TubeTalk: Your YouTube How-To Guide

Send us a text Get the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/3yvoc7r Want a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1 Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQ Join Discord: https://www.vidiq.com/discord The mysterious world behind having a successful YouTube channel isn't always what it seems. As Travis and Jen reunite after their in-studio recording sessions, they dive deep into the psychological realities that come with growing as a creator. Jen opens up about her new role producing content for the main channel, sharing a surprisingly vulnerable moment about re-recording videos multiple times because they didn't feel authentic to her voice. This sparks a fascinating conversation about creative identity and how easily creators can lose themselves trying to match what they think content "should" be rather than what feels natural. The duo tackles a question about channel impersonators, revealing the dark side of YouTube success when scammers create fake accounts to exploit your audience. They share practical advice for protecting your community while acknowledging the frustrating reality that these bad actors are increasingly sophisticated. It's a sobering reminder that growth comes with unexpected responsibilities. Perhaps most enlightening is their candid discussion about the metrics that actually matter. Contrary to what most new creators believe, subscriber counts have become increasingly irrelevant in the modern YouTube ecosystem. With algorithms effectively serving content regardless of subscription status, the hosts argue that view duration and engagement hold far more value than that once-coveted subscriber milestone. As Travis puts it: "Subscribing is irrelevant," a statement that might shock those still chasing those numbers. Both hosts reflect on their personal journeys, with Jen confessing, "I cried harder at 100,000 views than a million views," highlighting how those early achievements always feel more significant than later, larger ones. It's a powerful reminder to appreciate each step of your creator journey rather than constantly chasing the next benchmark. Join our Discord community through the link in the description to connect with fellow creators and participate in our monthly live recording sessions where you can ask questions directly!

Send us a text Get the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/3yvoc7r Want a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1 Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQ Join Discord: https://www.vidiq.com/discord We dive deep into the complexities of YouTube growth, from networking with larger creators to understanding the platform's evolution as "the new television." Travis shares his personal success stories of collaborating with million-subscriber channels by making participation easy and relevant. • Discord community becoming an essential lifeline for creators who need to connect with like-minded individuals • Sponsorship opportunities exist for all niches - even cooking channels can secure relevant brand deals • How to network with larger creators by bringing clear value and making collaboration effortless • YouTube positioning itself as "the new television" doesn't mean abandonment of shorts • Subscriber plateaus are completely normal, even after initial growth • Finding community is crucial for weathering the emotional journey of content creation Join our Discord community at vidiq.com/discord where you can connect with other creators and participate in our monthly live podcast recordings.

Send us a text Watch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/s_a-5QOvlnk Get the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/3yvoc7r Want a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1 Join our Discord community at vidiq.com/discord to connect with fellow creators and participate in future live recordings. Ever wondered how to keep growing your YouTube channel when faced with seemingly impossible challenges? From seasonal content slumps to promoting topics nobody's searching for, this episode delivers actionable strategies that transform obstacles into opportunities. When a physics tutorial creator asked how to maintain momentum during summer breaks when students aren't studying, we explored creative ways to pivot content while staying on-brand. By connecting physics concepts to fun summer activities and experimenting with short-form content, educational creators can turn the "off-season" into a period of creative growth and audience expansion. For the indie horror film enthusiast struggling to get views on movies nobody's heard of, we revealed powerful techniques to leverage the familiar as a bridge to the unknown. By creating comparative content ("If you like this popular movie, you'll love these indie gems") and tapping into streaming platform searches, niche creators can find their dedicated audience without compromising their passion. The most surprising segment tackles YouTube's dramatic change to view counting metrics. Creators woke up to a 30% increase in views overnight as YouTube aligned their counting method with TikTok's approach. While the numbers might look better, we discuss what this actually means for monetization, brand deals, and performance measurement. Throughout the episode, we challenge the self-doubt that plagues creators thinking "who cares about my content?" by demonstrating how specificity is actually your superpower. The narrower your focus, the more opportunities you'll find for collaborations, special access, and building a fiercely loyal community that mainstream creators can't match. Whether you're battling seasonal fluctuations, promoting niche topics, or trying to make sense of YouTube's latest metrics changes, this episode provides the mindset shift and tactical approaches to turn YouTube's mayhem and chaos into your competitive advantage.

Send us a text Get the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/3yvoc7r Want a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1 Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQJoin our Discord community at vidiq.com/discord to connect with fellow creators and participate in future live recordings. Travis and Jen broadcast a special live episode from the vidIQ Discord community, fielding questions from members and delivering candid advice about transitioning to more conversational, authentic YouTube content. • Creators often lack confidence in their unscripted abilities, believing they're not interesting enough without heavy editing • Bullet points can provide structure while allowing room for natural, engaging conversation • Recording yourself unscripted and watching it back often reveals you're more engaging than you realize • Pattern interrupts like changing camera angles or locations can maintain viewer interest without requiring complex edits • Cold outreach for brand deals should focus on relationship-building rather than immediate conversion • When a video performs well, double down on similar content while momentum exists rather than overthinking • AI tools are evolving rapidly in content creation, requiring creators to adapt and find ways to use these tools effectively • For interview-based channels, creating compilation videos around specific themes can provide more value than individual interviews Join our Discord community at vidiq.com/discord to connect with fellow creators and participate in future live recordings.

Send us a text Get the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/3yvoc7r Want a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1 Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQ Ever wondered if running Google Ads will actually help your small YouTube channel grow? In this eye-opening episode of Tube Talk, Travis and Jenn deliver the hard truth: paid promotion often brings the wrong audience and can hurt more than help. "Please stop running your ads," Jenn asserts, explaining why organic growth consistently outperforms paid traffic for sustainable channel success. The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Jenn reveals her pre-publishing ritual - she needs to "feel right" about releasing a video, sometimes closing her laptop multiple times until the universe aligns. This sparked a deeper discussion about the psychology behind content creation and how many creators likely have their own unique rituals. As Travis puts it, "Publishing a video is a sport," and like athletes, creators develop routines that help them perform. One of the most powerful moments comes when Travis challenges our perception of success on YouTube. While many creators dismiss "low" view counts, he reminds us that having 50 people watch your video is equivalent to filling a room with interested listeners - something that would be considered remarkable in any other context. "We need to normalize the fact that almost any amount of views is really impressive," he explains, encouraging creators to celebrate every milestone along their journey. The hosts also tackle niche expansion strategies for gaming channels, recommending a gradual approach called "wedging" - slowly introducing new game content while maintaining your core focus. This method helps bring your existing audience along rather than shocking them with an abrupt change. Want to join the conversation? Check out our Discord community where Travis and Jenn will be recording future episodes with creators just like you. Download vidIQ for free at vidIQ.com and start optimizing your YouTube strategy today!

Send us a text We explore the revolutionary shift happening in YouTube content creation with special guest Benji Travis, filmed in-person for the first time ever in Benji's studio. Today's conversation unveils how "dead" vlogs are now dominating on the platform through an unexpected return to authenticity. • The surprising power of unedited, 30+ minute videos gaining millions of views • Why YouTube's dominance as a TV platform is creating massive opportunities for creators • How the algorithm is now finding perfect audiences for small creators without promotion • The "Three T's" framework for successful modern vlogging: Theme, Topic/Takeaway, and Telling stories • Why highly-produced content is becoming less effective as viewers seek more authentic experiences • Creating content specifically for the "couch viewer" instead of mobile optimization • How this shift represents a space with high demand but low competition • The revelation that YouTube's advanced AI is making success more accessible to new creators Check out VloggingAcademy.com/checklist for Benji's complete guide to creating successful vlogs using his three T's framework.

Send us a text Get the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostplugin Want a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1 Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQ Check out Trisha! https://www.trishahershberger.com/ Summary In this episode of Tube Talk, host Travis engages with Trisha Hershberger, a seasoned content creator, discussing her journey from theater to YouTube, the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated niche, and the realities of full-time content creation. They explore the importance of authenticity, the intricacies of brand collaborations, and the balance between work and family life. Trisha shares insights on navigating the pressures of content creation, the significance of community, and the heartfelt moments that make it all worthwhile.

Send us a text Get the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostplugin Want a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1 Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQ In this episode of Tube Talk, Travis and Jenn dive into various aspects of video creation, including the effectiveness of hashtags, finding your niche, and the importance of audience engagement. They discuss the challenges of replicating successful videos, the role of analytics, and the impact of YouTube Premium. The conversation also touches on the significance of community support for creators, the nuances of combining different niches, and the best practices for thumbnail testing. The hosts emphasize the need for consistency in content creation while encouraging creators to focus on making quality videos. They conclude with insights on when to consider starting a second channel and the value of feedback in the creative process.

Send us a text Get the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostplugin Want a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1 Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQ In this episode of Tube Talk, Travis and Dan tackle a variety of listener questions, focusing on monetization strategies, audience engagement, and the challenges of going full-time on YouTube. They discuss the intricacies of YouTube metrics, the importance of niche consistency, and how to navigate content creation with kids. The conversation also touches on the impact of viral videos on channel analytics and the significance of maintaining audience trust through transparency and thoughtful sponsorships. Takeaways Monetization for music channels can be challenging due to copyright issues. YouTube metrics like CTR and AVD are important but not the only indicators of success. Finding a niche and being consistent is crucial for audience engagement. Engaging with your audience and understanding their expectations can lead to better content. Transparency with your audience about your main channel can have pros and cons. Sponsorships should align with your content and audience to maintain trust. Viral videos can skew analytics and affect future content performance. Improving voice and presentation skills can enhance viewer engagement. Managing your finances and understanding taxes is essential for full-time creators. Creating family-friendly content requires careful consideration of COPPA regulations.

Send us a text Get the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostplugin Want a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1 Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQ Check out Smosh here: https://www.youtube.com/@smosh In this episode of Tube Talk, hosts Travis and Jenn welcome Noah Grossman, a prominent figure from Smosh, to discuss his creative journey, the challenges of content creation, and the importance of community support. The conversation begins with a light-hearted debate about candy corn, leading into Noah's experiences in the YouTube space, including his creative process, memorable ideas, and the impact of public recognition. They also touch on personal experiences like Lasik surgery and the struggles of imposter syndrome, emphasizing the need for confidence and resilience in the creative field.

Send us a text Get Sponsor Magnet now! https://www.sponsormagnet.com/ Get the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostplugin Want a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1 Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQ In this episode of Tube Talk, Travis and Justin Moore discuss the journey of becoming a successful YouTube creator and the importance of monetizing through sponsorships rather than relying solely on AdSense. Justin shares his personal experiences, insights on how to approach brands, and strategies for small creators to find opportunities. The conversation also covers the significance of understanding brand goals, crafting effective pitches, and the evolving landscape of content creation, including the shift towards short-form content. Justin's new book, 'Sponsor Magnet,' is highlighted as a valuable resource for creators looking to enhance their sponsorship strategies.

Send us a text If you have Boost or 1 on 1, check out our Discord here: http://bit.ly/43iwBqe Get the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostplugin Want a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1 Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQ In this episode, Travis and Jenn discuss various aspects of content creation on YouTube, including the balance between streaming and producing high-quality videos, the impact of long-form versus short-form content, and the importance of understanding YouTube analytics. They also delve into the value of chapters in videos, the significance of scheduling content, and the reality of applying YouTube advice effectively. The conversation emphasizes the challenges creators face and the need for persistence and experimentation in their journey. Takeaways The growth of YouTube on television is significant. Longer form content can benefit from higher average view durations. Balancing streaming and high-quality video production is crucial. Podcasts are gaining traction on YouTube as a discovery engine. Understanding YouTube analytics is key to improving content performance. Content scheduling can enhance viewer engagement. Experimenting with thumbnails and titles is essential for growth. Chapters in videos can help guide viewer experience. YouTube advice is valuable but must be applied correctly. Persistence and experimentation are vital for success on YouTube.

Send us a text If you have Boost or 1 on 1, check out our Discord here: http://bit.ly/43iwBqe Get the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostplugin Want a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1 Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQ In this episode of Tube Talk, hosts Travis and Rob discuss various aspects of YouTube video creation, including the impact of engagement metrics on the algorithm, the value of likes and dislikes, the effectiveness of live streaming versus video on demand (VOD), and strategies for editing videos to improve audience retention. They also delve into the role of AI in content creation and the importance of understanding viewer expectations and preferences. Engagement metrics like likes and dislikes are not always beneficial for video promotion. Not all engagement is good engagement; context matters. YouTube's algorithm is viewer-centric and personalizes recommendations. Live streaming can help build community but may not always translate to VOD success. Editing for retention can improve viewer engagement, but context is crucial. AI-generated content faces skepticism from viewers and may struggle to gain traction. Creators should focus on delivering unique and authentic content to stand out. Understanding viewer intent is key to successful content creation. Experimentation is essential in finding what works for your channel. The YouTube algorithm is complex and ever-changing, making it important to adapt strategies.

Send us a text If you have Boost or 1 on 1, check out our Discord here: http://bit.ly/43iwBqe Get the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostplugin Want a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1 Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQ In this episode, John and Travis discuss various aspects of growing a YouTube channel, including the importance of community engagement, the power of utility content, and strategies for increasing viewer retention. They share listener success stories, personal experiences with their own channels, and insights into viral moments and monetization strategies. The conversation also covers the significance of live streaming in building a community and the role of feedback in content creation. Additionally, they provide practical tips for improving thumbnails and ad placements to enhance viewer engagement. Takeaways Some of the most mundane subjects on YouTube can become viral hits. Building trust with your audience is crucial for long-term success. Utility channels focus on providing quick answers to specific questions. Engaging content can lead to unexpected viewer growth. Viral success can significantly impact a channel's growth trajectory. Community building through live streaming fosters viewer loyalty. Feedback from peers can help improve content quality. Strategic ad placements can enhance monetization without alienating viewers. Thumbnails should convey the idea clearly and avoid clutter. Creating curiosity in thumbnails can drive more clicks.

Send us a text If you have Boost or 1 on 1, check out our Discord here: http://bit.ly/43iwBqe Get the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostplugin Want a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1 Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQ In this episode of Tube Talk, hosts Travis and Jen discuss various aspects of YouTube content creation, including community engagement, the YouTube algorithm, subscriber metrics, and the impact of video length on viewer retention. They also address the confusion surrounding live streaming analytics and celebrate the small wins of their community members. The conversation emphasizes the importance of quality content and the evolving landscape of viewer preferences. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Tube Talk 01:09 Community Engagement and Feedback 05:37 YouTube Memberships and Analytics 09:21 Subscriber Metrics and Viewer Engagement 13:22 Channel Growth and Algorithm Insights 17:53 The Evolution of Content Length on YouTube 24:01 Navigating YouTube Live Analytics 30:35 Celebrating Small Wins in the Creator Community

Send us a text If you have Boost or 1 on 1, check out our Discord here: http://bit.ly/43iwBqe Get the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostplugin Want a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1 Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQ In this episode, Travis and Jen explore the intricacies of the YouTube algorithm, discussing how it understands user preferences and suggests content. They delve into the importance of creating engaging content, the role of analytics in shaping strategies, and the challenges of monetization. The conversation also touches on the impact of YouTube Shorts versus long-form content and concludes with insights on developing an engaging personality for creators.

Send us a text If you have Boost or 1 on 1, check out our Discord here: http://bit.ly/43iwBqe Get the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostplugin Want a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1 Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQ In this episode, Travis and Jen explore the intricacies of the YouTube algorithm, discussing how it understands user preferences and suggests content. They delve into the importance of creating engaging content, the role of analytics in shaping strategies, and the challenges of monetization. The conversation also touches on the impact of YouTube Shorts versus long-form content and concludes with insights on developing an engaging personality for creators.

Send us a text If you have Boost or 1 on 1, check out our Discord here: http://bit.ly/43iwBqe Get the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostplugin Want a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1 Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQ In this episode of Tube Talk, hosts Travis and Jenn discuss various strategies for growing a YouTube channel, including the importance of finding a niche, building a positive community, and understanding analytics. They also address common challenges such as copyright issues and the need for patience in the content creation journey. The conversation emphasizes the significance of audience engagement and the evolving nature of YouTube as a platform. 00:00 Welcome to Tube Talk 03:01 Health and Wellness in Content Creation 06:08 Finding Your Niche on YouTube 12:02 Managing Your Community 16:00 Understanding Viral Content 20:04 The Importance of Patience in Growth 22:55 Niche Content for Blind Gamers 26:03 Navigating Copyright Claims on YouTube 30:03 Understanding Outlier Videos 33:48 Analytics and Suggested Traffic 40:01 Community Engagement and Content Creation

Send us a text If you have Boost or 1 on 1, check out our Discord here: http://bit.ly/43iwBqe Get the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostplugin Want a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1 Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQ In this episode, Travis and Jenn dive deep into the world of YouTube analytics, discussing how to interpret data to improve video performance. They explore the significance of YouTube Shorts, the strategy behind evergreen content, and the importance of understanding audience retention and click-through rates. The hosts also analyze both successful and underperforming videos, emphasizing the role of suggested traffic and the potential for older videos to gain traction over time. The conversation is packed with insights and practical tips for content creators looking to enhance their YouTube presence.

Send us a text If you have Boost or 1 on 1, check out our Discord here: http://bit.ly/43iwBqe Get the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostplugin Want a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1 Check out the video version here: https://vidiq.ink/theboost In this episode of Tube Talk, Travis and Jenn discuss various topics relevant to video creators, including the recent Honey controversy affecting content creators' affiliate earnings, the potential TikTok ban and its implications for short-form content, and the current trends in YouTube viewership. They also address listener questions about starting a YouTube channel, the differences between shorts and long-form content, and strategies for building a community. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding audience engagement and offers creative ideas for content creation, especially for those on a budget. Takeaways The Honey controversy highlights the impact of browser plugins on affiliate earnings for creators. A potential TikTok ban could lead to an influx of short-form content on YouTube. January often sees a dip in views across many channels, which is a common trend. New creators should focus on their unique niche and audience engagement. Shorts can provide quick growth, but long-form content is essential for community building. Understanding YouTube analytics is crucial for improving content strategy. Building a community takes time and requires consistent interaction with viewers. Budget content creation can attract a specific audience looking for affordable options. Innovative content ideas can help niche channels stand out in a saturated market. Success on YouTube isn't solely defined by subscriber count; engagement matters more. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Tube Talk 02:19 The Honey Controversy 09:10 Potential TikTok Ban 13:08 Understanding YouTube Analytics 27:00 Navigating Content Creation Strategies 30:55 Understanding Audience Retention and Engagement 34:10 Navigating YouTube Analytics and External Traffic 38:06 Building Community for Niche Channels 44:12 Challenges of Being a Lego YouTuber 51:01 Innovating Content for Academic Channels