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Networking 101: Smart Commenting on Big Channels

ShortsFireDecember 23, 20250 views
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Why Commenting on Big Channels Still Works

Big channels are crowded, but that’s exactly why they’re valuable.

Every viral creator you follow has:

  • Your ideal viewers
  • Potential collab partners
  • Other hungry creators trying to grow

Their comment section is a live networking event that never closes. If you approach it with intention, you can:

  • Get noticed by bigger creators
  • Attract curious viewers to your profile
  • Start real conversations that turn into collabs
  • Learn what people actually care about

If you treat it like a spam pit, you’ll get ignored or blocked. If you treat it like a room full of people you want to work with, it becomes one of your best growth tools.

This is Networking 101 for short-form creators: how to comment on big channels so people notice you, remember you, and respect you.

Rule #1: Stop Chasing Views, Start Building Relationships

Most creators mess up because they comment with one goal in mind:

“How do I grab as many clicks as possible?”

That mindset leads to:

  • “Check out my channel” comments
  • Copy-pasted replies
  • Forced jokes under every video
  • Commenting on everything the second it drops, with no real thought

Instead, flip the goal:

“How do I build a relationship, or add real value, right here?”

Ask yourself before you hit post:

  • Would I say this out loud if I were in a room with this creator?
  • Does this comment help the creator, the viewers, or both?
  • Would I still post this comment if nobody ever clicked my profile?

If the answer is no, skip it. You’re better off posting fewer, better comments that build a name for you over time.

Rule #2: Comment Where Your Ideal Audience Actually Hangs Out

Not every big channel is worth your time. You want overlap.

You should be commenting on channels where:

  • The topic matches what you create
  • The audience is similar to the one you want
  • The style or tone is close enough that people will “get” you

How to find the right channels

Short and simple process:

  1. Search your main niche topics
    For example:

  2. Filter for big channels
    Look for creators with:

    • Strong views on recent content
    • Active comment sections (not just dead engagement)

  3. Study the comments
    Ask:

    • Are people asking questions you can answer?
    • Are they complaining about problems you already solve?
    • Are other small creators trying (and failing) to stand out?

If the audience feels like “your people,” that’s a channel worth consistently engaging on.

Rule #3: Write Comments That Add Real Value

You’re not trying to be the funniest person in the comments. You’re trying to be:

  • Helpful
  • Thoughtful
  • Memorable

Aim for one of these types of comments:

1. The Helpful Add-On

You take the creator’s idea and add one more practical tip.

Example:

Loved that tip about posting at the same time every day. One thing that helped my Shorts get more saves is adding 2-3 seconds of silence at the end so people rewatch the best part. Tiny thing, but my retention jumped.

Why this works:

  • Respects the creator
  • Helps viewers
  • Shows you actually do the work

2. The Specific Thank-You

Skip the generic “Nice video!” and be precise.

Example:

That section at 3:12 about not over-editing transitions hit hard. I’ve been hiding behind fancy cuts instead of better ideas. Appreciate the push.

Why this works:

  • Shows you watched the content
  • Feels human, not robotic
  • Makes the creator more likely to recognize you next time

3. The Question That Starts a Real Thread

Don’t ask basic stuff you can Google. Ask something that invites discussion.

Example:

Curious how you balance speed vs quality. I’m posting 3 Shorts a day right now, but I feel like I’m rushing ideas. Did you ever scale back to improve quality, or did you just power through volume?

Why this works:

  • Gives the creator something to respond to
  • Other viewers can jump in
  • Positions you as someone who takes the craft seriously

Rule #4: Avoid These Spammy Traps

If you want to be treated like a pro, stop acting like a bot.

Comments that scream “ignore me”

Avoid things like:

  • “First” or “early”
  • “Who else is watching in 2025?”
  • “Small creator here, check my channel”
  • Long copy-paste “value” comments under every video
  • Irrelevant self-promotion

Channel owners and mods spot this from a mile away. Many will shadowban or hard-block these users.

Signs you’re drifting into spam territory

You might be spamming without realizing it if:

  • Your last 10 comments across different channels are almost identical
  • You mention your own channel more than once for every 10 comments
  • You never get replies from the creator or other viewers
  • You feel like you’re “spraying” comments just to tick a box

If that’s happening, stop. Reset. Decide to comment less, but better.

Rule #5: Show Up Consistently On A Few Channels

Network depth beats network width.

Instead of dropping one comment on 50 different big creators, do this:

  1. Pick 3 to 5 main channels
    These should be your “home base” channels where:

    • You genuinely enjoy the content
    • You share a similar audience
    • You can comment on most uploads without forcing it

  2. Be early when you can
    Turn on notifications for those creators. Comment within the first hour when possible. Early, thoughtful comments tend to climb to the top.

  3. Treat it like a long-term relationship
    Over time you want:

    • The creator to recognize your name
    • Other viewers to recognize your profile picture
    • People to reply to you before you even show up

This only happens with repetition. Think months, not days.

Rule #6: Turn Comments Into Conversations

The goal isn’t just to drop a comment. The goal is to build connection.

Step 1: Reply back in the comment thread

If someone responds to you:

  • Answer them
  • Ask a quick follow-up
  • Keep it simple and human

Example:

Them: “I’ve been stuck at 500 subs forever. Any tips?”

You: “Totally get that. I was stuck at 400 for a while. What helped me was focusing on one topic for 10 videos straight. What type of content are you posting now?”

You’re not forcing anything. You’re just staying curious.

Step 2: Move to DMs when it makes sense

If you’ve been:

  • Commenting on a creator’s stuff consistently
  • Getting replies from them or their audience
  • Sharing real insights, not just one-word reactions

Then you can send a short DM that doesn’t feel random.

Example DM to a creator:

Hey [Name], I’m the one always ranting about retention in your comment section.

Just wanted to say your last Short about hooks was fire. I’m building a similar audience on Shorts and testing a different structure for 3-second opens. If you ever want to compare notes or collab on a quick idea, I’m in.

Short, clear, and not desperate.

Rule #7: Use Your Commenting To Improve Your Content

Commenting on big channels isn’t just about attention. It’s free research.

While you’re in those comments, pay attention to:

  • Which questions get repeated
  • Which complaints get the most likes
  • Which jokes or angles get a lot of replies
  • Which topics trigger strong emotions

Turn those insights into content:

  • Video ideas
  • Hooks and opening lines
  • Phrases your audience actually uses
  • Problems you can solve in a 30-second Short

You’re not just networking. You’re listening.

Practical Routine You Can Start This Week

Here’s a simple way to turn all of this into a habit.

Daily, 15 to 30 minutes:

  1. Pick 3 to 5 core channels in your niche
  2. Comment thoughtfully on 1 to 3 new videos
  3. Reply to any responses on your previous comments
  4. Save ideas you see in the comments that spark content ideas

Focus on:

  • Quality over quantity
  • Relationships over reach
  • Curiosity over self-promotion

Do this for 30 days and notice:

  • Which creators start recognizing you
  • Which types of comments get the most replies and likes
  • How much sharper your own content ideas become

Final Thoughts

Comment sections on big channels are not a shortcut. They’re a stage.

If you:

  • Choose the right rooms
  • Show up consistently
  • Add something real to the conversation
  • Treat people like people, not numbers

You’ll get noticed without shouting.
You’ll build relationships without begging.
And you’ll grow an audience that respects how you show up, not just how loud you can be.

Use commenting as part of your ShortsFire strategy, not as your only move. Great comments open doors. Great content keeps people in the room.

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