YouTube is Harder 

I'm an 80 year old amateur photographer who has thoroughly enjoyed and learned a great deal from your videos over the last ten years. Keep up the good work.

The problem is RU-vid is all enshittified with too many ads now. It is misery for the viewer.

It is so hard to find things now on youtube because they just push junk and shorts. Even videos that I know exist I can't find without doing a search via a search engine because they never come up in a youtube search.

It seems the better our videos get, the fewer views they get. 4 years and we're making less than when we first were monetized. But, we love photography. We're passionate about creating beautiful videos as we travel in our van, so we're going to keep going (letting go of the pressure) and make videos for the joy of it. (It's a privileged place to be.)

I knew I will never make a penny off of YT, but I never imagined how hard would be to gain subs.

I've watched a fair number of your videos over the last 6 years, and they were very helpful as a beginning photographer. I still watch a lot of videos about photography and I've noticed that videos from your channel are never recommended to be anymore. I do get tons of recommendations for photography videos from other creators. I'm not sure why this would be the case, but since you're talking about these things I thought I would let you know. A few weeks back I was wondering if y'all were still making videos because I hadn't seen one in several years. Glad to see you're still at it! Thanks for all the help!

RU-vid used to be more social and about the smaller creators.

Excellent advice! As a 63 yo physician and amateur photographer Covid took the breathe out of my passion and joy in my job … photography was my savior and after three years of intense learning and life changing trips I’ve combined my passion for medicine and love for photography into a new RU-vid channel “ Healing through Art - A Doctor’s Photographic journey for Hope “ I only have 131 followers but it is an outlet for my passion and IF I ever get traction all proceeds will go to my wife’s Cancer Pt Charity and if not what fun I’m having growing in this amazing world of photography and videography …a win -win 😍

Thanks so much for this video Tony & Chelsea. No disrespect but you guys are like the Mom and Dad of RU-vid. You both provide a lot of wisdom and guidance yet displaying tons of confidence and patience in guiding folks doing the best they can at making it in this RU-vid thing. Thanks for being the voices of reason, beacons of light, and encouragement for so many years on this platform. I absolutely love you guys! ❤

There are also a lot of channels which are basically just computer-generated YT channels, at least in the space of science/education videos. Look at some of Kyle Hill's videos, such as the one for _"RU-vid’s Science Scam Crisis"._ I'm a person who watches YT videos, and there's another problem which I've noticed on some of the channels. It seems that as the money from ads shrinks, some creators try to make longer videos so their videos will get more ads. But I can't spend 12-24 hours a day watching videos. And as some videos get longer without being more-useful, I decide to drop watching some channels.

I have been taking pictures for 66 years and I am very much an amateur (I am retired now and was an engineer/scientist). I have always loved photography as it is the junction between art and science, so I am very glad you have the patience to continue to provide the high quality information that a lot of us crave and have not let the chronically critical viewers destroy your willingness to continue to try and help us all and share in your experiences. I have watched many of your YT videos and have always found them to be instructive, agnostic (no obvious affiliations) and, most of all, helpful. This video confirms what we were all suspecting and we just hope you will continue to produce them and above all "be yourselves'.

You guys I’ve been watching you for years and I DO pay attention. Thank you for your integrity.

It's all money. That's why I like those smaller channels. Big channels don't even bother to reply to your comments any more. If you don't feel you are part of the community what's the point of participating.

This is one of the most honest and sincere videos I have watched on the RU-vid Journey!

With regard to attention span, I would argue that one of the reasons that attention span is shrinking is that fewer people are communicating meaningfully and intentionally, and it's off-putting to those of us who want to know that the time we spend comsuming that content is going to be beneficial to us in some way. Whether it's print media or broadcast media, there seems to be a lack of ability to structure communication to draw people in. Either writers and creators haven't been taught how to instantly draw people in, or they are ignoring what they've been taught. What I've observed in print and broadcast media is this unnecessarily long tease of what the content is going to be about, assuming it's about anything at all. We're talking basics here - an introduction with a preview or brief synopsis of what's going to be covered, then getting into it in an ordered and cohesive format, followed by a conclusion or wrap-up. Instead, especially on RU-vid, what I encounter all too often is a minute or two of yammering on without any discernable purpose, followed by 10-15 minutes of random thoughts that have no particular direction. What scares me is that I suspect that RU-vid's own artificially manipulated algorithms might be driving the trend. Quite frankly, it pisses me off. If they can't immediately indicate to me that they've thoughtfully created content that's going to benefit me in some way, I move on. Conversely, I'll read an article that's pages long or watch a video that's 30+ minutes if the writer or creator did their damn job and gave me a compelling reason to continue reading or watching. I'd sooner watch a 25-minute video from Tony and Chelsea than a 5-minute video from some of the others out there. So, my observations and response to attention span metrics is that they are being affected by poorly crafted content, content that's just vomited up with less planning and purpose than you would use to make a PB&J sandwich. We're really going to start seeing the creme rise to the top soon, in all media, because there's such a deluge of crap that people are losing interest.

“Be yourself” is a major reason I’m one of your long time subscribers. It NEVER feels like you’re trying to win me over to make me like you. I DO like you for that, as well as for both being genuine, honest, and willing to share useful info in the photo / video space. My DSLR education in 2012 with my Canon 60D was here (and your book). My Mavic Air education was here - and much more along the way. Here you are again sharing honest, real world info about life in the RU-vid space, which will be useful to any “creators” who see it - hopefully a lot, but you’ve done it regardless which is the point. Thanks to you both! 👍

Anything that is saturated is hard.

I have a small landscape photography based channel with less than 2k subs. There was a comment you made about the platform pushing new creators for a short while and then backing away, and that kind of happened to me for a time. I had one video that just rose above the rest of my content and my subs grew - then suddenly it stopped! And it has never picked up. I've followed Tony's advice though, to just carry on being me and making videos about aspects of landscape photography that I enjoy. I was told that the average life of a channel is about 5 years - I've been publishing regularly since 1st Jan'2021 so I've got a few more years to go to beat that average, and that is my first goal; to get to 1st January 2026 and celebrate my 5 years anniversary on RU-vid :)

I've been subscribed for years, but I wasn't watching any photo-related YT content for a long time while I was in grad school. I recently was looking into upgrading my camera, and realized that I hadn't seen a video from y'all hit my sub box in at least a couple of years. After searching for and watching your review of the a7r ii I was looking to buy, I've since seen all of your new content in my sub box. The algorithm is tricky, and I wonder if it's more "all or nothing" with niche content like this.

To be honest, I've grown tired of RU-vid. Not only RU-vid, but in fact the internet as a whole. Jaded. With respect to RU-vid, it's become too slick. Too many ads. I don't watch it for entertainment any longer, but rather for information, reviews or instructions on how to do something. The good stuff on RU-vid is crowded out by all the rubbish. As far as AI goes, I have absolutely no time for it. No time for anything that is fake. Tony and Chelsea, I do like your videos very much and appreciate how you are so honest, down-to-earth and real, and relate well to many things you cover.

I learned photography through this and few other channels, but throughout years I keep watching less photography channels . To this one I welcome back . Keep up

I am just starting out and I have noticed that RU-vid used to be a great place to learn and now it has become a big commercial for photography gear. I hate and love it at the same time. I just wish that it would go back to being a place where you could support the person by watching his or her videos.

Thank you so very much for sharing some straight talk with the RU-vid creator community. As a small (very, very small) channel, I've often found the world of RU-vid frustrating and demoralizing, but those feelings always come up when I pay too much attention to growing on RU-vid and not enough attention to my own creative energy and the fulfillment of my personal vision. Your video could not have come to me at a better time, and you've reaffirmed what I've known all along: The greatest rewards that creatives can hope for are the rewards that have no monetary value. Making money is not always fun, but creativity is. Thanks again.

Apart from your knowledge about everything photography your strongest point is that you are nice, honest and open-minded people.

“Be yourself repeatedly and passionately.” 100%

This is very helpful to hear. As a content creator who has been on RU-vid since 2010, I find my numbers are much lower and haven't been able to figure out why. I'm glad in one hand that I'm not the only one, but I'm saddened on the other because we all have so much we can provide. I'm fortunate that 98% of my revenue comes from courses and subscriptions; for those who are using ads and affiliate marketing; phew, it's tough when the views are low. I hope this algorithm changes soon for everyone.

Same for Instagram. Corporations doing their algorithm hell and it causes that everything is worse for everyone. We can’t win.

Me and my wife started a podcast for fun. No money coming from it haha I already do my church’s livestream on RU-vid with my cameras so decided to use them during the week for a podcast. Literally just feels like we’re just talking and catching up and just spending time together. So knowing we aren’t making money takes away any pressure on “making it” lol

Google itself is struggling. The internet started out as a great new landscape, but now that large $billion dollar corporations have taken over, and most companies have merged and consolidated. Remember the before times when google didn't own RU-vid?

This was a lot of good info! I started my channel for fun but decided I wanted more growth and now that I've had the growth in subs (from some viral shorts) I really need more growth in views for my long videos. It really is hard and it's been a little down for me lately which is frustrating.

That short attention span is so true. You both seem to get the pace perfect actually. I don’t even feel like you’re rambling cause everything you say is educational. (relevant to your title). (Probably because of your depth of experience.) In contrast, alot of creators just use a catchy title and thumbnail and then ramble for minutes then only like 5% of that video addresses that catfish title. and on the other hand many creators on social media especially , just chop/chop/chop to only impress but you didn’t get to really learn what that was about. Thanks for keeping to your good qualities. 🙌

As a small creator, I tried going the route RU-vid keeps pushing and it was honestly soul sucking. I’ve lost a ton of subscribers and views but I’m finally doing something that I enjoy. It’s been frustrating and have noticed it’s so much harder to push new types of content

Thank you Chelsea, Tony, your video made me feel so good. I have a small channel that is 4 years old now, and up to 2 years ago it has been slowly but steadily growing subscribers and views. I have not monetized it, but started BMOC. It never got to the point where it contributes a significant part of my income, just something to help justify the crazy amount of time I put into the channel. Then, even though the subscribers keep on growing steadily, the views have steadily declined from 2 years ago, I am getting the fraction of the views despite now I have a lot more followers. There was a point where I wanted to stop, but I just stopped looking at the subscriber count and view count altogether and it became far less depressing. I also stopped dealing with negative comments, and that also made a huge difference in how it feels to have the channel. Keep up your channel, I am glad you are still here! Cheers, Janos

Very good perspective and well presented with true facts. Let's see where this road will lead us to. Much love 💕 Matthias 👋

There are very few channels that I watch every video that they put out. Yours is one and making a living on RU-vid is very tough. Love you guys. Keep cranking them out and I’ll keep watching.

Great video! I learned the basics of photography from you and your book and am loving the journey of continuing to learn how to create content that produces real value. Because I’m an educator, I’m lucky to not depend on any income from RU-vid but am so happy there is this place for me to create and access an audience.

I don't think I can let this vid pass without a few remarks . the first thing that came to mind for me was the recent U-Tube vs. the AdBlocker xit-fight. to understand this we need to look at minutes as currency . if the video forces me to watch ads as in "video will play after this ad" -- or -- skip ad option -- these distractions deprecate the value of the entire video, and predictably tempt the cancel option as the value of the video becomes less than the value of the minutes required. further reflection though leads to a deeper question, that being should we look at the video as being the advert rather than as a vehicle for pushing adverts onto the viewer's system ? some videos that are being produced now will offer a "trailer" -- which is actually an advert for a full subject presentation . this could be via online/stream or DVD purchase ... any way we bake the cookies here I think it's likely that the role of U-Tube, or "how we use U-Tube" -- is very likely changing . to survive we need to adapt as our enviroment changes , ... /GW

As a photography enthusiast, I have been following your channel for ~ 10Y. Primarily - thanks guys for doing this. As a footnote, I have a broad spectrum of interest, and a short attention span, so I watch almost all instructional videos in double speed mode. As long as I can follow the speech, that's fine by me.

Thanks for this video. Its good to know that my experience that things are changing and harder is validated and I'm not just hallucinating :)

I think this is an incredibly important topic right now, with more and more people trying (and failing) to make it on social media. So thanks for doing a deep dive and actually getting the data, etc., this was an interesting video. Especially getting to hear your perspectives as people who've been on the platform and creating for so long.

I saw your entire video. Yes, I do RU-vid for fun. To me, RU-vid is as a platform that hopefully, if I live long enough, I can reflect or reminisce on the times when I was younger and the places that I went to. It's great that I'm able to share with people on the internet. It brings me joy.

You two are a great double act - have been subscribed to you for years and very much appreciate the content you create

Watching all the way through, great information thank you.

I'm in the UK and I love your YT content. You've helped me to get the right settings etc. Keep up the good work.

I have learned and continue to learn a ton from watching your channel. Thank you for all of the great content, y’all are the best!

You can’t put it in the bank, but don’t forget your “psychic income “. I am one of many who count you both as teachers and mentors. Your work has guided my development in the hobby I love. You have produced joy and satisfaction and you have contributed to my steadily growing creative success. Although you will never put that on a deposit slip, it’s still “money” in the bank. Thanks for all you do.

Whatever lens you’re using here is extremely sharp. Looks great!

You guys hit the nail right on the head. I've just started but I've noticed a video will get some traction and suddenly it just cuts off like YT just stops showing it even though it was trending compared to all my others.

Interesting, still following your channel, not sure how many years it has been now but still enjoying it.

I’m not a RU-vidr. I just follow the two of you and watch the videos. My family used to own a camera store and photo lab in southeastern CT, so I grew up in the business. I enjoy photography as hobby and have learned a lot watching your videos and buying your books. I don’t know anything about the RU-vid business model. However, I do know that in any career you can only be successful by being yourself and doing your job because you love it. There are few people that are successful in any career they don’t love. Please continue doing the videos you love to do and not the ones you think you have to do just to get a few more followers and likes. I know that’s easy for me to say, but I think that’s the best model to survive in a very competitive marketplace where everything you do gets viewed under a microscope by someone that just wants to complain. I personally enjoy your videos and hope you continue to create and publish content.

I think your channel is excellent. When I moved to the Hasselblad X2D system, your channel was one of the main ones I consulted/watched. I was not 100% sure I was doing the right thing - but your views and opinions clarified in my own mind that the X2D was right for me and my landscape & travel photography. Long may you be successful on youtube. Thanks

What is your viewership data over the years? Millions of subscribers you’re doing something well. Your channel is creative, informative and fun. Can’t wait for vids each day/week.

Solid content. The experience of 15 years is invaluable, honestly.

i've been on youtube ever since the beginning(2005) but only as consumer, only in the last few years(mainly due to the *global incident that shall not be named) that i decided to get into it.. somewhat. i never stop watching you guys, and being watching you guys since almost the beginning of the channel(also), your transition into not only a camera channel is refreshing.

Been following for many years and enjoy your NO affiliation and sincere opinions

This was my first time watching you guys and I must say, really great conversation. You hit the nail on the head with multiple things. I love the fact that you mentioned that you are not willing to create something for someone whose only interested in you getting to the point in 10 seconds or less because I feel the SAME WAY! I have chosen to focus on viewers who are interested in watching long-form content and want the MEAT so that they can actually implement what they learned.

As a photographer who is working on creating a channel about my photographic art (capture and editing), I am still optimistic about doing it. Even though I know it is a saturated area, I think I have some unique approaches to teach it on You Tube (mostly in creative editing). Time will tell how it goes. This channel helps motivate me and I watched it for years. Whether I am part time now or full time in the future that is fine for now. I will add e-courses and affiliate product reviews.

Great commentary on the state of RU-vid. The insight you guys have on this topic is really interesting. I don’t feel sad I didn’t become successful on RU-vid personally. It’s still fun to make a vid now and then regardless.

Chelsea & Tony - interesting and unique video - loved it! Would you please post a link to the referenced stats?

We absolutely live in a "instant gratification" era. I remember growing up and being annoyed that I would have to wait a week to watch the next episode of my favorite television shows, now I get annoyed when I see a news article and the information I'm looking for is not at the very top of the page. When I see an article saying "Blah Blah Item now down to lowest price ever", I want to open the page and see the article. I don't need a review or history of that product. And heaven forbid if the price isn't there at all but instead a link to see the price. I'll block those channels and pages immediately. When it comes to channels that I know have information that will be useful for me, I don't mind turning it on and sitting through an hour or more, one of reason I enjoy this channel. There's always news, opinion, comparisons that aid me in the choices I make later on. I had to edit this to add that I've heard the name Mr. Beast before but honestly, I have no idea who that is, what they do or why they are important, celebrity or popular.

Really great info. Thanks for your research. And yes, it's gotten much harder.

This was a really encouraging video, thanks guys!

Great video guys. Honestly, this doesn't even bother me because I'm a performing guitarist, been playing live for about 40 years now, but I have been on RU-vid for about 18 years, my 1st video upload was October 2006, and RU-vid was WAY different back then. My primary purpose of RU-vid was to spotlight my music, & how we ( my wife & I ) money was clients would see what I do & then hire us, so we made money through RU-vid by people hirings us, so all this worrying about money on RU-vid doesn't even phase us. I have heard of whole groups of people turning their backs on all social media in favor of just living a stress free life. The good thing about being a Baby Boomer is we don't need social media because we've always socialized in real life, now THAT'S LIVING!!! GREAT advice guys, you ROCK!!! Stay Creative, Live Life, Rock On & God Bless.

A fascinating insight into Youtubing. I think that you are spot-on with the attention span reducing. This could be for various resaons. One because most younger generations want everything immediately. They are not prepared or using to waiting/gaining knowledge, infoe, results etc, and because with youTube, it's tied to how many hits you can achieve. The surging popularity of RU-vid shorts could also account for reduction of attention span, vs a full blown video of say 45 minutes. also agree about your comment onsponsored v non-sponsored chanells.

Niche is the best! It's like a "small town feel." Lots of polite interaction from people who are passionate about your interests. I watched Mr Beast once. Once. I regretted it immediately. It was obvious that that channel and I have nothing in common. Your channel is the best balance. Keep up the great work!

RU-vid never suggests this channel anymore. When I search camera topics I have to actually add Tony and Chelsea to the search. I have been subscribed since the beginning of the channel.

"Most people have dropped off by now." That got a smile out of me!

I have always loved your live shows since i first got into photography. Its my favourite part of your channel guys ❤

Very good information as always and truly a lot to think about , thanks guys !

Thanks for this inspirational and comforting talk. I feel my channel is moving at Andy's tunnel pace, just hope it won't take 19 years 🙂

Love your content always as a very new beginner you help a lot.

Keep on keeping on! I love learning and being up-dated… still not mirrorless…

Great information!!! Thank you 😊

I had thought about doing RU-vid for years, never took the plunge as I was camera shy and didn’t know how to edit video… I feel a level of regret not trying sooner, but it is what it is… I’ve started posting now mostly because I realised all the closest people in my life don’t actually care about tech as much as I do… So I will use as an outlet to voice opinions and if any successes come from it, great! If not… it’s so far been fun talking to people in the comments section and learning

I really enjoy and learn from all your videos! Thank you!

I just enjoy watching you both, you have a great channel 😊

I have had a camera in my hand since the age of 14; I am now 75. I am still an amateur who is still learning. Your channel is the first I turn to when I am in doubt. Thank you for all you taught me. Keep doing what you are doing because it works.

Thanks for being real and authentic

Very intersting honest discussion. I learned a lot. Thank-you.

Love your content; great insights!

It's interesting hearing your perspective. Being old myself, I stayed to the end. I started my channel to learn new skills and hope to save a few hundred a month for my next camera. I never expected to turn it into a real business, but did that last year incorporating. I want this to be my retirement gig, but love doing it and want to keep doing it, trying new things If I am not very popular, that's fine. I need this to be fun, building a community. Thanks for your perspective - all good and healthy advise. I just need more sleep. Doing this and a day job is a challenge, but its building to 2029 retirement date ;)

I now have a Square Space site!

Great video again! I haver wanted to have a RU-vid channel for many years, just never found my spot. Keep up the great work!

Thanks for your opinions. Great to hear your experiences. Opening up about the financials in you previous videos show how much work it still takes. It is great that you still have income from previous books and other projects in addition to RU-vid. I don't expect I can support myself with RU-vid, but this clip inspires me to create more. Like your set and three camera interview. Yes, I watched it from start to finish.

We can always count on you guys to tell it as it is. I am one of those channels that just passed the 10K mark. Yes there is stress, highs and lows, but overall learning and a lot and that is motivating, specially when I can share with an audience and hear that what I am sharing is helping. Now If we can go from motivation to a little cash, then I'll be set 😅

I dropped over 50% time spent on YT since they upped the ads. After a few videos, I'm done with them and go do something else.

A lot of people are saying how hard it is to find their favorite creators on RU-vid. I subscribe to the creators I want to see and then just click on the Subscriptions menu on the side and watch everyone I like and I don't miss any. That way it doesn't matter what RU-vid is recommending, I get the creators I want, especially Tony and Chelsea (shameless plug).

What’s your recording setup? This video is so sharp, color is great, and the lighting looks superb. Glad you popped up on my feed again.

A great video thanks There is much to watch on youtube as well as my hobby

There's something you're overlooking in your analysis about attention spans: the increasing amount of ads that RU-vid has jammed into videos over that same timeframe. It really breaks my concentration, irritates me, and makes me far more likely to give up on the video when I get fed ad after ad, often including more instances of the same horrid ads that have already been served to me four times that day. Increasingly I also accidentally click ads that are plastering the bottom part of my phone screen when my fingers brush against them. The amount of sheer RU-vid greed with the amount of advertising is just off the charts now. It keeps me in a state of annoyance that makes it not only harder to concentrate on the content but more likely to click away when anything in the content bores or annoys me.

Quality items are squashed by competition from gigantic volumes of schlock and ads.

Thanks. This is a great video. So many excellent points. A lot of this resonates with my experience in recent months. Something is clearly changing.

Thanks!

Its not just a saturated market but its a great point. . A lot of creators are replicating information... great examples are those reviewing music, scary stories, history stories, spirits/cocktails, pilots, rocket launches, pop culture, and viewers are getting wise. It will be interesting what is going happen to the landscape.

When I used to refresh YT, the suggested videos would be from larger content creators but over the last few months it's the smaller channels.

Well the bigger channels might be down in their stats, my small channel, like many other small channels are up in their stats... So youtube and its audience seemed to have switched focus.

All I would add to your points, which you touched on, is that making social media as a sole source of revenue in a business plan isn't a great formula for financial success. Decades ago, I used to run multi-camera setups for motivational speakers and trainers. The most successful ones had a broad range of products and services. For them, the videos were more advertising than anything else. I've seen that some on RU-vid. There is a kayak fishing channel we watch where I'm pretty certain the majority of the guys income is from sales of products he uses and advertises in his videos. The videos are also quite entertaining, which certainly helps. But as funny and informative as they are, I don't see him putting food on his table with just videos. Every time I saw a RU-vid video of someone on a channel I liked and followed declaring they were quitting their jobs and going to be full-time content creators, I cringed and wished them well. However, I also suspected that at least half would disappear in a year - so far, I've been mostly correct on who would stay and who wouldn't.

Great video guys. As a fellow RU-vid creator, I resonate with so much of what you say in this video. I have been frustrated recently with every video I make getting hundreds of views and then stalling. It feels like something has changed. My subscribers continue to grow but my views are not. It blows my mind! WHY subscribe and then NOT watch future videos?! It's crazy. P.S. My attention span lasted for the entire video! 😀👍

jikes, at 38 yrs old, wanting to get into this space, definitely puts things in perspective, on one side, personally, I reached a point of knowing myself a lot more but on the other, I seek purpose and wanting to make a name for myself, however its feel overwhelming to not only not being sure of my niche but also having to compete with others, hence the reason i havent started

3:39 I make exactly as much on RU-vid to buy the cameras I like to use. My entire purpose for being on RU-vid has been fulfilled. Self-funding hobby