We are in our mid-fifties and started our channel about a month ago. We are LOVING it! We're learning so much, but it is hard work. We want to retire in Italy and thought it would be fun to document the journey. Here's to the Gen-Xers out there creating. We got this!
As a creator who wants to reach viewers I found it’s good to identify topics where there are a number of creators covering one subject. I like to think about it as a conversation. And by creating some videos, I get to take part in that conversation. I also so think it’s helpful to meet people where they’re at. If people think they’re too old, then their perception is reality. Speaking to their exact fears is perhaps the thing that can help them move forward. Anyway, Meredith, those are my thoughts. Voice dictated.
Many of us were on yt before but I think there are many who didn't think they could do it. Most of what you are seeing is just channels blowing up who are just real people with no crazy edits sharing wisdom. I'm 48 and this is my 4th year on YT with several breaks over the last 4 years.
One either has a teachable pov on something uniquely valuable to a particular niche or subculture - or they don’t. Age should not matter. I’m 60 (self employed). I’d like to work until I’m 80+.
Happy Birthday! I'm 52 and yes, I'm very nervous about showing my face on camera. It doesn't help that my niche is becoming somewhat unfriendly toward "old white guys." I'm hoping to break some of the stereotypes, but yeah. It's daunting.
I think the issue is STARTING UA-cam as a UA-camR! But plenty of us over 40s have been out on these UA-cam streets for a minute utilizing UA-cam for our businesses. But I know a lot of women business owners who have a mental barrier with being on camera full stop! But like you said that's a separate issue all together.
I saw a few of these videos about "over 40" - I don't see them much anymore, for some reason. I'm 63. People are always surprised - and I think that's part of the problem. People have stories in their heads about what Sixty Year Olds should look like or act like. And I've certainly heard them talk that way about 40 and 50 year olds - until THEY are coming up onto that decade. Then suddenly, "Old", is much further down the road! 😂
Oh! But the barrier is really an internal issue. I remember being on Instagram when selfies were just starting. It seemed to be the wave of the teens/20s/early 30s crowd. I can remember getting some rather smug smiles from younger people when people in my then-50 year old range started doing this too. And it was deliberate. We KNEW we didn't look as great as we had when we were in our 20s... but we were pressing on. I think in these past 10 years, either larger parts of society have become more accepting of how people look on camera OR I have reached an age where I'm no longer as self-conscious as I had been. It's a process. And I think the phenomen of this topic has to do with the fact that many people are still kind of mid-process themselves.
I am turning 65 in a month. Want to start a youtube channel to document our travels on our boat and that 60+ people can do this! Been following you since you started.
I am in my mid-50s, and I don't question that I should be on the platform; I ask how to reach the people I am targeting over someone younger. Happy Birthday! I just had my birthday this month as well.
Most of my videos are "faceless" meaning I'm never in front of the camera. I have a few of me playing guitar in my old bands, but my gear review videos are just my voice over photos and videos. So if you're a shy introvert like myself you can still have a channel.
If you're seeing these kinds of videos a lot, it's your analytics feeding it to you. You must have interacted with that kind of content in the past. I never see these videos about UA-cam over 40 in my feed, like at all. And before anyone says it, the only reason why I'm on this video is because I'm subbed with the bell on so it showed up in my notifications, but not my recommended feed. I'll probably get more videos like this recommended to me now, however, prior to this, I wasn't at all.
Since the beginning of Web 2.0, there has been a mythology that young people are web savvy and embrace the creator mindset and old people don't. No matter how many studies come out to dispel this belief, it persists. I'm 59, I started using computers in 1983, I started learning how to do audio and video in 1980, and when Web 2.0 came out, I signed up for every online account that seemed interesting and, unfortunately, didn't stop until a few years ago. My digital footprint is a mess, but that's another story. There is a valid concern about showing up as an authentic older woman on UA-cam. The comments are not always kind and it can be difficult to find videos (not impossible, but difficult) that address this issue and provide methods for dealing with the comments -- a comment strategy, if you will. For those of us who have spent more than a couple of decades being criticized for our looks instead of how well we did the job, it's off-putting. It seems that older women do very well in the "women's crafts" niches but can "come under fire" if they have a short or a video that goes viral for some reason.
I'm 46 and posted my first youTube video 18 years ago, but started trying to build a proper channel 11 years ago. My best guess as to where these videos are coming from is just the general Gen X problem of feeling like we're being supplanted by the younger generations. My wife put a video on of a youTube she likes the other night, and every fourth sentence contained words I didn't understand. I understand what word was being said, I just didn't know what it meant. But - youTube (and the internet in general) is such a vast place, there is room for everyone. It's not all one culture or one age group.
We have that same Chill Pill pillow in our calm-down corner, haha. And yeah, seriously! Why tf does age matter?! I go on UA-cam to either be educated or entertained, or both- edutained.
I think it's because many people over 40 aren't as interested in social media? I actually didn't start my Y.T. channels until I was in my 50's. Mostly because of watching so many bad channels with shaking cellphone videos and thinking, I can make a better video than that. 😏 And with so many free websites like Canva or Capcut that help us edit and create graphics it's easier now than ever. There are also many great "how to" tutorials on Y.T. to help with ideas and equipment needed.
We are all cool with it. But there are so many changes that happen in midlife and beyond and I think people in their 50s and beyond are hungry for conversation about how to survive and thrive in this time of life.
It's dumb, even by UA-cam fad standards. The real question should be how to do UA-cam if you are under 25, as basically no one in that cohort uses it. I assume it's just a niche search play got out of hand.
I started my cardmaking on UA-cam when I had just turned 60. Took me three years to hit 1000, and I just hit 1400 a few days ago. Views aren’t great either.
We are in our mid-fifties and started our channel about a month ago. We are LOVING it! We're learning so much, but it is hard work. We want to retire in Italy and thought it would be fun to document the journey. Here's to the Gen-Xers out there creating. We got this!
@@WeAreItalyBound love this!!! What a great idea. ❤️
@@meredithmarsh Thank you!!😊
As a creator who wants to reach viewers I found it’s good to identify topics where there are a number of creators covering one subject. I like to think about it as a conversation. And by creating some videos, I get to take part in that conversation.
I also so think it’s helpful to meet people where they’re at. If people think they’re too old, then their perception is reality. Speaking to their exact fears is perhaps the thing that can help them move forward. Anyway, Meredith, those are my thoughts. Voice dictated.
49 years old and just set up a stunning studio with your help! Took very long to set up though…😅
Many of us were on yt before but I think there are many who didn't think they could do it. Most of what you are seeing is just channels blowing up who are just real people with no crazy edits sharing wisdom. I'm 48 and this is my 4th year on YT with several breaks over the last 4 years.
One either has a teachable pov on something uniquely valuable to a particular niche or subculture - or they don’t. Age should not matter. I’m 60 (self employed). I’d like to work until I’m 80+.
Happy Birthday!
I'm 52 and yes, I'm very nervous about showing my face on camera. It doesn't help that my niche is becoming somewhat unfriendly toward "old white guys." I'm hoping to break some of the stereotypes, but yeah. It's daunting.
I think the issue is STARTING UA-cam as a UA-camR! But plenty of us over 40s have been out on these UA-cam streets for a minute utilizing UA-cam for our businesses. But I know a lot of women business owners who have a mental barrier with being on camera full stop! But like you said that's a separate issue all together.
Hey thanks for the acknowledgment @Meredith ❤
Yes! I noticed every youtube advice video has had "in your 40s" added to the title recently. Thought that was just my algorithm.
I saw a few of these videos about "over 40" - I don't see them much anymore, for some reason.
I'm 63. People are always surprised - and I think that's part of the problem. People have stories in their heads about what Sixty Year Olds should look like or act like. And I've certainly heard them talk that way about 40 and 50 year olds - until THEY are coming up onto that decade. Then suddenly, "Old", is much further down the road! 😂
Oh! But the barrier is really an internal issue. I remember being on Instagram when selfies were just starting. It seemed to be the wave of the teens/20s/early 30s crowd. I can remember getting some rather smug smiles from younger people when people in my then-50 year old range started doing this too. And it was deliberate. We KNEW we didn't look as great as we had when we were in our 20s... but we were pressing on. I think in these past 10 years, either larger parts of society have become more accepting of how people look on camera OR I have reached an age where I'm no longer as self-conscious as I had been. It's a process. And I think the phenomen of this topic has to do with the fact that many people are still kind of mid-process themselves.
I am turning 65 in a month. Want to start a youtube channel to document our travels on our boat and that 60+ people can do this! Been following you since you started.
@@charlesreece1704 yesss!!! Love it!!
I am in my mid-50s, and I don't question that I should be on the platform; I ask how to reach the people I am targeting over someone younger. Happy Birthday! I just had my birthday this month as well.
@@LifeinLondonON October is the best birthday month. Happy birthday to you!
Most of my videos are "faceless" meaning I'm never in front of the camera. I have a few of me playing guitar in my old bands, but my gear review videos are just my voice over photos and videos. So if you're a shy introvert like myself you can still have a channel.
Happy birthday Meredith! Doing what you love keeps you young :-) I think age has never been a limiting factor, whichever side of the scale you are on.
In my 40s! Love being a UA-camr 🔥 Started in my late 30s…
Thank you for addressing this! Great story to hammer at home.💫 happy happy birthday week 🎉
If you're seeing these kinds of videos a lot, it's your analytics feeding it to you. You must have interacted with that kind of content in the past. I never see these videos about UA-cam over 40 in my feed, like at all. And before anyone says it, the only reason why I'm on this video is because I'm subbed with the bell on so it showed up in my notifications, but not my recommended feed. I'll probably get more videos like this recommended to me now, however, prior to this, I wasn't at all.
Since the beginning of Web 2.0, there has been a mythology that young people are web savvy and embrace the creator mindset and old people don't. No matter how many studies come out to dispel this belief, it persists. I'm 59, I started using computers in 1983, I started learning how to do audio and video in 1980, and when Web 2.0 came out, I signed up for every online account that seemed interesting and, unfortunately, didn't stop until a few years ago. My digital footprint is a mess, but that's another story.
There is a valid concern about showing up as an authentic older woman on UA-cam. The comments are not always kind and it can be difficult to find videos (not impossible, but difficult) that address this issue and provide methods for dealing with the comments -- a comment strategy, if you will. For those of us who have spent more than a couple of decades being criticized for our looks instead of how well we did the job, it's off-putting. It seems that older women do very well in the "women's crafts" niches but can "come under fire" if they have a short or a video that goes viral for some reason.
I'm 46 and posted my first youTube video 18 years ago, but started trying to build a proper channel 11 years ago. My best guess as to where these videos are coming from is just the general Gen X problem of feeling like we're being supplanted by the younger generations. My wife put a video on of a youTube she likes the other night, and every fourth sentence contained words I didn't understand. I understand what word was being said, I just didn't know what it meant. But - youTube (and the internet in general) is such a vast place, there is room for everyone. It's not all one culture or one age group.
I get an over 40 or similar vid in my suggested sidebar every time I open UA-cam. Your hair and your flawless skin.
@@MimzyandCompany genetics 💕
I’ve been seeing them videos as well
I am 54 and started UA-cam at 50. No idea why this age thing is a question!!
We have that same Chill Pill pillow in our calm-down corner, haha.
And yeah, seriously! Why tf does age matter?! I go on UA-cam to either be educated or entertained, or both- edutained.
I think it's because many people over 40 aren't as interested in social media? I actually didn't start my Y.T. channels until I was in my 50's. Mostly because of watching so many bad channels with shaking cellphone videos and thinking, I can make a better video than that. 😏
And with so many free websites like Canva or Capcut that help us edit and create graphics it's easier now than ever. There are also many great "how to" tutorials on Y.T. to help with ideas and equipment needed.
I have wanted to start a channel for a long time. I feel I wont have enough to share with people. I am ovr 50 and getting started is confusing for me.
We are all cool with it. But there are so many changes that happen in midlife and beyond and I think people in their 50s and beyond are hungry for conversation about how to survive and thrive in this time of life.
@@janelaskey that is such a great point!
It's dumb, even by UA-cam fad standards. The real question should be how to do UA-cam if you are under 25, as basically no one in that cohort uses it. I assume it's just a niche search play got out of hand.
I started my cardmaking on UA-cam when I had just turned 60. Took me three years to hit 1000, and I just hit 1400 a few days ago. Views aren’t great either.