, here’s how to protect your channel going forward:
Use licensed music vendors like TunePocket or Artlist—they give you formal licenses you can
use if YouTube issues a Content ID claim.
Use licensed sound effect vendors too. Without a license, even original recordings (wind, street
noise, birds) can get flagged under Content ID.
Remember: Without a formal license, you have no legal standing with YouTube.
If you want to learn more about how to protect a YouTube channel in 2025—especially after the
algorithm shift and policy changes—we can help walk you through it.
What’s Next?
We’ll start publishing our Shorts here on the blog too, so even if YouTube hides our avatar or limits our
account visibility, you can still enjoy our videos.
Meta Description (for Blogger sidebar or SEO settings):
Discover how the 2025 YouTube algorithm and Content ID changes have affected small
creators. Learn how to protect your channel, deal with claims, and understand recent policy
changes including those from July 2025.
