Dave2D - 10 Years on YouTube

Summary

In this reflective video, the creator shares their journey on YouTube since starting in 2015, highlighting the challenges and growth along the way. From borrowing cameras and creating simple thumbnails to building a studio and collaborating with other creators, they emphasize the importance of authenticity and patient support from their audience. Despite occasional fears of falling behind on content, they express gratitude for the freedom to post what they love without the pressure of mainstream expectations. The video celebrates their unique approach to YouTube and the rewarding experience of being themselves.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker started making YouTube videos in 2015 without knowing how to edit, shoot, or own a camera, borrowing equipment for the first few years.
• 😀 Initially, the speaker filmed videos during lunch breaks at work and kept it a secret from colleagues.
• 😀 The YouTuber developed a healthy relationship with YouTube, treating it as a side hobby rather than an obligation.
• 😀 The speaker expresses gratitude towards the supportive audience, who helped build their channel without pushing for clickbait or sensational thumbnails.
• 😀 The speaker recalls a fun, behind-the-scenes moment with Lou from Unbox Therapy while making a parody thumbnail for an iPhone 10 unboxing.
• 😀 The speaker values the patience of their audience, even when they would go months without posting videos, and appreciates the continued support.
• 😀 Over the years, the speaker had the opportunity to test high-end technology and unique gadgets, such as Optimus Prime transforming.
• 😀 The speaker built a studio space for better video production and collaborated with other creators like Linus from Linus Tech Tips.
• 😀 The speaker experienced both positive and negative feedback about their appearance, such as growing their hair out and later cutting it.
• 😀 The YouTuber enjoyed going to launch events, particularly at Apple Park, and even had the chance to talk with Apple executives.
• 😀 The speaker has kept their YouTube channel small and intimate, focusing on a close-knit working relationship with their editor, rather than expanding to a larger team.

Q & A

What motivated the creator to start making YouTube videos?

The creator was motivated by their passion for technology and a desire to share it with others, despite lacking skills in video editing or shooting.

How did the creator manage to make videos in the early stages?

The creator didn't own a camera at first and had to borrow equipment. They also made videos during lunch breaks at their office, keeping the process discreet.

What was the creator's attitude toward YouTube in the early years?

The creator viewed YouTube as a side project rather than a job, maintaining a healthy relationship with it by only making videos when time allowed.

How did the audience react to the creator's content style?

The creator is thankful for their audience, who never pressured them into using clickbait or exaggerated thumbnails, allowing them to simply post content they enjoyed.

Why did the creator experiment with clickbait-style thumbnails in 2017?

In 2017, the creator experimented with a parody thumbnail featuring a shocked expression for an iPhone 10 unboxing video, inspired by trends they observed in other creators' work.

How does the creator feel about the effectiveness of clickbait thumbnails?

The creator acknowledges that clickbait thumbnails work for certain audiences but is thankful they don't have to rely on them, as their audience appreciates their genuine approach.

What challenges did the creator face regarding video publishing frequency?

The creator was concerned that not uploading frequently enough would negatively impact their career, especially given YouTube's culture of expecting regular uploads. However, their audience remained supportive even during extended gaps between videos.

What are some of the highlights the creator has experienced throughout their YouTube journey?

The creator has had the opportunity to test high-end tech, build a studio, collaborate with other creators, and attend product launch events, such as those at Apple Park.

How has the creator's approach to YouTube evolved over the years?

The creator's approach has remained relatively unchanged in terms of maintaining a small, intimate production style. Despite opportunities to expand with a larger team, they continue to value the personal connection with their audience.

What role has the creator's audience played in their success on YouTube?

The creator attributes much of their success to the audience's understanding and patience, which allowed them to maintain their unique and less polished style without the pressure to conform to mainstream YouTube trends.