Why I Stopped Destroying iPhones on YouTube

Summary

In a heartfelt video, Brandon Baldwin shares his journey as the creator behind GizmoSlip, reflecting on the highs and lows of his YouTube career. From financial struggles and viral success to the toll that negativity took on his mental health, Brandon opens up about his evolution. Despite the fear and self-doubt that once paralyzed him, he now aims to shift his focus from tech testing to content that helps others, sharing life lessons, and his passion for topics like cryptocurrency. With gratitude for his supporters, Brandon urges viewers to embrace change and face fear head-on.

Takeaways

• 😀 Brandon Baldwin started GizmoSlip in 2011 with his childhood friend Darren, driven by a passion for tech and video gaming.
• 😀 After an unsuccessful first attempt, Brandon racked up $16,000-$17,000 in credit card debt to fund his YouTube venture, using high-risk loans.
• 😀 Despite the early financial struggles, Brandon’s viral videos, such as the iPhone 6s Plus drop test, led to a burst of success in 2015.
• 😀 The excitement of viral success was followed by the harsh reality of fluctuating views, which led to negative comments impacting Brandon’s mental health.
• 😀 As his YouTube channel’s viewership declined, Brandon began experiencing depression, anxiety, and self-doubt, which made filming videos challenging.
• 😀 Brandon took a two-year break from YouTube to focus on paying off his debts and return with a renewed perspective.
• 😀 The high point of Brandon's YouTube career came in 2016 when he posted a video that gained 13 million views in just two days.
• 😀 Over time, Brandon realized that the constant pressure of maintaining high views and dealing with negativity took a toll on his mental health.
• 😀 Moving forward, Brandon wants to evolve his channel to include life lessons, personal development, and even cryptocurrency content, not just tech product testing.
• 😀 Brandon acknowledges the fear and uncertainty that come with changing his content direction, knowing it may affect his viewership, but he is motivated by a desire to help others.
• 😀 Despite doubts about his own worth, Brandon expresses deep gratitude to his loyal fans who have supported him throughout his journey.
• 😀 The video ends with a motivational message to overcome fear and take control of one’s life to become the person they truly want to be.

Q & A

Why did the creator initially stop making videos about destroying iPhones?

The creator stopped making videos about destroying iPhones due to fear, uncertainty, and self-doubt, which led to a period of anxiety and depression. He was also dealing with the negative impact of online hate and criticism.

What led the creator to start GizmoSlip in 2011?

The creator, Brandon Baldwin, started GizmoSlip in 2011 because of his deep passion for technology, which was sparked by his early interest in computers and video games. He wanted to create a channel reviewing tech products and performing durability tests.

How did the creator finance the early stages of GizmoSlip?

In the early stages of GizmoSlip, the creator took a significant financial risk by using all of his $13,500 credit card balance and taking out additional credit to purchase tech products and rent expensive equipment like a $7,000 Phantom camera.

What challenges did the creator face after his initial success on YouTube?

After his initial success, the creator faced financial difficulties, including significant credit card debt and student loans. Additionally, the stress from the negative comments and the decline in viewership caused him to experience anxiety and depression.

How did the creator's YouTube channel grow after his return in 2015?

Upon returning to YouTube in 2015, the creator's channel had continued to grow during his absence, with his breakthrough video 'Don't hurl iPhone 6s Plus into a giant water balloon' going viral. This success revived his career, leading to millions of views and a resurgence in popularity.

What was the creator's experience like during the peak of his YouTube career?

During the peak of his YouTube career, the creator felt a euphoric high, especially after posting a video that garnered 13 million views in just two days. This success allowed him to quit his job and focus on YouTube full-time, but it also led to increasing pressure as expectations grew.

How did negative comments affect the creator's mental health?

The negative comments, including hateful and harsh messages, started to weigh heavily on the creator's mental health. As his viewership declined, the comments became more impactful, contributing to feelings of sadness, anxiety, and a lack of self-confidence.

What does the creator now want to focus on with his content?

The creator wants to shift his content away from just tech product durability tests and incorporate life lessons he has learned. He aims to help others improve their lives and share his personal journey, including his experiences with religion, mental health, and cryptocurrency.

Why is the creator nervous about changing his content direction?

The creator is nervous about changing his content direction because he is unsure if his new ideas will resonate with his audience. He fears that this shift might lead to a decline in viewership, but he acknowledges that it is important for his personal growth and authenticity.

What message does the creator want to convey in the final part of his video?

In the final part of his video, the creator emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear and anxiety, taking control of one's life, and being true to oneself. He encourages his viewers to embrace change and pursue what truly matters to them.