I don't particularly want to increase my YouTube time and I don't have a need to find new videos actively, but often some comment for example here in HN suggests a video/channel I do like. Is that what you were asking?

>> what do you use as a discovery platform

> I randomly happen upon them

It answers the question but likely not the answer they were looking for.

Personally I find that YouTube recommends decent content to me based on what I like to watch.

But it’ll recommend garbage to my kids. The problem is that the kids like the garbage.

Beyond that often YouTubers in a certain niche will mention / promote others doing similar stuff.

I do subscribe to premium just to avoid the Prager U and other ads that have no business being targeted at kids in the first place.