this isn't working.

Summary

In this candid video, a YouTuber reflects on the challenges of creating thoughtful, high-production content in a broken media economy. Despite a decade of success, the financial sustainability of making in-depth videos remains elusive, with much of the revenue swallowed by platforms like YouTube. The creator expresses frustration with the unpredictability of video performance and the strain it puts on their small team. They appeal for support to continue producing quality content, highlighting the impact of their work and offering ways for viewers to help, including through Patreon and Nebula, both of which offer a more reliable financial foundation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The creator has been making YouTube videos for almost a decade, but the video-making process has significantly changed over time.
• 😀 Despite the changing landscape, the creator's goal remains to offer new perspectives on the world, whether academic or journalistic.
• 😀 The creator points out the flaws in the online media economy, particularly for creators making substantive content, where revenue models often fall short.
• 😀 The channel has a relatively small but loyal following, with views sometimes reaching numbers far exceeding that of a local football stadium.
• 😀 The creator emphasizes that, despite relatively high viewership, the financial model of YouTube and other platforms remains unsustainable for creators.
• 😀 YouTube's revenue cut and its inconsistent monetization policies, such as limiting ads, make financial sustainability difficult for the creator.
• 😀 The creator highlights the struggles of creating high-quality content, noting how producing well-thought-out videos is expensive compared to cheaper content formats like podcasts.
• 😀 Over the past year, the creator has expanded their content, including interviews and on-location reporting, despite the financial uncertainty.
• 😀 Even though some videos perform well, there's an ongoing challenge to ensure consistent financial support, with big hits only covering losses from other content.
• 😀 The creator expresses frustration over the difficulty of balancing content creation with financial pressures, leading to burnout risks and the constant worry of running out of money.
• 😀 With a baby on the way, the creator seeks to balance work and personal life, aiming for more sustainable support to enable a better work-life balance and a healthier workflow.

Q & A

What motivates the creator to continue making videos despite the challenges?

The creator is motivated by a deep belief in the impact their videos can have, especially in the realms of politics, news, and current affairs. They aim to provide thoughtful, well-produced content that offers new perspectives and insights.

Why does the creator feel the online media economy is broken?

The creator feels the economy is broken because platforms like YouTube take a significant portion of the revenue, leaving creators with very little. Monetization policies are also unpredictable, which makes it hard to maintain financial sustainability.

What financial struggles does the creator face in producing videos?

The creator faces financial difficulties as only a small percentage of the ad revenue makes it to them, and the costs of running the business—such as equipment, travel, software, and salaries—are substantial. Despite getting decent views, the income generated often doesn’t cover the expenses.

How does the creator feel about the impact of YouTube’s monetization policies?

The creator feels that YouTube's monetization policies, especially the 'limited monetization' flag, negatively impact the potential reach and earnings of their videos. This system, combined with YouTube’s revenue cut, makes it hard for creators to generate enough money.

What comparison is made between YouTube videos and podcasts?

The creator contrasts YouTube videos with podcasts, noting that podcasts are much cheaper to produce and have a higher profit margin. They’re easier to create and more frequent, while high-quality YouTube videos require more time, effort, and financial investment.

Why does the creator prioritize producing thoughtful, in-depth content over quick viral hits?

The creator values thoughtful content that dives deeper into important topics, rather than focusing on viral or clickbait-driven stories. They believe that such content has more meaningful impact, even if it doesn’t always generate massive viewership.

What role do 'smash hits' play in the creator's business model?

The creator relies on occasional 'smash hits'—videos that attract significant viewership—to help sustain the channel financially. These hits help cover the losses from videos with smaller audiences but are not a reliable, long-term solution.

What is the creator's attitude towards clickbait and algorithm-driven content?

The creator rejects the idea of focusing solely on what might perform well in the algorithm. They believe clickbait-driven content harms journalism and public discourse and would rather produce content based on value and insight, even if it doesn’t go viral.

How does the creator view their Patreon community and its role in sustaining the channel?

The creator sees their Patreon community as essential for maintaining the financial stability of the channel. While not a top-tier Patreon creator, the support from their 328 patrons has been crucial in keeping the channel running, and they hope to grow this base for more predictable income.

What advantages does Nebula offer to creators like the one in the script?

Nebula provides creators with backend support, better software deals, and sponsorships, which reduce reliance on third-party advertisers. It also offers a more sustainable revenue model, allowing creators to produce content that aligns with their values without being driven by algorithmic pressures.