why it’s hard to create content (and how to simplify it) 

I uploaded my first ever video today and it was probably the hardest thing I have ever done. I know that the video sucks, but that's okay. I have overcome perfectionism, self-doubt, the fear of starting, the uncomfortability of learning new things, overthinking and imposter syndrome on the way. If anyone here has been thinking about starting a channel for a while without taking action, don't let your mind stop you.

It is hard, especially if you are an introvert. It is so difficult to show your personality and create authentic content when you are a calm and peaceful person, trying to pop up in the sea of retention-edited videos. But! The good news is that there is definitely an audience for this slower and more chill content. Thanks for the nice video!

how do you only have less than 2.5k subs??? tf?? the cinematography is chefs kiss?? the videos are short?? the editing?? i feel like i just stumbled upon a hidden gem

YT promoted this to me this morning as I'm sitting here trying to come up with more compelling ideas because I'm trying to grow my channel too. Literally just starting out. And there are a lot of good points covered here and I appreciate you. Thank you for the inspiration to keep going.

I got told people wouldn’t be engaged if I make videos just talking to a camera without multiple shots and angles. This video proved them wrong. I was engaged, and I’m sure others are too.

i know you'll be a really big content creator someday, 100k plus subs, i can feel it, mark my words!

keep going Ashton, you are very authentic and genuine and i always click on your videos. i have a 3K channel myself, the magic of having a RU-vid channel is you think you're trying to help others but at the end, as the time goes, you'll notice you were the one who benefited the most. Talking & sharing is extremely therapeutic and helps you & others get clarity on what the f*ck is going on & what this life is about 😊. Best!

Please keep the chill having a talk vibe. Some content creators with useful information just hurt my brain to listen to. Appreciate you man.

Consistency has been the bane of my existence. I've tried a bunch of different ways to be consistent but I just can't seem to make it happen.

My biggest mistake as a small youtuber was to assume that what I was trying to do had to be new. In reality, the topics that have worked more often are not only the biggest growth drivers, but also the ones with which you can have the biggest impact on the audience. So you don't have to shine with new ideas all the time, it often makes much more sense to use existing topics and just do 1-2 things differently or add another point. The next mistake was to think I had to go 10, 20 or even 100 steps further to be allowed to talk about a topic. The reality is that you only need to be a single step further than those you want to help. If you have gone too far, it can happen that you are too far away and the audience no longer understands or is less connected. Greetings Linda

“Imitate then innovate, action not consumption” really great message here friend thank you!!!

I love the cinematic vibes with your color grading 😍 ive been posting shorts for a little over 2 weeks and am so nervous to upload a long form video 😭 but I know I can do it.. I can, I can!

I’m 2 minutes in and I already resonate so much of what you’re saying. It does feel vulnerable showing the world who you are. Creating the content. Hitting publish and then see that out of 1.7k people only 100 are willing to see who you are what you have to offer. What keeps me going is the art of being creative. Using that side of my brain that isn’t normally stimulated in my regular 9-5. Thank you for the video and you gained a new sub

You make really good points. I resonated with the “nobody gives a fuck” when I started I worried so much about people finding my videos and laughing at me. Now I don’t give a fuck. It really doesn’t matter what people think! Thanks for this video.

Definitely helpful to kind of set it and forget it, in terms of moving on to the next video. If you dwell on the last video (doing very well or poorly) you will delay yourself and get creator's block.

Dude this is exactly what I needed to hear. Extremely relatable and I believe the fact we are exposed to so many different people with different skills they've built over the years, we put that pressure on ourselves to be like them while we are on our own timeline. Thank you Ashton what a wonderful video!

You are SO refreshing 🫶🏾🫶🏾🫶🏾

Thank you for this. You are the real gem! Not just one that is what algorithm wants but one that gives us the real content from heart! 👌🏼🤗❤️

Just uploaded my first video over the weekend, and honestly this is fantastic advice. I really wish I had watched this video months ago, and maybe I wouldn't have waited so long to get started. Even after editing it down and getting it just like I wanted it, all the self doubt crept back in and I almost didn't upload it. This is really really good advice! Thank you for sharing it with us!

Bold choice having a "chill conversation". It's scary to take your time in a youtube video, but you have a great vibe so I stuck around!

"Your success is inevitable." What great energy you have!! Thanks so much. I needed this reminder.

I want to create content, but I find myself critiquing my own thoughts before I can even get them out. For so long, the fear of being perceived even stopped me from writing comments on videos like these, that really resonate and impact me. One day, hopefully, I'll figure it out. But for now, I want to say thank you for your thoughts! I love your style and appreciate the breakdown of your recording gear. I especially love that Purrell quote - it's so true, and there's nothing wrong with that. Growing up, I never allowed myself to use reference photos when drawing because "I was either good or I wasn't". I had this deep rooted belief that everything I did had to be completely on my own, or I was a horrible person. And guess what? I never truly pursued drawing or the arts, because instead of practicing and learning, I just gave up because I didn't have that natural magic. Who knows where I would've been. I don't want to have that same feeling 10 years from now, about RU-vid and photography.

You’re speaking to everything I’m going through……. In my head. I keep telling myself “I’ll start”

Overthinking is currently my hardest challenge to overcome, it has taken the energy out of me to create content but im not giving up!

I love the store “open sign” analogy! Great way to think about it. Great video! Thanks for sharing your voice :)

Your voice is so oddly soothing..

just started my channel a couple months ago and everything you talked about applied to how i’ve been feeling the past couple of weeks. glad i watched this video. very refreshing, earned a sub

I needed this video today! You nailed what I was struggling with in way that makes me motivated but I feel good about stepping back and do content that makes me happy.

Omg seeing the few subs you have and how much good work you’re putting in this is so motivating I’m here to stay

Excellent video! Loved the scarcity mindset bit. Definitely needed to hear that !

Appreciated your authenticity and vulnerability and all around good advice!

I appreciate your authenticity and having Just started my own channel, I found your honest input, encouraging to help me to be more myself as I’m aiming to encourage and touch lives.

I love your authenticity bro. I was worried that I was too low energy in my videos (havent' uploaded yet - learning editing) but my delivery is actually pretty close to yours and you're doin alright! haha.

This was a very calming video. I wanted to slow down and really think about my creative journey after watching. Trying to build my channel now and it was a breath of fresh air to think to myself "slow down, you have great videos but tell more of your story"

You have a lovely voice to listen to 💛 and there’s a reason you are blowing up right now. For one RU-vid loves people who talk about RU-vid! But also your advice here is very authentic like talking to a friend. Nicely done! I have a looonngg way to go 😅

Lurked for years and just starting out, thanks for the inspiration!

Holy marbles, I can hear myself in so much of what you're saying! Great energy, man. Kudos to the algo for putting your video in my feed. I'll be seeing your again!

I'm just getting started on my RU-vid journey & I'm excited! Thank you for the advice!

Bruh this is super relatable. I can see why you’re blowing up, super authentic. Keep grinding!🔥

Your thoughtfulness in your writing and how you earnestly express yourself and experiences is incredible. Your section on consistency resonated with me and put a voice to my journey and experiences.

As a beginner YT’r … watching tons of content on how to be a successful entrepreneur and make it on YT… this is by far one of the realest videos I’ve seen! Well done 👏🏻 you got a new sub! Thanks for making this!

New subby.. subbed because of your chill approach, less curated film style (I like sit down and chat not heavily edited b-rolls all the time) and when I scrolled through your feed and saw you DJ - that’s unique in this self-help /development genre! And I love dj channels so please keep posting those too!

This video is right on time bro! I have content just sitting (privately) IT IS TIME!!!

I agree with you, It is soo easy to put your self down and overthink everything. Being afraid. Thank you for sharing your journey! After almost an 2 month brake I've started editing a new video today, trying to get past all of my own hurdles. It’s spring and with new life there is new energy!

I’m so glad i discovered you today! This is so insightful to watch! Gratitude gratitude.

I love this! What a great attitude you have. As someone who is trying to start a YT channel, and stalling because I keep thinking "I'm not good enough", etc.. You're very inspirational.

You are an authentic and real human who seems to have wisdom beyond your years. Ima 53 year old creator sitting here learning from you, being inspired by you! Your filming is beautiful. Long game! Love that. The consistency and the wedding example are brilliant. I’ve realized my vlogs will be valuable to my family and I had a mind shift that my vlogs are valuable although not viewed much. I love that you do your mixing for YOU. I’m subscribing because you’re an exceptional human walking this planet. We need more people like you in our world. So crazy too because your thoughts parallel so many of my own thoughts. Let’s keep GOING, we got this. Peace Love.

Normally I throw a video on in the back and listen to it but I watched all the way through. I definitely can relate to a few of those and have been playing on youtube for abt 3yrs now but am also taking it serious now. I took my time to get self together and honestly that is something every person in every industry needs to move freely. Big W on your wins and growth. This was just enough inspiration for the day. 💙✌🏾🦉

This is really helpful for new creators. I like the chill vibes and cinematic effects of your videos. ❤

Just wow. I’ve been planning on launching my own YT channel and have been doing research. So glad your video came across my feed! A lot of this stuff you’ve said has came across my mind already. This video just confirms from somebody with experience what I’ve been feeling and thinking. This is soooooooo good! Good work! Thanks for being transparent! So glad you said to be selfish with your content at times! Goshhhhh this video is so raw and honest and real! I feel like I can trust what you’re saying! Thanks for being honest!

Love the authentic style of your video!

Ooh my gosh, you mentioned the overthinking part and i saw myself.😅😅. I'm a new RU-vidr, i literally put up my first video a few weeks ago and i had recorded and deleted it more than 7 times and eventually i got exhausted and just decided to post it. Thank you so much for this. Operating from a space of scarcity and being all about likes is a powerful point for me. Thank you for this video and congratulations for the far you've come.

I think you have a potential. Just keep doing what you love, regardless of the views. Just do it. You’ll get there.

a lot of just general wisdom in here that can be applied outside the content game. you seem like a very chill and grounded guy. thanks for sharing.

Good to see you grow, I find myself making quite a lot of the same mistakes as you did. Overthinking held me back for years, and yes talking to a camera = hard. But seriously, with each video I have learnt so much and it's worth it just for the practice I am getting and watching myself grow not just in terms of followers and views but in terms of my skill set! Congratulations on your RU-vid journey, this video is powerful, I'm inspired!

Great points. I stopped taking slow growth too seriously and started making videos more consistently without worrying about the previous video's performance and finally started seeing growth. It's always our own damn selves that are in our way. Subscribed and love your manner of speaking and your voice, you have a clear way of expressing your points and I have no doubt you will grow even bigger in the long run. Cheers! ❤

I think you are relatable and like you are talking to me personally and not to a crowd! It is very refreshing and kind of organic! This is my first time here. I wish you the best!

Hey man, YT recommended this video to me because it was exactly what I needed to hear. I just started my journey but I can already totally see the benefits of the wisdom you're sharing here. I'm not "above" playing the YT game, I don't need to overthink everything, and I don't have to compare myself to the success of others. Spoke to me on a deep level. Thanks for the great video and keep it up.

Love this! Your authenticity really shines in your content. Keep it up!

Great video, real, honest and practical which is what RU-vid should be about. Talking to a camera is a trip and I commend anyone that does it

Hey Ashton. Great video. It's really helpful for those of us with small channels to keep reminding each other and ourselves why we do this. I especially always appreciate the reminder that it is for the creative process and I love that you claim the importance of posting some "selfish" content.

Love your content and authenticity. Just subbed💗 I'm just beginning my YT journey and this vid was very helpful.

wow! loved everything about this video. Definitely worth the watch

Good stuff my man love this .. for some apparent reason I heard these tips before but connected with ya realness

The system for the creative process is very important! It helps when you try to do too much. For me myself I like to improvise but having structure allows me to have a sense of direction but I still got room for creative improve in between. Similar to following rules to writing a story

You nailed every single topic you discussed! - I had the same feelings when I tried creating YT/Insta videos back in 2019. I was so stuck that I couldn't post or record without doubts, worries, and a desperation for success. I was constantly comparing myself to others, which led to an unhealthy thinking pattern inconsistently. Only recently have I begun to understand the importance of laying a strong mental and emotional foundation, like enjoying the process pretty much exactly like you described. My mentality about my journey has completely changed, just like you described. I've finally started posting RU-vid shorts, which is helping me get comfortable with hitting record, talking to a camera, and video editing. I've just really started, so I’m glad to hear about your journey because I feel I’m heading in the right direction.

I like that you talked about over consuming content. I feel like I am stuck in this mindset. I just need to make something that I like. Thanks for the advice

Lovely video .. thank you so much for posting. Its beautifully done, so calming and very inspirational. Thank you for your honesty and sharing your journey 😊

Hey Ashton, I see you from Venezuela. I've been watching your channel for a while, it's incredible how 20 minutes go by quickly, I don't realize. I really like your content and especially your words. Seeing your mindset is a very great power when it comes to reaching any type of goal, and you will achieve them all. Even though I have been on RU-vid for the Spanish language for 3 years, I watch North American channels and I came across your channel by chance and I was delighted (marveled). You are at the height of many large canals in your country. For example, with this video alone, you have taught me how to improve my setup using my living room and have a little more peace of mind when speaking in front of the camera. Thank you for not giving up and transmitting what you are. Kind regards. Simón Guardia.

3:27 "and if they do, that's not the audience for you" exactly. That's worth 1000 cents 😅

Wow this is the realest video I’ve ever seen 🙌🏾 love your vibe and uniqueness 🙌🏾🙌🏾

Great video with so many fantastic points, and super refreshing to hear it delivered in such a calm conversation-like manner (compared to the usual high-speed-retention-focused content out there). Congrats on the growth!

Thank you bro. This helped me a lot because I was having the same issues on my channel. Recently started and it felt like a struggle. Keep going bro.

I actually liked this video a lot, this helped me out with some of my own stuff, very insightful good job and keep going man 👍

I also started another channel in 2020 & gave up on it overtime & felt as if I couldn’t do RU-vid as life got overwhelming im trying to bounce back & learning from my mistakes & how to build a strong community & audience and keeping people entertained & motivated what your. Saying in this video I watched till the end this hit home bro im glad this got recommended to me so i can improve each upload btw new subscriber earned💙

Thank you so much, Ashton. How da heck you have only 288 views and not a thousands? I was sure, when I clicked and watched the first minute or two that you have a large following. Don't get me wrong, thousand is great, I don't have even a half of it, but damn. Anyways, enough about numbers. Really appreciated it your thought process and honesty. There's no easy solutions, there's no water, there's no bs. Just your honest discovery filled with all the mistakes and stepbacks. I feel like I'm constantly exist in two moods "I don't deserve a single view" and "Why no one is watching my perfect content and not commenting on it?" When I needed to do was just calm down, relax and be a human, Be honest, be flawed, be alive, be real. Thanks for that reminder, Ashton. And btw, you kinda reminding Logic to me, with your beautiful face and chill vibe.

Appreciate the great reminder to be yourself and to just do you ✊🏽🤙🏽

Well done and well written. Thanks for sharing your experience! Looking forward to growing with you!

I have been guilty of these mistakes too! And I completely agree with the title and thumbnail! I used to not take as much time on them, but truly thinking them out and spending time on them is a game changer.

Honestly I have been experiencing all the things you said . I keep holding my self back from just starting because of perfection and fear of judgment

Thank you for this video 🥺❤

Saw this in my feed as I’m going through those same exact things, something I’ve easily coached many out of.. appreciate the candor. Keep growing bro 🤜🏽

Great energy brother! Keep up the positive vibes and filling people with confidence :D

Thank you for taming my monkey mind.😊 As a new creator, I hsve consumed far too much content & created analyzes paralysis. Your tips & gentle demeanor are exatly what I needed. Thank you. NOW TO BEGIN. Namasté 💜

Hazel! 🙌🙌🙌 Thanks for the video ❤

Thank you for sharing this brother. Really needed to hear this. I been going through a bit of a slump recently because I haven’t been growing on social media as quickly as I would like. This video has provided some real clarity and perspective for me. Thank you.

Appreciate you being vulnerable and open about your creative journey. Great video

I needed this man - so glad you're channel was recommended to me

Everything it's very true, I'm living the same journey. I wish you all the best in your RU-vid journey, good luck bro. Keep working and sharing who you are.

Omg!!! Perfect video for me, so glad I clicked. Great advice! Now... to implement it lol. Your apartment is so aesthetic and chill!!

I needed this bro 🤝 THANK YOU 💯

This is the fucking kind of content I want!! I could watch your videos the whole day!! Thanks man , you've inspired me!!

I really resonated with a lot of what you just said. I took some very good advices from this video. You just gained a new subscriber 😊

Very powerful message. Keep up the good work. 👍🎉

You just popped up and wow! So glad I found you. I can relate to so much in this video. Thank you.

Great video bro really needed this🎉

Hey bro. Thank you for this video. I think as creators we have a lot of expectation and when it won’t let we get discouraged and stop. I’m trying to post without expectation but consistently. Thanks for your honest word. God bless.

I could feel so much warmth during the whole video ✨✨✨ Glad RU-vid recommended this ❤ Thank you 🙏

Loved your soloprenuer notion template. I’m sure this one is that much better.

This video is excellent, it's everything I needed to hear. Thank you so much