So, you’ve decided to embark on a YouTube journey. Like many of us, you started because you watched your favorite creators transform their lives through video. You might have thought that after a few videos, you'd start to see some traction.
But here you are, months in, with countless uploads and barely a hundred views. You’re probably asking yourself, "Why is YouTube so hard? Maybe I should give up?" Well, let us tell you, you’re not alone in this feeling.
With 16 years of experience on YouTube and over 2,500 videos to his name, Rob Wilson, featured in the video above, has discovered that growing a successful channel is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s common to feel overwhelmed, especially in the beginning. So, let’s dive into why YouTube can be so challenging and how you can overcome these hurdles.
Read More: 10 Things Every Small YouTube Channel Can Improve
When starting your channel, chances are you underestimated the number of skills you’d need to acquire. You need to be a video editor, a thumbnail designer, a scriptwriter, a marketer, and an onscreen talent—all rolled into one! Most of us begin with only a couple of these skills if that. This can make success feel out of reach.
But here’s the good news: you can learn these skills! Rob mentions, “When I started out on YouTube, I didn’t have any of these skills. Heck, it took me five years to get in front of the camera!” If your channel is struggling, take a step back.
Read More: 13 Skills You Need to Become a Successful YouTuber
Action Step
Set aside 30 minutes to an hour daily specifically to practice these skills.
Example: If thumbnails are your weak spot, watch tutorials on effective thumbnail design and create practice thumbnails daily.
Tip: Wake up an hour earlier or replace an hour of leisure time with skill-building.
YouTube has evolved from a small local talent show to a massive platform where hundreds of hours of content are uploaded every minute. This means you’re not just competing with other creators; you’re up against major media companies like Netflix and Disney. It’s tough out there!
But don’t let that deter you. There are countless amateur creators who are winning on YouTube. Take the channel "Dad, How Do I?" as an example. He started during the pandemic with just a phone camera and now boasts over 5 million subscribers. His secret? Providing simple, relatable content that adds value to people’s lives.
Action Step
Identify a clear, unique angle for your content.
Tip: Regularly ask yourself, "How does this video uniquely help my audience?"
Many of us juggle YouTube alongside other commitments—jobs, studies, family responsibilities. This makes it challenging to consistently produce content. And let’s be honest, even full-time creators find it hard to maintain that level of output.
Remember, if you try to force content creation into an already busy life, you risk burning out and ultimately giving up on YouTube. Take the time to find your rhythm and prioritize your mental well-being. Be honest with yourself. If you can only manage to post one video a month, that’s perfectly okay. Find what works for you!
Action Step
Determine a realistic schedule you can maintain.
Another challenge many creators face is the loneliness of this journey. Often, friends and family don’t understand what you’re trying to achieve, and they might even discourage you. You might feel isolated, thinking that nobody gets it. But here’s the truth: every successful creator has been in your shoes.
When Rob started, he faced skepticism too. But he didn’t let it stop him. If you feel alone, remember, you’re not crazy for pursuing your dreams. You are part of a community of creators who understand your struggles. Consider connecting with other creators and build a community to help support each other on your journeys. The point is, you are not alone!
Action Step
Join creator groups or forums on Facebook, Discord, or Reddit.
Example: Participate actively in communities like vidIQ’s discord community to exchange ideas and encouragement.
Tip: Consider finding an accountability partner or a coach to provide regular feedback and support.
Waking up to find your latest video barely has any views can feel like a punch in the gut. But here’s the thing: every “failed” video is a golden opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve.
Realize that failure is a myth and ask yourself, “for my next video, what’s the one thing I’m going to focus on and improve?”
Analyze what worked, what didn’t, and adapt accordingly. Rob asks himself, “What titles worked? What thumbnails get clicked? What keeps people watching? What makes them click away?”
Think of it as compound interest. Every video you create is stacking up for future rewards. You never know when that breakthrough moment will happen, so keep pushing forward! It’s all about consistency and patience.
Action Steps
After each video, analyze:
Example: Keep a notebook or spreadsheet to track insights gained from each video.
Tip: For your next video, pick one specific improvement and implement it deliberately.
Yes, YouTube is hard. No one who has been through this will sugarcoat it. But, the key is to overcome those mental barriers and master the practical aspects of content creation. Focus on developing your video ideas. Every video is an investment in your future success and remember that you are part of a vibrant community.
Many of your favorite creators have gone through rough patches and questioned their own channels before they found success. Focus on:
Don’t give up on YouTube! Keep creating, keep learning, and stay committed. Your breakthrough is closer than you think. You will thank yourself for putting in the work when you finally reach your YouTube goals.
So, start building the right mindset to get there.
Darryl is a writer with years of experience in online video software, combining technical expertise with a passion for educating audiences. When not writing, he’s tending to his farm surrounded by horses, chickens, dogs, and somehow cramming more plants into his garden than it could ever reasonably hold.
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