I've been doing this for 3 years and am still not above 1k

don't worry about it from what I have seen and learned you either have to make consistent uploads or make videos that people would actually be interested in.

although with youtube's current algorithm that wouldn't really work because they now like bigger more broad audience compared to more niche because money so just keep on uploading quality content or things that your actually passionate about you don't have to be a mega sensation plus I think that a smaller community can get everyone to know each other better.

(I have no clue if the stuff I'm typing is true for your channel if you could plz link it)