If you're a YouTube creator,
you know the drill. Your inbox, your feed, even your subconscious, is a
constant barrage of "how-to" videos from marketing gurus. "Grow
your channel fast!" "Master the algorithm!" "Go viral now!"
It’s a cacophony of promises, strategies, and often, fleeting trends.
Recently, I explored this very
topic in a vlog,
which itself was an extension of an article
I'd written about the immense pressure bearing down on YouTube creators. In
that vlog, I peeled back the layers of this digital noise and asked some
fundamental questions, not just of the wider creator community, but also of
myself.
And today, I want to bring
those questions right here, to you, in written form.
The
Guru Glut and the Creator Gauntlet
It's easy to get caught up in
the advice. The shiny thumbnails, the confident voices, the tantalizing promise
of rapid growth – it's all incredibly persuasive. We're told to optimize,
strategize, and churn out content on a relentless schedule. The algorithm feels
like a fickle god, demanding endless sacrifices of time and energy.
This constant pressure, coupled
with the ever-present chorus of marketing gurus, can easily lead creators
astray. We start creating content not because we're passionate about it, or
because it aligns with our original vision, but because we think "this is
what YouTube wants." We chase views, subscribers, and trendy topics, often
at the expense of our own creative well-being and authentic voice.
The result? Burnout, creative
block, and a deep sense of disconnect from the very platform we once loved.
The
Million-Dollar Question: What's Your "Why"?
In my vlog, I urged creators to
pause and ask themselves:
- Why
are you creating videos on this platform?
- What
are your goals?
These aren't rhetorical
questions. They are crucial touchstones in a world designed to pull you in a
thousand different directions.
Are you here to:
- Share a
passion or expertise?
- Build a
community around a niche topic?
- Promote a
business or service?
- Document a
personal journey or skill (like learning an instrument or a new language)?
- Simply
express yourself creatively, without external pressure?
- Connect with
people who share your interests, no matter how small the audience?
There's no single
"right" answer. Your "why" can be as unique as you are. The
important thing is that it comes from you,
not from a guru's latest playbook.
My
Own Journey: Finding My "Why"
When I posed these questions to
myself, my answers became incredibly clarifying. For me, my YouTube channel is
an extension of my written work and my broader creative mission.
- It's
about connection: While my articles allow me to
delve deep into topics, vlogs offer a more personal, direct connection
with my audience. It's a different facet of my voice.
- It's
about offering value in a different format:
Some concepts are better explained visually, or through a more
conversational style. YouTube allows me to explore those avenues.
- It's
about documenting my own creative journey:
As someone who writes about the creative process, it feels authentic to
share my experiences, challenges, and insights in a medium that embodies
creativity itself.
- It's
not about chasing virality: My goal isn't to be the next
big sensation, but to build a community of engaged, thoughtful individuals
who resonate with my message. My metrics for success are engagement,
meaningful comments, and the satisfaction of knowing I've genuinely helped
or inspired someone, even if it's just one person.
Understanding this
"why" allows me to filter out the noise. When a guru promises me a
"secret trick" to 100k subscribers in a month, I can smile and keep
creating content that aligns with my
purpose, because I know what my
success looks like.
Your
Path, Your Purpose
So, I invite you now, to take a
moment. Step away from the analytics, mute the gurus, and look inward.
- What
truly drives you to hit that record button?
- What
stories do you genuinely want to tell?
- Who
do you want to reach, and why?
Once you clarify your
"why" and define your goals, the external pressures begin to lose
their power. You can then strategically choose which advice serves your unique
vision, and confidently ignore the rest. YouTube can be an incredibly powerful,
rewarding platform when wielded with intention and authenticity.
Let's start building channels
that reflect our true selves, rather than just mirroring the latest trend.
Now, I want to hear
from you! What's your "why" for creating videos on
YouTube? Share your purpose and your goals in the comments below.
1 comment:
Despite the persistent ache of osteoarthritis and the daily challenge of my own mobility, a profound satisfaction blossoms within me through sharing my videos of kayaking, walking, and exploring historic sites. Each shared moment, whether it's the deliberate rhythm of a paddle stroke across tranquil waters, the slower but determined pace along a scenic path, or the thoughtful narration about a forgotten historical gem, becomes a powerful testament to perseverance. The true joy comes not just from the act of capturing these experiences, but from knowing I can still transport others, inspire a sense of wonder, and preserve a slice of history or natural beauty, even if only virtually. It offers a vital connection to a wider world, allowing me to transcend my physical limitations and continue to contribute, proving that an adventurous spirit can thrive even when the body moves a little slower.
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