From Viewer to YouTube Creator: How to Make the Switch

The best YouTube creators will often tell you that before they were producing videos, they were fiendishly consuming them. After all, there's no better way to learn the landscape and see which videos perform well.

However, you don't have to limit yourself to just being a viewer. Creating a YouTube channel is a wonderful way to share your thoughts, talents, and creativity with the world. Switching from the viewer mindset to that of a creator can feel overwhelming, and you'll have to make little tweaks in your perception. But, rest assured: You can do this!

We're here to help you navigate the transition, so let's dive in.

Read More: How to Build the Right Mindset for YouTube Success

1. The Perspective

Finding the Creator Within You

How many times have you watched a video, hit the like button, and thought, I could probably do that...? Well, you absolutely can, and like most transitions, it begins with shifting the way you look at things.

Many viewers box themselves into the role of a consumer, strictly. They enjoy the content but feel disconnected from the creation process. They think, I'm just a viewer. How could I ever create something people would want to watch?

Breaking Free From the Box

It’s important to remember that these boxes — creator and viewer — are self-invented. The box doesn't define you, and the truth is that almost every creator starts as a viewer. You already have what it takes to make the switch! You just need to ask yourself the right questions.

What excites you? What do you enjoy watching? Is it important enough that you cannot help but make a video about it? Then it’s time to overcome the fear and let your ideas defend themselves.

2. The Numbers

Numbers are important on YouTube. It’s only after you reach 1,000 subscribers or 4,000 hours of watch time that you are able to earn money from YouTube ads. This is basically YouTube telling us that reaching these numbers is a proof of our content quality!

As a new creator, seeing low numbers on your videos can be disheartening. And, if you’ve been an avid viewer yourself, you know exactly how important numbers are when it comes to choosing a video you want to watch. You’re likely to watch videos with a high view count, thousands of likes, and also, ones that come from bigger channels.

While it’s easy to get lost in the numbers, know that most creators, no matter how big or small, started with the same number of subs — zero. And that might feel impossible to process, but it’s certainly true.

Beyond the Numbers: Building Success

Instead of praying to reach magical numbers, use these strategies become a better creator:

• Set realistic goals: Don’t expect viral success overnight. Focus on gradual growth and constant improvement.
• Engage with your audience: Even a small audience can offer valuable feedback. Reply to comments, ask for opinions, and create a community.
• Learn from analytics: YouTube provides data on watch time, engagement, and more. Use these insights to refine your approach.
• Remember your passion: Stay true to what excites you. Authenticity shines through, and viewers will be drawn to your genuine enthusiasm.

Read more: YouTube Channel Analytics: The 6 Most Important Video Metrics

3. The Perfect First Video

From MrBeast to Think Media, you’ve seen creators make videos about virtually every topic under the sun. And, somewhere along the way, you’ve realized it’s possible for you to do the same thing.

But discouragement kicks in when you see hundreds of well-produced, high-quality videos surrounding the topic you're chasing. It's easy to think, What’s the point of posting my video?

Many aspiring creators get stuck, waiting to create the "perfect" video. They fear that anything less than perfection will lead to failure. And, the fear is valid. After all, 500 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute, so being anything short of perfect can be costly.

The solution to this conundrum, however, is to keep uploading. In this video by Think Media, MrBeast famously states that thinking about any number before uploading 100 videos is futile. This is a difficult mindset to put into practice, but if achieved, it can propel your YouTube success to new heights!

Rather than obsess over perfection, celebrate the progress you make with each new video. Find your unique voice! And most importantly, focus on solving problems for your viewers.

A New Journey Awaits

Switching from viewer to creator is a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and immense rewards. Embrace the process, learn from each step, and just have fun with it! You have something unique to share with the world, and there’s an audience waiting to connect with you.

Our community is filled with people who have made the switch. Reach out, engage, and you'll find that the transition from viewer to creator is not only achievable, but also thrilling. Start your journey today!