I will say that you have a very lovely voice to listen to and a very friendly face. I was watching you back on Channel makers and I love your advice you don’t come across like you’re selling something you come across like a normal dude and that is why I love watching your channel. Please keep up the good work. Also, I don’t normally like beards and moustache, but yours looks really cool especially along with your hair.
This is 100% true, I'm glad I went with "How I make games in a non-technical way" and I forbid myself to ever use the word "code/programming" because regular people suddenly don't feel like the video is for them. Everyone targeted developers, but no one made a video for regular gamers.
you can try doing a full walkthrough of the game. Some audience love it to be commentary while others prefer non commentary. See what works for you I do watch game walkthroughs from time to time replaying retro games from Sega to Playstation
I was literally looking to see why a new video from Nate hasn't appeared on my TH-cam feed in so long and saw you hadn't posted in 2 weeks. Got a bit sad and then as I refreshed my feed I saw your face pop up, had a look and it said it had been released one minute ago. I'm happy now. Thanks Nate!
Nate, you are one person I will watch every video of even if I don't think I need that info at the moment. You somehow always inspire me, make me smile, and help me feel not alone with my mental health. Thank you for being you and continuing to show up for us. ❤
Great video Nate. I started doing this last year and it works great. “Easier to consume”…..for me….means light hearted, concise, and engaging. For “engaging” i always try to change things up every 30 seconds to 1 minute: …meaning location and/or music and/or new idea. My audience is middle age so I know NOT to do super fast jump cuts every 3 seconds. I frequently get comments that they appreciate the lack of fast cuts. If your script is strong & concise and your camera presence is strong….you don’t need fast cuts every 3 seconds to maintain engagement. Light hearted + concise + engaging.
Great tip there! My audience also skews to the older direction and I've found that some of my more lightly edited videos are the ones that really took off. That may be why! I'm going to keep noodling, but I think we're getting somewhere!
What you described at 3:00 perfectly describes my channel, I am trying to get away from this but every time I try to the videos bomb and that makes me panic and revert back to what my existing viewers want to see from me 😳😳
This might just be one of the most useful videos I've watched in quite a while, also broad enough to appeal to a wider audience - excellent proof of concept!. I'm in the planning stages for a new (technically revived) channel for which this one video has helped me realise where I should be aiming in terms of technical content. Thanks Nate... definately a 'boop' worthy video 😀
Your channel is the only channel I feel this way about atm. The other channels that came to mind when I heard you, I realize that I don’t watch every video they create. I’ll read the title and the thumbnail, and if it resonates, I’ll check it out. Even if it’s something I know nothing about - but it has to be something that I want to know about, or feel open to at the moment. So I’ll watch *most* videos by those YTers, but not every one. I *always* learn something from one of your videos, or learn a new way of thinking about something, and I enjoy your videos too. Education, inspiration, and entertainment! And easily relatable. I’m not a YTer (at least not yet,) but I’m prepping to launch a Substack, and I find a lot of what you share translates to any kind of content creation, and I love that. You also seem to speak to aspects of YT I haven’t heard anyone else talk about, and make it easily digestible too (no ulcers here) :)
Totally agree with all your points. Most of the TH-camrs that I follow are all people that I find the most relatable, which in a way ties closely to your point on "easy to consume" I suppose, considering that it's easier to relate and thus easier to understand. Just a suggestion. Would you be interested in making a video on reviewing small channels like myself? Implementing tips are one thing, but with real life examples as case studies, I'm sure many small TH-camrs and the rest of your audiences would be very interested in this, and the tips and takeaways that you teach will be able to sink in so much better. Thank you for your great videos as always! Have been following you since Channel Makers.
Yep, Corridor Crew hits all those techniques for me. My rule of making a video watchable is to see if my ADD gets triggered. If I get to a section and start thinking about something else, I know I have lost my attention. This was apparent during your example towards the beginning.
Great video as usual Nate. My videos are about the restoration of an old sailboat. A lot of people connect with the concept of restoration but don’t need all the details. Some like the details. This has given me an interesting idea to strategically edit videos with longer cuts for the folks on patreon that WANT every last crushing detail. 🙏👍
My favorite TH-cam channel is Foresty Forest. He is a master at producing engaging, concise and light-hearted content, and I never miss an episode. His niche is outdoor adventure and van life, and he consistently gets over 100,000 views per video. His videos are always between 10 to 15 minutes long. He interjects a lot of relatable humor and shows his own mistakes and foibles in a way that makes the audience love him. And even though a video may only be ten minutes long, he gets right to the point, and will include two or three different segments such as climbing a beautiful mountain in the Canadian Rockies, cooking a campfire meal and doing a repair on his van. His fan base is extremely loyal because they always know that every one of his videos is going to be a high quality product!
Monday is Nate Day! I feel like I might do that and waffle a little. I think I get in a loop in my brain and can’t explain it straight out. When I see that in the edit and I can’t cut it out otherwise it doesn’t make sense I put b roll me doing it while explaining it so it makes sense and it is easier to understand.
Thanks Nate! I'd love to see another video on this topic, possibly using real channel examples. On an educational channel, learning to create meaningful content that isn't "fluff" but is still digestible is truly an art (that I'm still trying to learn...)
This is so true. In the niche I've started adding to is finely balanced. Showing the pretty overview can get 5m plus views, but showing the actual work in any detail only 100's of views. My plan is to sneak in one different bit of detail in each video.
Hi Nate - oh your so right. I found myself in a similar spiral of making videos that make perfect sense to me but didn't perform as hoped. Then I took a big look back to my first few videos. OK asides from the terrible audio, lighting, non editing ... they were too long and flat. Almost boring. I had improved a lot over the next 100+ videos but a pattern had emerged. Keep them light, entertaining, and relatable. I teach art and when I started to inject a little more of me into the videos they did well. I also left in my happy accidents and art pickles. These have now become a 'thing' folk expect. I don't always get it right. So I show folk where I go wrong. Then I fix it! I teach as though we ( me and my audience of one) were sitting and having fun painting. A light hearted voyage of discovery with a few gear changes, fails and ultimatly a win for us! Its Disney on a canvas. And my channel has grown and my supporters love it. So, thank you Nate for helping me become a better chef.... Large portion of applause for Mr Black .. I thank you 👏👏👏😎
That Niche statement is such a powerful claim to unpack. I often get frustrated when I post what I feel is a fascinating, in-depth conversation with an author or film maker only to have it flop as far as views go. Meanwhile I can do a solo talking head video that zeros in on talking about a film and it takes off. What you say might well apply to why this often happens on my channel.
I watch your channel and I don't really care what you post, but I watch all your videos. Simply because I love your personality, it's just so calming and positive
Hey Nate, thanks for the info as usual. My retention is about 30% on average. I review sneakers on my channel. And typically after I unbox or reveal that sneaker I lose people. I have tried starting off with the sneaker out of the box and a similar result. For a small channel my views are there not the higher retention.
Gosh, thats one of your best best videos Nate, cause its so important. ❗I'm working at the local government in a small city. And I publish weekly for our mayor article about our local plants, animals and nature. Last week I tried your tipp and shared a personal storie. The people loved it. It was a eye opend experience. 😲Thanks for that. 👍👌Greetings from Germany. 🇩🇪
Thank you for this video! haha I wanted to go in-depth on a particular topic, but I was undecided if I should do it or not because I might lose my audience. After watching this, now I know. Thank you, Nate!
Roots and Refuge Farm is like this for me. I don't care what the topic is, I'm watching! Same with Blue Cactus Dairy Goats and Sandi Brock. And, You Nate!! LOL
Yes there are at least three channels that I'm currently subscribed to in which I would watch and listen to them read the phone book lol, I wish they would upload more but I also understand how tiring creating content can be hence it's understandable that they may need a bit of time away but I think part of the reason I'm drawn to the content of reference is I enjoy the personalities and overall style of the channel creators and some of them happen to actually create content similar to reading the phone book. haha, legit no solid focus or focal point in the video but I oddly enjoy whiching the content and get excited when I receive a notification, by the way great advice Nate ❤
Alright, your tricks got me. Well not tricks. Brilliance. I've binged almost every one of your 19 videos today. Just a few more to go. I'd get to the end and want more. I want to learn more. I truly want to get better at this thing they call TH-cam. And I have found your tips and mindset to be eye opening. I'm going to try really hard to incorporate an improved mindset, open myself to my audience, and provide more value to my audience. Thank you for the tips. You have earned my subscription for the long term. I might even subscribe with my other non-branded channels. Thank you again.
3:45 I accidentally proved your point by zoning out during that long stretch. I didn’t notice I had done it until you asked me how I felt… good illustration XD
Great video! You referred to creating more in-depth content for Patreon (and other platforms). If you're looking for topics to cover in future, I think knowing when and how to set up a Patreon offering would be really interesting. Also, I know there's some concern about Patreon's recent changes, so I would also love to know if you would recommend it or TH-cam memberships or something else entirely.
Great to see another video from you pop up for me. I have binge watched so so much of your content over the last 3 months, and gleemed tons of tips and guides. Im about 50-60 videos into my journey and I can say its a looong slow process to growth (atleast for me) Ideas for content is easy, but actually getting people to watch is like an endly battle against goliaths. But with you positive outlook guiding me onwards. I will press on and eventually prevail...I hope ;)
#1 of the 3 secrets really hit home with me, Nate, as an ex-school teacher who spent years creating courses and pedagogy. I realized that I'm giving too much step by step teaching in my YT videos (I have primarily a tutorial/information channel). Thanks so much! I think this must apply even if you are reaching a wider audience. Even your niche followers seem to want it to be light, and hey, if they want more, that's what your info products are for, right? BTW, when I thought of a channel I would watch, regardless of the topic, every time, the very first one that came to mind was yours. And I have lots of favourite YT channels - but even then I am selective when it comes to the topic. But with your channel, I love your approach, your humour, your quirky style your spot-on information (that no one else seems to give us in quite the same way), and your ability to make me feel happy and positive - always a nice way to start the day before working with a Nate-induced smile on my face. Keep giving us more! We love it!
Your strategy about not going in-depth on a topic to reach a broad audience is exactly what my entire concept is built on. After publishing my very first long-form POV video of "Becoming A TH-camr", it gained instantly 100+ views in 15 hours and very positive comments, commenters are really seeing the potential. Fun fact is that when looking at the 'Suggested videos' tab, is that it indeed is shown to a very broad audience, from people who watch animated sketches, to people watching vines and memes to people watching vlogs or challenges. There was no one of the "youtube channel building niche" that actually got suggested my video. Probably found that sweet spot, to not get too in-depth and make it engaging for a wide audience. Although, it's just in the very early stages ofcourse, but it feels I'm going in the right direction. Ofcourse manged to do this by bingewatching all of your videos without being too deeply interested in the actual subject of growing my channel but also coming here for the kind of dry humor and inspiration/motivation! Thanks a punch Nate!
Sugar is unhealthy for the consumer but not to the supplier lol - I have started an Educational TH-cam in my mother tongue, Telugu - I love how you discuss these things. It is not easy to find an audience for Educational content but will try to follow your tips -
Hey that´s a familiar face :) Happy to see it. I kinda tend to lean more and more towards what you´re talking about. More then a few viewers have commented that they like it when I get realy excited about all these old toys. I was holding that back for many videos but now I try and let it come through more and more. It´s just how I feel about them and that´s what I try to show now. What´s the point of me sharing all these wondeful toys if I don´t also share my excitment about them and that seem to be my common ground with the viewers. And let´s not forget I´m a viewer to and most of us are. It´s just our wonderful world of TH-cam and the opportunity to share our passions and make new friends. Take care buddy.
Si ops bit got me. The more questions I ask or it seems emotion I have in the video, they go further. Music and listen to the engine rev without voice over doesn't entice people to interact. On FB reels I've stated thanking people for the support and stars in the video along with asking to follow and share.
Kurzgezagt, Maxx Chewning, Nate (literally clicked this video without thinking lol), VSauce, Casually Explained, Charisma on Command, Veritaseum, the list goes on. All quality channels for different reasons, but all have my trust that the content will be golden.
Great video Nate. Loved the jokes at the end. On my channel I have viewers that mention that my videos are very relatable, so I guess I'll keep doing what I'm doing. However my late few videos have seen lower views that normal.
You got me at, "They're always taking things literally." Haha! Ok, this is a really useful video, my favorite on this new channel. Thanks a million Nate!
1. LOVE the "howdy howdy" sign in the background. 😂 2. I'm curious if you'll see this play out if/when you analyze someone's channel that had a hard-statistics focus and then switched to a more "sugar-coated" focus. But I know I find myself hardly ever re-watching any of your new videos, whereas I was CONSTANTLY watching your more content-rich videos over and over and over (from, ya know *elsewhere* lol). How does the re-watchability of dense videos, especially when they still have humor, compare to the wider reach of shallow videos?
Howdy Hillary! I’ve found it’s a balance. Including the regular more dense video helps with findability and/or search. If a more dense video can have more sugar in it, that can be even better
I'm not sure about this "easy to consume" theory. As a viewer, I feel like I seek out the channels that give me consistent in depth content. For example, I've recently fallen down the Dr. K of HealthyGamerGG rabbit hole (he's a psychiatrist who does long 2ish hour interviews with twitch streamers about their mental state and makes videos on gamers mental health). It seems to get a big audience and be broadly appealing. I know creators like Lex Friedman seem to have long form conversations that go pretty far in depth and get big audiences. I enjoy mid-sized streamers who do similar things like Bad Faith podcast where the creator does long form interviews going in depth on topics related to leftist politics. Your channel is one of the few channels with such short videos which I tolerate. And I only do so because I am planning out a new channel. Usually, I prefer something I can leave on while I drive, exercise, do chores, or am doing something menial at work. I don't like having to search for a new video every couple minutes. So, yes, I agree that obviously some ability to spread is sacrificed by going in depth. Some people don't want the deep dive. But it seems like assuming there is relatively broad interest in the topic, it's possible to go pretty far in depth with a lot of nutritional value and only a little sugar. And making videos for those of us interested in that can probably really ratchet up the watch time. I definitely agree on the relatable point and also the fun point.
I agree. I usually watch long videos and documentaries. On TH-cam I find myself more and more looking to learn something rather than just to be entertained.
did you mean: Twinkie for the mind and.. boom! these videos go viral? Behind your humor your content is profoundly comprehended; I laugh, listen and learn.
You remind me of the girl in The Last Of Us reading jokes from a book haha. Good advice man, I must think of a way to make my videos easier to consume, I think I've gone too basic and too complicated but soon I'll get the sweet spot.
I have learned this throughout the years and I will often film a video, start editing it, realize I am rambling too much and I end up re-filming it. I have to be sooo careful not to go too deep into each topic.
Yip! Awesome and reaffirming. This is why I teach practical and easy to digest guitar tricks and licks and for those who want to know the theory etc they can find it in my courses.
I think great channels have automatic click videos most of the time. But I can't think of a channel that I like that I'll click on a video regardless of a topic.
My favorite TH-camr who teaches TH-cam. I love your energy and your style. I am practicing :) through regular video creation to connect deeper to myself and the content I am creating so I can tell deeper, digestible, and relatable stories through video. I would like to hire you to help me, but it is not the best time. I could use much help, and I sometimes feel frustrated. I also get really hard on myself. I know it is part of the process. :) Hard work will pay off. Thank you for your regular inspirational, educational, and motivational content. 💚
That's a wonderful question to ask Nate! I wonder if Nate will do shorts. I'm watching his techniques as he builds his new channel and believe me, taking notes! Good question - I hope Nate will reply!
I consistently return to Nahre Sol's videos, even though she mostly teaches music theory and practice and I'm not a musician. Her early videos were beautiful and really drew me in to what would have been a very dry topic in anyone else's hands. Her later teaching videos show her to be a master educator. And they really demonstrate the principles you discuss in this video. Andy (from Three Twentysix, which you reviewed once and has since taken off, thanks!)
Such a learning process.. especially with how much youtube's algorithm changes sometimes i feel so lost. But at least I do find your advice useful no matter what happens with the algorithm, so thank you :)
Thanks Nate, great ideas, delivered really well. Thanks for sharing them as always, and thanks for being a genuinely nice person and being kind! ( Even when you roast LOL) Have fun, stay safe! 😊👍
I agree with you 💯. If it comes of as too preachy or like a principal it doesn't do nearly as well even though it may be a How To video. Nate Black & Primal Video are on my short list of faves. Take care. ❤
So interesting video.. what about a tutorial based channel? Maybe it would be smart to keep 'easy' tutorials in the TH-cam channel and move something more difficult into patron or online courses? Thanks for your advices!
I’m still trying to balance out the idea of not going to deep into a topic. The best way I’ve found to divide it is that I’ll have main channel videos that are quicker and more fun, don’t go too deep into the topic, and then there’s podcast episodes where I just plunge into the netherworld of the specific topic I’m talking about. Podcast episodes have less views of course but are generally watched (listened to) much more.
I am really grateful for this video. It kind of brings to light basically a lot of the areas I need to work on. Great video and you seemed to enjoy making it.Thanks.
You voiced exactly my headspace rn, and how i want my content to be more digestable, and apply more humour Thanks for putting this in video, hope it helps people think about it as well ^^
Hah, this is great, I would have had a better Christmas if I'd watched this when you published it! This is gold, for me. I tend to say things that are hard for others to get.
Beside a few educational channels like yours I only follow three or four creators that touch the topic of simple and slow living but in the last few months they changed their format so much I started feeling less interested. They went from 15 min to over 40 and it became less consumable for me cause I do have my rules on how much I spend on you tube for entertainment...so their move actually changed my behaviour from being a constant presence on their weekly videos to skipping them altogether. Would you do maybe one day a clip on things like that? It could be interesting 🤔... On the middle part...the explanation, no b Rolls ect...you've lost me😂. It was the clearest explanation you could have given on the topic. Thanks as usual for the precious advice...now comes the hard part, applying the concept...I usually fail at that 😂😂
It depends a bit on the niche. If I want a video on how to repair a lawnmower, I don't want any Dad jokes. If I want to be entertained, that's different.
There isn't a punchline for that last joke, because, well, it's rhetorical...
I'm sorry. 😂
You're doing great everyone - keep going!
🤣🤣🤣 you have a great sense of humour... i enjoyed these jokes too.
😂👊🤓
I will say that you have a very lovely voice to listen to and a very friendly face. I was watching you back on Channel makers and I love your advice you don’t come across like you’re selling something you come across like a normal dude and that is why I love watching your channel. Please keep up the good work. Also, I don’t normally like beards and moustache, but yours looks really cool especially along with your hair.
You still couldn't fight the urge to explain this joke either! Had to do it in pinned comments 😂
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
I have had a few people say they'd watch me anyway (short or long; voice-over or not), but only a few, and I appreciate them so much.
What a wonderful community you have ❤️
This is 100% true, I'm glad I went with "How I make games in a non-technical way" and I forbid myself to ever use the word "code/programming" because regular people suddenly don't feel like the video is for them. Everyone targeted developers, but no one made a video for regular gamers.
bro, u dont even have videos
you can try doing a full walkthrough of the game. Some audience love it to be commentary while others prefer non commentary. See what works for you
I do watch game walkthroughs from time to time replaying retro games from Sega to Playstation
I was literally looking to see why a new video from Nate hasn't appeared on my TH-cam feed in so long and saw you hadn't posted in 2 weeks. Got a bit sad and then as I refreshed my feed I saw your face pop up, had a look and it said it had been released one minute ago.
I'm happy now. Thanks Nate!
Nate, you are one person I will watch every video of even if I don't think I need that info at the moment. You somehow always inspire me, make me smile, and help me feel not alone with my mental health. Thank you for being you and continuing to show up for us. ❤
many people struggle with mental health. I hope you will find love, peace and joy in your life ❤
Great video Nate. I started doing this last year and it works great. “Easier to consume”…..for me….means light hearted, concise, and engaging. For “engaging” i always try to change things up every 30 seconds to 1 minute: …meaning location and/or music and/or new idea. My audience is middle age so I know NOT to do super fast jump cuts every 3 seconds. I frequently get comments that they appreciate the lack of fast cuts. If your script is strong & concise and your camera presence is strong….you don’t need fast cuts every 3 seconds to maintain engagement. Light hearted + concise + engaging.
100 percent agree!
Great tip there! My audience also skews to the older direction and I've found that some of my more lightly edited videos are the ones that really took off. That may be why! I'm going to keep noodling, but I think we're getting somewhere!
hey.. i just checked your channel.. cool stuff
Good info!
What you described at 3:00 perfectly describes my channel, I am trying to get away from this but every time I try to the videos bomb and that makes me panic and revert back to what my existing viewers want to see from me 😳😳
This might just be one of the most useful videos I've watched in quite a while, also broad enough to appeal to a wider audience - excellent proof of concept!. I'm in the planning stages for a new (technically revived) channel for which this one video has helped me realise where I should be aiming in terms of technical content. Thanks Nate... definately a 'boop' worthy video 😀
Your channel is the only channel I feel this way about atm. The other channels that came to mind when I heard you, I realize that I don’t watch every video they create. I’ll read the title and the thumbnail, and if it resonates, I’ll check it out. Even if it’s something I know nothing about - but it has to be something that I want to know about, or feel open to at the moment. So I’ll watch *most* videos by those YTers, but not every one.
I *always* learn something from one of your videos, or learn a new way of thinking about something, and I enjoy your videos too. Education, inspiration, and entertainment! And easily relatable. I’m not a YTer (at least not yet,) but I’m prepping to launch a Substack, and I find a lot of what you share translates to any kind of content creation, and I love that. You also seem to speak to aspects of YT I haven’t heard anyone else talk about, and make it easily digestible too (no ulcers here) :)
Glad to see you back in my phone screen Nate!
And the TH-cam channel I’m thinking about is yours Nate!
Your content is unmissable.
Well dang, thank you 🙏
Totally agree with all your points. Most of the TH-camrs that I follow are all people that I find the most relatable, which in a way ties closely to your point on "easy to consume" I suppose, considering that it's easier to relate and thus easier to understand.
Just a suggestion. Would you be interested in making a video on reviewing small channels like myself? Implementing tips are one thing, but with real life examples as case studies, I'm sure many small TH-camrs and the rest of your audiences would be very interested in this, and the tips and takeaways that you teach will be able to sink in so much better.
Thank you for your great videos as always! Have been following you since Channel Makers.
Yep, Corridor Crew hits all those techniques for me. My rule of making a video watchable is to see if my ADD gets triggered. If I get to a section and start thinking about something else, I know I have lost my attention. This was apparent during your example towards the beginning.
Great video as usual Nate. My videos are about the restoration of an old sailboat. A lot of people connect with the concept of restoration but don’t need all the details. Some like the details. This has given me an interesting idea to strategically edit videos with longer cuts for the folks on patreon that WANT every last crushing detail. 🙏👍
Your best video in ages. This one fits where I'm at with my channel right now 👍
My favorite TH-cam channel is Foresty Forest. He is a master at producing engaging, concise and light-hearted content, and I never miss an episode. His niche is outdoor adventure and van life, and he consistently gets over 100,000 views per video. His videos are always between 10 to 15 minutes long. He interjects a lot of relatable humor and shows his own mistakes and foibles in a way that makes the audience love him. And even though a video may only be ten minutes long, he gets right to the point, and will include two or three different segments such as climbing a beautiful mountain in the Canadian Rockies, cooking a campfire meal and doing a repair on his van. His fan base is extremely loyal because they always know that every one of his videos is going to be a high quality product!
Monday is Nate Day! I feel like I might do that and waffle a little. I think I get in a loop in my brain and can’t explain it straight out. When I see that in the edit and I can’t cut it out otherwise it doesn’t make sense I put b roll me doing it while explaining it so it makes sense and it is easier to understand.
Thanks Nate! I'd love to see another video on this topic, possibly using real channel examples. On an educational channel, learning to create meaningful content that isn't "fluff" but is still digestible is truly an art (that I'm still trying to learn...)
This is huge. Having this sort of inner conflict while I decide how to define the tone for my channel. Thanks for this one.
This is so true. In the niche I've started adding to is finely balanced. Showing the pretty overview can get 5m plus views, but showing the actual work in any detail only 100's of views. My plan is to sneak in one different bit of detail in each video.
Glad to hear it holds true for you. Great plan!
Hi Nate - oh your so right. I found myself in a similar spiral of making videos that make perfect sense to me but didn't perform as hoped. Then I took a big look back to my first few videos. OK asides from the terrible audio, lighting, non editing ... they were too long and flat. Almost boring. I had improved a lot over the next 100+ videos but a pattern had emerged. Keep them light, entertaining, and relatable. I teach art and when I started to inject a little more of me into the videos they did well. I also left in my happy accidents and art pickles. These have now become a 'thing' folk expect. I don't always get it right. So I show folk where I go wrong. Then I fix it! I teach as though we ( me and my audience of one) were sitting and having fun painting. A light hearted voyage of discovery with a few gear changes, fails and ultimatly a win for us! Its Disney on a canvas. And my channel has grown and my supporters love it. So, thank you Nate for helping me become a better chef.... Large portion of applause for Mr Black .. I thank you 👏👏👏😎
As usual, priceless advice here! So true about the TH-camrs I watch, I hadn't thought about it but that's exactly what they do
That Niche statement is such a powerful claim to unpack. I often get frustrated when I post what I feel is a fascinating, in-depth conversation with an author or film maker only to have it flop as far as views go. Meanwhile I can do a solo talking head video that zeros in on talking about a film and it takes off. What you say might well apply to why this often happens on my channel.
I watch your channel and I don't really care what you post, but I watch all your videos. Simply because I love your personality, it's just so calming and positive
Hey Nate, thanks for the info as usual. My retention is about 30% on average. I review sneakers on my channel. And typically after I unbox or reveal that sneaker I lose people. I have tried starting off with the sneaker out of the box and a similar result. For a small channel my views are there not the higher retention.
Hey Nate. You're a great inspiration, man.
Makes sense! I am working on fleshing out my content as my channel growth is steady. I am tuning into my subscribers "algorithm".
Gosh, thats one of your best best videos Nate, cause its so important. ❗I'm working at the local government in a small city. And I publish weekly for our mayor article about our local plants, animals and nature. Last week I tried your tipp and shared a personal storie. The people loved it. It was a eye opend experience. 😲Thanks for that. 👍👌Greetings from Germany. 🇩🇪
You are great story teller. And I came to realize that thats one of the most important qualities of a great TH-camr. Working on my skills 💪❤
Thank you for this video! haha I wanted to go in-depth on a particular topic, but I was undecided if I should do it or not because I might lose my audience. After watching this, now I know. Thank you, Nate!
Roots and Refuge Farm is like this for me. I don't care what the topic is, I'm watching! Same with Blue Cactus Dairy Goats and Sandi Brock. And, You Nate!! LOL
Yes there are at least three channels that I'm currently subscribed to in which I would watch and listen to them read the phone book lol, I wish they would upload more but I also understand how tiring creating content can be hence it's understandable that they may need a bit of time away but I think part of the reason I'm drawn to the content of reference is I enjoy the personalities and overall style of the channel creators and some of them happen to actually create content similar to reading the phone book. haha, legit no solid focus or focal point in the video but I oddly enjoy whiching the content and get excited when I receive a notification, by the way great advice Nate ❤
Alright, your tricks got me. Well not tricks. Brilliance. I've binged almost every one of your 19 videos today. Just a few more to go. I'd get to the end and want more. I want to learn more. I truly want to get better at this thing they call TH-cam. And I have found your tips and mindset to be eye opening. I'm going to try really hard to incorporate an improved mindset, open myself to my audience, and provide more value to my audience. Thank you for the tips. You have earned my subscription for the long term. I might even subscribe with my other non-branded channels. Thank you again.
I REALLY LOVE YOUR VOICE.
Sorry, for leaving channel makers. I HOPE YOU COME BACK STRONGER.
3:45 I accidentally proved your point by zoning out during that long stretch. I didn’t notice I had done it until you asked me how I felt… good illustration XD
Great video! You referred to creating more in-depth content for Patreon (and other platforms). If you're looking for topics to cover in future, I think knowing when and how to set up a Patreon offering would be really interesting. Also, I know there's some concern about Patreon's recent changes, so I would also love to know if you would recommend it or TH-cam memberships or something else entirely.
Noted, thank you!
You articulated something I was feeling but couldn't put my finger on.
Thanks! 😁
Great to see another video from you pop up for me. I have binge watched so so much of your content over the last 3 months, and gleemed tons of tips and guides. Im about 50-60 videos into my journey and I can say its a looong slow process to growth (atleast for me) Ideas for content is easy, but actually getting people to watch is like an endly battle against goliaths. But with you positive outlook guiding me onwards. I will press on and eventually prevail...I hope ;)
#1 of the 3 secrets really hit home with me, Nate, as an ex-school teacher who spent years creating courses and pedagogy. I realized that I'm giving too much step by step teaching in my YT videos (I have primarily a tutorial/information channel). Thanks so much! I think this must apply even if you are reaching a wider audience. Even your niche followers seem to want it to be light, and hey, if they want more, that's what your info products are for, right? BTW, when I thought of a channel I would watch, regardless of the topic, every time, the very first one that came to mind was yours. And I have lots of favourite YT channels - but even then I am selective when it comes to the topic. But with your channel, I love your approach, your humour, your quirky style your spot-on information (that no one else seems to give us in quite the same way), and your ability to make me feel happy and positive - always a nice way to start the day before working with a Nate-induced smile on my face. Keep giving us more! We love it!
We have hit the sweet spot!! I have people say that all the time. That's incredible to know. 🎉❤
Nice!
I love it. Sweet spot = sugar coated 😆
Your strategy about not going in-depth on a topic to reach a broad audience is exactly what my entire concept is built on. After publishing my very first long-form POV video of "Becoming A TH-camr", it gained instantly 100+ views in 15 hours and very positive comments, commenters are really seeing the potential. Fun fact is that when looking at the 'Suggested videos' tab, is that it indeed is shown to a very broad audience, from people who watch animated sketches, to people watching vines and memes to people watching vlogs or challenges. There was no one of the "youtube channel building niche" that actually got suggested my video. Probably found that sweet spot, to not get too in-depth and make it engaging for a wide audience.
Although, it's just in the very early stages ofcourse, but it feels I'm going in the right direction. Ofcourse manged to do this by bingewatching all of your videos without being too deeply interested in the actual subject of growing my channel but also coming here for the kind of dry humor and inspiration/motivation! Thanks a punch Nate!
You make this in the right time for me thanks Nate!💚
Just noticed your "Howdy Howdy" little decoration on the bookshelf. Carefully visible too... What creative and meaningful usage of visuals lol...
Sugar is unhealthy for the consumer but not to the supplier lol - I have started an Educational TH-cam in my mother tongue, Telugu - I love how you discuss these things. It is not easy to find an audience for Educational content but will try to follow your tips -
Hey that´s a familiar face :) Happy to see it.
I kinda tend to lean more and more towards what you´re talking about. More then a few viewers have commented that they like it when I get realy excited about all these old toys.
I was holding that back for many videos but now I try and let it come through more and more. It´s just how I feel about them and that´s what I try to show now.
What´s the point of me sharing all these wondeful toys if I don´t also share my excitment about them and that seem to be my common ground with the viewers.
And let´s not forget I´m a viewer to and most of us are. It´s just our wonderful world of TH-cam and the opportunity to share our passions and make new friends.
Take care buddy.
Si ops bit got me. The more questions I ask or it seems emotion I have in the video, they go further. Music and listen to the engine rev without voice over doesn't entice people to interact. On FB reels I've stated thanking people for the support and stars in the video along with asking to follow and share.
Kurzgezagt, Maxx Chewning, Nate (literally clicked this video without thinking lol), VSauce, Casually Explained, Charisma on Command, Veritaseum, the list goes on. All quality channels for different reasons, but all have my trust that the content will be golden.
Great video Nate. Loved the jokes at the end. On my channel I have viewers that mention that my videos are very relatable, so I guess I'll keep doing what I'm doing. However my late few videos have seen lower views that normal.
Great advice Nate. You're the first person I've heard say this. And it's especially relevant to my channel. I create drum lessons and sell courses.
You got me at, "They're always taking things literally." Haha! Ok, this is a really useful video, my favorite on this new channel. Thanks a million Nate!
The Nate Black channel always will watch.
1. LOVE the "howdy howdy" sign in the background. 😂
2. I'm curious if you'll see this play out if/when you analyze someone's channel that had a hard-statistics focus and then switched to a more "sugar-coated" focus. But I know I find myself hardly ever re-watching any of your new videos, whereas I was CONSTANTLY watching your more content-rich videos over and over and over (from, ya know *elsewhere* lol).
How does the re-watchability of dense videos, especially when they still have humor, compare to the wider reach of shallow videos?
Howdy Hillary! I’ve found it’s a balance. Including the regular more dense video helps with findability and/or search. If a more dense video can have more sugar in it, that can be even better
I'm not sure about this "easy to consume" theory. As a viewer, I feel like I seek out the channels that give me consistent in depth content. For example, I've recently fallen down the Dr. K of HealthyGamerGG rabbit hole (he's a psychiatrist who does long 2ish hour interviews with twitch streamers about their mental state and makes videos on gamers mental health). It seems to get a big audience and be broadly appealing. I know creators like Lex Friedman seem to have long form conversations that go pretty far in depth and get big audiences. I enjoy mid-sized streamers who do similar things like Bad Faith podcast where the creator does long form interviews going in depth on topics related to leftist politics.
Your channel is one of the few channels with such short videos which I tolerate. And I only do so because I am planning out a new channel. Usually, I prefer something I can leave on while I drive, exercise, do chores, or am doing something menial at work. I don't like having to search for a new video every couple minutes.
So, yes, I agree that obviously some ability to spread is sacrificed by going in depth. Some people don't want the deep dive. But it seems like assuming there is relatively broad interest in the topic, it's possible to go pretty far in depth with a lot of nutritional value and only a little sugar. And making videos for those of us interested in that can probably really ratchet up the watch time.
I definitely agree on the relatable point and also the fun point.
I agree. I usually watch long videos and documentaries. On TH-cam I find myself more and more looking to learn something rather than just to be entertained.
That's actually the cool thing about youtube. Once you find channels that fit the kind of content you like, it will show you similar content.
You're literally the GOAT! I will watch anything you post🙏🏽
Thank you!
I appreciate that! Keep doing awesome stuff!
3:44 Honestly... I took notes... I'm the small percentage that goes in the deep in but still a beautiful example of NOT sugarcoating😌
did you mean: Twinkie for the mind and.. boom! these videos go viral? Behind your humor your content is profoundly comprehended; I laugh, listen and learn.
My favorite channel that comes to mind ------- NATE BLACK! 😀😀😀👍👍👍
You remind me of the girl in The Last Of Us reading jokes from a book haha. Good advice man, I must think of a way to make my videos easier to consume, I think I've gone too basic and too complicated but soon I'll get the sweet spot.
I have learned this throughout the years and I will often film a video, start editing it, realize I am rambling too much and I end up re-filming it. I have to be sooo careful not to go too deep into each topic.
Thank you Nate!!
Always solid work. ❤
This video had me legitimately LOL'ing. I actually watch YOUR content regardless of the topic, but I know I will be entertained and learn something.
Nate speaking of videos that we'll watch anyway, we're going to need that curly hair routine video🤘
Nate I’m loving your videos binging at the moment.
Yip! Awesome and reaffirming. This is why I teach practical and easy to digest guitar tricks and licks and for those who want to know the theory etc they can find it in my courses.
I think great channels have automatic click videos most of the time. But I can't think of a channel that I like that I'll click on a video regardless of a topic.
I always “Boop” the like button 😊. Your videos are helping a lot of creators out there. So Thank You, Sir for helping small become big.
My favorite TH-camr who teaches TH-cam. I love your energy and your style. I am practicing :) through regular video creation to connect deeper to myself and the content I am creating so I can tell deeper, digestible, and relatable stories through video. I would like to hire you to help me, but it is not the best time. I could use much help, and I sometimes feel frustrated. I also get really hard on myself. I know it is part of the process. :) Hard work will pay off. Thank you for your regular inspirational, educational, and motivational content. 💚
I don’t usually comment but the jokes got me. 😂 And thanks for giving us an idea for what we can offer in a paid membership.
Great video, Nate, just a question, why did you not made shorts on this channel!! thank you.
That's a wonderful question to ask Nate! I wonder if Nate will do shorts. I'm watching his techniques as he builds his new channel and believe me, taking notes! Good question - I hope Nate will reply!
Shorts tend to kill channels that upload "Long form content"
@@TacticalToolbox yes it’s very very true
"Easier to consume" - the absolute truth.
I consistently return to Nahre Sol's videos, even though she mostly teaches music theory and practice and I'm not a musician. Her early videos were beautiful and really drew me in to what would have been a very dry topic in anyone else's hands. Her later teaching videos show her to be a master educator. And they really demonstrate the principles you discuss in this video. Andy (from Three Twentysix, which you reviewed once and has since taken off, thanks!)
@ThatNateBlack please what's the name of the light you always use in your background?
Such a learning process.. especially with how much youtube's algorithm changes sometimes i feel so lost. But at least I do find your advice useful no matter what happens with the algorithm, so thank you :)
Thanks Nate, great ideas, delivered really well. Thanks for sharing them as always, and thanks for being a genuinely nice person and being kind! ( Even when you roast LOL) Have fun, stay safe! 😊👍
Thanks for this video, Nate. As a jazz musician I really appreciate the music you used in your outro! 😊🎹🎶
I agree with you 💯. If it comes of as too preachy or like a principal it doesn't do nearly as well even though it may be a How To video. Nate Black & Primal Video are on my short list of faves. Take care. ❤
So interesting video.. what about a tutorial based channel? Maybe it would be smart to keep 'easy' tutorials in the TH-cam channel and move something more difficult into patron or online courses? Thanks for your advices!
This was the Best Informed Humor I have seen Today. Keep up the good work.
This video was great timing for me, thanks for the stellar tips as always!
Hi Nate,
Thank you so much for sharing valuable information. Have a great day. 👍💯
I had a conversation with a dolphin once. It felt like we really clicked.
I absolutely love Good Mythical Morning :) Very consumer friendly. Link and Rhett are such great hosts!
This totally happened to me, I got too niched down and isolated parts of my audiences, i've now made it more broad but still in a larger niche!
Thank you. If it wasn't for your video, today I would have given up. Right after watching it, I got my camera out and started filming 🙏
I get very good feedback, especially from my audience with regular viewers who come back for each of my videos.
True. :)
@@MarblesRolling2023 ❤🥰
Appreciate the great advice as always! All our best!
Thanks Nate you have really inspired me to think of how I produce my content enjoyed being inspired. thank you.
Thank you. I would watch any video that you make.
I’m still trying to balance out the idea of not going to deep into a topic. The best way I’ve found to divide it is that I’ll have main channel videos that are quicker and more fun, don’t go too deep into the topic, and then there’s podcast episodes where I just plunge into the netherworld of the specific topic I’m talking about. Podcast episodes have less views of course but are generally watched (listened to) much more.
I am really grateful for this video. It kind of brings to light basically a lot of the areas I need to work on. Great video and you seemed to enjoy making it.Thanks.
Good one Nate and the background lighting is very awesome :-)
You voiced exactly my headspace rn, and how i want my content to be more digestable, and apply more humour
Thanks for putting this in video, hope it helps people think about it as well ^^
Thanks for being so consumable😂❤😅 3:48
😂
Hah, this is great, I would have had a better Christmas if I'd watched this when you published it!
This is gold, for me. I tend to say things that are hard for others to get.
I’m definitely coming back for more of your content!
I appreciate you a whole lot❤
Beside a few educational channels like yours I only follow three or four creators that touch the topic of simple and slow living but in the last few months they changed their format so much I started feeling less interested. They went from 15 min to over 40 and it became less consumable for me cause I do have my rules on how much I spend on you tube for entertainment...so their move actually changed my behaviour from being a constant presence on their weekly videos to skipping them altogether. Would you do maybe one day a clip on things like that? It could be interesting 🤔...
On the middle part...the explanation, no b Rolls ect...you've lost me😂.
It was the clearest explanation you could have given on the topic.
Thanks as usual for the precious advice...now comes the hard part, applying the concept...I usually fail at that 😂😂
It depends a bit on the niche. If I want a video on how to repair a lawnmower, I don't want any Dad jokes. If I want to be entertained, that's different.
your videos is diamond. thank you :)
Thank you for all the valuable information that you give Nate.
Nate, forgive me I finally realized I never subscribed until now. You’re so helpful 🙏.