My YouTube Journey: Five Years and Still Not Monetized
It has been five years since I embarked on my YouTube journey, specifically focusing on fitness content under the banner of “Everyday Muscle.” Despite my efforts, I find myself still not monetized. I'm here to discuss my experiences, insights, and the lessons I've learned throughout this endeavor.
I officially launched my channel in 2019. Early on, my uploads were sporadic at best—I aimed for about one video every couple of weeks. My big break came before I even hit 50 subscribers when I posted a video that garnered over 20,000 views. Unfortunately, I didn't take the necessary steps to analyze why it had performed so well, allowing what felt like a stroke of luck to slip through my fingers. Instead of focusing on value creation for my audience, I continued posting content that pleased me, neglecting the viewers' needs.
To date, I’ve managed more than 300 videos, racking up over 250,000 views. Despite this, I often see smaller channels with fewer uploads gaining significantly more traction. The YouTube landscape is competitive, and persistence is key. Current trends favor quick, low-effort content—the type that can go viral overnight. I am aware that I am partially guilty of creating this kind of content but recognize that it often leads to fleeting success.
To qualify for monetization, one must achieve 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in a moving 365-day window. This means that every day, those watch hours are subject to a rolling period; if I fail to reach that threshold, I will lose hours from my total count. It creates a constant need for growth—if people only watch a few minutes of my 10-minute videos, I have to capture their attention and keep it longer to meet my goals.
Despite these hurdles, I’m committed to improving. Just as I work hard at staying physically fit, I must also apply that same determination to my YouTube channel. Treating YouTube like a job is vital if I ever wish to see any income from it. Many creators, including myself, often fall into the trap of seeking instant gratification rather than dedicating the necessary time and effort.
Furthermore, I’ve realized that growth on YouTube requires not only discipline and consistency but also an openness to learn. I've been diving into educational resources like vidIQ, which allows me to analyze my videos and learn where improvements can be made. Ignoring the opportunity to learn and get better is a surefire way to stagnate, a situation I desperately want to avoid.
I encourage anyone with a small channel reading this to engage in the comments and connect with like-minded creators. There's plenty of opportunity out there, and YouTube's algorithm rewards interaction—positive or negative. Even haters help boost engagement. This notion emphasizes that attention is attention, and it's crucial to keep people engaged on your videos to prompt the algorithm to show them to more viewers.
Finding Your Niche
If you're unsure what to post about, let your interests guide you. The vastness of YouTube means there’s an audience for virtually every hobby or passion. Whether it’s gaming, cooking, or even underwater basket weaving, there's a viewer base ready to engage with your content. Consider what makes your experiences unique and share that.
As I continue on this journey, I reflect on the fears that nearly held me back. We often worry about the negative comments from trolls; however, we must remember that the algorithm doesn’t differentiate between positive and negative engagement. So, even the despised keyboard warriors can be advantageous for growing your channel.
I've also learned that not everyone in your immediate circle will be encouraging. Family and friends may not always understand your journey or provide the support you hope for. It's often during the early stages of a channel's growth that those doubts can creep in. However, gaining traction can lead to them becoming proud supporters.
As we head into a new year, I feel optimistic about the path ahead. I want to apply the same principles I use in fitness to grow my online presence. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. I encourage you to find your unique voice, stay persistent, and invest the effort necessary to grow your channel. As I continue to build my community, I look forward to the day where my efforts are rewarded.
So let's roll up our sleeves and make an impact! Like, comment, and subscribe if you believe in turning dreams into reality. Here's to making 2025 a transformative year for all of us!
Part 1/8:
My YouTube Journey: Five Years and Still Not Monetized
It has been five years since I embarked on my YouTube journey, specifically focusing on fitness content under the banner of “Everyday Muscle.” Despite my efforts, I find myself still not monetized. I'm here to discuss my experiences, insights, and the lessons I've learned throughout this endeavor.
The Start of My Journey
Part 2/8:
I officially launched my channel in 2019. Early on, my uploads were sporadic at best—I aimed for about one video every couple of weeks. My big break came before I even hit 50 subscribers when I posted a video that garnered over 20,000 views. Unfortunately, I didn't take the necessary steps to analyze why it had performed so well, allowing what felt like a stroke of luck to slip through my fingers. Instead of focusing on value creation for my audience, I continued posting content that pleased me, neglecting the viewers' needs.
The Challenges of Growth
Part 3/8:
To date, I’ve managed more than 300 videos, racking up over 250,000 views. Despite this, I often see smaller channels with fewer uploads gaining significantly more traction. The YouTube landscape is competitive, and persistence is key. Current trends favor quick, low-effort content—the type that can go viral overnight. I am aware that I am partially guilty of creating this kind of content but recognize that it often leads to fleeting success.
The Requirements for Monetization
Part 4/8:
To qualify for monetization, one must achieve 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in a moving 365-day window. This means that every day, those watch hours are subject to a rolling period; if I fail to reach that threshold, I will lose hours from my total count. It creates a constant need for growth—if people only watch a few minutes of my 10-minute videos, I have to capture their attention and keep it longer to meet my goals.
The Road to Improvement
Part 5/8:
Despite these hurdles, I’m committed to improving. Just as I work hard at staying physically fit, I must also apply that same determination to my YouTube channel. Treating YouTube like a job is vital if I ever wish to see any income from it. Many creators, including myself, often fall into the trap of seeking instant gratification rather than dedicating the necessary time and effort.
Furthermore, I’ve realized that growth on YouTube requires not only discipline and consistency but also an openness to learn. I've been diving into educational resources like vidIQ, which allows me to analyze my videos and learn where improvements can be made. Ignoring the opportunity to learn and get better is a surefire way to stagnate, a situation I desperately want to avoid.
Engage with Your Community
Part 6/8:
I encourage anyone with a small channel reading this to engage in the comments and connect with like-minded creators. There's plenty of opportunity out there, and YouTube's algorithm rewards interaction—positive or negative. Even haters help boost engagement. This notion emphasizes that attention is attention, and it's crucial to keep people engaged on your videos to prompt the algorithm to show them to more viewers.
Finding Your Niche
If you're unsure what to post about, let your interests guide you. The vastness of YouTube means there’s an audience for virtually every hobby or passion. Whether it’s gaming, cooking, or even underwater basket weaving, there's a viewer base ready to engage with your content. Consider what makes your experiences unique and share that.
Part 7/8:
Overcoming Doubts and Building Community
As I continue on this journey, I reflect on the fears that nearly held me back. We often worry about the negative comments from trolls; however, we must remember that the algorithm doesn’t differentiate between positive and negative engagement. So, even the despised keyboard warriors can be advantageous for growing your channel.
I've also learned that not everyone in your immediate circle will be encouraging. Family and friends may not always understand your journey or provide the support you hope for. It's often during the early stages of a channel's growth that those doubts can creep in. However, gaining traction can lead to them becoming proud supporters.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Growth
Part 8/8:
As we head into a new year, I feel optimistic about the path ahead. I want to apply the same principles I use in fitness to grow my online presence. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard. I encourage you to find your unique voice, stay persistent, and invest the effort necessary to grow your channel. As I continue to build my community, I look forward to the day where my efforts are rewarded.
So let's roll up our sleeves and make an impact! Like, comment, and subscribe if you believe in turning dreams into reality. Here's to making 2025 a transformative year for all of us!