Q&A with a Successful YouTuber: Ask Me Anything!
After building my YouTube channel to over 100,000 subscribers and quitting my day job to create content full-time, I’ve gotten so many questions about my experience!
So I figured it would be helpful to do an AMA (Ask Me Anything) blog post to answer some of the most common questions I get about being a successful YouTuber. Feel free to ask any other questions in the comments too!
Q: How long did it take to grow your channel?
It took about 3 years of consistently creating content to build up to 100k subscribers and be able to earn a living from YouTube. But growth was very gradual in the beginning. I think I only had around 1,000 subscribers by the end of my first year! It really picks up momentum the more content you have.
Q: What equipment do you use?
In the very beginning, I just filmed on my iPhone and used the built-in mic. But now, I film with a Canon 80D camera and Rode microphone. I edit in Premiere Pro. Investing in quality equipment is so important!
Q: Do you work alone or have a team?
My channel is still solo for now. I do all the filming, editing, marketing etc. myself. But I may consider hiring an editor eventually to save time. Many YouTubers expand to full production teams once revenue grows.
Q: How do you come up with video ideas consistently?
I keep a running list of video ideas in my phone that I’m constantly adding to based on viewer comments, trending topics, and my own creative sparks. Staying organized with an editorial calendar also helps make sure I have a plan for fresh content.
Q: How important is YouTube SEO?
Optimizing titles, tags, descriptions and thumbnails for search is absolutely essential. Understanding search intent and which keywords your audience uses is key for being discovered. I use TubeBuddy to help with SEO.
Q: Do you have a day job or just do YouTube full-time?
YouTube is my full-time job now! It took about 2 years to start reliably earning a full-time income from Adsense revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. Building multiple streams of revenue made quitting my day job possible.
Q: What’s your best tip for small YouTubers?
Don’t obsess over subscriber counts in the beginning! Just focus on uploading consistently, improving video quality over time, and connecting with supporters. If you make great content optimized for discovery, growth will come.
Q: Do you edit your own videos?
Yes! I taught myself video editing skills over time since I couldn’t afford to outsource early on. While editing is time consuming, you have way more creative control doing it yourself. I use Premiere Pro to edit.
Q: How do you get sponsorships and brand deals?
Most sponsorships came through inbound inquiries once I reached around 50k subscribers. But you can also proactively pitch to brands relevant to your audience. Focus on collaborations that align with your niche and content style.
Q: What motivates you on hard days?
Reading positive comments reminding me I’m making a difference in some small way always lifts me up. And taking breaks when burnt out is crucial – disconnecting helps recharge creativity. Seeing progress motivates me to keep pushing.
The Unexpected Benefits of Being a YouTuber
Overcoming YouTube Burnout: How I Found My Spark Again
Balancing YouTube with Real Life: Tips for Creators on the Go
From 0 Subscribers to Viral Sensation: My YouTube Journey
Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments! And if you’re just starting out on YouTube, know that the early growth phase takes patience. But your channel can become a thriving creative outlet and income source over time. Just stay consistent and make content you truly love.
