I love sharing the behind-the-scenes of my UA-cam journey because it’s fun and helpful to document the process. Videos like this are a way to capture both the highs and the challenges, which I think are equally important to share. If you’re here because of my video How UA-cam Changed My Life, welcome! That video focused on the amazing growth and positivity I’ve experienced, while this one dives into the real challenges of being a new UA-camr. Both are true, and I think sharing both sides makes the journey more meaningful. If you’re curious to see more about my UA-cam experience, I’ve created a playlist called My UA-cam Journey where you can follow along. My UA-cam Journey Playlist: ua-cam.com/play/PLc_bpT01Ye1NGEX5MyEcPmoB8m0Ej3mfb.html And if you’re exploring the rest of my channel, thank you for being part of this space-I’m so glad you’re here!
Who the heck can't relate! I go from excited and a brain flooding with ideas and plans and and and on and on..... To feeling like I'll never get it, and feeling like I should quit.... I like talking about myself (yet the gurus say you shouldn't tell people your personal stuff) but I want to be creative and do inventive unusual stuff. I struggle to talk about what I want to because so many are already doing that. I have been going toward what you are saying and now I find you are already saying it and better than I would. And that UA-cam development bootcamp! Yep, that is exactly what I am experiencing. So ya, I am over whelmed and over thinking and and and..... Enough ranting, back to the drawing board! Like I'm always a step behind. Thank you - I enjoy your videos....
Hahaha 😂 I loved reading this!!! I feel like you could make a really great video with everything you just ranted about!! I feel like making this video really helped me just get all my complaining out of my system because I really have been letting go of the overthinking since then and I’ve been having a blast!
Girl you are the brand. People come to your channel because they want to hear what YOU have to say. Talk about whatever you want to talk about. When I started, I overthought EVERYTHING and then didn't do ANYTHING. I still struggle stream, my titles aren't perfect, my thumbnails are whatever, and my video quality is what it is. I try to improve bit-by-bit. Don't worry about the niche stuff. As you continue to put videos out, you will find your groove. Keep at it. You will get monetize. You have TOTALLY got this👍🏾 Good luck.
As I keep fighting with myself about starting my UA-cam channel, which I've said I want to do for years, I want to tell you I needed this video. I've talked myself out of starting innumerable times. No matter the age, 75 here, that sort of thinking and sabotaging yourself never go away, I guess. Thanks for this "rant", it helped. Be well and keep doing what you're doing.
I’m so happy to hear my rant was helpful! If you’ve wanted to create a channel for years, you’ve got a deep desire to do it- no more holding back- go for it!! It will be a great gift you can give yourself!
@@BrookeSears Thanks for the reply and I've thought about the idea of giving myself the girt. However, if/when I get my channel up and running you might learn something about me - that giving myself gifts doesn't come easily to me.
once i shift my mindset and just focused on publishing my content that's when I was able to take my channel to the next stratosphere it took me two and half years to monetize my channel, the first year my channel I only gained 100 subscribers, going into the second year of my channel I had to shift my mindset, i do zero editing, not driven by the algorithm, i don't worry about tags, thumbnails or SEO, i am aware of my analytics but have never been driven by analytics, I have used my cell phone from day one, I started my youtube channel little over four years ago, key take away understand nothing of true value will come quick and fast you will have to develop, cultivate and be internally driven to take your channel to sky-less limits.
Wow!!! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us!! I just watched one of your Egyptian pyramids videos- that was really cool!!! I am so inspired that you have uploaded 5.5k videos to your channel!!! I will remember YOU and this comment next time I go into overthinking mode. Thank you so much for this great gift of learning from your own experience!!!!!
It’s almost impossible to not over-think lol. Maybe time & experience would take care of that a bit. We do have many things to consider as you said. Niche, sound, lights, clear visual, TITLE, thumbnail… but I do love YT.
haha exactly!!! It's like before you start youtube you think it's just about making videos, and then once you get into it you realize there's a million different skills that actually go into building a channel! Happy to hear you love YT- I absolutely love it too!!! (even when it feels hard)!
Your “just start” video was in my recommended feed not more than an hour ago. Watched that and subscribed. Then this “that’s enough” video showed up in my subscribed feed. Careful not to let a workshop change your core intention, which, from what I saw in your video from a month ago, is that you don’t need to be monetized for another 10 years. Key takeaways from that video: “patience,” “1% improvement each day,” “enjoying the process,” “Mario levels.” Sounds like the workshop pressured you into looking for a shortcut! I know you’re aware of this (as you’ve mentioned in this video). I just felt like writing since I’ve just discovered you less than an hour ago and got two different messages. 😆
Thanks so much for being here and for sharing your thoughtful insight! It truly means a lot to me. 🙏 I loved the workshop because it reinforced my core intentions-focusing on internal rewards and prioritizing fun over strategy. That’s such an important reminder for me! I wanted to be transparent in this video because part of why I call UA-cam my “personal development bootcamp” (like I mentioned in the “Just Start” video) is that it reflects the very real struggles I face internally. It’s definitely a roller coaster with plenty of ups and downs, and I have to be super intentional about coaching myself through those challenges. Your comment really reminds me why I love this journey-it’s such a balance of staying grounded while continuing to grow. I’m so grateful to have thoughtful viewers like you along for the ride! 🚀🎢
I second this. I subscribed on the same video and now getting a different message. Maybe consider just doing what you think is the best way to do UA-cam instead of listening to these workshop people that make you overthink things. You may feel alone in the journey i get it, but there must be someone present in your life you can share this journey with other than virtual strangers that could mislead you
Totally feel you. I have been learning about how to get on YT for years, and have spent hours and days and weeks obsessing over and thinking about content ideas and the things I want to talk about and have recorded dozens of videos only for the sound to be shit or the quality to suck, or I get in front of the camera and just draw a blank, etc etc etc. I realized that I was the one holding me up and I'm finally just busting down the wall. No more self imposed obstacles. No one is watching my first videos anyway! Hah!
I like the passion and clarity you speak with, I would say it can sometimes be hard to hold attention without the change of scene or camera angle, text on screen, even b roll over the top, maybe that's why you aren't monetized yet? Because you're so great at talking to the camera! Best of luck :)
I'm just starting out on my UA-cam journey and this was the video I needed to see! It's so overwhelming starting out because you don't know what you don't know and I'm discovering there is a LOT I don't know...haha! I just keep reminding myself to take steps forward rather be stuck in what I like to call the "paralysis of overwhelm!"
I'm so glad this was what you needed to see! I feel like this video was really therapeutic for me to make because I have let go of overthinking since I made it- I think I just needed to whine for a minute and now I'm over it! hahaha What's been working is to just prioritize FUN!!! I hope you can stop the paralysis of overwhelm and enjoy the process!!! Cheers to your success and growth!!!
Although I know you keep going, let me say this: "Don't you dare giving up"! You are a wonderful, authentic Soul and it is fun and interesting watching your videos - especially because your channel is "small" (whatever that means) right now. This will change soon. I am thinking about starting a YT Channel - for wayyy toooo long. You help :-) Have a lovely week - greetings from Switzerland :-)
@@BrookeSears Hi Brooke - Thank you for your reply - I just watched the vlogmas and I am touched and amazed at the same time. What an incredible time we live in. People can support each other around the globe - even without knowing each other. And yes, you hit the nail on its head, one have to be "careful" with comments and messages. I'm happy, my comment was understood, as it was meant - we all are human beings and we all deserve to thrive and follow our dreams. And I believe we all can support each other in many ways and have a connection - even with a small gesture. Thank you very much :-)
I feel you! It is kind of like a game. I’m enjoying the ride and find the whole UA-camr experience kind of magical and fascinating. I grew up long before the internet or cell phones were even a fantasy and now I have a UA-cam channel 🤣🤣🤣😳 All the best!!! Just Do It!
I’m having so much fun with this UA-cam journey I am in three years I’m 62 years old and I’m still learning how to embrace the new life on UA-cam and I’m very excited to see how long it takes you reach your goals you’re dreams attaching yourself into one ☝️ topic is not my life because I’m evolving and creating change constantly 😊have fun with your content I love it 🥰 right on 👍 thank you 😊
I like to hold the perspective that a niche makes the creation of videos, titles, thumbnails, and content so much easier and even more fun because it allows your mind to be creative, wild, and roam while being fenced in, which is great for those of us who would go down the rabbit hole and not come back. Lol. To be honest, after watching several videos I thought you already had a niche. I would say you are in the "UA-cam Growth" niche. I think you have the unique selling point of "sharing the process as you're actually learning and going through the process". A niche just allows you to create a flow of your ideas and helps with a little bit of structure. With a niche you can create your title first, you can phrase your titles as questions, "Why is UA-cam so hard? 10 things I've learned so far!" See once you have the title your mind will literally flood with ideas that you can share. I hope this gets you thinking about a niche a little more positively.😊
@ I could also talk with you for hours. Lol. You have a great personality! Not to over step but you need to release the fear of making a realistic goal for monetization. I’m feeling that you might be afraid you won’t actually reach it, that you don’t want to let yourself down. I could very well be wrong but either way having a clear goal will drive you for more. I think you could get monetized in a year. HAVE FAITH!!
Yes, I am thinking the same about a niche . I love to talk about different topics I can't pick one niche. Yes, relatable. Thank you for sharing and inspiring us!
I think ( now and again at least haha ) that the best decision I made was to substitute the word niche for passion. My passion is what motivates me to make more videos. Just forcing yourself into a niche is like wearing shoes that are too small = blisters. So find you passion Brooke. Find the something that makes you so happy. And that's you way forward - Paul 😃😃
Yeah, overthinking has made me not start UA-cam for years until recently. But then, I think that keeping at making videos no matter how hard it is pays off in the long run.
I definitely understand. I have been on UA-cam for 10 years and I’m still not monitized. A part of me wants to give up. But another part of me feels I’m very close.
For sure we are gonna get to the next level.Just needs time and lots of effort.We love what we do and that really matters.So at first it was so difficult for us to understand why we are so behind in views compared to other similar channels but the only thing we got was more frustration.So now we only compare ourselves with ourselves.It's more fair we think.We try to improve our content and be a better version of ourselves.We enjoy the process and have so much fun. Being yourselves and honest with your fans is the key for the success.Loved your video.Have a lovely day.❤❤
Yes 🙌 love this and agree! I constantly remind myself to stay in my own lane (don’t go down the comparison rabbit hole), keep it simple and have fun! Have an awesome day too and thanks for being here and writing this comment!
You are looking at it like a game. I think that is a very healthy. If that is true, how many games do you play that aren't fun? It has to be fun. I don't mean to get too personal but given your history, overthinking isn't a mystery. It feeds into hyper vigilance which is part of how you survived and got out of that situation. BTW, congratulations for that.
Wow, I’ve never thought of it that way before-thank you so much for sharing this insight. It’s incredible to reflect on how what might feel like overthinking now was actually a tool that helped me navigate and survive that abusive situation. Your comment really resonated with me and gave me a new perspective on how hypervigilance played a role in my journey. I deeply appreciate you taking the time to point this out-it’s both validating and empowering to see it in this light. Thank you again for your thoughtful words!
I can so much correlate - I have few FB audience but I cannot count completely on it - as I write posts in English but I started a channel in my mother tongue Telugu - (settled in America, so I thought this is a way to connect to my Mother Tongue). I am enjoying the journey - but totally agree - it is pretty rough - sometimes it is 10K views othertimes it is just 100 views (most are) - then you realize - it is not just about you, content and presentation - many things are beyond your control. People have too many options now a days and time still remains the same.
Have you tried flipping it in your mind? For instance, from the audience’s perspective, how do they know your content is for them if you don‘t niche down? You can‘t be something for everyone and that’s where, I believe, it really helps if you niche down 🤔They may subscribe thinking you cover one niche, then you put out content in another area… they unsubscribe… I feel it will help you focus if you narrow down your niche 😊😅
That's totally true which is why I understand it's a growth strategy, but I'd rather grow slower and love the process than do something that feels inauthentic to me and isn't any fun.
Do I overthink? Absolutely 😅 I will try my hand at this after my son’s major surgery. I need to focus there and not on whether or not anyone wants to hear me babble ❤
Brooke: Like you always say to me: You can do whatever you want. 😎 Do it your way and take sure its fun. If not, do you really have to do this? Something else you can do thats more fun?
Exactly! That's why I'm going to take my own advice and follow what feels fun and natural to me, otherwise it's just not worth it! Thanks for reminding me of my own advice!!! Appreciate you!
Have you considered making a channel for each “category” of thing you’d like to make videos about? It’d be tough to keep all of them going to the level you’d be able to ‘get big’ at, but it might help as an outlet! (same comment as in PTYA, just wanted to leave a comment here too!)
Thanks for taking the time to write the comment here and in PTYA! That's really supportive of you, I'm totally WOWed! I haven't thought of starting separate channels for categories, my plan is to keep it as simple as possible for now. I appreciate the idea though!
Being a UA-camr is hard almost regardless if you are New or Not. There is this very small but very Loud group of UA-camrs running around telling everyone it now on EASY Mode. Well it's been on EASY mode only for the select FEW from the very start and that will Never change. The rest of US have to really Work HARD to just get the leftovers. And that's before we ever even see One Blanking penny.
Whenever I see those “easy mode” videos I’m like nope! It’s not! You make a good point- it’s hard whether you’re new or not. The amount of skills required to build a channel is insane. But no matter how hard it is I still love it! It’s a “hard” that I’m choosing!
@ thanks oh by the way this is my second channel , Rebecca Rohr Home is my first channel , I am retired and do it for fun, however the money earned helps offset the cost of decorating expenses. Good luck on your channel, try doing collaborations with like people it really helps in the first 2 years.
@TheLancasterThrifter that’s so awesome 🤩 thanks for sharing this! Yes 🙌 I love collaborations- it’s been very successful for me in business and I plan to do the same with UA-cam when the right collab presents itself!
Hey again Brooke 👋 I just recently came across one of your videos and commented last night and I've just watched this one and one before about being monetized. I just had a thought while watching this and please correct me if I'm completely wrong on my idea here - I understand that as well as having to have 1000 subs, that one also needs 4,000 watch hours to be able to join the YT partnership program. Well, what about if you were to upload for example, say, a livestream coaching session or perhaps an interview with someone in your chosen professional field and have it be around an hour long? Wouldn't that mean that it would 'only' need 4,000 views (obviously in full from beginning to end, or as close as) to then reach the qualifying quota of hours? 🤔Or even if you made 2 x 30 min long videos, now you'd need in theory just need a couple of thousand on each video? If you were to upload a few videos like that, then hopefully, it would be even more reachable. Perhaps you could even do your own podcast, be it audio or video? I wondered this, because I want to start my own content creation journey over the next month once I get my new PC and then I'll be able to have enough processing power to use basic editing software etc (my beloved PC is coming up to 8 years old and was only cheap, so I need have the bare essentials now along with Windows 11!). Personally, I myself love to watch longer-form content, such as podcasts, interviews, documentaries and the occasional livestream etc ☺
@BrookeSears - I had to come back and comment on something here regarding my channel. So, I am not a content creator (yet) per se; I originally created a channel just so I could subscribe to YT creators I really like and to save/bookmark my favourite videos. All I've ever uploaded in the past were a few mixes, a couple of personal videos (one on my Depression at the time and another one about the struggles of being on Plenty of Fish), some mirrored videos and that's about it. I wanted to take a look at the stats as I've not really looked for that before, so I found my way to where the 'watch hours' part is. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I have over 16,000! 😄👌 One of my mixes garnered over 13,000 views and at 70 mins or so long, that obviously took up the bulk of the watch count. This is where my idea I was talking about regarding you putting up something more long form (I've noticed since that you have a couple of videos that are 30+ mins approx) and seeing if that might help? I like to break things down where I can, so logistically-speaking, it'd be a hell of a lot more feasible (and dare I say 'easier'?) to get an hour long video(s) to ratchet up the watched hours count than when it's more reliant on short 5 - 10 min videos? I don't know what your current target is to reach 4000 watched hours and over, but even if you could get a thousand views on 1, 2 or more longer videos, that would definitely get you nearer to your goal. Just my thoughts so please make of it what you will 🙂 P.S. I'm still baffled as to how I've managed to get over 840 odd subscribers?! But then again, we're talking over 11 years, so with even next to zero activity, the time element definitely helped. I can't wait to see what I can grow it to once I ACTUALLY start creating content for my channel..... 🤓
@@BrookeSears Thank you, I was just reflecting as I am prone to doing a lot (a common introvert and HSP trait!) :D I don't know if you happened to catch my last comment that I made an hour or so ago by way of a reply to myself? I have had in mind to do film reviews, particularly genre-stuff as I am a huge fan and I love to watch and listen to like-minded souls on here. I might also end up creating a second channel at some point in the future and putting more personal and life-related stuff on there. That will take some 'comfort zone pushing' for sure, as I really don't like being on camera (or having my pic taken) OR hearing my voice! 😆 I will sub to you btw, you've earned it! Creeping nearer and nearer to the magic 1000 mark.... 😁
Hi Brooke. This video really inspired me today. So much so, that I had to immediately do my own rant, Thanks. I needed that, Unfortunately, in my video, I failed to give you a shout out and mention you, which I should have done. So, as soon as I post that video, which I am going to do in a few minutes. I am going to write a song about you, and that song, which shouts out your channel, will be my next video. ua-cam.com/video/zfzI6WADxzM/v-deo.htmlsi=VULzZGxzDjHyIdO4
Hahahahaha, this like being inside my head ;) I started my channel a year ago, i’ve made about 20-ish videos so far and I’m around where you are now-ish, a bit behind in the subs and dunno about the watch time hours - the only difference I think is that I decided *really* early on to do it all wrong, even made a video about my progress so far doing youtube wrong that of course did well because people love that stuff - but I decided to not care about all the youtube things and don’t sweat it, and make whatever I wanted to make to see where it took me - and it has been soooooo liberating not caring about the keywords (that doesn’t matter *at all* since youtube transcribe all videos, analyze them and know what every video is about) descriptions and what not - deciding to just do what I had time to do, uploading 2-3 weeks in a row, then nothing for 2-3 weeks, then do a couple of vids in a week … and year I’m in less than a year almost 3/4 on my way to 1000 subs and halfway on the watchtime, and increasing every day. Managing to not pay too much attention to all the «guru»-channels although watching their stuff has led me to this one conclusion though: The main problem with all the YT-Gurus is that they make *everything* they talk about seem equally important - and that’s the biggest problem with them *all*. They need to make every topic, problem, issue, feature … everything seem *super*-important, because it’s the only way they can grow. However: for *us* it’s not equally important, and for success on youtube all those things aren’t equally important. But they all make it seem so, and that stresses people out making us do *way* too much stuff that doesn’t really matter that much. In the end (or the beginning) only a few things matter: have something valuable to say, or share or contribute, and put a little work into conveying that, and do it with a certain amount of concistency and growth will happen. Make the «ad» for your video that is seen by people (thumb and title) communicate the value that is in the video. Job done. that will get you a looooong way :) Niches and all that stuff, yeah, for rapid growth, sure - making a decision not to care about those just means one also has to accept that growth can be slow - but if value is added then growth can happen even *if* one hasn’t gone the niche way, but nobody talks about that cause that’s not «saucy» enough :) I think you are doing the right thing here, just leaning into things you like - so just lean back, don’t sweat the small stuff, focus on value and create things you enjoy and that level up is gonna happen sooner rather than later :)
I LOVE that you took the time to write this comment. You make total sense! Absolutely agree with you. Since I ranted in this video I feel like I’ve totally let the overthinking go! I’m focused on how much fun I can have making a video that adds massive value to the viewer and then wrapping it up as best I can with the title and thumbnail so it reaches the person who needs to hear it. It’s a whole new level of freedom as a creator! Cheers to your journey!! You’ve got the right mindset!!!
@ I’ll let you in on a little secret: Writing comments like these on videos I connect with and enjoy is how I sketch out my future video ideas ;) Seems like you went through the same «enlightenment» experience I had in terms of going for «in it to enjoy it» rather than «… win it» :)
I love sharing the behind-the-scenes of my UA-cam journey because it’s fun and helpful to document the process. Videos like this are a way to capture both the highs and the challenges,
which I think are equally important to share.
If you’re here because of my video How UA-cam Changed My Life, welcome! That video focused on the amazing growth and positivity I’ve experienced, while this one dives into the real challenges of being a new UA-camr. Both are true, and I think sharing both sides makes the journey more meaningful.
If you’re curious to see more about my UA-cam experience, I’ve created a playlist called My UA-cam Journey where you can follow along.
My UA-cam Journey Playlist:
ua-cam.com/play/PLc_bpT01Ye1NGEX5MyEcPmoB8m0Ej3mfb.html
And if you’re exploring the rest of my channel, thank you for being part of this space-I’m so glad you’re here!
Who the heck can't relate!
I go from excited and a brain flooding with ideas and plans and and and on and on..... To feeling like I'll never get it, and feeling like I should quit.... I like talking about myself (yet the gurus say you shouldn't tell people your personal stuff) but I want to be creative and do inventive unusual stuff. I struggle to talk about what I want to because so many are already doing that. I have been going toward what you are saying and now I find you are already saying it and better than I would. And that UA-cam development bootcamp! Yep, that is exactly what I am experiencing. So ya, I am over whelmed and over thinking and and and.....
Enough ranting, back to the drawing board! Like I'm always a step behind. Thank you - I enjoy your videos....
Hahaha 😂 I loved reading this!!! I feel like you could make a really great video with everything you just ranted about!!
I feel like making this video really helped me just get all my complaining out of my system because I really have been letting go of the overthinking since then and I’ve been having a blast!
@@BrookeSears Thank you. You are awesome!
Girl you are the brand. People come to your channel because they want to hear what YOU have to say. Talk about whatever you want to talk about.
When I started, I overthought EVERYTHING and then didn't do ANYTHING. I still struggle stream, my titles aren't perfect, my thumbnails are whatever, and my video quality is what it is. I try to improve bit-by-bit.
Don't worry about the niche stuff. As you continue to put videos out, you will find your groove. Keep at it. You will get monetize. You have TOTALLY got this👍🏾 Good luck.
Yes 🙌 love this! Thank you for such a thoughtful response, I really appreciate it! High five to growing bit by bit together 🙌
Absolutely loved this video!!
Thanks so much! Thanks for an awesome workshop that inspired me!
As I keep fighting with myself about starting my UA-cam channel, which I've said I want to do for years, I want to tell you I needed this video. I've talked myself out of starting innumerable times. No matter the age, 75 here, that sort of thinking and sabotaging yourself never go away, I guess. Thanks for this "rant", it helped. Be well and keep doing what you're doing.
I’m so happy to hear my rant was helpful! If you’ve wanted to create a channel for years, you’ve got a deep desire to do it- no more holding back- go for it!! It will be a great gift you can give yourself!
@@BrookeSears Thanks for the reply and I've thought about the idea of giving myself the girt. However, if/when I get my channel up and running you might learn something about me - that giving myself gifts doesn't come easily to me.
once i shift my mindset and just focused on publishing my content that's when I was able to take my channel to the next stratosphere it took me two and half years to monetize my channel, the first year my channel I only gained 100 subscribers, going into the second year of my channel I had to shift my mindset, i do zero editing, not driven by the algorithm, i don't worry about tags, thumbnails or SEO, i am aware of my analytics but have never been driven by analytics, I have used my cell phone from day one, I started my youtube channel little over four years ago, key take away understand nothing of true value will come quick and fast you will have to develop, cultivate and be internally driven to take your channel to sky-less limits.
Wow!!! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us!! I just watched one of your Egyptian pyramids videos- that was really cool!!! I am so inspired that you have uploaded 5.5k videos to your channel!!! I will remember YOU and this comment next time I go into overthinking mode. Thank you so much for this great gift of learning from your own experience!!!!!
It’s almost impossible to not over-think lol. Maybe time & experience would take care of that a bit. We do have many things to consider as you said. Niche, sound, lights, clear visual, TITLE, thumbnail… but I do love YT.
haha exactly!!! It's like before you start youtube you think it's just about making videos, and then once you get into it you realize there's a million different skills that actually go into building a channel!
Happy to hear you love YT- I absolutely love it too!!! (even when it feels hard)!
Your “just start” video was in my recommended feed not more than an hour ago. Watched that and subscribed. Then this “that’s enough” video showed up in my subscribed feed. Careful not to let a workshop change your core intention, which, from what I saw in your video from a month ago, is that you don’t need to be monetized for another 10 years. Key takeaways from that video: “patience,” “1% improvement each day,” “enjoying the process,” “Mario levels.” Sounds like the workshop pressured you into looking for a shortcut! I know you’re aware of this (as you’ve mentioned in this video). I just felt like writing since I’ve just discovered you less than an hour ago and got two different messages. 😆
Thanks so much for being here and for sharing your thoughtful insight! It truly means a lot to me. 🙏 I loved the workshop because it reinforced my core intentions-focusing on internal rewards and prioritizing fun over strategy. That’s such an important reminder for me!
I wanted to be transparent in this video because part of why I call UA-cam my “personal development bootcamp” (like I mentioned in the “Just Start” video) is that it reflects the very real struggles I face internally. It’s definitely a roller coaster with plenty of ups and downs, and I have to be super intentional about coaching myself through those challenges.
Your comment really reminds me why I love this journey-it’s such a balance of staying grounded while continuing to grow. I’m so grateful to have thoughtful viewers like you along for the ride! 🚀🎢
I second this. I subscribed on the same video and now getting a different message. Maybe consider just doing what you think is the best way to do UA-cam instead of listening to these workshop people that make you overthink things. You may feel alone in the journey i get it, but there must be someone present in your life you can share this journey with other than virtual strangers that could mislead you
Totally feel you. I have been learning about how to get on YT for years, and have spent hours and days and weeks obsessing over and thinking about content ideas and the things I want to talk about and have recorded dozens of videos only for the sound to be shit or the quality to suck, or I get in front of the camera and just draw a blank, etc etc etc. I realized that I was the one holding me up and I'm finally just busting down the wall. No more self imposed obstacles. No one is watching my first videos anyway! Hah!
I like the passion and clarity you speak with, I would say it can sometimes be hard to hold attention without the change of scene or camera angle, text on screen, even b roll over the top, maybe that's why you aren't monetized yet? Because you're so great at talking to the camera! Best of luck :)
I've been enjoying the process as well. The community of other small creators has been great! Subbed
So happy to hear that, keep it up!!
And thanks for subbing!!! Awesome!
I'm just starting out on my UA-cam journey and this was the video I needed to see! It's so overwhelming starting out because you don't know what you don't know and I'm discovering there is a LOT I don't know...haha! I just keep reminding myself to take steps forward rather be stuck in what I like to call the "paralysis of overwhelm!"
I'm so glad this was what you needed to see!
I feel like this video was really therapeutic for me to make because I have let go of overthinking since I made it- I think I just needed to whine for a minute and now I'm over it! hahaha
What's been working is to just prioritize FUN!!! I hope you can stop the paralysis of overwhelm and enjoy the process!!! Cheers to your success and growth!!!
I can't believe you don't have more subscribers. You are great.
Awwww thank you so much! 🤗
I can totally relate with everything you said, and I am on the same journey.😄 I love your mindset and dedication. Keep going, you are doing great!
Thank you! You too!
Yep, totally agree with you. I am experiencing the same ups and downs in making videos.
Yes it’s a roller coaster 🎢 and can be extremely frustrating at times but overall I absolutely love the journey and am having a blast 💥
Although I know you keep going, let me say this: "Don't you dare giving up"! You are a wonderful, authentic Soul and it is fun and interesting watching your videos - especially because your channel is "small" (whatever that means) right now. This will change soon. I am thinking about starting a YT Channel - for wayyy toooo long. You help :-)
Have a lovely week - greetings from Switzerland :-)
This comment touched my heart so much today, I actually featured in it a vlog I made today!!! Thank you so much, you really made my day!!!
@@BrookeSears Hi Brooke - Thank you for your reply - I just watched the vlogmas and I am touched and amazed at the same time. What an incredible time we live in. People can support each other around the globe - even without knowing each other. And yes, you hit the nail on its head, one have to be "careful" with comments and messages. I'm happy, my comment was understood, as it was meant - we all are human beings and we all deserve to thrive and follow our dreams. And I believe we all can support each other in many ways and have a connection - even with a small gesture. Thank you very much :-)
Great video Brooke! I'm guilty of overthinking UA-cam and you've inspired me to be more spontaneous and prioritize fun. Thanks for sharing this 😊
That's so awesome, I'm so glad!! Thanks for sharing!
I feel you! It is kind of like a game. I’m enjoying the ride and find the whole UA-camr experience kind of magical and fascinating. I grew up long before the internet or cell phones were even a fantasy and now I have a UA-cam channel 🤣🤣🤣😳 All the best!!! Just Do It!
I love how you said it’s magical and fascinating!! Totally feel this!!! All the best you to too!! Cheers to enjoying the ride 🙌
I’m having so much fun with this UA-cam journey I am in three years I’m 62 years old and I’m still learning how to embrace the new life on UA-cam and I’m very excited to see how long it takes you reach your goals you’re dreams attaching yourself into one ☝️ topic is not my life because I’m evolving and creating change constantly 😊have fun with your content I love it 🥰 right on 👍 thank you 😊
I love that!!! Keep enjoying the ride! Thanks for sharing your story! Keep it up!
I like to hold the perspective that a niche makes the creation of videos, titles, thumbnails, and content so much easier and even more fun because it allows your mind to be creative, wild, and roam while being fenced in, which is great for those of us who would go down the rabbit hole and not come back. Lol. To be honest, after watching several videos I thought you already had a niche. I would say you are in the "UA-cam Growth" niche. I think you have the unique selling point of "sharing the process as you're actually learning and going through the process". A niche just allows you to create a flow of your ideas and helps with a little bit of structure. With a niche you can create your title first, you can phrase your titles as questions, "Why is UA-cam so hard? 10 things I've learned so far!" See once you have the title your mind will literally flood with ideas that you can share. I hope this gets you thinking about a niche a little more positively.😊
I feel like I could talk to you for hours! I love all your insight! Thanks so much, I really appreciate you sharing!
@ I could also talk with you for hours. Lol. You have a great personality! Not to over step but you need to release the fear of making a realistic goal for monetization. I’m feeling that you might be afraid you won’t actually reach it, that you don’t want to let yourself down. I could very well be wrong but either way having a clear goal will drive you for more. I think you could get monetized in a year. HAVE FAITH!!
Yes, I am thinking the same about a niche . I love to talk about different topics I can't pick one niche. Yes, relatable. Thank you for sharing and inspiring us!
Exactly!! As long as you're having fun, enjoying the process and staying true to yourself, you really can't go wrong!
I think ( now and again at least haha ) that the best decision I made was to substitute the word niche for passion. My passion is what motivates me to make more videos. Just forcing yourself into a niche is like wearing shoes that are too small = blisters. So find you passion Brooke. Find the something that makes you so happy. And that's you way forward - Paul 😃😃
Yeah, overthinking has made me not start UA-cam for years until recently. But then, I think that keeping at making videos no matter how hard it is pays off in the long run.
Yes! 🙌 consistency is key! Congrats on starting your channel recently!! I hope you have fun and enjoy the process!
I can relate to the niche ! It’s very confusing . Thanks for this video I get this !
I definitely understand. I have been on UA-cam for 10 years and I’m still not monitized. A part of me wants to give up. But another part of me feels I’m very close.
For sure we are gonna get to the next level.Just needs time and lots of effort.We love what we do and that really matters.So at first it was so difficult for us to understand why we are so behind in views compared to other similar channels but the only thing we got was more frustration.So now we only compare ourselves with ourselves.It's more fair we think.We try to improve our content and be a better version of ourselves.We enjoy the process and have so much fun. Being yourselves and honest with your fans is the key for the success.Loved your video.Have a lovely day.❤❤
Yes 🙌 love this and agree! I constantly remind myself to stay in my own lane (don’t go down the comparison rabbit hole), keep it simple and have fun! Have an awesome day too and thanks for being here and writing this comment!
You have over 800 subscribers, which is a lot more than my 300. And it's only been a short time, so it looks like you're well on your way.
300 is awesome! I was there just a couple weeks ago, momentum can start to pick up quickly so keep going! You’ve got this!
I have a simple attitude, Linda, just enjoy the process. I like the rant.
I like your sharing. It resonates with me.
You are looking at it like a game. I think that is a very healthy. If that is true, how many games do you play that aren't fun? It has to be fun.
I don't mean to get too personal but given your history, overthinking isn't a mystery. It feeds into hyper vigilance which is part of how you survived and got out of that situation. BTW, congratulations for that.
Wow, I’ve never thought of it that way before-thank you so much for sharing this insight. It’s incredible to reflect on how what might feel like overthinking now was actually a tool that helped me navigate and survive that abusive situation. Your comment really resonated with me and gave me a new perspective on how hypervigilance played a role in my journey. I deeply appreciate you taking the time to point this out-it’s both validating and empowering to see it in this light. Thank you again for your thoughtful words!
Totally relate, hope we get monetized soon 🙌
Yes Robie!!! Let’s goooooo!
Overthinking is self-sabotage.
I can so much correlate - I have few FB audience but I cannot count completely on it - as I write posts in English but I started a channel in my mother tongue Telugu - (settled in America, so I thought this is a way to connect to my Mother Tongue). I am enjoying the journey - but totally agree - it is pretty rough - sometimes it is 10K views othertimes it is just 100 views (most are) - then you realize - it is not just about you, content and presentation - many things are beyond your control. People have too many options now a days and time still remains the same.
That's what I have been struggling with. The niche thing.
Yeah, it's such a common struggle! I think I'll make a video about this topic because I have a lot to say about it! haha
Have you tried flipping it in your mind? For instance, from the audience’s perspective, how do they know your content is for them if you don‘t niche down? You can‘t be something for everyone and that’s where, I believe, it really helps if you niche down 🤔They may subscribe thinking you cover one niche, then you put out content in another area… they unsubscribe… I feel it will help you focus if you narrow down your niche 😊😅
That's totally true which is why I understand it's a growth strategy, but I'd rather grow slower and love the process than do something that feels inauthentic to me and isn't any fun.
Do I overthink? Absolutely 😅
I will try my hand at this after my son’s major surgery. I need to focus there and not on whether or not anyone wants to hear me babble ❤
Everyone has an audience that will love to hear them babble!!! You got this!!
I hope your son’s surgery goes great, sending you love!
Brooke: Like you always say to me: You can do whatever you want. 😎 Do it your way and take sure its fun. If not, do you really have to do this? Something else you can do thats more fun?
Exactly! That's why I'm going to take my own advice and follow what feels fun and natural to me, otherwise it's just not worth it! Thanks for reminding me of my own advice!!! Appreciate you!
Have you considered making a channel for each “category” of thing you’d like to make videos about? It’d be tough to keep all of them going to the level you’d be able to ‘get big’ at, but it might help as an outlet! (same comment as in PTYA, just wanted to leave a comment here too!)
Thanks for taking the time to write the comment here and in PTYA! That's really supportive of you, I'm totally WOWed! I haven't thought of starting separate channels for categories, my plan is to keep it as simple as possible for now. I appreciate the idea though!
Being a UA-camr is hard almost regardless if you are New or Not. There is this very small but very Loud group of UA-camrs running around telling everyone it now on EASY Mode. Well it's been on EASY mode only for the select FEW from the very start and that will Never change. The rest of US have to really Work HARD to just get the leftovers. And that's before we ever even see One Blanking penny.
Whenever I see those “easy mode” videos I’m like nope! It’s not! You make a good point- it’s hard whether you’re new or not. The amount of skills required to build a channel is insane. But no matter how hard it is I still love it! It’s a “hard” that I’m choosing!
And…UA-cam gets to make money on your videos while you reach your goal. I have been on UA-cam for 5 years.
Congrats on 5 years of YT!!! Your channel looks great! Keep going!
@ thanks oh by the way this is my second channel , Rebecca Rohr Home is my first channel , I am retired and do it for fun, however the money earned helps offset the cost of decorating expenses. Good luck on your channel, try doing collaborations with like people it really helps in the first 2 years.
@TheLancasterThrifter that’s so awesome 🤩 thanks for sharing this! Yes 🙌 I love collaborations- it’s been very successful for me in business and I plan to do the same with UA-cam when the right collab presents itself!
@@TheLancasterThrifter❤❤❤❤❤
Wow I did not know that wow we really all do learn something new each day ❤
Camera Quality is great 👍🏻 ... Which one is it ???
It's just my phone! It's an iPhone 15 Pro
Hey again Brooke 👋 I just recently came across one of your videos and commented last night and I've just watched this one and one before about being monetized. I just had a thought while watching this and please correct me if I'm completely wrong on my idea here - I understand that as well as having to have 1000 subs, that one also needs 4,000 watch hours to be able to join the YT partnership program. Well, what about if you were to upload for example, say, a livestream coaching session or perhaps an interview with someone in your chosen professional field and have it be around an hour long? Wouldn't that mean that it would 'only' need 4,000 views (obviously in full from beginning to end, or as close as) to then reach the qualifying quota of hours? 🤔Or even if you made 2 x 30 min long videos, now you'd need in theory just need a couple of thousand on each video? If you were to upload a few videos like that, then hopefully, it would be even more reachable. Perhaps you could even do your own podcast, be it audio or video?
I wondered this, because I want to start my own content creation journey over the next month once I get my new PC and then I'll be able to have enough processing power to use basic editing software etc (my beloved PC is coming up to 8 years old and was only cheap, so I need have the bare essentials now along with Windows 11!). Personally, I myself love to watch longer-form content, such as podcasts, interviews, documentaries and the occasional livestream etc ☺
@BrookeSears - I had to come back and comment on something here regarding my channel. So, I am not a content creator (yet) per se; I originally created a channel just so I could subscribe to YT creators I really like and to save/bookmark my favourite videos. All I've ever uploaded in the past were a few mixes, a couple of personal videos (one on my Depression at the time and another one about the struggles of being on Plenty of Fish), some mirrored videos and that's about it. I wanted to take a look at the stats as I've not really looked for that before, so I found my way to where the 'watch hours' part is. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I have over 16,000! 😄👌 One of my mixes garnered over 13,000 views and at 70 mins or so long, that obviously took up the bulk of the watch count. This is where my idea I was talking about regarding you putting up something more long form (I've noticed since that you have a couple of videos that are 30+ mins approx) and seeing if that might help? I like to break things down where I can, so logistically-speaking, it'd be a hell of a lot more feasible (and dare I say 'easier'?) to get an hour long video(s) to ratchet up the watched hours count than when it's more reliant on short 5 - 10 min videos? I don't know what your current target is to reach 4000 watched hours and over, but even if you could get a thousand views on 1, 2 or more longer videos, that would definitely get you nearer to your goal. Just my thoughts so please make of it what you will 🙂 P.S. I'm still baffled as to how I've managed to get over 840 odd subscribers?! But then again, we're talking over 11 years, so with even next to zero activity, the time element definitely helped. I can't wait to see what I can grow it to once I ACTUALLY start creating content for my channel..... 🤓
Yep you’re correct on the requirements!
You’ve got great ideas! I’m excited to see what you do with your channel!
@@BrookeSears Thank you, I was just reflecting as I am prone to doing a lot (a common introvert and HSP trait!) :D I don't know if you happened to catch my last comment that I made an hour or so ago by way of a reply to myself?
I have had in mind to do film reviews, particularly genre-stuff as I am a huge fan and I love to watch and listen to like-minded souls on here. I might also end up creating a second channel at some point in the future and putting more personal and life-related stuff on there. That will take some 'comfort zone pushing' for sure, as I really don't like being on camera (or having my pic taken) OR hearing my voice! 😆 I will sub to you btw, you've earned it! Creeping nearer and nearer to the magic 1000 mark.... 😁
I am there with ya…. 997 subs as of today but next is watch time !
Lol listening spending dont do classes girl
Hi Brooke. This video really inspired me today. So much so, that I had to immediately do my own rant, Thanks. I needed that, Unfortunately, in my video, I failed to give you a shout out and mention you, which I should have done. So, as soon as I post that video, which I am going to do in a few minutes. I am going to write a song about you, and that song, which shouts out your channel, will be my next video.
ua-cam.com/video/zfzI6WADxzM/v-deo.htmlsi=VULzZGxzDjHyIdO4
Hahahahaha, this like being inside my head ;) I started my channel a year ago, i’ve made about 20-ish videos so far and I’m around where you are now-ish, a bit behind in the subs and dunno about the watch time hours - the only difference I think is that I decided *really* early on to do it all wrong, even made a video about my progress so far doing youtube wrong that of course did well because people love that stuff - but I decided to not care about all the youtube things and don’t sweat it, and make whatever I wanted to make to see where it took me - and it has been soooooo liberating not caring about the keywords (that doesn’t matter *at all* since youtube transcribe all videos, analyze them and know what every video is about) descriptions and what not - deciding to just do what I had time to do, uploading 2-3 weeks in a row, then nothing for 2-3 weeks, then do a couple of vids in a week … and year I’m in less than a year almost 3/4 on my way to 1000 subs and halfway on the watchtime, and increasing every day. Managing to not pay too much attention to all the «guru»-channels although watching their stuff has led me to this one conclusion though:
The main problem with all the YT-Gurus is that they make *everything* they talk about seem equally important - and that’s the biggest problem with them *all*.
They need to make every topic, problem, issue, feature … everything seem *super*-important, because it’s the only way they can grow. However: for *us* it’s not equally important, and for success on youtube all those things aren’t equally important.
But they all make it seem so, and that stresses people out making us do *way* too much stuff that doesn’t really matter that much.
In the end (or the beginning) only a few things matter: have something valuable to say, or share or contribute, and put a little work into conveying that, and do it with a certain amount of concistency and growth will happen.
Make the «ad» for your video that is seen by people (thumb and title) communicate the value that is in the video.
Job done. that will get you a looooong way :) Niches and all that stuff, yeah, for rapid growth, sure - making a decision not to care about those just means one also has to accept that growth can be slow - but if value is added then growth can happen even *if* one hasn’t gone the niche way, but nobody talks about that cause that’s not «saucy» enough :)
I think you are doing the right thing here, just leaning into things you like - so just lean back, don’t sweat the small stuff, focus on value and create things you enjoy and that level up is gonna happen sooner rather than later :)
I LOVE that you took the time to write this comment. You make total sense! Absolutely agree with you.
Since I ranted in this video I feel like I’ve totally let the overthinking go!
I’m focused on how much fun I can have making a video that adds massive value to the viewer and then wrapping it up as best I can with the title and thumbnail so it reaches the person who needs to hear it. It’s a whole new level of freedom as a creator!
Cheers to your journey!! You’ve got the right mindset!!!
@ I’ll let you in on a little secret: Writing comments like these on videos I connect with and enjoy is how I sketch out my future video ideas ;) Seems like you went through the same «enlightenment» experience I had in terms of going for «in it to enjoy it» rather than «… win it» :)