How YouTube Changed My Life (with only 500 Subscribers) 

I love the "get it? Doors open." lol I'm on a similar journey from transitioning from short form to long form. There's so much more value in long form IMO but def takes more work. Here to support your journey!

After building the courage, I finally started a RU-vid channel to showcase the step-by-step process of creating wire-art cars, a childhood passion I had neglected for years. I just hit 125 subscribers! 🎉

RU-vid is king among all social media platforms. There is a learning curve here instead of just constant dopamine hits

I just recently hit 1000 subscribers and, oddly, I may have felt a greater sense of accomplishment hitting that goal than when I completed a PhD in Molecular Biology which took 6 years. It's probably because it was so far out of my comfort zone when I started, so it took a lot more effort than I ever thought it could. Having the data trend positively and then hitting goals is a pretty awesome feeling sometimes.

I'm 3 years in, 3.5k subscribers, monetized in November and all I can say is that you hit the nail on the head with this video. RU-vid is the best decision I ever made after the pandemic and I'm still publishing and going strong. Those of you reading this, keep going! It's so worth it, even outside of getting monetized - RU-vid helped me get a new job, it seconds as a video editing portfolio & it has helped build my personal brand 100x more than the last 10 years on IG ever did.

"Share these things, and trust they will find their audience" - I love that about this platform.

68 subscribers here.. Good luck to everyone out there pushing until breakthrough. GODSPEED to us.

"Creating for myself". That's it right there. I worked in TV for 15+ years. I got to work on some cool stuff. But nothing is as satisfying as creating FOR YOURSELF. Not for your boss. Not for an audience. Not for a marketing team. Just you.

“What am I doing here? I’m sharing myself, I’m sharing my energy”. We gotta do this first and foremost for ourselves, mostly for ourselves as a way to honour our own innate right to be, to express whatever we’ve brought to share and give to the world. I’ve been procrastinating creating my channel precisely because of the fear of sharing who I am, fear of opening up, fear of blossoming into the world. People can be really fucking cruel and the more sensitive one is the less encouraged they feel to get exposed and judged. I’m much closer than I’ve ever been though. The awful lot of shadow work I’ve done is bringing fruitful results. Thank you for this very necessary video mate.

I legit thought this was a video by a big channel with 2 million subscribers. Bro you’re criminally underrated!!!

Seems like a lot of creative people are coming back around to RU-vid and approaching it in a different way. For me, it's not about CRUSHING the algorithm or finding the secret in the sauce. It's just about "Making" something and putting it out there.

You found the winning combination. Being a RU-vidr is very similar to running your own business. You should upload things people want to see, just like businessman should offer product/service that people need. And when the growth becomes real, you can consider hiring people to help you run your channel more efficiently. The most difficult part is starting and growing of course, but patience and hard work (with a little bit of Famester) will always pay off at the end. Good luck to everybody, I hope everyone is going to succeed one day.

I’m so tired of short form - algorithms and shadowbans and negativity not only from the trolls but the actual platforms. A lot of us are tired of trying to change the world in 30 seconds! I’ve been thinking about how to make this change back into long form and this video is very encouraging. One video a week it is. Thank you!

RU-vid is the best place to create content as a long term asset. I have a channel where I havent posted in 2yrs and it has just had a huge surge in subs and watch hours with just 12 videos.

"Get in the habit of creating" is fantastic advice. Thank you for the reminder!

Instagram was my main platform but the constant ads and poor algorithm was overwhelming. I started posting on RU-vid without worrying about the content or how it would "perform". I'd say I have been in creative bliss lately without all those worries. I started to create for myself again

I’m a 39 year old mom, professional photographer and filmmaker and this really resonated with me. I like the challenge of uploading a video a week to push yourself. I’m going to try that.

Bro… I have 147 subscribers and I needed this so much. I couldn’t get myself to record anything for 5 years but yesterday I made 2 vlogs …. Ima go edit them and upload right now ❤️✌🏼 god bless

I've learnt 3D printing, coding and how to build a gaming pc entirely on youtube from scratch, this are just random examples. I love this platform

I couldn’t have put it better myself, this is exactly why my husband and I started our channel only a few days ago. For US. We don’t can’t if we get followers or likes or whatnot. We just want to connect with like minded people and expand on our knowledge in this community while making memories! Thank you for the encouragement and the transparency!

Thanks man I’m an older guy with no tech background minimal video editing skills and just started learning to bass fish and doing videos info was great for me I appreciate!!!!!

I have 19 subscribers and am so happy with it in the short time I've been on you tube. This video gives me the encouragement to keep going❤❤ thank you

I came across your channel this morning after releasing a video of my own and decided to give it a try to hear your two cents. I think everything you said is exactly right. I’m 2+ years in and find nothing but growth on this platform. I don’t compete, I don’t have envy, I’m not jealous of bigger creators because I am making for me. I’m also grateful to the 4300 people who enjoy what I do, and I think that’s a big difference between RU-vid and the other platforms. I think it’s a community here is quite possibly more valuable than any other platform. Anyhow, I really enjoyed this video, so keep painting and acting and creating because you’re pretty damn good at it.

have to say I agree with you 100%. youtube is where it's at!

Here's to all that will grow and hit their first 500 and beyond 🍻 Stay dedicated!

You just proved your point to me. I clicked on this thinking I'd watch the first few minutes and then click away. You retained me via authenticity and not using overly stimulating cuts, edits, and retention techniques. I watched the entire video. You were simply honest. Well done, and thank you.

I discovered many genuine individuals on RU-vid, and it's enjoyable to engage with people, especially creators who interact with their audience. I'm exhausted by the quick pace of short-form content and prefer storytelling like you do. I wish you more success and telling more stories.

I have always wanted to start a RU-vid channel, and this past month I did. I already love making RU-vid videos so much. Shout out to my 58 subscribers and counting. Congrats on hitting 10k !!

Ive just come from ‘the land of instant gratification’ and restarting over here and it’s so refreshing. It feels very welcoming and as you say, encourages you to create and grow in a healthy way. Ty. ✨

I like to think that you left the camera going all night between Day 1 and Day 2 and then edited out 8+ hours of total darkness and silence. Now that would be relatable (to me, anyway). New subscriber, btw.

I’m actually a guitar RU-vidr so this was pretty funny when you used that as an example. Agree so much on how RU-vid videos stick around as opposed to instagram and TikTok. I have videos from long ago that suddenly get a boost in views and comments. So if a video I make doesn’t get a lot of views at the start, it doesn’t feel wasted. Just reached 1000 subs a little while ago and it’s growing every day, so it’s a very fun process.

Thank you so much for the support really appreciate it keep pushing brother you're doing alright

Man this video struck a chord. I can relate here. Got so burnt out trying to keep up on IG that I just quit creating content altogether and just recently I got back into editing videos I shot months ago and really enjoyed it. This was the video I needed to see today to push me back to creating long form content that I enjoy and stop worrying about what’s trending. Thank you!

I've just started with my RU-vid channel and I can identify with what you're saying here. Just want to thank you for the encouragement.

Really happy this showed up on my home page. Thanks for putting yourself out there and giving some insight and words of encouragement.

The fun part happens when you grow and want to maintain it.

It is so refreshing to watch a video on this topic that isn't gimmicky or unrealistic. Thank you for the inspiration

It's awesome how you mentioned you tried to do YT a few times before, but then you really committed to doing 1 video per week. That's exactly my story right there! I've always wanted to do YT for the longest and have it a few tries but never really committed. Then this year, I decided to go all in and start what I called PROJECT48, where I post at least 1 video per week for the rest of the year (started first week of Feb and from there, there's 48 weeks left in the year...get it? 😅). But yeah just posted my 7th video and have more on the way! Can't wait to see where this YT journey takes me.

I really needed this! I’m a Christian filmmaker wanting to go full time as a creator to share the word of God through a different perspective! Trying to land brands and going viral but now I understand it’s about his time and plan and I just wanna enjoy this process in hope I appreciate you fr God bless you in your business and you blow up!🙏🏾

i am so lucky to have encountered this video, thank you for your amazing words bro i appreciate it, i wish you all the best i am also a small youtube channel doing my thing😁

Pam here….thx for this. This completely validates my ‘gut instincts’ and I love RU-vid…it is the new “college” in my mind. You can learn just about anything you need to know. I am getting ready to create some vids to help my clients and people they know understand the type of pain relieving body work that I do. Thanks fo much for this!!

This is uplifting. I started a channel with no previous history on other platforms and may have had too high expectations in terms of numbers but I came to terms with just focusing on having fun and doing what I want rather than playing the catch up game of mr beast and company.

Great video man! Thanks! Good luck for your channel.

Well, I'm in my forties and going out on this limb! Thank you for sharing!

I was kinda like you till it clicked for me in February...I started posting consistently...and the growth has been encouraging...now I'm doubling to make more videos that i want to watch... The tip you really need is "START" thanks bro 🔥

this is exactly where I am. Feeling disengaged from making the same trending VO type comedy. I want to make original content- it’s hard though because it doesn’t get pushed out the same

21 subscribers in! Started my channel 1 week ago and feel extremely good to share my thoughts with everyone so openly! Best of luck to every new RU-vid creator for stepping out of your comfort zone to contribute to the society! Onwards and Upwards!

This was dope. Very similar feelings and ready to create for myself rather than trends or clients

Thank you! I needed this. ❤

No mater how many subs you have, youtube can still change lives.

The frist seconds that I saw you in this vídeo, I thank: “This guy is a actor!”. Then, you told that. Its your power. Just keep going!

Im a newbie and pretty must just came straight out the gate this year doing shorts after no activity for 9 years. I agree with u on how TikTok, IG reels bring that adrenaline rush and pressure, waiting for those likes and gratification. It can be overwhelming. But as u said, YT long form content has a different vibe. I love your story. Thanks for sharing. Definitely subscribing.

This video is what my spirit guides wanted me to see today. I can personally attest this was the reason for my switch and honestly my videos are 4 me and I hope my content finds its audience but this platform gives me more room to be original. I HATE TRENDS. I hate being a follower and I spent YEARS on other platforms & realized psychologically it was stealing my passion; I allowed it bc my focus shifted for the wrong reasons. Thanks for sharing. I’m growing on my main RU-vid channel & I’m really going to keep at it. This was confirmation❤

I’m one of those RU-vid OG’s that have been here since it began, my channel is almost 20 years old. I had success way back then, even had an indie film come out as a spin-off, then I just got busy and walked away from RU-vid for 10-15 years. I’m back now trying to do a reboot and, though it’s hard, I’m looking forward to getting the ball rolling. Success and monetization would be great, but in my late 30’s my priority, in my heart, is just telling the story and letting my creativity flow. Only problem I have right now is, my Shorts are taking over… like I get hardly any longform views, but my Shorts blow up. Hard to complain about any success, but I feel like nobody will see my long forms when I really start putting out the important ones I care about and poured a lot of energy into. Definitely worried.

48 subscribers now and I’m encouraged and thrilled by every single new one even though it’s a slow growth process, you’re exactly right! I’m doing it to share my passion not just for views or likes but rather a creative outlet but it is nice to see it reaching people. I purposely didn’t watch anyone in my “niche” because I don’t really have one other than Halloween lovers like me lol but grateful for videos like yours and all the encouraging comments - I am excited to keep the journey going daily - thank you! 🙏🏼 🎃 💜

Love it bro. I'm following your journey.

Darren, thank you for this wonderful video! Very heartwarming and inspiring❤I started recording videos myself just a few months ago after quitting drinking and smoking and switching to SR. And it's just recently taken off. Subscribed and will follow your success!

I completely agree that there is something about RU-vid that is special and allows for creators to just he themselves. And that your audience eventually follows you. This was a really inspiring video. I appreciate your genuine honesty and your story.

Omg the first 90 seconds are my entire life. Love this video!

Thanks for this video, Darren. I enjoyed every single moment of it. I hope you grow and see your content (film, painting etc) getting out there to people that love it. I am on RU-vid since almost the beginning of RU-vid. I never saw anything special happening with my channel (i was never consistent with posting every week or every 2 weeks or anything like that) but there are two things I know for sure: 1. Some people have seen and enjoyed my music (that's great, i have no complaint about it) and 2. SOMEDAY, *maybe* one of my songs will get super viral, after 5-10-15 yrs (and if I am dead, my children will earn some money from dad's music lol). The best part of YT is that there is ALWAYS a chance for any video to get discovered and spread. It is not a spreed, it is a marathon (for most creators). But that's also what makes me feel the same, as you: Less pressure. I have been on TikTok , Instagram etc and..... nope, it doesn't work positively for me either. That "trial and error" game is not ok for me. On RU-vid I like the fact that you "plant" something and SOMETIME, if it's worth it, it will "bloom" (sooner or later). So I don't have the stress (of course I don't make a living from it either. It's my hobby... for which I pay of course - to be able to make videos etc -) of waiting to see what happens. I just post and forget.

Great video, man! Really glad I saw this! I’m in the same boat, for years I have been wanting to take RU-vid more seriously, but I’ve never done so. I ended up getting wrapped up in the world of professional videography, clients, projects, and never once focused on myself. I just moved from Miami to Fort Myers just a couple of days ago, and I have decided that enough is enough, it’s time to content for me! Keep up the great work!

Great job soldier! Continued success!!👊🏾👊🏾👊🏾

Dude, I feel you, that's why I started taking it seriously lately. It is a way for me to express myself through jokes and trying to make people laugh in my target niche.

still trying to find the group of people who will actually enjoy my vids :(

I needed this today. Thank you.

I’m a photographer and just decided to film my first video after not posting for 6 months after the first video didn’t get many views. Thanks for the motivation! Keep doing your thing 🤘

I agree with you, I started making youtube videos in 2015 maybe, now reaching 20k subscribers. There were times I gave up on it, but always was confused about why youtube encourages “trends” instead of original content creators. Your video gave me a motivation to keep making original content instead of getting carried away by “trending topics”.

If you found yourself on this video I hope you reach your goal don’t give up !! 🙏🏽🙏🏽

Feeling pretty motivated to keep pulling through on my new channel! Thank you for the realness!

"Create for yourself." Yup! After a couple years, I just figured that out. I just started this 2nd channel to make my own music. I don't know how it will go but I'm having fun. Hopefully, others will come along for the ride.

It’s good to hear someone promoting long form videos on authentic ideas.

nice one Darren. You're cool ;)

Fellow painter/filmmaker here - I appreciate your perspective. It's a good reminder that if I just create the types of videos I was searching for way back when, my channel will naturally evolve into what it's meant to be - whatever that is.

I completely agree that every time I leave RU-vid, I feel better or learned more than when I’m on TikTok or instagram

This so resonates with me. I'm a painting artist too, and have been researching and experimenting. Trying to understand what makes RU-vid tick and how people respond to it. But...BUT...the last thing I want to do is please the algorithm and create out of compulsion vs passion. Paintings can indeed take weeks or months...but not posting in between isn't working well either. So, currently making videos that still fall within the art niche, but trying to broaden my horizon, speak to multiple types of people that might visit my channel, but still talking and creating things I like to do, not that RU-vid wants me to do. Best of luck with your channel, seems like it's taking off, well done!!

I love it when smaller channels pop up in my feed. Thanks for sharing your experience! I am an artist who just re-started my channel and I’ve felt the same about other platforms. I like your video style and your sense of humour. Best of luck to you in the youtube sphere 😊

heck yeah dude! I have been on RU-vid since 2008. Watching and learning for years, not realizing I missed about half a dozen opportunities I could have created content around. Now I am just enjoying the process and let the growth happen organically. This is a marathon, not a sprint, so patience is a must. Keep rocking the videos dude and I just subbed to you!

This is soooooo awesome! Thank YOU! ❤

I'm an abstract artist and aspiring content creator who is just putting my work and vision out into the world for the first time. Thank you for taking the time to make this and reminding me why it's worth it! 💖

You nailed it. RU-vid can lift you up when you're down. While other platforms are designed to hook you in and pull you down so low you're desperate...yet addicted, and can't stop scrolling. It's EVIL. You come here, and it's about connection. Those other platforms make me want to take a shower. Keep on keeping it real. Ya got me. I'm subbed!

Authenticity is just the newest buzz word.

I'm pretty convinced that making what you love will bring you happiness. Now, I am working on my channel teaching a new language and I enjoy the process.

This is so true You tube taught me a lot from photography, film making/cinematic and painting. I found myself spending more time watching You tube videos.

Nice seeing real people doing real things. Keep going.

Frustrating for me... I have 150+ videos...16k watch hours and 1033 subscribers....but only 1 has gone viral and unfortunately (regardless of my audio remastering efforts), RU-vid doesn't consider it enough of a change and flags it as REUSE (versus, putting up a silly "reaction" video on same content) and thus has denied me monetization twice now. I hate that I have no one to discuss this with and end up making changes and then having to wait another 3 months to reapply and get the same response regardless of my appeal video content and putting up tons of original material since first monetization denial. SO FRUSTRATING! Subbed - Really enjoyed the video Darren.

Thanks man. I appreciate this video.

I love long form content because it allows to developp our ideas and stories. I hate movie in which the pictures jumps from one angle to the other every 2 seconds. What I like with youtube is that it allows me to be a film maker with almost nothing. Recently, I started to tell this story "I am 51 and I started table tennis competition to become a professionnal player" which is insane and is not possible. Until I do it 😁.

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This is the video i needed today. Very inspiring! Thanks Darren.

Love your low key style. Relaxing. Thanks for the info

thank u for making this video. It was great

Thank you for this video !

Absolutely love this and gives me motivation ❤Thank you❤

Insightful video. Inspiring, too. Thanks man!

Loved this! Great work 🤝

LOVE this! You are so real, Darren.

Appreciate your videos, thank you for making these!

Love it bro, and totally agree!!👍

Inspiring! Thank you!

100% agree with you. Great video man 👍