How to Find & Analyze the Best YouTube Creators with AI in Google Sheets

Learn how to leverage AI and Google Sheets to discover and analyze top YouTube creators. Use powerful AI functions to gather insights, track performance metrics, and identify trending content creators in your niche.

📋 Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

🚀 Setting Up Your Analysis Sheet

Step 1: Enable GPT Functions

Follow these steps:

1. Click on Extensions in the menu
2. Navigate to GPT for Sheets, Docs, Slides, Forms
3. Select Launch

Step 2: Create Your Analysis Template

Essential Columns to Include:

🔍 Using AI Functions for Analysis

Basic Channel Analysis

Use this formula for initial insights:

=GPT("Analyze the content strategy and performance metrics for [Channel Name]")

Competitor Research

Get comprehensive competitive analysis:

=CLAUDE("Compare engagement rates and content quality between [Channel 1] and [Channel 2]")
=MISTRAL("What are the unique selling points of [Channel Name]'s content?")
=GEMINI("Predict future trends based on [Channel Name]'s recent videos")

Content Gap Analysis

Find market opportunities:

=SERP("[Your Niche] YouTube creators")

Performance Metrics Analysis

Get data-driven insights:

=PERPLEXITY("What are the key success factors for [Channel Name] based on their last 10 videos?")

📈 Advanced Analysis Techniques

1. Content Pattern Recognition

Template:

📺 Channel: [CHANNEL_NAME]
🎬 Recent Videos: [LAST_5_VIDEOS]
📊 Metrics: [VIEWS, LIKES, COMMENTS]

Analyze the content patterns and identify what drives engagement for this creator.

2. Audience Sentiment Analysis

=GPT("Analyze comments and engagement patterns for [VIDEO_URL] and provide sentiment summary")

3. Trend Prediction

=CLAUDE("Based on [CHANNEL_NAME]'s performance, predict upcoming content trends in [NICHE]")

🔌 YouTube API Integration

Search Videos

Get detailed video analytics using the built-in YouTube Data API function:

=YOUTUBE_DATA_SEARCH_VIDEO(
    "your topic",      // Search query
    50,                // Max results (up to 200)
    "viewCount",       // Sort order
    "2024-01-01",     // Published after
    "2024-03-31",     // Published before
    "US",             // Region code
    "long",           // Video duration
    "high",           // Video definition
    "any",            // Video type
    "moderate"        // Safe search
)

Find Channels

Search for channels in your niche with subscriber filters:

=YOUTUBE_DATA_SEARCH_CHANNELS(
    "tech reviews",    // Search query
    50,                // Max results
    1000,              // Min subscribers
    1000000,           // Max subscribers
    "relevance",       // Sort order
    "US"               // Region code
)

Analyze Channel Details

Get comprehensive channel statistics:

=YOUTUBE_DATA_GET_CHANNEL("CHANNEL_ID")

For multiple channels:

=YOUTUBE_DATA_GET_CHANNEL("CHANNEL_ID_1,CHANNEL_ID_2")

Practical Analysis Template

Combine API data with AI analysis:

// Get channel stats
=YOUTUBE_DATA_GET_CHANNEL("CHANNEL_ID")

// Get recent videos
=YOUTUBE_DATA_SEARCH_VIDEO("channel:CHANNEL_ID", 10)

// AI Analysis
=GPT("Analyze this YouTube channel:
Stats: " & A1 & "
Recent Videos: " & B1 & "

Provide insights on:
1. Content performance
2. Audience engagement
3. Growth opportunities")

YouTube-Specific Analysis Functions

Channel Statistics Analysis

Use these formulas to get detailed channel metrics:

=GPT("
Channel: [CHANNEL_URL]
Analyze:
- Average views per video
- Subscriber growth rate
- Top 3 best performing video formats
- Posting frequency
- Best performing video titles

Provide a detailed analysis of the channel's performance metrics and growth potential.
")

Content Strategy Analysis

For understanding content patterns and success factors:

=CLAUDE("
Analyze the last 10 videos from [CHANNEL_URL]:
1. Title patterns
2. Thumbnail styles
3. Video length
4. Upload timing
5. Engagement patterns

Identify what elements contribute most to video success.
")

Competitor Benchmark Template

Competitor Analysis for [NICHE]:
Channel 1: [URL]
Channel 2: [URL]
Channel 3: [URL]

=MISTRAL("Compare and analyze:
- Content quality
- Production value
- Audience engagement
- Posting frequency
- Unique selling points
Provide actionable insights for outperforming these channels.")

Trend Analysis Formula

=PERPLEXITY("
Based on these YouTube channels in [NICHE]:
[CHANNEL_1]
[CHANNEL_2]
[CHANNEL_3]

Identify:
1. Emerging content trends
2. Underserved topics
3. Successful video formats
4. Audience preferences
5. Potential collaboration opportunities
")

Engagement Rate Calculator

Use this formula in your spreadsheet:

=GPT("Calculate engagement rate for [VIDEO_URL] using:
(Likes + Comments) / Views * 100

Provide:
- Engagement rate
- Industry average comparison
- Recommendations for improvement")

Content Calendar Optimization

=GEMINI("Analyze [CHANNEL_URL] to determine:
1. Best posting days and times
2. Optimal content mix
3. Seasonal trend opportunities
4. Content gaps to fill
5. Audience retention strategies")

Real-World Example

Here’s a practical example analyzing a tech review channel:

=GPT("
Channel: youtube.com/mkbhd
Analyze:
1. Most successful video types in last 3 months
2. Average view duration
3. Thumbnail effectiveness
4. Title optimization
5. Comment engagement strategies

Provide actionable insights for similar tech channels.")

Best Practices

1. Regular Updates: Refresh your analysis monthly to track changes
2. Cross-Reference Data: Use multiple AI models for balanced insights
3. Contextual Analysis: Consider seasonal trends and platform updates
4. Engagement Metrics: Focus on engagement rates over raw subscriber counts
5. Content Quality: Use AI to analyze production value and content structure

Automating Your Analysis

Create a template with these columns:

• Creator Name
• Channel URL
• Last 5 Video Topics
• Average Views
• Engagement Rate
• AI Insights (using GPT function)
• Trend Analysis (using CLAUDE function)
• Market Position (using PERPLEXITY function)

Tips for Better Results

1. Use specific queries in your AI prompts
2. Combine multiple AI models for comprehensive analysis
3. Regular update your data for accurate insights
4. Focus on actionable metrics
5. Document successful patterns

Summary

Analyzing YouTube creators with AI in Google Sheets provides valuable insights for content strategy and collaboration opportunities. By combining various AI models and functions, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of creator performance, audience engagement, and content trends. Regular analysis helps identify emerging opportunities and maintain competitive advantage in your niche.

The key to success is consistent analysis, cross-referencing multiple data points, and using AI insights to inform strategic decisions. Whether you’re a content creator, marketer, or brand looking to collaborate with YouTubers, this AI-powered approach provides valuable data-driven insights for better decision-making.