.png)
Becoming a successful YouTuber isn't something that happens overnight (also "successful" could mean something different to just about every YouTuber, but that's for a different post.) It requires dedication, patience, and plenty of learning experiences. In my journey as a YouTuber, I have encountered a number of challenges, but have also discovered valuable insights that I think could be helpful for you.
In this post, I want to share some of the most important lessons I've learned as a YouTuber that could help you if you're just starting your journey as a video creator, whether it be on YouTube, Tik Tok, or any other platform.
12 Lessons I Have Learned as a YouTuber
1. Understanding Viewers' Responses
One of the first lessons I learned as a YouTuber was that negative feedback is surprisingly rare. Despite the fear of hate comments or harsh criticism, I found that most viewers are supportive and constructive. This isn't always the case, but if you are well-intentioned, you will likely gain a following that supports you.
When I first started on YouTube, I was a grown man racing marbles. I think there was plenty of room to get harassed and have the hate comments pile up. There were definitely those types of comments but for me, they were few and far between.
This realization not only eased my initial anxieties but also reminded me that, in general, people are kind-hearted and well-intentioned.
2. Realizing That Others Don't Always Care
I also discovered that most people are not overly concerned with what I'm doing. As content creators, we often worry about how our work will be perceived by subscribers and non-subscribers when really our videos or content are just one of many in their viewing schedule.
The truth is that people are usually too preoccupied with their own lives to devote much thought to my endeavors. This idea freed me to take risks, be myself, and create content I truly enjoyed.
3. The Power of Free Value
Providing significant value for free is another key lesson I learned as a YouTuber. This concept forms the backbone of YouTube where creators spend countless hours crafting content without immediate monetary gain and typically at no cost to the viewer. Yet, when I consistently offer quality content, good things happen. The connections I make, the trust I build, and the audience I grow pave the way for a variety of eventual benefits.
4. Valuing Your Unique Knowledge
A crucial revelation was understanding that what seems obvious to me could be enlightening to others and vice versa. We often downplay our knowledge, assuming that everyone else already knows what we do. In my experience, this is rarely the case. My unique perspectives, skills, or experiences can offer immense value to viewers who have not yet encountered them.
5. Everything is Learnable
Another significant learning point was the realization that any skill could be acquired if I'm willing to put in the effort. For instance, when I started, I had no idea about filming, SEO or editing. But, with the help of online tutorials and persistent practice, I gradually mastered these critical aspects of content creation. This was a powerful reminder that no challenge is insurmountable as long as you're committed to learning and improving.
6. Expertise is Not Always Necessary
Similar to the previous point, you don't have to be an expert to start a YouTube channel. In fact, people often relate better to someone who is just a few steps ahead of them in their journey. This individual would better understand their struggles and provide guidance that resonates with their current level of understanding. So, it's more about being a guide on the side than a sage on the stage.
7. Embracing the Painful Beginning
Starting anything new can be difficult, and YouTube is no exception. My initial videos were far from perfect, but they were necessary stepping stones towards improving my craft. It was a clear case of quantity leading to quality. So, whether you're embarking on a YouTube journey or a new venture, embrace the initial struggles, knowing that they pave the way for growth and improvement.
8. Include Others in Your Journey
Building a YouTube channel can be a solitary endeavor, but it doesn't have to be. Involving friends and family in your journey can provide valuable feedback, emotional support, and even content collaboration opportunities.
Having a supportive network around you can make the journey more enjoyable and make all the difference.
9. Enjoying the Process
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I learned to enjoy the journey. Success on YouTube is not just about reaching a certain number of subscribers or views. It's about the personal growth you experience, the connections you make, and the joy you derive from creating content you love. So, don't just focus on the destination, savor every step of the journey.
10. Don't Get Caught Up in Analytics
While analytics are essential for understanding your audience and improving your content, it's easy to become obsessed with numbers, schedules, and optimization. I've found that there is a balance between data and schedules and being creative.
Too far to the data side and you may lose your creativity.
Too far to the creative side and you may miss out on crucial opportunities to expand your reach.
This balance probably looks different for each person so test out different things to see where you balance is.
11. Protect Your Mental Health
Being a YouTuber can be mentally taxing. It is so easy to get caught up in the process and before you know it, all you are doing is working 80 works and reading crazy comments all day. This can lead to, among many other more dangerous things:
Burnout
Self-esteem issues
Identity issues
Anxiety
Depression
Stress
Ensure you're taking breaks, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care. In my experience, the difference between a 40-hour work week and a 50-hour work week as a YouTuber is minimal and usually only a negative experience.
12. You Can't Do Everything
Learning to delegate and outsource can be a game-changer. Trying to manage every aspect of your channel can lead to burnout. Recognize your strengths, focus on them, and consider getting help for the rest.
See some of my favorite outsourcing sites in the tool section of my website.
Conclusion
Being a YouTuber has been an incredible journey for me filled with an insane amount of value and meaningful growth. From understanding my audience to valuing my unique knowledge, each lesson has shaped me into a better creator and individual.
If you're considering starting a YouTube channel, I hope these lessons inspire and guide you along your journey. Remember, every YouTuber starts with zero subscribers and a has a ton to learn. If you need professional YouTube consulting, YouTube channel management or just some coaching, reach out to me today!
Written by Rob Miller
Founder, Creator Essentials
Rob has been on YouTube since 2016 and has worked on dozens of channels and websites, including his own, amassing hundreds of millions of views and hundreds of thousands of subscribers.