I will continue watching some gardening shows on TH-cam because although I have been gardening since before you were born, I will never know it all. I won't go watch body builders ever because it's not my niche. Tho it maybe interesting to you it's just not for me. Making content bigger and longer loses my attention. My time is limited. If I want to watch mostly undressed sweaty guys I can go to a beach in summertime. Your programs are decent. You are well spoken and appear humble regardless of your recent success. Beware of growing too big too fast as burn out can happen not only to you but to your audience. My other favourite gardener on TH-cam doesn't run his own camera or recording equipment. He is too busy gardening. When I catch a glimpse I put other things I'm doing aside to tune in completely submerged in the content. Absence can make the heart grow fonder. You are a favourite but producing more quantity risks reducing the quality. With this video concentrating on TH-cam production, I understand that's a huge part of your success. Your garden is getting so complete you maybe serious about starting anew in another bigger place. I would look forward to seeing that growth and know you will do well. No matter what you choose to do. Understand if you start detailing your progress in body building I won't watch at all. Some girls and guys might. That's why that other guy has such a following. I consider gardening and farming to be a productive healthy work out but body building is somewhat conceited selfish vanity that produces nothing fruitful. The guys who may be wiry can be stronger and with more agility than the body builders packing around all that mass. Muscle weighs more than fat and when they stop bodybuilding that mass turns to blubber. It's a bit of a thrill for me to see gentleman Jim. Some have said there should be more Jim's than gyms. Like you I get concerned when hearing your regions suffered bad weather or fires or whatever or if I had not heard from you in awhile. Glad you are doing well
I predict anyone that talks about politics against YT's favorite stance will get censored or canned...just like every election year. But that's my only prediction with that.
It's crazy how your content keeps making it's way to me. From twitter to TH-cam. I've never watched your other channels but I appreciate you making these types of videos. "Blowing up" is the worst thing that ever happened to my channel. Now I'm going back to being more raw because I hated playing the algorithm game. Anyway, thanks for the content!
Hi Dorian, you blowing up could not have been the worst thing because last year around this time, I came across your videos and inspired me to get into coding. I watched all your videos and almost felt like I knew you as a person as I drew genuine inspiration from your story and how you got into coding. So thank you, your videos were life changing for me.
@@mintaekim182 I'm glad my videos helped. The reason I say it was bad was because it caused me to lose sight of why I started creating videos in the first place and it made me start focusing more on chasing numbers rather than creating content that I wanted to make. I'm now finally getting back to making content for the sake of making content not just trying to get view. Still find it hard though.. Either way I'm glad you enjoyed my videos and thanks for watching!
I do concur that the age of “average” person becomes TH-camr is long gone. It is about the extraordinary. But I think the issue is that TH-cam rewarded regular people who kept to a schedule too much in the past especially pre 2016. It is a rude awakening for many otherwise average creators who fail to see how they are not that interesting at the end of the day. I personally shifted to only posting videos that are more remarkable than not, even if I only post every blue moon. And it worked much better. I know I can’t scale, and frankly I much prefer it this way.
@@kevinmespiritu I agree with you, but frankly I would love to go deeper and more theoretical and obscure in videos. But I’ve noticed I can only push so much and that I’ve gotta be more the entertainer/ magician on a regular basis to keep the algorithmic momentum going for the channel to stay alive.
@@suburbanhomesteadI absolutely adore your videos Siloé, so much so that I quickly mark them for the watch later list for when I feel I deserve a delicious treat and I can give them my full attention. The problem, if there is one, might be that you’re just too good for us. But never come down from those clouds : )
I'm old enough to be your mother but I still learned so much from your garden videos. But the reason I keep watching is because of your personality and intelligence. You seem so smart and upbeat, not boring. I really hate 'fake' people and I can tell that you're not fake, you're for real. And everything you post is original not just copying what everyone else was doing. Keep up the great work! I'll watch your videos no matter what you post
That is so true, I follow a lot of newer TH-camrs that “authentically” represent and exist in their character! The personality is what draws me in, they are usually very real and not trying to be likable, they just are.
I have also stopped doing TH-cam.. in 2024 I. In 2023 I did some videos but not like I had in the past. I am now officially retired.. got to 651K... but i'm burned out. I totally understand how you feel.
Never seen any of your other videos and I’m honestly not interested in gardening. But, I subbed for your ability to synthesize information and present it clearly with examples and how you drew from personal experience. You are a great communicator ! Hope there are more sit down talks like this.
There is only so much time that I am willing to devote each day to TH-cam. I have settled on about a dozen channels which cover gardening, homesteading, cooking, and a few others. When I try something new these days, it really has to catch me right away with either unique content or it is someone with a really engaging personality or story, yes, something remarkable. Some of the channels I have stuck with don't necessarily teach me a lot anymore, but they are telling me a story that I want to continue to follow with characters that have engaged me, just like reading a good book or watching a good movie. Many folks have small channels and that is their creative outlet and they don't aspire to having a huge audience. And some folks struggle desperately for years and years to grow and just don't, and I feel bad for them because they are probably doing a decent job, but they just haven't found a way to catch that magic in a bottle and will never achieve the money or fame or whatever that they are craving. Obviously, yours is one of the channels I have stuck with and I am happy to see the evolution that has happened so far and that is planned for the future. You figured it out and you have that certain something that is almost impossible to quantify. Good for you.
I started a You Tube channel because I knew too much about the brain (over 30 years of research in 2 different biotech companies that I started). My main purpose to come out with this channel at such a late age- is I want to help people with their mental and brain health before I take all my brain secrets to the grave. That is really the drive I have with my channel.
Yes, but will get paid for your efforts on the TH-cam channel? You will do all that work and not make any money from it. That is time you can spend enjoying your life. Make all those videos and noone will watch them. You are guessing people will watch them.
Very well said. And so true the niche im in had gotten so over saturated the last year, so we constantly have to adapt. Love the content brother ur so well spoken!
Those are some really valuable tips and I wish I have watched this video before... It would have saved me so much time I used on trial-and-error. But I guess it's never too late to learn and improve as content creator (Recently, I also discovered that using a bit of Famester helped me a lot to level up my channel even more). Keep up the great work in 2024, I can't wait for your next video.
You are a natural teacher, honestly I have learned more from you than I ever learned in school or from family❤ you are amazing to listen to and look at!
I love Sams content. It’s “real”. Something that has been lacking for years. I’m sick of the phony personalities and clickbait. I hope that is the direction it goes.
@@kevinmespiritu - You got it all wrong. People at first are tunning in to see a freak show. Very few people aspire to look like a freak. They tune in to see a car car wreck and find that the car wreck has something to say. Many people rooted for Tiny Tim when he came on the scene, but I don't remember anyone ever saying the aspired to be like him. Tiny Tim was very entertaining and creative, but at the end of the day he was still a freak. He wasn't really relatable. Neither is Sam. This isn't a return to the old way with something "remarkable". This is a sideshow at the circus.
I’m really enjoying the content of your experiences with TH-cam. First of all it’s just good talk. More like sitting having a coffee. There’s a ton of information to unpack and you’re just doing it to share. I’m trying something new this year after retiring with my gardening, a little backyard nursery, reno’ing an 80 year old house after returning to the little farm town I grew up in. The POV is definitely mine but there’s a new story unfolding every day. I just want it to be organic. It’s starting small and I’ll figure out if there is any traction. So thanks again for this content. It puts me more at ease to just start making content and accepting it’s going to be raw.
I just found this other channel you created and absolutely love it. You give so much extremely valuable information explained in such a way that I ended up saying, "I never thought of it that way". I am not a gamer, but explaining how content creating and TH-cam compares to gaming was an "Ah Hah!" moment for me. I have learned so much about what I have been doing wrong with my tiny little channel. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing this.... I've been on youtube since about 2006. This is my 2nd channel and I must say it has been frustrating getting connected to people on this platform. Your last two videos have made me think about what I really want to share on my channel. THANK YOU for all you do Kevin.
please post more videos like this you’re way better at giving a real life perspective here than any person i’ve heard yet who talks about youtube. i think you’re really smart!
Great insights man. Been hearing a lot of people talk about Sam and long form, real/raw “vlogs” making a comeback. Love to hear it. Didn’t realize you had multiple channels. Good stuff.
This makes me happy as a person who started vlogging my healing journey. I’m not aware of old TH-cam was like could you give me a suggestion of a channel to watch to get an idea?
Just giving another thank you! I loved the part about "remarkable" - I'm a smarta** and every time someone says "that's remarkable" I say "yes, I know; you remarked upon it..." I liked how you related the youtube "meta" to video games and gardening (pretty much the only 2 things I do!) Threw me off for a sec when you said "I got this from Todd" I'm like I don't think we've ever spoken but then it was another Todd. Also apparently I'm "doing it wrong" since -all- I watch is gardening videos. But seriously that's good advice to get creator tips by looking at other things, or like you mentioned in your other video doing a toastmasters to help you practice. Loving this new channel.
This was so helpful. I’ve spent the last two years on just figuring out what I want to create and have finally found where I thrive. I’ve definitely noticed growth. Just like with plants, it takes time and work.
I feel like this is what Atomic Shrimp has been doing consistently and is what keeps his viewers coming back, just a regular curious tinkery kind of guy doing whatever he finds interesting and sharing it with all of us in a really pleasant way.
Kevin!!! (Or should we say Eric?! 😜). I LOVE that you are doing videos like this now! I have been a huge follower of epic since 2020. You inspire me so much!! Me and my fiancé started our channel in 2021 but didn’t really buckle down and get consistent until last year. So of course, I watch tons of Think Media and vidIQ and all those guys…so when I saw them all talking about YOU a few months back, I was so excited about it! Finally someone in the garden community was getting major recognition! And now I started watching your personal channel and to see you talking as a CONTENT CREATOR…I just couldn’t love this more! ❤ Thank you for all you do! -Shala
Man I think this channel you're doing is so awesome. Giving us a look behind the curtain and opening yourself up on more of an intellectual and personal level. I like it. Thanks.
I’ve a small channel (classical pianist) and this video really resonated with me! Like you, I don’t watch TH-cam to learn about my craft, but to learn about other things, and to enjoy genuine people who have a passion for something. You’ve opened my eyes to some new viewpoints. Thank you!
I love how you pull in the parallels and examples from different disciplines. It feels very indicative of creative thinking and an innovative mindset. I enjoy doing this as well, but haven't thought to add it to my channel yet!
After watching your 2 most recent videos, I subscribed because you’re speaking honestly about what we experience on TH-cam as creators. Even though I’ve watched your interviews on other TH-cam channels, there is something very different (much better!) here…more real. (Plus I like that you admit not watching other garden videos. I do - but - I end up sometimes with not great emotions, which isn’t productive.) 🙂
Came here to learn how I could keep my channel afloat in 2024. It's so scary, so many TH-camrs in my niche are absolutely squashing me in the algorithm right now and it SUCKS but I'm here for the fight. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, much appreciated!!
This is good content to listen to from a seasoned creator like yourself. I remember when YT first started and I thought it was a really cool platform, I didn't get into the creator space then, and didn't see it as a way to make a living, plus life happens. Now it is interesting to see the content on YT evolving, and creators approaches changing. I haven't started creating yet but I see myself taking more of the artisan approach, making content I like for myself, from an intellectual angle. I do think there is a nitch for that.
I love the starcraft analogy lol - really hit me in the feels. All joking aside, after spending a couple of years building a tech channel, my wife and I started to have kids. I spent too much time away from them in my office, and was also splitting my time between that, renovating our home, and working. I finally decided to hang up that coat for a couple of years. Then we bought another project home, and I thought it would be a good opportunity for the whole family to get involved in something while also still allowing that creative outlet. We started a channel, and began documenting the process. Because we added to our commute in this new home, even that eventually fell by the waste side. I always felt like TH-cam was a great creative outlet that allowed for me and my wife to be ourselves, while also sharing stories in our own lives. I think sometimes we get too focused on the meta, and forget that it's ok to just be ourselves, and share what we want to share. Would be nice to see that come back into fashion. This video inspired me to dive back in. Thanks for the insights Kevin. Unrelated, but I watched your entire epic homesteading series over a month plus earlier in 2023. It led us to document a DIY raised bed planter series in our backyard last year. Definitely gave me the bug to grow our own food, so thanks!
Thank you for making this video, it's definitely given me a lot to think about. I've been on TH-cam for 4 years now but had a long period of illness and stopped filming, i think that was my mistake because my channel hasn't grown since then at all. Your video has helped me step back and take a good look at what I'm doing. Thank you so much.
Utility is the whole point!!! Love that perspective. If my contribution in this life is of no utility to anyone then what is the point to my life. Geez you killed it with this video!
I started watching your channel because you were making something good in that rental you lived in. You didn't have much space but you were learning and teaching how to do it even without much space. I actually fell away once you got the new property because I couldn't really relate to what you were doing anymore. All the fancy expensive gear and space was out of my league (for now). I just truly enjoyed your original videos that were not fancy and were just you showing how you were growing food in a small space with limited resources.
okay I'm not a TH-camr so I'm having a hard time getting into the content on this one, but I I'm so distracted by your cool light and then realizing that you're using it as a grow light. it's super awesome
What a thoughtful listen; Thank you for sharing it! I often spend time trying to compare/understand/analyze TH-cam viewer trends & trajectories in different countries, languages, and topics and so this reflection was super interesting to hear ✅
I always like your videos where you go visit other gardeners in their gardens. Your first Video I watched was when you interviewed Mr Cornett over at Natures Always Right.
Thanks for this! It's really making me think about my formula for my videos. I do post some things that I like simply because I like them (videos with my kid always seem to flop, even though I thought they'd take off because she's adorable when she explains things, yet she's still articulate, and I make sure it's all accurate) but my main focus for my channel is value for the viewer. My problem is I miss the trends! I watch social media groups to see what questions people are asking, then when I see one question a bunch of times I make a video about that! But my life is so full that by the time I plan, film, edit and post a video it's usually been a couple weeks and that trend has passed. Luckily gardening questions are evergreen and people tend to ask the same questions every year, so my videos usually spike in popularity the following year. Most of my videos are unscripted, but I might have a list of points I want to cover so I stay on track and don't ramble too much. My biggest hurdle is posting regularly. I'd love your opinion on how I could improve my channel!
Totally agree. I've seen lots of "meta" content point to Sam as the face of the new wave, but like you said, he's Remarkable. He's a freak of nature, nobody could do what he did, because he's literally a 1 of 1. I do think less produced, or more home grown videos are good, but correct pacing and story telling are still king.
So - this speaks to some of the questions I asked on the last video. So thank you for that. FWIW - I do love the balance of these two latest vids; and how you tie together the conversation.
Good Evening Mr Kevin, I’m laughing at my own self; because when you hit those tech words, I looked at my husband and said - maybe I need to call the granddaughter, lol. Yes as a retired lady living my dream, I’ve got so much to learn with this YT thing; but you sure made this lady laugh at her own self. Keep living your dream, time doesn’t slow down; but a pause here and there looking at your accomplishments is the best window to a persons future. You’re a good voice for many.
so ... fwiw ... i've watched this channel for quite a while along with others spanning topics from basic gardening to quantum physics, with a detour of current politics. i have noted to my friends over the last year or so that YT has been shoving 85% (not scientific) political opinion, derivative works at me - with about 15% of that being from what they probably think is 'the other side' respective of me. very lately when i do get something in my 'core viewing' it seems to be from not so quality sources (content or production). after seeing a number of YT creators actively 'quitting' or just stop posting, i believe the platform has become what was inevitable. YT/Google care *only* about revenue - content comes last, once the platform is established on great content like yours and others, and then advertisers boost content they want and click-baitees continue to click. All the best and thanks for your insights, information, and genuiness.
As much as I love Epic Gardening, it's also super cool just to hear your thoughts about the creator economy and how you started. I've heard you on a couple other podcasts that interviewed you about the business aspects of being a creator, and I have found that just as inspiring as the gardening itself. All that to say, thanks for sharing your thoughts and secrets. It sort of demystifies the process and makes it feel somewhat attainable as someone who aspires to make a TH-cam channel but hasn't quite made that jump yet. Thanks Kevin!
nice! I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying talking about it. It's honestly so helpful for people starting out, and gives us an idea of what's possible @@kevinmespiritu
Great video, glad I found your personal channel. I have really enjoyed Epic for the last few years! And I have heard this take about this meta low key content. I think I saw a whole video on why people are holding microphones now (as a way to look or be more raw and old school.)
Interesting talk. I hope you are right about TH-cam content becoming more authentic again. That was my plan when I started my channel 9 months ago. But I’m still trying to figure out how to actually embody it, as I can’t even talk on camera yet.
I've been watching the same TH-camrs I've been watching for some years now, barely ever got new ones into the mix. The homepage shows me channels that feel more like companies than actually passionate people. I have channels I view from gardening, to gaming to nature to science. What all of these channels have in common is that the people have clear and genuine passion for what they are doing. They are "raw" so to say, because they, from an outsider perspective of mine, are as close to their true selves as they can be. That's my selling point, has been since i first opened TH-cam in 2015, at 11 years old 💜
I have a small channel. I do it because I love it. I talk about weaving mostly, which is how I actually make a living. I struggle to find time to edit long form content, so I’ve been making a lot of short form content instead. Maybe I should just plug forward and worry about little less about editing. 🤔
on youtube (and in life generally) storytelling is a key. at least for me. of course there are subject that i am interested in, but i need a story. not like literally but i need that the youtuber i follow would have a story. i love how to videos too but i only follow and watch youtubers on a day to day basis if i can follow their stories, their development, etc.
As someone whose been uploading content on TH-cam since 2007, i come from the days of Fred, smosh bros, dave days, boxxy, shane dawson, Shay carl etc... and I 100% agree that longer, authentic type content is where TH-cam is going. Shorts just make it easier for creators to build an audience for that long form content.
If the future is really like this, that would be fantastic! I'm tired of making unrealistic thumbnails and clickbait, although I'm just starting out with a small channel. What I want to share is walking, and I want my audience to see the most authentic world. I believe authenticity is the most important element, because I'm not an AI, I'm not a robot. 🌕
You're so right about the Raw" content alla Sam. A lot of copycat content will miss the other ingredients his videos have. The aspirational part being the big one. Charles Dowding's channel has always been a little bit like that. Although he's famous for books on "no-dig" a lot of people sub to him and listen because he has a beautiful garden.
I’ve noticed these patterns you mention a lot in the music scene, particularly in the regional Mexican scene at least. With the Avenue of tiktok it’s become easy for everyone to just hop on the bandwagon of “authenticity” but there comes a point when that authenticity gets so planned out that it loses its initial merit.
Definitely good insight. I watch such a crazy assortment of genres on TH-cam, and never realized all the different types of videos and formats that creators use. I think it would be fun to just make videos about things I enjoy and share my passions with others, and make a little extra pocket money but at the same time not be worried if the videos also don't make money. Unfortunately, I'm a pretty boring individual with no skills or hobbies interesting enough to share. 😅 I also feel like everyone my age and younger have aspirations to be a content creator and not work a traditional style job.
Gosh, maybe this is the year for TH-cam 😂 You make it sound so much more approachable when you’re just filming the things you’re doing anyway 🤷♀ Thank you for your always inspiring videos 👍
I've been thinking this for a while. If you look at the history of rock music, I think that's a good blueprint. It feels like we just went through the 80s of overproduced formulaic rock bands who were more about gimmicks than the music. It got so far away from what the music represented but because everyone was making money, no one bothered to think about the audience. The next wave of youtubers will be the parallel to grunge, which stripped away the gimmicks and made it cool to make it seem like you weren't trying too hard. A take it or leave it approach that really put the music first, like a refreshed version of the 60s (or in this analogy the first wave of popular TH-camrs.) It's the bucket of cold water the industry needs and is somewhat being forced with less money being in the ecosystem.
One of the TH-cam creators I follow from Canada has mentioned they are under or going to be under a lot of restrictions from their government. I follow a lot of Canadians so I was bummed out by that. 😢
Another great perspective Kevin! For me, 75% of my viewing is YT, AND 20% streaming services - i rarely watch network or cable channels anymore and I am a kid of the 1960’s - I say that because I have certainly changed how I get entertainment compared to years ago. Because I watch several channels about vastly different subjects, often 3-4 a night. I am someone who likes shorter (under 30 mins) videos. Too long, even if I like your content, I can’t hang with. I commented in your other videos that I like Epic Gardening because you are in an urban environment as I am. Yes your “homestead” is much bigger than ours (not your house, but your property), but what you do I can directly relate to living in Orange County, CA. But, if we were to ever move to another state, maybe to a townhome, I may not watch as much because it would no longer relate to me. Similarly a couple years ago I decided I need to upgrade my aging power tools so I latched on to a few channels that reviewed and compared brands. But once I decided I what I wanted, I unsubscribed from them. Not because they were not good, but because they served my purpose. I still occasionally watch them, and now that I want to upgrade my table saw, maybe get a small lathe I found other channels that focus on those. I commented yesterday in your other video that both my wife and I are huge Disney people, annual passes holders to Disneyland, trips to Disney World, etc. SO we follow several of those channels. But the thing is, they all basically do the exact same content just in a slightly different way. Often they will all show up to be the first to post a video on a specific event, like yesterday’s start of the Epcot Art Festival. It can be comical because at times they will all be in each other videos. So if you watch one, there may be a couple in the back pointing their cameras at each other! Funny….. We like them because we can see the new food, merchandise, event, etc., but in reality they are all the same and have not evolved much in a few years -- “What is the best food at Disneyland?” - for the 100th time as an example, or “What we are doing at home today” . I think they could all benefit from what Kevin has to say, but I think they rely on new viewers finding them so it’s all fresh for them. That was true for us in the past but after months or even a couple of years it just the same thing again. I think keeping fresh is hard! I have been watching Garden Answer for years and they are very good at keeping things fresh (as does Epic Gardening), but do I really need to see this year’s planting of dahlia bulbs again that has been shown the past several seasons? For me, no - But for new viewers - Yes! So there is a balance there for sure. How do you keep your long time subs, but attract new ones as well you want to see you put in those tomatoes, or show the new food at Disneyland, or that new power tool? I am sure it is an ongoing and difficult question all TH-camrs ask themselves (or should be) frequently.
Yes, I think it's important to think of one's audience not as some static blob of whatever the subscriber count says, but more like people passing through a train station
What are your 2024 predictions for what's going to happen on TH-cam this year?
I will continue watching some gardening shows on TH-cam because although I have been gardening since before you were born, I will never know it all. I won't go watch body builders ever because it's not my niche. Tho it maybe interesting to you it's just not for me. Making content bigger and longer loses my attention. My time is limited. If I want to watch mostly undressed sweaty guys I can go to a beach in summertime. Your programs are decent. You are well spoken and appear humble regardless of your recent success. Beware of growing too big too fast as burn out can happen not only to you but to your audience. My other favourite gardener on TH-cam doesn't run his own camera or recording equipment. He is too busy gardening. When I catch a glimpse I put other things I'm doing aside to tune in completely submerged in the content. Absence can make the heart grow fonder. You are a favourite but producing more quantity risks reducing the quality. With this video concentrating on TH-cam production, I understand that's a huge part of your success. Your garden is getting so complete you maybe serious about starting anew in another bigger place. I would look forward to seeing that growth and know you will do well. No matter what you choose to do. Understand if you start detailing your progress in body building I won't watch at all. Some girls and guys might. That's why that other guy has such a following. I consider gardening and farming to be a productive healthy work out but body building is somewhat conceited selfish vanity that produces nothing fruitful. The guys who may be wiry can be stronger and with more agility than the body builders packing around all that mass. Muscle weighs more than fat and when they stop bodybuilding that mass turns to blubber. It's a bit of a thrill for me to see gentleman Jim. Some have said there should be more Jim's than gyms. Like you I get concerned when hearing your regions suffered bad weather or fires or whatever or if I had not heard from you in awhile. Glad you are doing well
I'll keep thinking I'm Sam Sulek
haha jk I'll find something remarkable about myself. Thanks man!
I predict anyone that talks about politics against YT's favorite stance will get censored or canned...just like every election year. But that's my only prediction with that.
Not sure but I’m just hoping I’m still able to say “I ❤ MY JOB!”
U should check out Garden answer.
It's crazy how your content keeps making it's way to me. From twitter to TH-cam. I've never watched your other channels but I appreciate you making these types of videos. "Blowing up" is the worst thing that ever happened to my channel. Now I'm going back to being more raw because I hated playing the algorithm game. Anyway, thanks for the content!
Hope you’re enjoying! Agree most channels that blow up “can’t handle it” from a going forward basis a lot of the time, it’s tough!
Hi Dorian, you blowing up could not have been the worst thing because last year around this time, I came across your videos and inspired me to get into coding. I watched all your videos and almost felt like I knew you as a person as I drew genuine inspiration from your story and how you got into coding. So thank you, your videos were life changing for me.
@@mintaekim182 I'm glad my videos helped. The reason I say it was bad was because it caused me to lose sight of why I started creating videos in the first place and it made me start focusing more on chasing numbers rather than creating content that I wanted to make. I'm now finally getting back to making content for the sake of making content not just trying to get view. Still find it hard though.. Either way I'm glad you enjoyed my videos and thanks for watching!
Crazy I watch both of your channels lol
I do concur that the age of “average” person becomes TH-camr is long gone. It is about the extraordinary. But I think the issue is that TH-cam rewarded regular people who kept to a schedule too much in the past especially pre 2016. It is a rude awakening for many otherwise average creators who fail to see how they are not that interesting at the end of the day. I personally shifted to only posting videos that are more remarkable than not, even if I only post every blue moon. And it worked much better. I know I can’t scale, and frankly I much prefer it this way.
I think you have found the perfect output, quality level, etc for your own personal desires, which is really cool to see
@@kevinmespiritu I agree with you, but frankly I would love to go deeper and more theoretical and obscure in videos. But I’ve noticed I can only push so much and that I’ve gotta be more the entertainer/ magician on a regular basis to keep the algorithmic momentum going for the channel to stay alive.
@@suburbanhomestead I feel you on this
@@suburbanhomesteadI absolutely adore your videos Siloé, so much so that I quickly mark them for the watch later list for when I feel I deserve a delicious treat and I can give them my full attention. The problem, if there is one, might be that you’re just too good for us. But never come down from those clouds : )
I'm old enough to be your mother but I still learned so much from your garden videos. But the reason I keep watching is because of your personality and intelligence. You seem so smart and upbeat, not boring. I really hate 'fake' people and I can tell that you're not fake, you're for real. And everything you post is original not just copying what everyone else was doing. Keep up the great work! I'll watch your videos no matter what you post
Means a lot to hear this!
That is so true, I follow a lot of newer TH-camrs that “authentically” represent and exist in their character! The personality is what draws me in, they are usually very real and not trying to be likable, they just are.
Yes there is that whole saying that if you have to try to be a thing, you're not that thing
I have also stopped doing TH-cam.. in 2024 I. In 2023 I did some videos but not like I had in the past. I am now officially retired.. got to 651K... but i'm burned out. I totally understand how you feel.
I think that's smart to take a break then!
Never seen any of your other videos and I’m honestly not interested in gardening. But, I subbed for your ability to synthesize information and present it clearly with examples and how you drew from personal experience. You are a great communicator ! Hope there are more sit down talks like this.
Honestly encouraging to hear this. I'd prefer if people don't care about my other channel(s) and come just for this stuff. Thank you!
There is only so much time that I am willing to devote each day to TH-cam. I have settled on about a dozen channels which cover gardening, homesteading, cooking, and a few others. When I try something new these days, it really has to catch me right away with either unique content or it is someone with a really engaging personality or story, yes, something remarkable. Some of the channels I have stuck with don't necessarily teach me a lot anymore, but they are telling me a story that I want to continue to follow with characters that have engaged me, just like reading a good book or watching a good movie. Many folks have small channels and that is their creative outlet and they don't aspire to having a huge audience. And some folks struggle desperately for years and years to grow and just don't, and I feel bad for them because they are probably doing a decent job, but they just haven't found a way to catch that magic in a bottle and will never achieve the money or fame or whatever that they are craving. Obviously, yours is one of the channels I have stuck with and I am happy to see the evolution that has happened so far and that is planned for the future. You figured it out and you have that certain something that is almost impossible to quantify. Good for you.
What a thoughtful comment, thank you Sharon
I started a You Tube channel because I knew too much about the brain (over 30 years of research in 2 different biotech companies that I started). My main purpose to come out with this channel at such a late age- is I want to help people with their mental and brain health before I take all my brain secrets to the grave. That is really the drive I have with my channel.
Love this drive
Yes, but will get paid for your efforts on the TH-cam channel? You will do all that work and not make any money from it. That is time you can spend enjoying your life. Make all those videos and noone will watch them. You are guessing people will watch them.
Very well said. And so true the niche im in had gotten so over saturated the last year, so we constantly have to adapt. Love the content brother ur so well spoken!
Thank you!
This is very insightful, thanks for the video.
Those are some really valuable tips and I wish I have watched this video before... It would have saved me so much time I used on trial-and-error. But I guess it's never too late to learn and improve as content creator (Recently, I also discovered that using a bit of Famester helped me a lot to level up my channel even more). Keep up the great work in 2024, I can't wait for your next video.
Keep it up!
You are a natural teacher, honestly I have learned more from you than I ever learned in school or from family❤ you are amazing to listen to and look at!
Wow, thank you!
Great insight and discussion… I’m a new subscriber to your channel. Your TH-cam channel will grow because you offer insight to the viewer/
Welcome aboard!
This was a lot of help. Thank you
Glad it helped
Very well analyzed and explained. Thank you for your insights. You are also well-spoken!
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed!
I love Sams content. It’s “real”. Something that has been lacking for years. I’m sick of the phony personalities and clickbait. I hope that is the direction it goes.
yes he really inspired me to use streoids as well
bro I learned to code with your videos a few years ago, you are great
What's nice about him is clearly he is just doing it for the love, and happens to be excellent at documenting it as well
@WomenHittingTheWall he literally says that in this video. keep seething tho
@@kevinmespiritu - You got it all wrong. People at first are tunning in to see a freak show. Very few people aspire to look like a freak. They tune in to see a car car wreck and find that the car wreck has something to say. Many people rooted for Tiny Tim when he came on the scene, but I don't remember anyone ever saying the aspired to be like him. Tiny Tim was very entertaining and creative, but at the end of the day he was still a freak. He wasn't really relatable. Neither is Sam. This isn't a return to the old way with something "remarkable". This is a sideshow at the circus.
I’m really enjoying the content of your experiences with TH-cam. First of all it’s just good talk. More like sitting having a coffee. There’s a ton of information to unpack and you’re just doing it to share.
I’m trying something new this year after retiring with my gardening, a little backyard nursery, reno’ing an 80 year old house after returning to the little farm town I grew up in. The POV is definitely mine but there’s a new story unfolding every day. I just want it to be organic. It’s starting small and I’ll figure out if there is any traction. So thanks again for this content. It puts me more at ease to just start making content and accepting it’s going to be raw.
I like the idea of telling a story over many videos, some of my favorite channels are like that
I love hearing strategic Kevin talk about non gardening stuff! Glad you are finding the magic in creating again
Having a blast!
I just found this other channel you created and absolutely love it. You give so much extremely valuable information explained in such a way that I ended up saying, "I never thought of it that way". I am not a gamer, but explaining how content creating and TH-cam compares to gaming was an "Ah Hah!" moment for me. I have learned so much about what I have been doing wrong with my tiny little channel. Thank you!
So glad you got value out of this
love that i somehow managed to find you on this channel before the gardening stuff. really loving this style man :)
Ha, no way. Glad you're enjoying!
Came over from watching your for years at Epic Gardening. As a small channel myself, this was very informative and helpful. Thank you!
Welcome!
Thanks Kevin. Appreciate your feedback. Wish I started before 2020...but better late than never.
You got this
Awesome assessment of the development and trajectory of TH-cam traffic!!! Totally agree.
Glad you liked it!
I was focused on hyper fast editing with loads of effects and cuts but now I'm focusing on more laid back approach
Thanks for sharing this....
I've been on youtube since about 2006. This is my 2nd channel and I must say it has been frustrating getting connected to people on this platform. Your last two videos have made me think about what I really want to share on my channel. THANK YOU for all you do Kevin.
Glad it's been helpful, Bren!
please post more videos like this you’re way better at giving a real life perspective here than any person i’ve heard yet who talks about youtube. i think you’re really smart!
I'm glad it's been helpful!
Great insights man. Been hearing a lot of people talk about Sam and long form, real/raw “vlogs” making a comeback. Love to hear it.
Didn’t realize you had multiple channels. Good stuff.
Cool to see you here, yeah he's the hot ticket item these days and I think deservedly so
This makes me happy as a person who started vlogging my healing journey. I’m not aware of old TH-cam was like could you give me a suggestion of a channel to watch to get an idea?
Just giving another thank you! I loved the part about "remarkable" - I'm a smarta** and every time someone says "that's remarkable" I say "yes, I know; you remarked upon it..." I liked how you related the youtube "meta" to video games and gardening (pretty much the only 2 things I do!) Threw me off for a sec when you said "I got this from Todd" I'm like I don't think we've ever spoken but then it was another Todd. Also apparently I'm "doing it wrong" since -all- I watch is gardening videos. But seriously that's good advice to get creator tips by looking at other things, or like you mentioned in your other video doing a toastmasters to help you practice.
Loving this new channel.
Love that you're loving it!
This was so helpful. I’ve spent the last two years on just figuring out what I want to create and have finally found where I thrive. I’ve definitely noticed growth. Just like with plants, it takes time and work.
Indeed it does. Best of luck!
Thanks for Sharing...
I feel like this is what Atomic Shrimp has been doing consistently and is what keeps his viewers coming back, just a regular curious tinkery kind of guy doing whatever he finds interesting and sharing it with all of us in a really pleasant way.
Gonna check him out
Excellent value thank you
You're spot-on with this take, Kevin. Remarkable people doing ordinary things.
Hey guys!
Good video! I hope things are changing. Most of the large channels in my niche retention edit so I will believe it when I see it I guess.
You're pretty damn large! Channel looks awesome man. You've got a new sub
I loved hearing your thoughts and predictions. Great video!!!
Thanks Katie!
Kevin!!! (Or should we say Eric?! 😜). I LOVE that you are doing videos like this now! I have been a huge follower of epic since 2020. You inspire me so much!! Me and my fiancé started our channel in 2021 but didn’t really buckle down and get consistent until last year. So of course, I watch tons of Think Media and vidIQ and all those guys…so when I saw them all talking about YOU a few months back, I was so excited about it! Finally someone in the garden community was getting major recognition! And now I started watching your personal channel and to see you talking as a CONTENT CREATOR…I just couldn’t love this more! ❤ Thank you for all you do! -Shala
Glad to hear you are enjoying it! It's been a fun way to express
Man I think this channel you're doing is so awesome. Giving us a look behind the curtain and opening yourself up on more of an intellectual and personal level. I like it. Thanks.
That's the plan, appreciate you being here
You nailed it. Really good stuff here, man.
Appreciate it
I’ve a small channel (classical pianist) and this video really resonated with me! Like you, I don’t watch TH-cam to learn about my craft, but to learn about other things, and to enjoy genuine people who have a passion for something. You’ve opened my eyes to some new viewpoints. Thank you!
I'm glad to hear this! I grew up playing piano, haven't retained much of the skill set as I haven't practiced in years though
I love how you pull in the parallels and examples from different disciplines. It feels very indicative of creative thinking and an innovative mindset. I enjoy doing this as well, but haven't thought to add it to my channel yet!
I appreciate that!
There is nothing wrong with change! Happy Newyears blessings Kevin!
Your views vs comments is crazy. Really hope your channel gets the subs it deserves. Wishing you well :)
I hope so too!
Very cool and interesting video! Great insights.😊
After watching your 2 most recent videos, I subscribed because you’re speaking honestly about what we experience on TH-cam as creators. Even though I’ve watched your interviews on other TH-cam channels, there is something very different (much better!) here…more real. (Plus I like that you admit not watching other garden videos. I do - but - I end up sometimes with not great emotions, which isn’t productive.) 🙂
I appreciate hearing this, and yes not productive to watch things that make you feel bad
Came here to learn how I could keep my channel afloat in 2024. It's so scary, so many TH-camrs in my niche are absolutely squashing me in the algorithm right now and it SUCKS but I'm here for the fight. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, much appreciated!!
Best of luck!
This is good content to listen to from a seasoned creator like yourself. I remember when YT first started and I thought it was a really cool platform, I didn't get into the creator space then, and didn't see it as a way to make a living, plus life happens. Now it is interesting to see the content on YT evolving, and creators approaches changing. I haven't started creating yet but I see myself taking more of the artisan approach, making content I like for myself, from an intellectual angle. I do think there is a nitch for that.
I love the starcraft analogy lol - really hit me in the feels. All joking aside, after spending a couple of years building a tech channel, my wife and I started to have kids. I spent too much time away from them in my office, and was also splitting my time between that, renovating our home, and working. I finally decided to hang up that coat for a couple of years. Then we bought another project home, and I thought it would be a good opportunity for the whole family to get involved in something while also still allowing that creative outlet. We started a channel, and began documenting the process. Because we added to our commute in this new home, even that eventually fell by the waste side. I always felt like TH-cam was a great creative outlet that allowed for me and my wife to be ourselves, while also sharing stories in our own lives. I think sometimes we get too focused on the meta, and forget that it's ok to just be ourselves, and share what we want to share. Would be nice to see that come back into fashion. This video inspired me to dive back in. Thanks for the insights Kevin. Unrelated, but I watched your entire epic homesteading series over a month plus earlier in 2023. It led us to document a DIY raised bed planter series in our backyard last year. Definitely gave me the bug to grow our own food, so thanks!
So cool to hear this! Glad that the channel provided some inspiration
Excellent explanation of the mechanisms of TH-cam for someone thinking of joining.So helpful.
Thank you for making this video, it's definitely given me a lot to think about. I've been on TH-cam for 4 years now but had a long period of illness and stopped filming, i think that was my mistake because my channel hasn't grown since then at all. Your video has helped me step back and take a good look at what I'm doing. Thank you so much.
Utility is the whole point!!! Love that perspective. If my contribution in this life is of no utility to anyone then what is the point to my life. Geez you killed it with this video!
Glad it hit home!
Thank you for this. I am starting my channels this month. This helps.
Good luck with it!
Very cool to see you in a different format, definitely an inspiration!
I started watching your channel because you were making something good in that rental you lived in. You didn't have much space but you were learning and teaching how to do it even without much space. I actually fell away once you got the new property because I couldn't really relate to what you were doing anymore. All the fancy expensive gear and space was out of my league (for now). I just truly enjoyed your original videos that were not fancy and were just you showing how you were growing food in a small space with limited resources.
Adding more small space stuff back soon :)
okay I'm not a TH-camr so I'm having a hard time getting into the content on this one, but I I'm so distracted by your cool light and then realizing that you're using it as a grow light. it's super awesome
Don't worry, it's not all going to be about TH-cam here!
What a thoughtful listen; Thank you for sharing it! I often spend time trying to compare/understand/analyze TH-cam viewer trends & trajectories in different countries, languages, and topics and so this reflection was super interesting to hear ✅
Glad it was helpful!
Very insightful. I've been going for four years and feel like I have no clue still what I'm doing, so I'll just keep on trying to get better.
Only way to get better :)
this video inspired me to just put together videos. I enjoy. Thanks Kevin.
I always like your videos where you go visit other gardeners in their gardens. Your first Video I watched was when you interviewed Mr Cornett over at Natures Always Right.
Thanks for this! It's really making me think about my formula for my videos. I do post some things that I like simply because I like them (videos with my kid always seem to flop, even though I thought they'd take off because she's adorable when she explains things, yet she's still articulate, and I make sure it's all accurate) but my main focus for my channel is value for the viewer. My problem is I miss the trends! I watch social media groups to see what questions people are asking, then when I see one question a bunch of times I make a video about that! But my life is so full that by the time I plan, film, edit and post a video it's usually been a couple weeks and that trend has passed. Luckily gardening questions are evergreen and people tend to ask the same questions every year, so my videos usually spike in popularity the following year.
Most of my videos are unscripted, but I might have a list of points I want to cover so I stay on track and don't ramble too much. My biggest hurdle is posting regularly. I'd love your opinion on how I could improve my channel!
Might do channel breakdowns in future!
Awesome!
You’ve given me so many confirmations! I thank the universe for bringing me across your page✨
I'm so glad!
Totally agree. I've seen lots of "meta" content point to Sam as the face of the new wave, but like you said, he's Remarkable. He's a freak of nature, nobody could do what he did, because he's literally a 1 of 1. I do think less produced, or more home grown videos are good, but correct pacing and story telling are still king.
Agree completely
So - this speaks to some of the questions I asked on the last video. So thank you for that. FWIW - I do love the balance of these two latest vids; and how you tie together the conversation.
Glad you enjoyed!
Really appreciating your views in this second channel. Your perspective is really interesting
Glad to hear it
I just started my YT channel this past Dec and this video really hits home. Thank you for pointing this out and plenty to consider.
Good luck with it!
❤@@kevinmespiritu
this was great. Also, love that wood piece in the background.
First. Thanks for sharing your insights.
My pleasure!
Good Evening Mr Kevin, I’m laughing at my own self; because when you hit those tech words, I looked at my husband and said - maybe I need to call the granddaughter, lol.
Yes as a retired lady living my dream, I’ve got so much to learn with this YT thing; but you sure made this lady laugh at her own self. Keep living your dream, time doesn’t slow down; but a pause here and there looking at your accomplishments is the best window to a persons future. You’re a good voice for many.
Love that you can laugh! Only way to learn, stay humble :)
so ... fwiw ... i've watched this channel for quite a while along with others spanning topics from basic gardening to quantum physics, with a detour of current politics. i have noted to my friends over the last year or so that YT has been shoving 85% (not scientific) political opinion, derivative works at me - with about 15% of that being from what they probably think is 'the other side' respective of me. very lately when i do get something in my 'core viewing' it seems to be from not so quality sources (content or production).
after seeing a number of YT creators actively 'quitting' or just stop posting, i believe the platform has become what was inevitable. YT/Google care *only* about revenue - content comes last, once the platform is established on great content like yours and others, and then advertisers boost content they want and click-baitees continue to click.
All the best and thanks for your insights, information, and genuiness.
As much as I love Epic Gardening, it's also super cool just to hear your thoughts about the creator economy and how you started. I've heard you on a couple other podcasts that interviewed you about the business aspects of being a creator, and I have found that just as inspiring as the gardening itself.
All that to say, thanks for sharing your thoughts and secrets. It sort of demystifies the process and makes it feel somewhat attainable as someone who aspires to make a TH-cam channel but hasn't quite made that jump yet. Thanks Kevin!
Really glad to hear this, I've always been hesitant to share more of this but now I'm opening up more because it's truly enjoyable to talk about
@@kevinmespiritucan I ask why you were hesitant to share? i’ve heard others say this as well.
nice! I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying talking about it. It's honestly so helpful for people starting out, and gives us an idea of what's possible @@kevinmespiritu
Thank you for this follow up. As a smaller channel, your previous video about everyone quitting was a bit disheartening 😂 this gave me some more hope.
Two sides to every coin, with folks quitting there is an up-and-coming class!
Thanks again, it was great help.
Glad it helped!
Great video, glad I found your personal channel. I have really enjoyed Epic for the last few years! And I have heard this take about this meta low key content. I think I saw a whole video on why people are holding microphones now (as a way to look or be more raw and old school.)
Oh that's an interesting one! That would have been my read as well, signaling that you are actually recording something
Interesting talk. I hope you are right about TH-cam content becoming more authentic again. That was my plan when I started my channel 9 months ago. But I’m still trying to figure out how to actually embody it, as I can’t even talk on camera yet.
I may have to do a video on talking on camera
@@kevinmespiritu That would be great!
Thanks for this information, man!
I've been watching the same TH-camrs I've been watching for some years now, barely ever got new ones into the mix. The homepage shows me channels that feel more like companies than actually passionate people.
I have channels I view from gardening, to gaming to nature to science. What all of these channels have in common is that the people have clear and genuine passion for what they are doing. They are "raw" so to say, because they, from an outsider perspective of mine, are as close to their true selves as they can be. That's my selling point, has been since i first opened TH-cam in 2015, at 11 years old 💜
I think that is the goal for everyone, to get as close to who you actually are as possible
I completely agree! Vlog format vs professionally edited content i think works better with connection
I love your garden videos i remember when you put it the water tanks 😊your awesome
I have a small channel. I do it because I love it. I talk about weaving mostly, which is how I actually make a living. I struggle to find time to edit long form content, so I’ve been making a lot of short form content instead. Maybe I should just plug forward and worry about little less about editing. 🤔
Try one w/o as much editing and see what happens!
@@kevinmespiritu I'm in the same boat, so thank you! In my next video, I'm definitely going to edit less!
What we will see, I believe, are more experts in different fields doing interesting things.
I sure hope so.
This was super insightful! Thank you so much for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it!
on youtube (and in life generally) storytelling is a key. at least for me. of course there are subject that i am interested in, but i need a story. not like literally but i need that the youtuber i follow would have a story. i love how to videos too but i only follow and watch youtubers on a day to day basis if i can follow their stories, their development, etc.
Agree. The story told over many videos is underrated. Meta story of the channel itself
Way back in the day, I heard someone say it's the "wow" factor. It's something special, something unique.
Yes another great way to phrase it
He's a vlogger, they've existed since youtube started (hardly anything new or unique). Vloggers have been a very big part of youtube
As someone whose been uploading content on TH-cam since 2007, i come from the days of Fred, smosh bros, dave days, boxxy, shane dawson, Shay carl etc... and I 100% agree that longer, authentic type content is where TH-cam is going. Shorts just make it easier for creators to build an audience for that long form content.
Agree, shorts help to build awareness for quality long form
Thx
you're doing great!
If the future is really like this, that would be fantastic! I'm tired of making unrealistic thumbnails and clickbait, although I'm just starting out with a small channel. What I want to share is walking, and I want my audience to see the most authentic world. I believe authenticity is the most important element, because I'm not an AI, I'm not a robot. 🌕
I love the idea of a walking channel
This information is interesting Especially people that are new to TH-cam or becoming a creator. 🤔 Makes people think 🤔
Good job bro. I liked the video
I appreciate it
For me you, as creator, must enjoy what you put out and that comes through the video. btw, we've both have the same YT advisor. ;-)
Oh yeah?
You're so right about the Raw" content alla Sam. A lot of copycat content will miss the other ingredients his videos have. The aspirational part being the big one. Charles Dowding's channel has always been a little bit like that. Although he's famous for books on "no-dig" a lot of people sub to him and listen because he has a beautiful garden.
Agree, Charles' set and setting is a lot of his charm, along with his vast knowledge, pleasant demeanor, etc.
@@kevinmespiritu exactly, there’s always a longer list than any analysis can give about why someone is successful.
@@kevinmespiritu I’m keen to see the Mr Beastification of Charles now I’ve said that. “I filled an entire Swimming pool full of Brussels sprouts”
I’ve noticed these patterns you mention a lot in the music scene, particularly in the regional Mexican scene at least. With the Avenue of tiktok it’s become easy for everyone to just hop on the bandwagon of “authenticity” but there comes a point when that authenticity gets so planned out that it loses its initial merit.
Definitely good insight. I watch such a crazy assortment of genres on TH-cam, and never realized all the different types of videos and formats that creators use.
I think it would be fun to just make videos about things I enjoy and share my passions with others, and make a little extra pocket money but at the same time not be worried if the videos also don't make money. Unfortunately, I'm a pretty boring individual with no skills or hobbies interesting enough to share. 😅
I also feel like everyone my age and younger have aspirations to be a content creator and not work a traditional style job.
Yeah it is far and away the most popular career aspiration right now
Gosh, maybe this is the year for TH-cam 😂 You make it sound so much more approachable when you’re just filming the things you’re doing anyway 🤷♀ Thank you for your always inspiring videos 👍
Best of luck this year
I've been thinking this for a while. If you look at the history of rock music, I think that's a good blueprint.
It feels like we just went through the 80s of overproduced formulaic rock bands who were more about gimmicks than the music. It got so far away from what the music represented but because everyone was making money, no one bothered to think about the audience.
The next wave of youtubers will be the parallel to grunge, which stripped away the gimmicks and made it cool to make it seem like you weren't trying too hard. A take it or leave it approach that really put the music first, like a refreshed version of the 60s (or in this analogy the first wave of popular TH-camrs.)
It's the bucket of cold water the industry needs and is somewhat being forced with less money being in the ecosystem.
I really like this comparison!
One of the TH-cam creators I follow from Canada has mentioned they are under or going to be under a lot of restrictions from their government. I follow a lot of Canadians so I was bummed out by that. 😢
Yeah Canada's legislation has not been the most friendly to its own people in the world of content, unfortunately
Another great perspective Kevin!
For me, 75% of my viewing is YT, AND 20% streaming services - i rarely watch network or cable channels anymore and I am a kid of the 1960’s - I say that because I have certainly changed how I get entertainment compared to years ago. Because I watch several channels about vastly different subjects, often 3-4 a night. I am someone who likes shorter (under 30 mins) videos. Too long, even if I like your content, I can’t hang with.
I commented in your other videos that I like Epic Gardening because you are in an urban environment as I am. Yes your “homestead” is much bigger than ours (not your house, but your property), but what you do I can directly relate to living in Orange County, CA. But, if we were to ever move to another state, maybe to a townhome, I may not watch as much because it would no longer relate to me. Similarly a couple years ago I decided I need to upgrade my aging power tools so I latched on to a few channels that reviewed and compared brands. But once I decided I what I wanted, I unsubscribed from them. Not because they were not good, but because they served my purpose. I still occasionally watch them, and now that I want to upgrade my table saw, maybe get a small lathe I found other channels that focus on those.
I commented yesterday in your other video that both my wife and I are huge Disney people, annual passes holders to Disneyland, trips to Disney World, etc. SO we follow several of those channels. But the thing is, they all basically do the exact same content just in a slightly different way. Often they will all show up to be the first to post a video on a specific event, like yesterday’s start of the Epcot Art Festival. It can be comical because at times they will all be in each other videos. So if you watch one, there may be a couple in the back pointing their cameras at each other! Funny…..
We like them because we can see the new food, merchandise, event, etc., but in reality they are all the same and have not evolved much in a few years -- “What is the best food at Disneyland?” - for the 100th time as an example, or “What we are doing at home today” . I think they could all benefit from what Kevin has to say, but I think they rely on new viewers finding them so it’s all fresh for them. That was true for us in the past but after months or even a couple of years it just the same thing again.
I think keeping fresh is hard! I have been watching Garden Answer for years and they are very good at keeping things fresh (as does Epic Gardening), but do I really need to see this year’s planting of dahlia bulbs again that has been shown the past several seasons? For me, no - But for new viewers - Yes! So there is a balance there for sure. How do you keep your long time subs, but attract new ones as well you want to see you put in those tomatoes, or show the new food at Disneyland, or that new power tool?
I am sure it is an ongoing and difficult question all TH-camrs ask themselves (or should be) frequently.
Yes, I think it's important to think of one's audience not as some static blob of whatever the subscriber count says, but more like people passing through a train station
Interesting thoughts. I think TH-cam is too big of a platform to have a clear cut 'meta'
Generally agree. I think this 'meta' applies more to the 'creator' types on here