What I learned about YouTube after 100,000 subscribers

Summary

In this video, the creator reflects on their YouTube journey, sharing personal insights about growth and connecting with an older audience. They discuss shifting away from overproduction, relying less on tools like TubeBuddy and VidIQ, and embracing a more authentic, conversational style. Emphasizing the importance of blocking out external noise and experimenting with content, the speaker encourages viewers to trust their creative journey. With a focus on using one’s unique gifts, they highlight the impact of meaningful audience engagement and the value of staying true to one’s vision, regardless of external expectations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on content intent and connecting with your audience, especially if targeting an older demographic, rather than relying heavily on search phrases.
• 😀 Experiment with different thumbnail styles, like 'hyperreal' thumbnails, which offer a more authentic, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the video rather than traditional cutouts.
• 😀 Avoid over-editing and over-producing your videos. Embrace authenticity and focus on the realness of the content, even with minor mistakes or pauses.
• 😀 Reevaluate the need for YouTube growth tools like TubeBuddy and VidIQ. These tools may not be necessary for everyone; lean into your own creative instincts instead.
• 😀 The YouTube growth journey is not linear. Sometimes videos click, and sometimes they don’t—accepting this unpredictability is part of the process.
• 😀 Block out external noise from constant growth advice and focus on what works for you personally. There's no one-size-fits-all formula for success.
• 😀 Quit social media for a period to limit distractions. This can help you focus more on your content without the pressure of constant feedback or updates.
• 😀 Take meaningful comments seriously, as they can reinforce the impact of your work. Engaging with your audience, even if you can’t respond to everyone, is crucial.
• 😀 Embrace imperfection in your content creation. No one has everything figured out, and it's important to keep learning and adapting as you go.
• 😀 Recognize that the content you create may touch lives in ways you don’t expect. The feedback from your audience can make the journey worthwhile, even when you feel uncertain.
• 😀 Strive to be a source of inspiration for others. Your creativity, no matter how small, can encourage someone else to start their own journey.

Q & A

Why did Kevin stop relying on keyword tools like TubeBuddy and VidIQ?

Kevin stopped relying on keyword tools because he found that growing in search didn't necessarily lead to growth in other areas like suggested search. He decided to focus more on creating content that resonated with his audience's intent and needs rather than optimizing for search phrases.

What is Kevin's approach to creating thumbnails, and how did it evolve?

Kevin shifted away from traditional thumbnails with cut-out faces and complex backgrounds. He now prefers a simpler, 'hyperreal' approach, where the thumbnail reflects a glimpse into the video, sometimes using poses with everyday items like his phone or laptop. This approach feels more authentic and relatable.

What impact did Kevin's background in television production have on his YouTube content?

Kevin's television background led him to enjoy editing, but he found himself overproducing videos. Over time, he realized that heavy editing and excessive production could detract from the authenticity of the content. He consciously worked on reducing unnecessary edits to maintain a more genuine connection with his audience.

Why did Kevin quit social media for six months, and what was the result?

Kevin quit social media for six months to reduce distractions and noise that hindered his focus on content creation. He realized that by cutting out constant notifications and checking apps, he could focus more on what truly mattered, leading to better content and personal growth.

How did Kevin's approach to growth advice and learning evolve?

Kevin became overwhelmed by conflicting growth advice and decided to stop watching so many YouTube growth videos. Instead, he focused on experimenting with different video types, trusting his instincts, and learning through practical experience rather than following every piece of advice.

What does Kevin think about the role of editing in YouTube videos?

Kevin believes that excessive editing can sometimes undermine the natural flow of a video. He strives to create content that feels authentic and real by avoiding the overuse of edits and aiming for a conversational tone, even if it means leaving in minor mistakes or pauses.

Why does Kevin emphasize the importance of connecting with his audience on a personal level?

Kevin wants his videos to feel like a conversation, as if viewers are sitting together in a coffee shop. He believes that this authentic connection is the power of video and that it makes the content more meaningful to his audience, which is why he focuses on making his videos feel real and personal.

What was Kevin's perspective on YouTube growth, and how does he handle success?

Kevin sees YouTube growth as a byproduct of creating authentic content, not as the ultimate goal. He stresses that no one has it all figured out, and that success should be defined by what works for you. For Kevin, success also comes from meaningful connections, like receiving heartfelt comments from viewers.

How does Kevin approach the concept of 'success' in the context of YouTube?

Kevin defines success as staying true to yourself, consistently creating content, and connecting with your audience, rather than obsessing over metrics like views or subscribers. He emphasizes that success means different things to different people, and it’s important to decide what that looks like for you.

What quote does Kevin often reference, and what does it mean to him?

Kevin frequently references a quote from C.S. Lewis: 'You are never too old to set another goal or dream another dream.' This quote resonates with him as a reminder that growth and change are always possible, no matter your age or stage in life, which is a theme in his own creative journey.