Small YouTubers Have a Problem

Summary

In this video, the creator offers a candid look at the current state of YouTube, addressing concerns about saturation and competition. With millions of videos uploaded daily, standing out has become more challenging. However, success on YouTube is still possible through unique branding, consistency, and continuous improvement. The creator emphasizes the importance of avoiding generic content, committing to a sustainable routine, and constantly evolving. With examples from successful channels, the video provides practical strategies for creators to build a strong presence and grow their channels over time.

Takeaways

• 😀 YouTube isn't dead, but the platform is more competitive than ever, with over 20 million videos uploaded daily in 2025.
• 😀 Despite the saturation, YouTube's audience continues to grow, with 12% of all TV streaming watch time now attributed to YouTube.
• 😀 The most common mistake new creators make is copying successful channels rather than developing their unique style and brand.
• 😀 A key to standing out in a crowded market is creating a unique and recognizable brand that differentiates you from others in your niche.
• 😀 Consistency is essential to YouTube success. Treat your channel like a part-time job, not a hobby, and establish a sustainable routine.
• 😀 Don't expect instant results. YouTube success often takes months or even years to materialize, and delayed gratification is key.
• 😀 Develop a content creation schedule that works for you and stick to it, even if it's just a few hours a week.
• 😀 Regularly review your content and focus on improving one aspect with each video, whether it's audio, editing, or thumbnail design.
• 😀 Creating a system for improvement and holding yourself accountable is crucial. Consider using external pressure, like a YouTube coach, for extra motivation.
• 😀 YouTube is a skills-building journey. Embrace the awkward phase of creating content and understand that growth comes with time and experience.

Q & A

Is YouTube saturated in 2025?

No, YouTube is not dead, though it's harder than before. There is more competition, but there are also more viewers than ever, which increases opportunities for creators.

Why is YouTube still a viable platform despite the growing number of creators?

While competition is real, YouTube has also experienced significant growth in its audience, capturing 12% of all TV streaming watch time, which shows that viewers are still flocking to YouTube for longer viewing times.

What is the major mistake new creators make when starting out on YouTube?

Many new creators make the mistake of copying others too closely. While it’s okay to take inspiration, direct copying leads to being just another generic channel in a crowded niche.

How can creators stand out in a saturated market?

Creators can stand out by developing a unique brand. This includes using striking colors in thumbnails, maintaining consistency in font styles, and showing their face in thumbnails to build familiarity.

What is an example of a successful YouTube creator using unique branding?

Callaway is a great example. Despite a crowded content marketing niche, his use of high-contrast thumbnails and consistent branding helped him gain over 150,000 subscribers in just six months.

What mindset should YouTube creators adopt for success?

Creators should treat YouTube as a part-time job rather than a hobby. Consistency and a structured approach to creating content are essential for long-term success.

How can creators manage their time effectively when they have limited hours to dedicate to YouTube?

Creators should realistically assess how much time they can commit weekly, and break that time into specific tasks such as scripting, filming, editing, and thumbnail creation to stay efficient and focused.

Why is consistency important on YouTube?

Consistency is crucial because success on YouTube typically involves delayed gratification. Creators need to stick to a content schedule and give themselves time (3-6 months) to see real results.

What should creators focus on to avoid burnout when improving their content?

Creators should focus on improving one specific area of their videos at a time (e.g., audio quality or thumbnail design) rather than trying to fix everything in one go, which could lead to frustration and burnout.

What is the key to constant improvement on YouTube?

The key is to embrace the learning curve. Creators should review their videos objectively after they've had some time to detach emotionally, analyze them, and focus on improving one element for each subsequent video.