Getting Zero Views? Why Creators Are Moving to New Apps Early
You film it, edit it, post it, and it gets 200 views. Then you watch a random AI account hit two million. If that sounds familiar, this post is for you.
Why your videos aren't getting views
- The feeds are packed. Hundreds of millions of posts go up every day on the big apps.
- AI slop competes for free. Accounts can pump out dozens of AI videos a day. You can't out-post a machine.
- Big accounts get the benefit of the doubt. Algorithms test established creators with bigger audiences first.
- Your first seconds aren't landing. This one you can fix: lead with the best moment.
The early-adopter advantage
Look at nearly every big creator and you'll find the same pattern: they got in early. Early YouTubers, early Viners, early TikTokers. When an app is new:
- There are fewer creators, so each post gets seen by a bigger share of users.
- Being "the known person" on the app is actually possible.
- The app itself wants to feature real creators to help it grow.
- You can bring that following and credibility back to TikTok, YouTube and Instagram.
What to look for in a new app
- Real users, not bots. Views from bots don't build a career.
- A way to stand out locally. Being #1 in your city is more achievable than being #1 in the world.
- Healthy retention. An app people keep coming back to is an app worth building on.
- Room to be early. If every big creator is already there, you're late.
Why creators are joining Portal now
Portal just launched on iPhone. It's based in Austin, Texas, and open to everyone in the US.
- Leaderboards by city, college, state and nation. Rank up where you live. Your content matters from day one.
- No AI content allowed. Everything is captured live in the app, so you're competing with real people, not content farms.
- Real-time, location-based feeds. People nearby see what you post, when it's happening.
- Streaks and trophies. Posting daily is rewarded, and badges show you were there first.
The best time to get on a new platform is before everyone else does. That time is now.
Want the numbers for the big apps too? See the 2026 monetization requirements for YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my TikToks getting no views?
Feeds are saturated, AI content competes at huge volume and algorithms favor proven accounts. Strong hooks help, but new creators also benefit from newer, less crowded apps.
What new social media apps are good for creators in 2026?
Look for apps with real users, local discovery and room to be early. Portal, a no-AI app with city and college leaderboards, just launched on iPhone.
Is it worth joining a new social app early?
Often, yes. Many of the biggest creators on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok started when those apps were new and less crowded.
Real people. Real places. No AI.
Portal just launched. Free on iPhone, live everywhere in the US.