YouTube’s Auto-Dubbing Feature Might Be Hurting Your Channel (Here’s How to Check)
One of YouTube’s newest AI features—auto-dubbing—was designed to help creators reach more viewers across the globe. But after digging into the data from multiple channels I manage, I discovered it might actually hurt your reach instead of helping it.
Hi, I’m Erika Vieira, YouTube strategist and coach for women entrepreneurs and creatives. After eight years behind the scenes working with hundreds of creators, I’ve seen how small settings can make a big difference in performance. This one is worth paying attention to.
What Is YouTube’s Auto-Dubbing Feature?
YouTube’s auto-dubbing uses AI to automatically translate and voice-over your videos into other languages. In theory, it sounds amazing—your content gets in front of more people around the world.
But here’s the problem: when YouTube suddenly starts showing your videos to people outside your target audience, it confuses the algorithm about who your ideal viewer is.
Think of your YouTube channel like a carefully curated dinner party—every guest (viewer) is handpicked to fit the vibe. When auto-dubbing is turned on, it’s like blasting your dinner invite to the entire city. Now people show up who don’t get your references, your jokes, or your message—and they leave after one bite.
The result? Lower retention, lower click-through rate, and a video that stops being pushed altogether.
How to Tell if It’s Hurting Your Channel
There are two key places to check inside your analytics:
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Audience Tab → “Other channels/videos your audience watches.”
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If this section is blank or says “not enough data,” YouTube may be unsure who your audience is—meaning auto-dubbing could be muddying your data.
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If it’s filled with channels in your niche, you’re probably fine.
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Traffic Sources → Suggested Videos.
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If you see lots of videos in other languages or unrelated niches, that’s a red flag
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Who Should Turn It Off
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New or smaller channels that YouTube is still figuring out.
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Creators pivoting niches who need clarity in their audience data.
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Anyone selling products or services that only serve English-speaking audiences.
If your ideal audience doesn’t speak multiple languages—or if you’re noticing drops in views, retention, or CTR—turning this feature off could help.
Before You Chase Global Reach
While international exposure sounds exciting, remember:
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English-speaking countries typically have higher AdSense revenue.
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Non-English audiences might not buy your offers if they can’t understand your content.
It all comes back to your monetization strategy. Do you really need global reach—or do you need the right reach?
If your views are dropping and you’re not sure why, this setting might not be the only culprit. I break down how to diagnose and fix channel slowdowns in my Live YouTube Masterclass, where I share the exact brand blueprint I use with my clients.
Until next time—keep shining, keep creating, and most importantly, keep being you.
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