Hey guys. Today I will be showing you some things I've figured out about the popular reel, and a little rant about some of the tutorials out there that supposedly tell you how to get on the popular reel. Let's get started, shall we?

1. How the Popular Reel Works

So most of the time when I post something, whether it be a project, blog, or skin, I think to myself, "Wouldn't it be great if this on got on the popular reel?" I'm thinking it right now, in fact. Most of you think that as well I'm sure, but I thought about it a little more, and here's what I came up with.

The Popular Reel is basically a snowball effect that you have to work very hard to achieve. Think of it like this: You make a snowball at the bottom of a large hill. You have to carry that snowball up the entire hill, but when you get to the top of it, you get to roll that snowball down the hill and watch with satisfaction as it gets bigger and bigger until it stops.

This is exactly how the Popular Reel works. You work hard to create something (making and bringing the snowball up the hill) and then if people like it, it makes the popular reel (rolling it down the hill). When it your submission dies down, the snowball stops.

But, as we all know, most of us don't make it up that hill, and some can't finish the snowball (me included). And even when we do finish and make it up. sometimes we drop that snowball... and nothing happens. It's painful, but that's why we keep trying.

For those of us who do make that snowball roll, well, you're in the clear. Think about it, most of the people on PMC check the popular reel almost every day they're on. And when they see something they might like, they click on it, diamond it if they do like it, and either favorite or download it or whatever depending on the submission. Everyone does that, and that's why when you get on the popular reel, your views, diamonds, favorites, downloads, etc. skyrocket. Hence the "snowball effect". It will die down eventually, but not before you've gained several levels and subscribers.

2. Rant

Here's where my rant comes in. EVERYONE wants to make the popular reel. Who wouldn't? Most of the stuff I said above is true I'm certain, so who doesn't want it? No one I could think of. So when you realize you do want to make it, what do you do? Search "How to Make the Popular Reel" on Google, or even the blogs here. I've done it.

Most of those tutorials say one thing, and one thing only. They simply say, "Make quality work". That's obviously true (Duh) but seriously? I've seen a lot of quality on PMC, but most of it doesn't make the popular reel. And it's not because of their presentation, or their pictures, or any of that. It's the fact that they are level 1, 2, and 3. No one can see them in the vast space of PMC. Sure, lots of popular people make quality work that makes the popular reel, but that's because they have thousands of subscribers that see it, diamond it, and favorite it right away. For the Level 1 "Miners" that are actually putting out good work, it's like searching for a needle in a haystack. Them being the needle buried deep within the haystack, and the rest of the needles (the popular people) sitting on top so everyone can see them. Which would you go for first, the one you have to search for in the large haystack, or the one you can pluck off the top? The answer is easy.

Obviously there is no perfect way to make the popular reel every time you submit something, but the tutorials that say "make quality stuff" aren't helping much. There are a few tutorials out there that are pretty good, but none of them will guarantee you making the reel. The only thing you can do is pump out really good work, present it well, and hope for the best.

I wish you guys the best of luck in your "Quest for the Reel", as I will continue mine. Remember the snowball effect, and make sure you put out some good stuff.

Sincerely,

-Optic