How to Grow on YouTube in 2026 — Derral Eves’ Playbook (Full Interview)

What does it really take to grow on YouTube in 2026? In this full interview, YouTube growth expert Derral Eves (@derraleves) shares his playbook for building successful, sustainable YouTube channels in today’s creator economy. Derral has advised some of the world’s top creators and brands, and in this conversation we break down how YouTube actually works — beyond the surface-level tips. In this episode, we cover: (CHAPTERS) 00:00 – Introduction & why YouTube growth looks different in 2026 02:10 – Derral Eves’ background and what he’s learned from top creators 06:15 – The fundamentals of sustainable YouTube growth 11:40 – Why most creators stall (and how to avoid it) 16:10 – How the YouTube algorithm actually works 20:45 – What creators misunderstand about views vs. audience 25:25 – The real role of retention and watch time 30:10 – Strategy vs. tactics: thinking long-term on YouTube 35:05 – Building a real business on top of YouTube 40:20 – Mistakes creators make when chasing growth 45:00 – Where YouTube is heading next 49:10 – Final advice for creators serious about 2026 and beyond Whether you’re an aspiring creator, an established YouTuber, or a business using YouTube to grow an audience, this conversation will help you think more clearly and strategically about your content. 🎙️ Guest: @derraleves 🎧 Host: Rob Balasabas If you’re serious about YouTube growth in 2026 and beyond, this is a must-watch. 👉 Subscribe to The Upload Newsletter + https://balasabas.substack.com Thank you to our partners: + Opus Clip https://www.opus.pro/?via=rob + Streamyard https://streamyard.com/?fpr=golive + Uscreen https://www.uscreen.tv + Ecamm http://ecamm.balasabas.live Connect with me on LinkedIn + https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbalasabas Follow me on Instagram + https://www.instagram.com/rob.balasabas Business + Partnership Inquiries: robert.balasabas@gmail.com