I unsubscribed trail recon because it became entirely unrelatable. Guy quit his job, full time utoober, now has 8-10 Offroad vehicles, only receives and installs the most expensive stuff, etc. That’s a different planet than the one I’m on and frankly that’s not the roots of off-roading. I now only watch videos that are relatable and feel “real” to me. It’s true that I’ve unsubscribed a lot of “overlander” channels and I missing that content. Good news is there are still many creators who aren’t running a channel as a full time business venture and they seem to enjoy sharing a hobby. I wish you much success and hope you remain relatable. I have enjoyed the content here.
I have done the exact same thing. Used to follow Trail Recon and Dirt Lifestyle Nate. I still touch in on Nate's stuff, but have not looked at Trail Recon for 2 years now, maybe 3.
Some thoughts: 1) Couldn't agree more. The videoing is as much the hobby as overlanding. 2) Couldn't agree more. I spend a lot of time watching other videos as a learning process. 3) Couldn't agree more. Videoing is the only exercise I get, because when I'm at home I'm sitting editing. 4) Couldn't agree more. It took a year of consistent videos to reach a thousand subscribers. 5) Couldn't agree more. I do have expensive equipment, but I still use my cell phone occasionally. It's more about what you're shooting and how you do it than it is the equipment. Cell phone cameras these days are so good that I'd recommend everyone start there. 6) Couldn't agree more. It's tough though. You've also got to stay within the genre you've created - branching out can actually hurt your channel. 7) Couldn't agree more. It's something that will probably evolve over time, especially if you're new to videoing and editing like I was! Now I have a pretty consistent format I follow. Also the hair is great. 8) Couldn't agree more. Sometimes the worst part of the trip is the best part of the story, and it can be hard to get the camera out when something goes wrong. Also, the bottle cap is tight already. 9) Couldn't agree more. Certainly beats teaching. I spend almost all of my income on making more/better videos though. Also, half a million is way more than I'm getting, congrats! 10) Couldn't agree more. People will also call you out for every little thing. See comment 8. Great video. Now to copy it...
Funny, when I first came upon your channel I was like.... who is this weird dude with the hair? It took some time, but you've really won me over and you're now in my top 4 vids I get excited about. Your videos are so improved just in the last 6 months. Being I solo, I've often thought of videos to Facebook or RU-vid as something that would help with the " being alone" thing, as it is a thing when being alone. 😆 Thanks for adding good things to my life.🤗
The magic formula is having a blast, and genuinely having a great time. Then, somehow capturing that on camera is what keeps me watching. Just have fun...simple. We love seeing that.
I can’t wrap my head around the fact that your hair color is such a problem for some people. I guess what someone else does with themselves really calls for criticism. Anyway just to make some people angry, awesome video, very descriptive, and as always the hair looks awesome!
I actually started watching your channel because of your hair. I thought it was really cool to see it on a man. I don't think people allow themselves to express their personalities enough. Great to see it and I hope it never changes.
Thank you for that. Our family started a channel because it was something we enjoyed doing together. It gets us out and doing cool things, and it’s been fun sharing our moments with friends. If we somehow grow to 1000+ subscribers, amazing. If we cap out at 30, we are still having a ton of fun doing it!
I wish you had been filming when Ryan walks into camp. Good video, I get to see some of the HARD work you put into these, and you are not exaggerating. Thanks, Matt, for all you do.
I wish I could have seen this video before I started my channel. You are one of the channels I study, and I'm constantly inspired by how you keep finding new angles (content and camera). Totally honored that you mentioned us on this vid. I especially agree with #10. I actually stopped the video and read all of those comments..Yikes...and I'm sure you have more...the ability to let that stuff go is so important. Thanks for putting this out there Matt it's needed.
Hey, I'm upset my comment about your hair did not make the list 😉, your reply to my comment was very mature and honest and so I kept watching, now you are one of my favorite channels, don't change it, it grew on me. Thanks for your vids, great job.
Great video! I will also add that a person really needs to study how to use video editing software whether it just be on your phone or the nicer stuff on a laptop. Really put some perspective on what I need to do to get my channel going. Just going is the biggest hurdle most never tackle. I myself have to tackle that hurdle and start going more! I don't have a problem filming myself, I have a cheaper gopro and my decent phone and a cheaper drone. Just have to start using them better for the awesome shots! Just have to tackle the hurdle of going!
This video exemplifies why I keep watching your channel and #7 drives this home. It started with watching gear reviews .. now I just enjoy and eagerly await your adventure stories. :)
I have my tiny channel and just film what i love now. It makes no sense but my Jeep Gladiator Rubicon videos make me happy with know views. Thanks you for pumping me back up
Sup Matt. Cool video. We love your channel, and are excited to see your adventures. I don’t think I would ever have my hair like yours, but it doesn’t bother us at all, nor will it prevent us from supporting you. Ppl can be so shallow and cruel. Keep up the good work bud. Your unique style is your strength. You’re genuine, polite, driven, and inspiring. 👍🏽🤘🏽🙏🏽
My experience has been, filming the project will take at least twice as long as it would normally to complete a given task(starting/stopping/moving the camera/not forgetting to press the record button/battery level monitoring/etc.) A microphone wind screen is essential for non-annoying sound production, also no music that sounds like a Disney chipmunk soundtrack as is the current trend. Statistics show a cell phone will record great video, no fancy expensive equipment necessary. People watching video on their cell phones don't need 4k quality. However, drone footage is usually very complementary. Simple easy to use video editing software like iMovie will make video production a joy. Comments questioning my hair style, body type, clothing, material and product choices make my day as much as the positive complementary ones do. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Great points. 👍 Definitely have think skin. I'm sure your personality and the way you run your channel receives 10x more positive comments than those unhappy people who just are not in a good place in their lives. Keep up the great work 👍 👏 💪
Great video man. All good advice. I’ve been following you on RU-vid and Instagram for quite awhile, and I enjoy your channel very much. Your hair is probably the reason I watched the first full video of yours. I applaud your ability to let the negative comments and verbal assaults slide off your back. Your very good at what you do. You (and your wife) are “real people” and the numbers show that I’m in good company on that idea. Thank you for the many hours of entertainment. I can’t get out on the trail as often as I’d like, and watching you (and others) really helps get me through to my next trip. OIIIIIIIO
As a brand new channel still trying to figure out what our niche and direction will be, this has been excellent advice! Thank you for taking the time to make this video.
Inspiring video for someone like me with a small channel! I do it for the love of camping and the love of photography/videography. I haven't monetized my channel at all but I have tons of fun filming, editing and sharing.
Stumbling on one of your videos from 2 years ago has got me into overlanding and has changed many aspects of my life for the better! So I appreciate what you do and thanks!!
Matt, jeepNdirt here, dude, EXCELENT info and as always thanks for the previous advice and current. I just started my channel (jeepNdirt) because of you and others. But truthfully, I just want to have fun with it. I've been complimented on my narration voice and my editing, but I have no story telling skills (yet lol!). I just want to be me and show that you don't have to travel to extensive locations. My suggestion is, just Go Out and Explore. It's Your World. Thanks again brother. I've been a subscriber for a while (under my previous name) and have been motived by you. God Bless You.
Your channel is great, it ranks right up there with me with some of the other big channels like Lifestyle Overland, SUV Rving, and Lite Brite. And not only is it hard work but your feet get wet! And regarding SUV RVing, I like it because I am a hiker and a climber, not just an Overlander.
First off, I love your content AND YOUR HAIR! You do you bro. I really like the points you outlined. As a new RU-vidr, I follow many of these (including inspiration from your channel as well as several of the channels you mentioned). Will and I have become digital friends and he is gracious enough to watch my vids and give me feedback as a content creator mentor. I have been watching your videos for years but I have to say, in THIS video you are the most “humble” that I have seen you and that gives me a new perspective of you personally. Thank you.
A lot of good tips here Matt! Definitely do it because you like to, because just like anything else if you don’t actually enjoy it, it will start to feel like hitting the time clock diminish your experience outdoors. The weirdness is real! I jokingly call them my narcissist shots when I’m with my friends, because that’s how it feels when I’m talking directly to a camera in front of people. Not sure I will every get used to that or particularly enjoy it. Cool to see you making progress man, keep it up!
Matt, just watched this for the first, I’ve been following for little over a year now and in my humble opinion you have the best Overlanding channel out there!! You have inspired me to start Overlanding, I’m building my rig and can’t wait to travel some of the same trails you have. Keep up the GREAT work! God Bless and may he keep you safe out on the trail
Carver (my son) and I love your videos. We started doing waterfalls during quarantine and once we bought our Gladiator, we wanted to experience even more. I reached out to you guys and you gave me the exact same advice. We started our channel and have been having a blast. My son, who's 7, can't wait to go on our next adventure. I know we still have a lot to learn about making videos but we are doing it and having fun. Thanks again for encouraging me to start the channel and having fun.
Not gonna lie dude, it took me a while to get used to the hair. Lol... But your personality and content eventually won me over and of course I finally realized the hair was just part of your fun outlook on life. Also, I'm 99% bald so there's the jealousy thing. Getting to meet you and Cara at MOORE was great and hopefully we'll see you on the trail someday.
I’m not an overlander per se, I’m a backpacker and car/tent camper (depending,) so not your core audience necessarily. I do really enjoy your videos, so I subscribe and have learned a lot. Keep up the great work/play!
I'm grateful you are doing something you enjoy. I hope you continue to be happy doing it and I hope we get to hang out some time. Learned a lot from you and thank you.
Thank you for this. I have been traveling a lot and just started filming and editing. Only 2, really bad, videos so far. But your advice was awesome and very helpful.
Matt. I gotta tell you your hair was a slight distraction for me at first. I’m 70 and thought you were a little too old for that. A few months later I’ve really admire who you are and the take me as I am attitude. Faithful follower now and I hope one we can meet on the trail and share a beer!, be safe and love life😎👍
Hey Matt this Video really helped me out and I appreciate you taking the time to make it. Im a NewTuber that started almost 8 months ago and almost at 1K!! It’s super exciting and can’t wait to see how it goes. Im glad you are living your dream brother! Hope to be there soon!
Thanks for this. I’ve watched you for a while. I live in central Arkansas. You, and others inspired me to start my own channel. I particularly find your comments about doing this because you enjoy it poignant. That was my reason to start making videos for sure. Now like you I find myself studying camera angles not just on RU-vid videos but watching TV, movies etc. it’s so interesting. And making videos in a way pushes me to go out and try things. Thanks again for sharing.
Hi Matt, thanks for sharing the tips. Between your channel and Brad/ TraiRecon, you guys are my favorite channel to watch. I learn a lot from your channel, especially on gears review. Love them. I started my channel about 2 years ago, and you're right. It is a lot of work. Some days, I feel like it's another full time and I already have two jobs...😂😂 Anyway, I'll stop rambling...😂 Thanks for making good content and keep up the good work. Hopefully, someday, I'll get to wheel with you! Keep on Jeeping! ✌️ 👍
Passed you and the others following you just North of Fallsville on Saturday 4/30. I was driving the blue dodge flat towing a blue 95 jeep wrangler our friends were towing their yellow jeep wrangler, we go jeeping out in that area. Great channel and keep up the great videos!!
Not gonna lie, the hair did take a little bit to get used to lol. But the content is what i am here for. I like all the different channels for different reasons. But i enjoy the vids and looking forward to the future ones señor
Aloha Matt, appreciate your encouragement on trying to start a channel have been watching your channel for bout a year now while traveling cross country driving semi's, recently retired from driving trucks, thinking of starting a channel, but anyway hang loose and see you lathas brahda 🤙 👍 👊 Mahalo
Funny thing is, I just had some coworkers talking to me about making a subaru oriented overland channel, though, they were suggesting it in more of the monetary sense. I am planning on maybe creating some videos, but definitely not with income on the mind, just want to share my experiences with everyone else.
brilliant tips there thank you very much, I make my little videos just too document it & send too mates and family. Good too remember things you do and the footage can spark all sorts of those memories. Any way take care. Sam
Mostly agree… but not sure I agree with watching others in your genre. I actually stopped watching most off-road and overland channels. I’ll occasionally watch one from a creator I like, but on a topic that I have no interest in making (like this one). I just don’t want to be influenced by other’s ideas. I think it’s important for us to independently come up with ideas (altho I bet we’d still overlap sometimes). If you’re truly into off-roading or overlanding, then it’s really easy to come up with ideas. However, what I’ll do is study creators outside of the niche for learning purposes. Maybe it’s just because I’ve seen too much direct copying lately without any mention of who they’re directly inspired by. I think that’s dirty. If someone comes up with a banger unique idea and another creator wants to make their own, they should at least acknowledge that inspiration (especially if a big creator does this from watching a smaller creator). I’ve seen a bunch of trail guides pop up on my feed… maybe they independently developed them, but some are very similar to my style that I’m somewhat suspicious. Maybe that’s just how RU-vid works, but it’s doesn’t feel right to me.
Been watching you for a while now and I love watching channels grow. Its not as easy as people think.. and the time, and effort... Keep up the good work!!
Matt, if you see this, please hear me out. I'm not going to ask for anything other than the time it takes to read this comment. I'm not going to lie, I was originally one of those haters that was initially turned off by the hair color for reasons I am really working on changing and improving. Without getting preachy here, I kind of felt a gentle conviction telling me that I was wrong for being judgy. After several months of avoiding the channel, I decided that I didn't give you a fair shake and came back and watched one of your long form trip videos in... I think Oregon, if memory serves me correctly. I thoroughly enjoyed it and, in the end, your storytelling, commentary, personality and filmography won me over. I am now a subscriber and do regularly enjoy and appreciate the end product of your hard work and dedication. I'm sure there is a lot of hate on here as you mentioned and I'd like to apologize for being part of the problem.
Thanks for a great and honest video. I’ve recently subscribed and it WAS your hair that made me watch your video at first, stuff the haters, lol. Keep up the great work!
This was a great video. Very informative. I actually get alot of my angles and shot ideas from your channel. What you said about gear was spot on. I film everything with a iPad or phone. Can't wait for bonfire video.
I have no desire to start a channel, even with me being retired now but I am so glad you did. Not only have I made great friends but I have also learned so much from you. I am so thankful for you, your channel and others that are out there for what you guys share. Keep up the great work!
I have recently found your channel, and I’ve been loving it! It has inspired me to get started 4x4ing/overlanding. I have always loved camping, and look forward to expanding on that. You touched on a few channels that you like in this video, but I would love a video where you highlight some of the channels you watch and why with links so I can find some more channels to watch. Oh, and I would love to see your videos in 4k. I watch them on my TV to get the full beauty of your trips, but miss having the crispness if 4k. I have no idea how hard that would be, but just a suggestion. 😊 Thanks for your inspiration, and keep on doing great videos.
I’m looking at starting a hike and trail review channel with my 1/10th scale rc crawlers and my full size vehicle. What is discouraging me is the talk of legally filing in state and national parks starting to become illegal with no permit. It’s just a hobby for me. Your content is awesome!
Matt you are an inspiration to so many people of young and older age to get out and just enjoy life for its beauty and blessings. Thanks for creating awesome content all the time
Great video , I have been posting videos for a couple years now . Don't really get to wrapped up in "getting veiws" I just post so my friends can see the fun . I post offroading and moutain bike videos . I will say the offroading videos do get more views lol
I have yet to post a video for my new channel but I have been doing all you said. One thing I knew I was going to face head on was letting go of my perfectionism in just about every area. First video is almost ready and I have more content to start on right behind it! Thanks for the inspiration and study material.
How refreshing. Thanks Matt for sharing from your heart to help others to expand this great video sharing of the things and places we love. I get wonderful ideas on where to go and "Lots" of ideas on things to do and get. I love watching you share the best you have with all of us. Keep up the great channel and have a wonderful day.
I haven't been a subscriber for long, but I've really been enjoying your content. it's inspired me to get back into a little bit of offroading. Currently on a very very small scale with my kids, but an actual offroad rig isn't too far away. Keep making this great content and don't let the trolls get to you! I truly don't understand how some people can't get passed a person's appearance and will completely discount them because of it. It really is sad and says more to about thier character than anything else. I hope you are able to let any of that negativity roll off you. I know that wasn't the main topic of this video, but it is one that stands out to me as I know quite a few people that have given up due to the negativity of others. Keep up the awesome work. There is a reason your channel is growing and will continue to grow.
Love the channel. I appreciate Ozark Overland Adventure Family. Have and will continue to tell the Jeep and Off Road community in PA about your channel. Thank you 🙏🏽
