Crypto YouTube Views Fall Below 2018; Creators Diversify

Crypto-focused viewership on YouTube has declined to levels below 2018 after a platform purge in April 2026 and a drop in global search interest, creators and platform data show. Several prominent creators report that per‑video views that reached 100,000–200,000 during the 2021 peak have fallen to roughly 15,000–20,000 by early 2026.

YouTube removed multiple channels in April 2026, describing the targeted content as “harmful and dangerous.” The removals affected about 35 million combined subscribers across the removed channels, including a long-running flagship channel active since 2015. Creators who remain on the platform report that YouTube no longer delivers the same levels of traffic that powered earlier cycles.

Carl Runefelt, a Swedish creator known as Carl Moon, recalled earlier bear markets and compared current viewership to his channel’s past performance. “Even like back in 2018 bear market, like at the low of the bear market, I had more than double the views that I have right now,” he said. Runefelt has reported average views per upload of 100,000–200,000 in 2021 and about 15,000–20,000 in early 2026, while continuing to publish videos.

Social engagement indicators and search trends show lower retail activity in the most recent cycle. Engagement charts that track social volume around past price peaks show strong spikes in 2017 and 2021 and much lower readings for the 2025 top. Google Trends data for searches for “Bitcoin” was near one-year lows through early 2026, even as the coin traded near $76,500 at that time.

The audience decline has coincided with workforce reductions across the crypto industry. Coinbase cut about 700 jobs after reporting a $667 million net loss in the fourth quarter of 2025 and a 21.6% year-over-year revenue decline. Crypto.com reduced staff by roughly 12% in March 2026. A smaller exchange carried out a phased shutdown that began in December 2025 and extended into March 2026. Job postings for crypto roles have fallen about 80% year-over-year, and layoffs or hiring freezes have been reported at multiple firms.

Faced with lower reach on YouTube, some creators are diversifying income and public profiles. Runefelt is investing more time in motorsport racing and music while maintaining crypto content and continuing to invest through his firm, which has backed more than 350 projects. He described the shift as a personal change in focus: “Life is too short to struggle bear markets, you know, 24/7. I’ve done a few of those already, and I want to also have fun before it gets too old.”

Newer creators report different pressures. David Wulschner, who launched his channel in mid‑2022, pointed to audience emotions and feedback as significant early challenges. He described the bear market period as a time to build foundations and manage community reactions, adding that slower market phases are when creators can set goals and establish portfolio positions.

Some channels are broadening content beyond price updates and trading tips or pursuing alternative revenue sources such as events, merchandise and outside business activities. Other creators continue to focus on crypto content while adapting output and distribution across multiple platforms.