I'm in the same boat, just have to keep up the amazing work. I follow you because of how beautiful your shots are, how you educate on how we do what we love. Keep putting in the good work and it all come to you.
Love the cinematic films which are unusual and worth watching. On the other hand I find fascinating why fishing films get so many views (even more than cycling videos) 😊
I like the 15 to 30 minute length videos, as these are easy to watch between family life or a rare free lunch time at work. The longer content is good, but often watched over a few evenings and not in one go. I like the honesty in your films, and the rides in the UK are just as interesting as the further a field ones for me. Keep up the great work.
All the best for 2025! Always enjoy watching your videos. I've only made one and I'm not looking to make it a job but I just find that if I enjoy making it and enjoy watching it back then others are going to also! From a fellow Sonder Frontier rider. Maybe see you out there!
Thank you! Yeah exactly, that’s the main reason for wanting to do it as a job. Not the money, just the sheer enjoyment! Hope you’re enjoying your frontier as much as I am enjoying mine!
Wishing you well for 25 and with your plans. I can't be of much help I regret, but for what it's worth I am interested in cycling and prefer sub-30 minute videos. All the best.
Good luck with your ambitions for 2025 - I will certainly keep watching and ticking those boxes! Its really easy to plough on in pursuit of a goal & ignore all the important stuff around you (friends & family, as you said) - but realising it is the 1st step to correcting it. You seem pretty self aware to me! Looking forward to seeing how things go in the new year ahead😎👍
Happy New Year! The first of your videos that I stumbled upon was the Hebridean Way and I was instantly baffled by the quality and cinematography. I'm not really into cycling but I watched it because I love Scotland and I got hooked. I personally don't watch the bike-related gear reviews as it's not really of interest to me, but I love your cinematic films (especially those in Scotland, of course ^^)
I enjoy watching your adventures, great locations and fantastic video quality, the only criticism I have is I’d like you to talk to the viewers more as your going along, tell us what’s easy, hard, where you are and where your going. Good luck and looking forward to continuing watching 😊
I found the same with views but on a smaller scale. With my channel, posting content on cycling Italy, proportionally, any videos about a piece of gear gets many more views than my on the road videos. The films you do are more slow entertainment, and there is an audience out there for it, a big one, but it seems incredibly hard to reach, as they are likely not actively searching for your content. Whereas, I think back to when I was getting into bikepacking, I watched your gear review videos and many others to get an idea of what I needed, but the longer videos didn't really tell me anything, they were nice to look at, but it's just not what I was there for personally. Long story short, it seems extremely hard to get people to invest their time for entertainment as opposed to providing information that will help in decision making. Successful guys like Xander Budnik and Martijn Doolaard are killing it, and people are invested in them, their character, whatever they do now, the majority of their audience will be along for the ride. They don't often speak throughout their videos as it's mostly hands on stuff, but what they say is personal or informative. You need to get to that stage to grow and maintain an entertainment channel in my opinion. This is just my take, but keep going, you're growing and that's what matters.
I think your videos are great, whether they're kit related or grand tour, cinematic jobbies. Second only to Josh Ried imo. The thing is........ for me (& maybe others) I don't get enough free time to watch the longer ones in one hit. 15 to 20 mins is great, I can watch over my rice crispies, in the shower or on my lunch break at work. Longer than this & it's eating into my family time etc & seriously frowned upon 😂. Keep mixing up the subject matter & making most a bit shorter would be great, maybe the longer trip ones could be in 2 parts? I'll watch whatever you do as the vids are quality. Cheers and happy new year!
Happy new year, I've been really enjoying your videos for the past year. Its actually refreshing to see a creator being very open and honest about channel related goals. Wishing you the best this year and hopefully you hit them.
I prefer to watch films no longer than 20-30 minutes. Films that tell a story are much more engaging than just watching scenery roll by. I like watching films where the protagonist talks to camera and tells the story as they live it. Good luck on achieving your goals.
I watch your videos to the end because they are always interesting and qualitatively well done. You have excellent goals that I hope you can reach as soon as possible. 💯💪
We love your videos Tom, the content and quality is just fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing your aims for 2025, it’s so nice to hear you talking to the camera and hearing a little bit about your life and all the things you’re juggling. If we were going to suggest changes you could make, we’d like to hear you talking through your trips a little bit more, we used to like it when you used to talk to the camera at the end of each video. Good luck with all your goals for 2025, we’re looking forward to following you and to more brilliant content. Thank you!
Thank you Anna! Appreciate the kind words. I’m planning on doing 2 versions of each film going forward. One all encompassing video with pieces to camera and voiceover etc, and another silent version with a behind the scenes at the end like before so hopefully I can please both camps :)
Really enjoy the cinematic films, but just sometimes feel it would be good to add a bit more narrative in the moment rather than voice over for that personal touch… maybe a 60% cinematic & 40% narrative 👍 keep up the great work always look forward to the videos.
Well I think your films ARE very good. You come across as a lovely genuine guy and I wonder if lack of views are because many people like 2c fragility and raw emotion and, unfortunately, failure and hardships. I think that's maybe because we all suffer like that. I suppose I'm trying 2 say try 2 get a really personal interaction with the audience. From personal viewpoint everything is fine, but just a thought......
Believe in the quality of your films. You have nothing to lose! And the bikepacking trip idea sounds great. I really want to bikepack but my fellow riders aren’t able to commit. Any knowledge/guidance/leadership would be welcomed by plenty of people. Oh and I hear you on the weight. Blame the kids - mine sometimes lead to me making poor decisions about food and reaching for a beer when they’re finally asleep. But accept it and address it 💪
Having watched a load of very adventurous TH-camrs over the last few years I’m utterly baffled why the big amazing videos get less views compared to a tent review! Not sure if you follow Matt Ryder, he did a “which video had the most views” ….. he’s cycled the GMBR and the Trans AM and his best video was something daft like “cooking a bacon butty”. So, its def not just you that suffers with this problem. On the suggestions front, I’d agree with a couple of other comments, the videos with a mix of great shots and you talking are the best watch (the Canneries series style). Also, there seems to be quite a few YTs jumping into Podcasts, while that might not be what you want to do, those guys (The Road Provides for example) are probably always looking for interesting guests to interview. Would that type of collaboration help? Keep up the great work, we love um 👍
Thanks Dave, really good feedback here. Podcasts are something I’ll be doing more of this year and will be starting one myself as well! I’ve just redone the Canary island Gran Guanche film today in a film style so hopefully that will get some more traction!
Hi, if it's helpful, I too prefer the UK (and Ireland?) based material as it seems more relevant to most people and me specifically. The odd overseas trip yes as this balance I feel reflects the average family man's life.
Nice walk/talk/rant/video☺. Your videos/adventures are fantastic with lovely scenery, well presented and a pleasure to watch. Occasionally they are a bit too long (eg. compilations) and may include footage already seen. Obviously the extent of your trips warrant longer videos but maybe split them into shorter ones (10-15min) but more of them (no idea if this more time consuming or viable🤷♂). Good luck with the 3F's👍
Thank you Ian! The main reason behind the long ones is for the algorithm really, they also make a disproportionate amount of ad revenue for the views so it’s something I’ll keep doing, but appreciate they’re definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, and they should only be few and far between! :)
Hi Tom, like yourself I enjoy the filming side of adventures but at 58 years old I am doing it now so maybe in the future when I cant I have stuff to look back on. I'm sure if you keep at it you will get that big break through, I have watched shocking films who have loads of subscribers so its a bit of a head scratcher how it all works, you have the leg power and youth on your side, stay positive and keep plugging away at it, you will get there. What about the Fort William Mountain Film Festival up by us, always well attended and some great films, I saw Jenny Graham do a talk there a couple of years ago, she's a legend. All the best from a snowy cold Highlands.
I love your honesty. Just some rambling from me...I watched the whole video. The topic is particularly of interest to me. Maybe that's one of the answers - your videos might not have to always be about cycling. I'm 65 and with my wife we have helped people live more simply. We started with the Your Money or Your Life book and made up our version. We don't run courses or sell anything btw. We just like helping people! My own channel is one way I do that with a bit of diy, but as you can see, I'm no expert and do it for a bit of fun. I watch a lot of campervan stuff, like self-builds and travel. It's sad to say that the ones with most views are usually the guys with a scantily clad female partner. So, what else? I saw Cycling Weekly got 40k views of one video over a week ago. GCN tech not always getting 100k views and they're a team. Not earning great riches there I bet. For sure there's no easy answer. One thing though is that I've seen TH-camrs come and go. Almost like fashion. Some do really well whilst they have a particular project, like a guy in Fife who bought a lofted garage and made a bachelor pad. Another, a complete campervan build. But it's relentless and your numbers and engagement can drop off if you're not continually posting/uploading content as I'm sure you're aware. Is that going to be compatible with Family/friends? And successful social media people seem to be in to all channels including TikTok. My suggested approach would be to try multiple income streaming, eg a part-time job, contract work plus TH-cam plus something else. COVID and lockdown made a lot of people re-evaluate where their income came from! A guy I watched recently who has gone full time YT apologized in one video for being off line for a while. He said after an Arctic trip in his camper that it took a week to get home and 6 weeks to edit the videos! Dedication? Your videos are fabulous and great quality imo. I followed Chris Walks the UK who re-branded as The Wilderness Family, read his books, my wife been to a talk and when they tried their hand at making videos, well yours are streets ahead. I love your awareness about what is important in your life. Friends is not an easy one especially it seems for blokes. I find that once I engaged in community, I gained a few friends. Something you might like to look at. I did that by starting a Men's Shed but I am now retired. For you it might involve your children's school for example. There's no easy answer or quick fix or get rich quick. I would strongly advocate writing down your priorities. What you enjoy. How you can get more of it. How much it costs. Look in detail and record all your outgoings. Did that expenditure equate to what you wrote down in the first place? Is your spending in alignment with your values. So, maximize income and enjoyment with minimizing outgoings! Told you it's not gonna be easy! All the best and Happy New Year x
Thanks Lee, really helpful comment there and appreciate you taking the time to leave such a detailed response. Financially I know my numbers and I think it’s pretty reasonable to achieve. The 100k views is more of one off goal vs a regular thing! That would be waaaay down the road for that! Thanks!
Thanks for watching! Obviously not my usual format… but I thought I’d try something new! Happy New Year!
I'm in the same boat, just have to keep up the amazing work. I follow you because of how beautiful your shots are, how you educate on how we do what we love. Keep putting in the good work and it all come to you.
Love the cinematic films which are unusual and worth watching. On the other hand I find fascinating why fishing films get so many views (even more than cycling videos) 😊
Thank you! Yeah some topics just go crazy views!
I like the 15 to 30 minute length videos, as these are easy to watch between family life or a rare free lunch time at work. The longer content is good, but often watched over a few evenings and not in one go. I like the honesty in your films, and the rides in the UK are just as interesting as the further a field ones for me. Keep up the great work.
Thank you Jason, I think that’s the sweet spot as well for most adventure films. All the best for this year 🙏
All the best for 2025! Always enjoy watching your videos. I've only made one and I'm not looking to make it a job but I just find that if I enjoy making it and enjoy watching it back then others are going to also! From a fellow Sonder Frontier rider. Maybe see you out there!
Thank you! Yeah exactly, that’s the main reason for wanting to do it as a job. Not the money, just the sheer enjoyment! Hope you’re enjoying your frontier as much as I am enjoying mine!
Wishing you well for 25 and with your plans. I can't be of much help I regret, but for what it's worth I am interested in cycling and prefer sub-30 minute videos. All the best.
Thank you Norman. Appreciate the feedback!
Good luck with your ambitions for 2025 - I will certainly keep watching and ticking those boxes!
Its really easy to plough on in pursuit of a goal & ignore all the important stuff around you (friends & family, as you said) - but realising it is the 1st step to correcting it. You seem pretty self aware to me!
Looking forward to seeing how things go in the new year ahead😎👍
Thank you Chris! Appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment and give some feedback! All the best
Happy New Year! The first of your videos that I stumbled upon was the Hebridean Way and I was instantly baffled by the quality and cinematography. I'm not really into cycling but I watched it because I love Scotland and I got hooked. I personally don't watch the bike-related gear reviews as it's not really of interest to me, but I love your cinematic films (especially those in Scotland, of course ^^)
I enjoy watching your adventures, great locations and fantastic video quality, the only criticism I have is I’d like you to talk to the viewers more as your going along, tell us what’s easy, hard, where you are and where your going. Good luck and looking forward to continuing watching 😊
This gets my vote too. I like it when you talk as you're going along.
This is exactly what I was trying 2 get at with my post but you put it much better 😊
Thanks Paul, message received 👍 thanks for the helpful feedback ,
Thanks David!
Haha thanks Mark as well as
I found the same with views but on a smaller scale. With my channel, posting content on cycling Italy, proportionally, any videos about a piece of gear gets many more views than my on the road videos. The films you do are more slow entertainment, and there is an audience out there for it, a big one, but it seems incredibly hard to reach, as they are likely not actively searching for your content. Whereas, I think back to when I was getting into bikepacking, I watched your gear review videos and many others to get an idea of what I needed, but the longer videos didn't really tell me anything, they were nice to look at, but it's just not what I was there for personally. Long story short, it seems extremely hard to get people to invest their time for entertainment as opposed to providing information that will help in decision making. Successful guys like Xander Budnik and Martijn Doolaard are killing it, and people are invested in them, their character, whatever they do now, the majority of their audience will be along for the ride. They don't often speak throughout their videos as it's mostly hands on stuff, but what they say is personal or informative. You need to get to that stage to grow and maintain an entertainment channel in my opinion. This is just my take, but keep going, you're growing and that's what matters.
Cheers Richard! Some interesting insights there, all the best for your channel 💪
I think your videos are great, whether they're kit related or grand tour, cinematic jobbies. Second only to Josh Ried imo. The thing is........ for me (& maybe others) I don't get enough free time to watch the longer ones in one hit. 15 to 20 mins is great, I can watch over my rice crispies, in the shower or on my lunch break at work. Longer than this & it's eating into my family time etc & seriously frowned upon 😂. Keep mixing up the subject matter & making most a bit shorter would be great, maybe the longer trip ones could be in 2 parts? I'll watch whatever you do as the vids are quality. Cheers and happy new year!
Thanks Andrew! I know Josh does it full time so that’s reassuring! 😂 yeah I think 20 mins is ideal personally. I’ll keep refining it!
Happy new year, I've been really enjoying your videos for the past year. Its actually refreshing to see a creator being very open and honest about channel related goals. Wishing you the best this year and hopefully you hit them.
Thanks very much. All the best 🙏
I prefer to watch films no longer than 20-30 minutes. Films that tell a story are much more engaging than just watching scenery roll by. I like watching films where the protagonist talks to camera and tells the story as they live it. Good luck on achieving your goals.
Thanks for the feedback Simon
I watch your videos to the end because they are always interesting and qualitatively well done. You have excellent goals that I hope you can reach as soon as possible. 💯💪
Thanks so much! Really appreciate all the support!
We love your videos Tom, the content and quality is just fantastic! Thanks so much for sharing your aims for 2025, it’s so nice to hear you talking to the camera and hearing a little bit about your life and all the things you’re juggling. If we were going to suggest changes you could make, we’d like to hear you talking through your trips a little bit more, we used to like it when you used to talk to the camera at the end of each video.
Good luck with all your goals for 2025, we’re looking forward to following you and to more brilliant content. Thank you!
Thank you Anna! Appreciate the kind words. I’m planning on doing 2 versions of each film going forward. One all encompassing video with pieces to camera and voiceover etc, and another silent version with a behind the scenes at the end like before so hopefully I can please both camps :)
Really enjoy the cinematic films, but just sometimes feel it would be good to add a bit more narrative in the moment rather than voice over for that personal touch… maybe a 60% cinematic & 40% narrative 👍 keep up the great work always look forward to the videos.
Thank you Craig. Had a few people say the same so that’s good to know. 🙏
I always enjoy your videos. I love biking but also, hike and walk plus cross country skiing. (Jeff from Canada)
Thanks Jeff! I may branch out a bit this year let’s see. 😃
I look forward to seeing how you ‘fit it all in’ over the next 12 months….very honest and now you’ve told us so no going back!
Haha me too 😥
Bit of feedback. Love the videos. Think they need to be longer. Always feel they are a brief snapshot of the trip.
I too would happily watch longer videos of such quality - I love the scenery and the music used.
Thank you! I’m aiming for the 20-40 minute range for the long cinematic ones in future
And thanks Alistair!
Well I think your films ARE very good. You come across as a lovely genuine guy and I wonder if lack of views are because many people like 2c fragility and raw emotion and, unfortunately, failure and hardships.
I think that's maybe because we all suffer like that.
I suppose I'm trying 2 say try 2 get a really personal interaction with the audience.
From personal viewpoint everything is fine, but just a thought......
Thanks Mark! I get what you mean, thanks for the feedback
Believe in the quality of your films. You have nothing to lose!
And the bikepacking trip idea sounds great. I really want to bikepack but my fellow riders aren’t able to commit. Any knowledge/guidance/leadership would be welcomed by plenty of people.
Oh and I hear you on the weight. Blame the kids - mine sometimes lead to me making poor decisions about food and reaching for a beer when they’re finally asleep. But accept it and address it 💪
Thank you Alistair. I’ll keep you all posted! Been a week nearly now of no crap and feeling much better for it already!
Check out Susannah Thornton who does great multi day trips on her Brompton but she creates 30min episodes 😊
Thanks Paul! I’ve come across her before I think. I love a Brompton
Come visit Vermont! You are creating great content and the views and subscribers will come!
That sounds great! The US is on the agenda soon! Appreciate the comment and kind words
Nice video! Keep at it!
Thanks will do!
Having watched a load of very adventurous TH-camrs over the last few years I’m utterly baffled why the big amazing videos get less views compared to a tent review! Not sure if you follow Matt Ryder, he did a “which video had the most views” ….. he’s cycled the GMBR and the Trans AM and his best video was something daft like “cooking a bacon butty”. So, its def not just you that suffers with this problem. On the suggestions front, I’d agree with a couple of other comments, the videos with a mix of great shots and you talking are the best watch (the Canneries series style). Also, there seems to be quite a few YTs jumping into Podcasts, while that might not be what you want to do, those guys (The Road Provides for example) are probably always looking for interesting guests to interview. Would that type of collaboration help? Keep up the great work, we love um 👍
Thanks Dave, really good feedback here. Podcasts are something I’ll be doing more of this year and will be starting one myself as well! I’ve just redone the Canary island Gran Guanche film today in a film style so hopefully that will get some more traction!
Gleaming. 👌👌👍👍
Cheers!
Hi, if it's helpful, I too prefer the UK (and Ireland?) based material as it seems more relevant to most people and me specifically.
The odd overseas trip yes as this balance I feel reflects the average family man's life.
Thanks Alan, there’s definitely going to be more of a split this year. I can’t keep going away for the length of time required really!
Nice walk/talk/rant/video☺. Your videos/adventures are fantastic with lovely scenery, well presented and a pleasure to watch. Occasionally they are a bit too long (eg. compilations) and may include footage already seen. Obviously the extent of your trips warrant longer videos but maybe split them into shorter ones (10-15min) but more of them (no idea if this more time consuming or viable🤷♂). Good luck with the 3F's👍
Thank you Ian! The main reason behind the long ones is for the algorithm really, they also make a disproportionate amount of ad revenue for the views so it’s something I’ll keep doing, but appreciate they’re definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, and they should only be few and far between! :)
Hi Tom, like yourself I enjoy the filming side of adventures but at 58 years old I am doing it now so maybe in the future when I cant I have stuff to look back on. I'm sure if you keep at it you will get that big break through, I have watched shocking films who have loads of subscribers so its a bit of a head scratcher how it all works, you have the leg power and youth on your side, stay positive and keep plugging away at it, you will get there. What about the Fort William Mountain Film Festival up by us, always well attended and some great films, I saw Jenny Graham do a talk there a couple of years ago, she's a legend. All the best from a snowy cold Highlands.
Thank you! Very kind of you! I’ve added the FW festival to the diary so that’s one to watch for end of this year. Really appreciate the support 🙏
I too am amazed you don’t get loads more views. I love your content so sorry I can’t give constructive criticism.
Haha thank you. We’ll get there one day!
I love your honesty. Just some rambling from me...I watched the whole video. The topic is particularly of interest to me. Maybe that's one of the answers - your videos might not have to always be about cycling. I'm 65 and with my wife we have helped people live more simply. We started with the Your Money or Your Life book and made up our version. We don't run courses or sell anything btw. We just like helping people! My own channel is one way I do that with a bit of diy, but as you can see, I'm no expert and do it for a bit of fun. I watch a lot of campervan stuff, like self-builds and travel. It's sad to say that the ones with most views are usually the guys with a scantily clad female partner. So, what else? I saw Cycling Weekly got 40k views of one video over a week ago. GCN tech not always getting 100k views and they're a team. Not earning great riches there I bet. For sure there's no easy answer. One thing though is that I've seen TH-camrs come and go. Almost like fashion. Some do really well whilst they have a particular project, like a guy in Fife who bought a lofted garage and made a bachelor pad. Another, a complete campervan build. But it's relentless and your numbers and engagement can drop off if you're not continually posting/uploading content as I'm sure you're aware. Is that going to be compatible with Family/friends? And successful social media people seem to be in to all channels including TikTok. My suggested approach would be to try multiple income streaming, eg a part-time job, contract work plus TH-cam plus something else. COVID and lockdown made a lot of people re-evaluate where their income came from! A guy I watched recently who has gone full time YT apologized in one video for being off line for a while. He said after an Arctic trip in his camper that it took a week to get home and 6 weeks to edit the videos! Dedication? Your videos are fabulous and great quality imo. I followed Chris Walks the UK who re-branded as The Wilderness Family, read his books, my wife been to a talk and when they tried their hand at making videos, well yours are streets ahead. I love your awareness about what is important in your life. Friends is not an easy one especially it seems for blokes. I find that once I engaged in community, I gained a few friends. Something you might like to look at. I did that by starting a Men's Shed but I am now retired. For you it might involve your children's school for example. There's no easy answer or quick fix or get rich quick. I would strongly advocate writing down your priorities. What you enjoy. How you can get more of it. How much it costs. Look in detail and record all your outgoings. Did that expenditure equate to what you wrote down in the first place? Is your spending in alignment with your values. So, maximize income and enjoyment with minimizing outgoings! Told you it's not gonna be easy! All the best and Happy New Year x
Thanks Lee, really helpful comment there and appreciate you taking the time to leave such a detailed response. Financially I know my numbers and I think it’s pretty reasonable to achieve. The 100k views is more of one off goal vs a regular thing! That would be waaaay down the road for that! Thanks!
Tip - dont point the camera into the sun
👍
I watched the whole video good luck with your goals my goal is 25 subscribers and get as fit as I can for mountain biking this year
Thank you! Good luck with the goals this year :)