28 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started YouTube

Summary

In this video, the creator shares 28 crucial lessons learned from over 14 years of YouTube experience. These insights cover everything from understanding YouTube's long-term nature to the importance of consistency, managing expectations, and the unpredictable journey of content creation. The creator emphasizes personal growth, balancing passion with audience appeal, and how to build relationships with viewers and peers. Practical tips include focusing on video packaging, mastering SEO, investing in skills over gear, and not getting discouraged by setbacks. The ultimate message: patience, authenticity, and perseverance are key to sustainable success on YouTube.

Takeaways

• 😀 YouTube is a long-term commitment. Growth takes time, and you should plan for at least 3-5 years to see significant results.
• 😀 Focus on the journey, not just the goals. Relying on metrics for motivation can lead to burnout—enjoy the creative process instead.
• 😀 Understand that it can take time for YouTube's algorithm to recognize your content. Don’t give up too soon.
• 😀 Stop comparing yourself to others. Everyone’s path is different, and it’s essential to focus on your own progress.
• 😀 Invest in improving your skills before upgrading your gear. Great creators with basic equipment will always outperform those with top-tier gear but no skills.
• 😀 Your video packaging (thumbnails, titles, hooks) should be planned before creating content to ensure your videos are appealing from the start.
• 😀 Balance what you want to create with what your audience wants. It’s crucial to keep both your passion and your audience’s interests in mind.
• 😀 Consistency doesn’t mean posting weekly—it means finding a sustainable rhythm that works for you, whether it’s daily or monthly uploads.
• 😀 Focus on building trust with your audience. Viewers need to see consistency and authenticity before they commit to subscribing.
• 😀 SEO is a crucial skill. Optimize your content with keywords, tags, and descriptions to ensure long-term discoverability and growth.

Q & A

What is the most important thing to keep in mind when starting a YouTube channel?

YouTube is a long-term commitment. Success doesn’t come overnight, and it can take 3 to 5 years minimum to see significant growth. It's important to set realistic expectations and be prepared for a slow but steady journey.

How can goals be both helpful and harmful for YouTubers?

While goals provide direction, focusing too much on numbers and metrics can lead to burnout and frustration. It’s essential to find fulfillment in the creative process, not just the outcome.

What is the difference between logically knowing something and truly internalizing it?

You may logically understand that growing on YouTube takes time, but internalizing that truth helps you stop stressing about short-term results. It’s a mental shift that allows for patience and perseverance.

Why can't YouTube be predicted, and how should creators approach this uncertainty?

YouTube is unpredictable, and videos that seem promising may flop, while unexpected content can take off. The key is not to try to control everything but to focus on consistently creating content and letting the algorithm discover what works.

How long does it take for YouTube's algorithm to understand your content?

It can take up to 100 days for YouTube’s algorithm to figure out how to present your content. Videos might gain traction long after being uploaded, so it's important to remain patient and keep producing.

What’s the danger of comparing yourself to other creators?

Comparing yourself to others can lead to envy or frustration, especially when you don't know their unique circumstances. It’s more productive to focus on your own growth and celebrate your own milestones.

Why is it important to focus on just two platforms initially?

Trying to manage multiple platforms can burn you out and dilute your efforts. Focusing on one platform for discovery (like YouTube) and one for building relationships (like email or podcast) is a more effective strategy.

What’s more valuable, investing in gear or in yourself as a creator?

Investing in your skills is more valuable than purchasing expensive gear. A creator with basic equipment but strong skills will always outperform someone with top-tier gear but poor content.

What does 'packaging your video before making it' mean?

This refers to considering the thumbnail, title, and idea of the video before filming it. This ensures the content has clear appeal and purpose, helping it attract viewers.

How should creators balance their own interests with audience demands?

It’s crucial to find a balance between making content you’re passionate about and what your audience wants to see. Creating content solely for views can lead to burnout, while ignoring audience preferences might hinder growth.