The Not-Yet Success Story of My YouTube Channel
In 2022, YouTube might be the hardest place to succeed on the internet.
Whenever I’m invited as a guest on a podcast, one question I’m always asked is this-
What’s the secret to succeeding on Quora, Medium, or LinkedIn?
On these three platforms combined, I have more than 100,000 followers.
Whoever looks at my profiles for the first time, always tells me this: “Wow, you’re a big deal!”
Today, let me share a story that is not a success story yet.
This is the story of my journey on YouTube.
The YouTube Journey So Far
I posted my first video on my YouTube channel in April 2019. It was a silly video discussing some crazy fan theories from Game Of Thrones (none of which came true, anyway).
But then, in July 2020, due to a lockdown-induced surge of motivation coursing through my veins, I made a conscious decision that I would post content on my channel more consistently.
When I started, I wasn’t under any delusions that I would achieve instant fame. The point was to challenge myself to be more confident in front of the camera, and to create content that can help others.
Even then, there was a voice at the back of my head saying that if I kept doing it consistently for a year, I would be able to turn YouTube into a significant source of income.
It’s 2022 now, and I’ve uploaded 199 videos in 18 months. Guess how much money I made from YouTube?
Zero!
That’s right. My channel has 2000 subscribers and I don’t have enough views to make money from the YouTube Partner Program.
Behind-the-Scenes of This “Failure”
By all standards, I should have been discouraged and quit, right?
But I’m not going to do that!
I believe the Universe has great things in store for me, even on YouTube. I believe one day, I’ll be able to make a living by YouTube alone. I can’t say how long it will take or how many more videos I need to make, but I know this for sure: I won’t quit!
If you’re reading this, know that you’ve been a part of the journey before it became a success story.
You know what it takes to make people go, “Wow, you’re a big deal!”
Consistency, shameless self-belief, and the perseverance to keep going no matter how long it takes to succeed.
If you haven’t checked my YouTube channel yet, I make videos about writing, freelancing, books, and productivity — with the occasional fun vlog in between. Do follow me so you can be a part of this journey before I actually make it “big” there.
Hopefully, next year on the same date, I’ll be able to look back on this post and marvel at how far I’ve come. Until then, I’ll keep working hard and try my best to help as many people as I can through my videos.
Closing Thoughts
Of all the platforms I’ve built a presence on, YouTube feels the hardest. But I’m willing to give it my 100% before I blame anyone else or wallow in self-pity.
What are your thoughts on doggedly pursuing a goal even when the end isn’t in sight? Do leave a comment to let me know your thoughts.