Making the transition to a full-time YouTuber is a big step for many content creators. Like all big changes, it can bring excitement as well as significant challenges and uncertainties.

If you're considering going all in, here are essential tips for full-time YouTubers to help you navigate this journey successfully.

Understanding the Financial Aspects of a Full-time YouTuber

Financial planning is one of the most crucial tips for full-time YouTubers because it directly impacts your ability to sustain your lifestyle. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of a viral video, but you need to plan for the future so you have the stability to keep making great content.

For instance, if you had a video that garnered tons of views and earned thousands of dollars, congratulations! But remember, this most likely won't be the norm because YouTube income is "consistently inconsistent.

Before making the leap, you should have a financial cushion. Aim to have at least three to six months of living expenses saved up. This includes rent, healthcare, taxes, and all other bills. The unpredictable nature of YouTube income means that what you earn one month might not be the same the next. Having savings allows you the freedom to take a mental health break or experiment with content without the pressure of immediate financial strain.

One of the most practical tips for full-time YouTubers is to create a separate account specifically for tax funds. YouTube does not withhold taxes from your payouts, so it’s best to set aside approximately 33% of your YouTube earnings for taxes. The IRS expects its cut, and it's better to be safe than sorry.

Remember, as a self-employed creator, you're responsible for all tax payments.

Depending on your content type, you might want to consider 

 (Limited Liability Company). While this might not be necessary for everyone, it can protect you from liability, especially if your content touches on controversial subjects or you engage with brands. It's a good safety measure to have, even if you’re starting small.

you lose benefits including healthcare when you quit your job

One of the often-overlooked tips for full-time YouTubers is planning for the loss of company-sponsored benefits when transitioning to full-time content creation. Accidents can happen, so it's essential to have healthcare coverage to avoid financial disasters.

Be sure to secure your own healthcare benefits as you become a full-time YouTuber. Start by researching healthcare options immediately to find one that provides adequate coverage within your price range. Along with that, you may want to consider getting disability insurance as well to protect your income.

Unlike a traditional job with a steady paycheck, YouTube income can be erratic. One month you might earn a lot, while the next you might not.

Being mentally prepared for this inconsistency can go a long way. For instance, you might put in the same amount of work but receive drastically different pay based on viewer engagement and ad revenue fluctuations. Going into your full-time YouTube career knowing this will make it that much easier to navigate.

Relying solely on ad revenue can be risky. Many full-time YouTubers diversify their income streams by exploring options like 

, merchandise, providing services, Patreon, or even Twitch streaming. This way, if one income source dips, others can help keep you afloat.

 sounds appealing, it also comes with responsibilities. For starters, you need to be very self-motivated and extremely disciplined.

To do this, you’re going to have to stay on top of everything that goes into running a successful channel, such as developing a production schedule, creating a content calendar, setting deadlines, and holding yourself accountable on all fronts. The freedom of being a full-time YouTuber can quickly turn into chaos without structure.

You can’t create a guide offering tips for full-time YouTubers without talking about the importance of long-term planning. Start by setting clear goals for your channel and outline how you intend to achieve them. This could include strategies for increasing viewership, engaging with your audience, or expanding your content range. Taking little steps now can lead to big strides down the road.

 can provide support and opportunities you might not find elsewhere. For instance, collaborating with other YouTubers can introduce you to new audiences and provide fresh content ideas. Along with that, working with other YouTubers can create a sense of community and offer emotional support from others who have taken the same journey as you. Start small to build your network. Try engaging with fellow YouTubers on social media or at events to build valuable relationships.

As a full-time YouTuber, your skills will need to evolve continuously. Consider investing in courses on video editing, SEO, marketing or any other area of expertise that can help you grow as a YouTuber. But remember, it’s not enough to just learn a new skill and move on. Be sure to stay updated on industry trends to give yourself an edge over the competition.

Converting YouTube success into a sustainable career requires more than just viral videos or subscriber counts. The journey demands financial preparation, business infrastructure, and a realistic understanding of creator economics

But here’s the biggest tip: The most successful full-time YouTubers don't rush the transition—they strategically time their leap to full-time when they've built both the audience and financial foundation to weather the inevitable ups and downs of creator life.

Looking for video inspiration? Then we've got you covered. 

Learn essential tips for transitioning to a full-time YouTuber, including financial planning, income diversification, and growth strategies.

Tips for Full-Time YouTubers: When to Take the Leap

In the endless world of YouTube where there is a channel for every niche, few creators succeed in combining education, entertainment, and storytelling. 

, has done exactly that. In just the last 12 months, they've gained more than

, becoming one of the fastest growing channels on the whole platform!

Luke started from humble beginnings and became a full-time YouTuber with a channel which combines family adventures, survival challenges, and real storytelling. In the video above, Dan talks about what makes them so popular and how they got there. Here, we'll take a deep dive into the phenomenal rise of the Outdoor boys.

, a lawyer by trade and a passionate outdoorsman by heart. Born and raised in the rugged wilderness of Alaska, Luke grew up surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and the art of wilderness survival. Fishing trips with his father and grandfather planted the seeds of his lifelong love for the outdoors. While he pursued a career in law, his deep-rooted connection to nature never faded.

From Viewer to YouTube Creator: How to Make the Switch

In 2013, Luke started sharing his outdoor adventures on YouTube. His first channel was called 

" and focused mostly on fishing tips and tutorials. As the channel grew, so did his ambition, and he got his first silver play button within just a few years of starting.

, a channel where he could expand beyond fishing to explore family adventures, survival challenges, and creative projects that resonated with a broader audience.

The idea was simple yet powerful: merge his love for the outdoors with family bonding and share it with the world.

It's not all about passion either when it comes to success for Luke and his channel. The views and subscriber stats on this channel are absolutely staggering.

Estimated monthly earnings: $234.5K - $703.4K

What Makes Outdoor Boys Universally Appealing?

Success on YouTube is never accidental. Behind the scenes, Luke Nichols worked tirelessly to grow Outdoor Boys into the juggernaut it is today. Unlike niche YouTube channels that cater to specific demographics, Outdoor Boys strikes a perfect balance between educational and entertaining content that appeals to every viewer.

Luke’s rise as a YouTube creator is a masterclass in balancing passion with discipline. For nearly a decade, he juggled weekly video uploads while managing his law career and family responsibilities. His unwavering commitment to his audience not only built trust but also fostered a loyal community. 

Recently, he's been uploading once every other week. But the videos remain equally interesting and engaging and views haven't slowed down at all either!

At its core, "Outdoor Boys" is about more than outdoor adventures—it’s about family. Luke frequently features his sons, adding an authentic, heartwarming layer to the content.

Their survival challenges, fort-building, and fishing trips show the strong bond between Luke and his kids. These moments are extremely relatable for viewers. In fact, their most viewed video isn't about an intense day out in the wild, it's just the family having some nerf gun fun!

This family-first approach sets "Outdoor Boys" apart from other outdoor YouTube channels. By making his children an integral part of the content, Luke creates a sense of authenticity and warmth that resonates with viewers on a personal level.

Storytelling is the backbone of "Outdoor Boys." Every video follows a clear narrative arc with a 

, giving it the feel of a mini episode. Whether it’s surviving in the Alaskan wilderness or taking on a DIY project, Luke’s ability to weave a compelling story keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.

The result? Content that feels immersive, memorable, and binge-worthy.

Luke’s ability to adapt has been crucial to the channel’s growth. During the pandemic, as viewers began consuming longer YouTube videos on TV, Luke leaned into creating more in-depth content. 

The Future of Video Creation: 9 YouTube Trends to Watch in 2025

In December 2023, a viral TikTok trend featuring Outdoor Boys brought a surge of 

, proving the importance of leveraging unexpected opportunities and staying attuned to audience behavior.

Who doesn’t love a good challenge? From camping in extreme weather to building a bunker out of scratch, Luke’s survival adventures combine 

. Viewers walk away with new knowledge while enjoying the thrill of the challenge.

While the channel is undeniably entertaining, it also provides valuable lessons in outdoor survival, fishing, and DIY skills. This educational element adds depth to the content, making it as informative as it is enjoyable.

Lessons From Luke Nichols' YouTube Journey

Luke Nichols’ journey from a lawyer to a YouTube star offers valuable insights for aspiring creators. Here are the key takeaways:

: Uploading content regularly builds trust and keeps your audience engaged.

: Stay true to your passions and values—audiences can tell when content is genuine.

: A strong narrative can transform even the simplest ideas into compelling content.

: Be ready to evolve and seize unexpected opportunities, just as Luke did with the TikTok trend.

As the channel continues to grow, Luke Nichols shows no signs of slowing down. With millions of subscribers and a thriving community, Outdoor Boys is not just any other YouTube channel. By inspiring families to connect with nature and embrace adventure, Luke is leaving a lasting impact far beyond the screen.

Whether he’s teaching survival skills, building a new project, or sharing heartfelt moments with his sons, Luke’s content reminds us of the beauty of the outdoors and the power of family. As viewers, we’re not just watching his journey—we’re part of it.

If you want to follow in his footsteps, stay true to your passions. Tell great stories because you can never underestimate how important it is to connect with your audience. Want to find your voice as a creator? Then, 

Outdoor Boys logo with mountains, trees, lake, and birds in a circular orange frame

The Outdoor Boys have become a YouTube phenomenon over the past few years with incredible success. Get to know how they did it right here!

Outdoor Boys: Turning Passion into a Global Phenomenon

New creators have a lot to learn when they join YouTube, TikTok, or any platform for the first time. For one, there's the task of turning random viewers into loyal, long-term fans. After that, making money from content becomes a real possibility.

What rarely makes the list, though, is understanding the creator economy, 

which is estimated to be worth $104.2 billion

. After all, who has time to explore the vast content ecosystem? That means learning to thrive on multiple platforms, understanding all the money-making tools, and keeping up with industry news.

Which raises an important question: Is learning the creator economy worth it for everyone? Should it be required for every YouTuber, TikToker, or anyone building an audience?

Jim Louderback and Renee Teeley, co-hosts of 

, say, "No." Only certain types of creators need to go that far.

"If you just want to get noticed, have fun, and find a girlfriend or boyfriend, you don't need to follow the creator economy," Jim says. "But if you're planning to make a career out of community-first media, then the second thing you should do after posting your first video, podcast, or episode is subscribe to The Creator Feed."

The Creator Feed is a weekly show exploring industry news, trends, updates, and how all of it affects creators. For instance, 

, and how can entrepreneurs leverage that perk? Will AI-generated art change the look and feel of YouTube thumbnails forever?

No matter the topic, Jim and Renee break down the major points, share insights, and advise creators on how to move forward.

They can do this because they're both content experts. Jim is the editor and publisher of 

, a weekly newsletter presenting news, strategy, and analysis on the creator economy, web3, and the metaverse. He's also the former general manager of VidCon.

Renee is a creator economy executive and the former senior vice president of Content and Community at TubeBuddy. She has helped creators and brands grow their businesses through video and is a longtime creator herself.

Want to explore the creator economy? Listen to The Creator Feed podcast on 

, or your favorite podcast platform. You can also read this fun interview with Renee and Jim to get acquainted with the show!

Q: Why did you start The Creator Feed podcast? What's your ultimate goal?

: We had nothing better to do at the time. No, seriously, there was a gap in the market between more interview shows and pure tip shows. We wanted to fill it.

We cover the mix of creator business news, advice, and insights for those who are higher-end or professional creators. We're great for people who aspire to 

, as well as the Creator Economy Curious (CEC). But really, professional creators are our target.

Q: Have you seen creators directly benefit from following news in the creator economy? If so, how?

: Absolutely. Many creators are building businesses and offering products and services to help others. Following news and trends can highlight gaps in the market.

For example, Paddy Galloway noticed a market gap for creator resources and developed a job site for YouTube creators called 

Q: There are so many places to make and monetize content. How can people learn about the creator economy without feeling overwhelmed?

: Start small. Listen to our podcast. Read my newsletter. Follow some smart folks on Twitter and LinkedIn. Go to some events like VidCon or VidSummit.

But in the end, make a bunch of content, experiment, and find out what works for you. We have ideas, but no one has the answers to every question. And every creator is different.

Q: On your podcast, how do you determine which news is most important to share with creators?

: I talk about what I think is most interesting, important, and strategic. Or who I want to make fun of that week. Depends on the mood.

: Same as Jim. I try to pick stories that will impact creators. I especially like discussing complex topics to provide some clarity or at least our opinion on what it means for the industry long term.

Q: For each piece of news, you share the pros and cons creators could face. It's very balanced and honest. What guides your process?

: Be honest, and be beholden to no one. I worked off and on in corporate America for most of my career and found that it's hard to say what you think at a big company. My paycheck — or lack thereof — is not determined by any company, platform, or creator. It's freeing and fun.

: Same! We're having honest conversations about the creator economy — the good and the bad.

Q: Speaking of pros and cons, creators have mixed emotions about how YouTube will monetize Shorts in 2023 — requiring 1,000 subscribers and 10 million Shorts views in 90 days. What's your take?

 is a positive move for the industry. It puts pressure on other platforms to figure out more sustainable monetization options.

However, YouTube hasn't been direct about the amount of money going to creators. YouTube stated, "From the overall amount allocated to creators, they will keep 45% of the revenue."

What is the allocated amount? Are creators receiving 45% of the total ad revenue or just a portion of the money coming in from advertising?

Also, 10 million Shorts views in 90 days is still challenging for many new creators. I'd like to see that number come down, so the average creator has a path into the YouTube Partner Program within six months.

Q: You've both built businesses in the creator economy. What's the hardest part about going from creator to entrepreneur?

: Well, I'm sort of going the other way. I wrote for top computer magazines and newspapers and hosted a TV show on TechTV in the late '90s and early '00s, but then I didn't do anything for 15 years. Now I'm leaning back into my creator roots in the world of no gatekeepers. So far, it's not hard. It's more freeing.

: I'm sort of going the other way as well. I started my career helping brands and creators with tech solutions. Then shifted to creating content that empowers creators and brands to grow their communities and build their businesses using video.

I'm doubling down on content this year. Not only does it help others, but I also love the creative process. Our podcast can help creators navigate the creator economy and think about their content strategically as a business.

Q: Have you noticed any traits of successful digital entrepreneurs?

: Being able to do the hustle. It also helps if you can 

, build a company, and have fun along the way. I'm not sure there's a correct path, but I prefer the latter.

: There are many paths to success, but it's a lot more fun to build a company if you love the product and the team.

Q: What makes The Creator Feed stand out from other podcasts?

: I think the background of our cover art for the podcast is really popping. That helps us stand out. Plus, Renee's picture is great.

: What helps us stand out is our commentary and perspective based on years of experience in the industry. Plus, Jim's picture is great.

Q: What can creators expect to learn in future podcast episodes?

: Whether AI-generative art, text, and voice can actually replace podcasters anytime soon. Spoiler alert: The answer is no. But we'll keep working on it.

: What Jim really thinks of the MrBeast Burger.

The Creator Feed podcast hosts Renee Teeley and Jim Louderback on purple background

You know the value of getting views and followers, but what about navigating the creator economy? In this Q&A, The Creator Feed podcast explains why you should 'study' like a content pro.

The Creator Feed Podcast: Why Learning the Creator Economy Is Worth it


If you’re wondering what it’s like to 

, Roberto Blake just did you a huge favor.

On Feb. 12, the creative entrepreneur and YouTube veteran posted a Twitter thread describing life as a digital entrepreneur. He revealed what it’s like to make videos 24/7 and obsess over posting the “right” content. Because, hello: 

Here are some interesting points from the thread:

It all sounds a tad discouraging, but it’s better to know what you’re up against.

Is Your YouTube Channel on Track to Become a Business? Here are 5 Positive Signs

 to better understand this lifestyle. McFadden has more than 200,000 subscribers, and he’s also a full-time YouTuber of two years. His popular videos – Apple product reviews and discussions – spurred him to a YouTube career at just 55,000 subscribers.


“If I’m making more money on YouTube than my full-time job, why would I stay [there]?" McFadden says. “Shouldn’t I just leave the job and go focus on YouTube?”

Are you considering the same path? Here’s what to expect as a digital entrepreneur on YouTube.

You’ll Have More Control as a Full-Time Creator

One thing you can't do with a traditional job is set your own schedule. Companies have strict business hours, and employees must work within those intervals to succeed.

But that always bothered McFadden. He didn’t like giving up control to bosses and CEOs, especially with YouTube being a self-directed job.

“I love waking up in the morning [knowing] my day is my day,” he says. “At this point, I can decide, '

Do I want to do a video? You know what, maybe I’m not going to do [one]'

. I’ll go do something else. I'll relax.”

 takes more doing than relaxing. But at least you have the option of choosing which days you’ll go hard and which days you’ll take it easy.

Going from Employee to Boss Is a Slow Transition

It’s easy to imagine some creators were instantly successful. You see their massive subscriber counts and can’t help but compare their journey to yours. You think, 

How long would it take me to get there? They’re earning a full-time income.

Just look at McFadden’s YouTube journey:

McFadden’s story isn’t one of overnight success. It’s a nine-year journey filled with multiple twists and turns, revealing how much of a grind YouTube is. It’s also a risky bet. McFadden worked full-time for two years even while banking large YouTube checks.

“I was very cautious, obviously,” he says. “On YouTube, you can be a flash in the pan one month and do great. The next month, you can be out on the street again doing nothing.”

Full-Time YouTubers Have Multiple Streams of Income

The career YouTubers we’ve spoken with make money in several ways. 

. YouTube expert Alan Spicer had the same mindset in a recent TubeTalk episode. He shared many ways for creators to make money, and most were outside of YouTube.

7 Lucrative Ways to Make Money Beyond YouTube

Here are the revenue sources creators keep talking about:

 from this list: YouTube AdSense, affiliate revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise. So even if your channel takes off, diversifying your income is a proven way to launch a YouTuber career.

A YouTube Career Comes with Constant Marketing

Are you ready to put on your business hat? Because that’s what full-time creators wear when they’re running a channel by themselves. 

Sure, they may have a business manager for 

. But no matter who’s on your team, self-promotion is a must.

“The business aspect of being a creator is something I kind of don’t like to deal with,” McFadden says. “Some creators are a lot better at it than I am. I don’t advertise a lot of stuff I do, which is not good.”

Remember: A YouTube channel isn’t your only income stream, but it 

your best marketing tool. So posting videos (without promoting anything inside them) isn’t enough. You also need to promote your products, courses, or any service that pays your bills.

YouTube Is Fun, But You’ll Work Hard for That Perk

McFadden thinks all jobs are demanding in their own right. Whether working at McDonald’s or grinding away at an office, there’s always a task that wears people down. A common misconception – especially among viewers – is that YouTube is different. All you have to do is talk to a camera and get paid, right?

Not quite. YouTube creators have many hidden talents:

Graphic design skills to create thumbnails

Video production (lighting, camera setup, etc.)

Persevering through negative channel growth

“I probably spend more time being a content creator and focusing on [this] job than I did working a 9-to-5,” McFadden says. “I think that’s pretty much a guarantee at this point.”

The good news? None of it feels like work when you enjoy content creation. It’s a labor of love.

So here’s the big question: Are you ready to become a full-time YouTuber?

Before you do, master these five skills to ensure your success. 

Man in brown leather jacket hosting Tube Talk podcast with gaming-themed background

'YouTuber' is a popular career choice in 2022. But what does that look like for the average creator?

What Is it Like Being a Full-Time YouTube Creator?

Here’s a question with two extreme options. As a new creator, would you rather spend a month making one video or crank out 30 videos in 30 days?

Hypothetically, this is your first month on YouTube. It’s a tough question to answer because there are no in-between options. You can’t make 15 videos that month or even five. You have to choose: Thirty videos or just one.

If you need some inspiration, here are some responses to get you thinking. According to the vidIQ community (and whoever else the YouTube algorithm sends Community polls to), most people would make one quality video.

Our poll got 20,000 responses. Seventy-three percent were in favor of one quality video and 27% opted for 30 videos.

As YouTube educators, we're going to have to side with the 27%. 

Quality vs. Quantity: Which Is Better for New Creators?

When you’re just starting out on YouTube, making one video over 30 days doesn’t help you grow. And we’re not just talking about views and subscribers. One video doesn't let you track your overall growth. You’ll never know how your lighting, audio, or presentation style is improving because you’ve only attempted those things once.

 with Luria Petrucci of Live Streaming Pros, he had the same idea about quality versus quantity.

“I’d pick the new video for a month option every time,” Brownlee says. “It lets you learn the skill of finishing a project, starting a project, and evolving your skills as it goes on. If you’re able to look back at something you made a month ago and immediately see tangible things you would change, you’re getting better. If you stop seeing things in your old videos that you’d do better, you’re not getting better anymore.”

This practice is a “forever thing,” says Brownlee. No matter how big you get on YouTube, you should always try to 

Eventually, Making Lots of Videos Leads to Quality Content

Before you start a channel, you need to understand seven core principles to succeed on YouTube. One of those is 

developing a healthy relationship with perfectionism

. Every creator wants to make the best video possible. But if making a perfect video outweighs your desire to test and learn, you could be missing out on valuable experience.

7 Beliefs You Need to Have to Grow a YouTube Channel

Most new creators don’t know how to make videos people enjoy. They have to try new things and learn as they go. That’s why, in your first month on YouTube, making the perfect video shouldn’t be your priority.

Learning to present on camera, if that’s your goal

Understanding what makes a good thumbnail

Discovering the benefits of YouTube SEO (titles, keywords, tags, etc.)

You only learn the above skills by making lots of content. In six months, you'll look back at those early videos and probably find them unwatchable – and that's perfectly fine. It’s a necessary feeling. Take that disappointing moment, that pang of discomfort in your chest, and turn it into a list of improvements for your channel. 

Studying your audience is the key to growing on YouTube. But is it the best place to start when you’ve just created a channel?

In our opinion, the answer is no. If you’re a new creator, you're skipping a few steps if you plan to immediately study your audience. There aren’t many people watching your videos at this point. For now, 

just focus on your skill set – filming, presenting, editing, and optimizing.

 That’s a better investment of your time than analyzing your first 20 subscribers. We explain this even further in the video below.

As the years go by, this will likely change. You’ll get to the point where you have thousands of views and subscribers. Viewers will start leaving lots of comments on your videos, which means you’ve built a community. That’s when your priorities will make a 180-degree shift. Now that you have some technical knowledge, you can finally focus on your audience.

“In most careers, nothing beats experience. The same is true on YouTube, but even more so considering how much content you need to gain millions of views and subscribers.” – vidIQ

This is a good way to play it smart on YouTube and never, ever, waste your energy. Because honestly, the beginning of your journey is about answering one question: 

You don’t get the answer by studying your audience; you get it by making enough videos to form an opinion about YouTube as a whole.

How to Start a YouTube Channel – 10 Brilliant Tips

Now, to be fair, you don’t have to make 30 videos in 30 days. A realistic number is probably five to 12 videos when you're just starting out. But we presented the question with two extremes to help you understand what’s important on YouTube.

In most careers, nothing beats experience. The same is true on YouTube, but even more so considering how much content you need to gain millions of views and subscribers. But don’t worry. As you post more videos, you can 

Hint: It’s not your audience. Viewers are important for channel growth but only if you practice this habit first.

Posts tagged with “Creator Journey”

Tips for Full-Time YouTubers: When to Take the Leap

Outdoor Boys: Turning Passion into a Global Phenomenon

The Creator Feed Podcast: Why Learning the Creator Economy Is Worth it

What Is it Like Being a Full-Time YouTube Creator?

Quantity Over Quality: The One Thing New YouTubers Should Focus On

‘Women of YouTube’ Q&A: Building Careers, Passive Income, and More

7 Beliefs You Need to Have to Grow a YouTube Channel

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