The 17 Biggest Mistakes I’ve Made on YouTube and How to Avoid Them

Summary

In this insightful video, the creator reflects on 17 common YouTube mistakes made over the years, potentially affecting views, subscribers, and reputation. Key takeaways include the importance of making eye contact with the lens, starting a channel before feeling 'ready', avoiding the trap of gear acquisition syndrome, and planning content. The video also highlights the pitfalls of comparison, selfish content, weak titles and thumbnails, wasting time, and the necessity of creating systems for success. It emphasizes authenticity, value addition, and the marathon nature of YouTube growth, urging creators to learn from others, maintain consistency, and avoid spreading focus too thin.

Takeaways

• 📷 Not making eye contact with the lens can hurt audience retention. Look at the lens, not the selfie screen.
• ⏰ Start creating content before you feel ready. Overcome perfectionism and just press record.
• 🎥 Focus on content over gear. Success on YouTube comes from the value of your content, not the quality of your equipment.
• 📝 Plan your videos ahead of time. A few minutes of planning can significantly improve your video's impact.
• 💪 Be authentic and avoid comparing yourself to others. Embrace your unique strengths and personality.
• 🎬 Avoid making selfish content. Focus on providing value to your viewers with entertainment or education.
• 🖋️ Craft strong titles. Weak titles can diminish your video's appeal and performance.
• 🌟 Create clear, impactful thumbnails. Avoid clutter and ensure they are easily readable, especially on smartphones.
• 🚫 Avoid wasting time with long intros. Get straight to the point to maintain viewer interest.
• 📊 Develop effective systems. Consistent systems lead to better results in the long run.
• 💼 Think long-term. Don't sacrifice your brand integrity for short-term gains or trends.
• 🏃 Manage expectations. YouTube success often requires patience, persistence, and realistic goals.
• 🔄 Stick to a few focused topics. Avoid covering too many different subjects on one channel.
• 📚 Learn from others. Seek guidance, resources, and education to improve faster.
• 🔄 Maintain consistency. Regular uploads, consistent energy, and a cohesive message help build momentum.
• 🔍 Focus on one channel initially. Trying to manage multiple channels can dilute your efforts.
• 💪 Don't give up too soon. Persistence is key to overcoming frustration and achieving long-term success.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is the 17 biggest YouTube mistakes the creator has made over the past 17 years that could be costing views, subscribers, and respect.

Why is making eye contact with the lens important?

Making eye contact with the lens is important because it creates a connection with the viewer and helps to retain audience attention.

What is the issue with focusing too much on gear?

Focusing too much on gear, also known as GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome), can distract from the actual content, which is more important for success on YouTube. It's better to start with what you have and upgrade as needed.

How can a lack of planning negatively affect your YouTube videos?

A lack of planning can result in vague or no clear ideas for videos, excess footage, and difficulties in editing, leading to less impactful videos. Planning ahead can improve the quality and effectiveness of the content.

Why should you avoid comparing yourself to other creators?

Comparing yourself to other creators can lead to insecurity and stifle creativity. Instead, focusing on your own strengths and authenticity can lead to greater success on YouTube.

What constitutes making selfish content, and why is it a mistake?

Making selfish content means creating videos based on what you want rather than what provides value to the viewer. This can result in fewer views and subscribers. It's important to consider the viewer's interests and needs.

Why are strong titles and thumbnails crucial for YouTube videos?

Strong titles and thumbnails are crucial because they attract viewers to click on your videos. Weak titles and cluttered or unclear thumbnails can deter potential viewers.

What is the significance of creating systems for YouTube content creation?

Creating systems helps in producing consistent results by streamlining the process of creating, releasing, and reviewing videos. Good systems can improve efficiency and effectiveness, leading to better performance.

How can unrealistic expectations impact your YouTube journey?

Unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration and discouragement if immediate success isn't achieved. Understanding that YouTube success often requires time, effort, and patience can help maintain motivation.

Why is it important to avoid covering too many topics on one channel?

Covering too many topics can confuse your audience and dilute your brand, making it harder to build a dedicated following. Focusing on a specific niche helps attract and retain viewers who are interested in that content.

What are the dangers of trying to figure everything out on your own?

Trying to figure everything out on your own can be the slowest path to success. Seeking help from educational resources, books, and experienced individuals can accelerate learning and improve your YouTube strategy.

Why is consistency in uploads and other dimensions important for YouTube success?

Consistency in uploads, energy, message, and brand helps build momentum and trust with your audience. It creates a predictable and reliable experience for viewers, which can lead to better engagement and growth.

What is the potential downside of running multiple YouTube channels?

Running multiple YouTube channels can spread your efforts too thin, leading to less focus and slower growth for each channel. It's often better to concentrate on one channel until it is successful before branching out.

What is the advice given regarding brand and money decisions?

The advice is to avoid sacrificing your long-term brand for short-term money by pushing products you don't believe in or jumping on trends that don't align with your channel's purpose. Making decisions based on legacy and long-term goals is more beneficial.

Why should new creators avoid giving up too soon?

New creators should avoid giving up too soon because success on YouTube often requires time, effort, and persistence. Staying motivated and continuing to improve can lead to eventual success.