This is one of the most frequently asked questions about YouTube. Am I qualified to give you the right advice? I don’t know. I’m not a YouTuber. But I have learned a lot about this platform from watching YouTube videos for hours. Let me share my thoughts on this, you may get some help from it!
No more hassle to go to office
The main thing you’ll do is make videos, right? You’ll write your script or think about the content of the video. Once that’s done, you need to gather props, talk with people, arrange a place for shooting, set up the camera and microphones. And now you can go ahead and record your video. YouTube doesn’t have an office where you go and do all these things. You have to do it by yourself at a convenient location – even your bedroom! So, you don’t have to travel to an office every day.
Do what you love!
You’re the boss. Nobody can dictate how the work needs to be done or when it needs to be done. You’ll have the freedom to work on content that you love and take ownership of it. Nobody can interfere or preach about what should or shouldn’t be done.
Is it just about money or your passion?
This part is challenging. You’ve successfully uploaded your first video. It’s been a month or two since you started regularly uploading videos on your channel, but where’s the money? You worked hard to make the best videos you could. To succeed in this career, you need patience and persuasion. If your main goal is to earn money from your videos, it can be quite disappointing initially. However, if making videos is your passion and money comes second, you’ll find it less frustrating.
What value do you offer to add to the platform?
There’s probably nothing left in the world on which a YouTube video hasn’t been made. In such a tough competition, what unique quality does your content have to survive? If you’re going to make the same gameplay, reaction channel, cooking, DIY/life hacks, or makeup tutorial as everyone else, the platform already has thousands of other big channels doing the same thing. Creating content that is similar to others is like adding water to the ocean; it’s useless.
Job security
YouTube as a career can be enjoyable, but it is not a conventional job. You don’t have the same job security here. If you’re thinking about quitting school to start your own YouTube channel, it’s time to reconsider. We don’t know how popular YouTube will be in five years. In any case, your education will help you find an alternative career if needed.
Big challenge for small channels
After the Adpocalypse, YouTube has implemented new policies. One significant change is that channels can only monetize their content if they have at least 1000 subscribers and 4000 hours of watch-time. This poses a major threat to small channels.
Demonetization
This post would be incomplete without mentioning demonetization. Demonetization occurs when YouTube informs you that you cannot earn money from a specific video because it has violated community standards. The frustrating part is that YouTube never explains what went wrong. It’s like working all day and then having your boss say, “You won’t get paid today.” For years, YouTubers have been playing a guessing game trying to figure out why their videos were demonetized, but no one has completely figured it out yet.
YouTube algorithm
Have you seen the recommended video list? YouTube’s algorithm is always changing – sometimes it prefers 5-minute videos, other times it prefers 10-minute ones. Nobody knows which video will earn more. The highest earning videos today might not be the same tomorrow. This is also something YouTubers struggle to understand.
Transparency
Like the two aspects mentioned above, there are many other factors that can impact your channel and earnings. YouTube may not provide an explanation for these factors. Not fully understanding what you’re doing can cause stress and frustration.
Facing the parents/school/society
Coming from an Indian middle-class family, I know how frustrating this can be. “Beta, where do you work?” – “I’m a YouTuber. I make videos.” “That’s fine. But what is your real job?” Suddenly, you can become famous on the internet. However, that doesn’t make your life any easier. Elders in your family who don’t understand your job will keep taunting you to get a real job. People may laugh at you for what you do. You’ll receive many comments from people who don’t matter. Ask yourself if you can handle this criticism, free advice, and hatred. You’ll also receive support and love but be prepared for the worst.
Going global
You could be a boy or girl from a small town that nobody knows. But through your content, you can reach millions of people around the world. You will realize that despite our differences in language, background, and geography, we have many similarities! You will get to know many people you never imagined knowing.
I hope I haven’t demotivated you. It’s all about gathering as much knowledge as possible before making a decision. Despite the challenges, YouTube is still one of the best platforms for creating content. How you face these challenges and make it worth it is up to you. ❤
(Photo credit: YouTube Rewind 2017)
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