forsubscribeSubscribe

ForsubscribeSubscribe is a shorthand term used to describe a mutual-subscription practice among content creators, commonly known as “subscribe for subscribe” (SFS) or “sub for sub.” The term describes an arrangement in which one channel subscribes to another with the understanding that the favor will be returned, often in hopes of increasing subscriber counts and, in some cases, initial visibility on the platform. It is an informal networking tactic rather than a formal feature provided by platforms.

Origins and usage of the concept emerged within creator communities on video and social platforms in the 2010s, where new channels sought rapid growth. The practice is typically discussed in forums, comments, or direct messages, and may involve agreements to subscribe, watch, or engage with each other’s content. While it can produce a temporary boost in subscriber totals, it does not guarantee corresponding engagement or long-term audience retention.

Impact and criticisms focus on the artificial nature of the growth. Subscriptions gained through such exchanges often do not reflect genuine interest, leading to low watch time, poor engagement metrics, and diminished content value over time. Platforms generally discourage attempts to manipulate metrics, and “sub for sub” arrangements can be at odds with terms of service or community guidelines. As a result, many creators view this tactic as unreliable and prefer legitimate growth strategies such as regular uploads, collaboration, audience engagement, and content optimization.