Creating an engaging and well-optimized YouTube channel requires consideration of several factors:

1. Channel Art and Thumbnails: Clear, high-quality images that represent your brand or channel theme can attract users visually. Thumbnails can act as a mini-representation of each video, thereby driving curiosity and clicks.

2. Descriptions: Detailed and accurate descriptions for both the channel and individual videos help users understand your content better, leading to higher engagement. Optimized descriptions (using relevant keywords) can aid in discoverability.

3. Playlist Organization: Well structured and logically grouped playlists enhance the user experience, guiding them through your content effectively. They can help increase session duration and viewer retention rates.

Your channel’s layout and organization majorly affect viewer engagement and subscription rates. A clutter-free, well-organized channel appears professional and is easy to navigate, leading to increased viewer engagement and the likelihood of subscriptions.

In terms of influencer marketing platforms like Flinque, brands can utilize these strategies to enhance their YouTube channel optimization. The analytical tools offered by such platforms can help evaluate channel performance, audience engagement, and identify areas of improvement.

Comparatively speaking, different platforms offer varied features. Some might focus more on analytics, while others might prioritize creator discovery and collaboration. Identifying the right platform depends on the specific needs and goals of the team. For instance, Flinque excels in providing a holistic approach towards influencer marketing – right from influencer discovery to campaign workflows and ROI measurement. Such features can be beneficial to brands looking to fully leverage their YouTube channels in influencer marketing strategy.