how YouTube changed my life (and why you should start)

Last month I hit 100,000 subscribers. Something I have dreamt of achieving since I first started making videos back when I was only 12/13 years old.

Making videos on YouTube has changed my life.

For the obvious measurable factors like making money but also for a few hidden factors that have benefitted other aspects of my life.

I thought this would be helpful for aspiring YouTubers, if I share a few things I’ve learnt over the years but also coming from someone who still feels like they’re on that journey.

Because It doesn’t feel like I’ve made it by any means, I’ve still got a lot to learn.

Part 1: I wanted to join FaZe Clan

I started with making call of duty videos as a teenager like a lot of young lads who dreamt of joining FaZe Clan, unfortunately that didn't work out…

I then moved onto making skateboard videos with my friends. which I did pretty consistently for a few years. I learnt a lot in that period of time.

Until my current channel began late 2019, this time all about photography. Which for regular viewers of this channel is what you normally watch each week. Videos about photography, creativity and camera gear. fast forward that for 4/5 years ish, and that brings us up to present day.

It hasn’t been until the last 18 months of making photography content that it’s starting to be a success.

When I say ‘success’ I mean - making good money, getting cool opportunities and building a great community and audience.

That is my brief history and experience on youtube. Now lets talk about how YouTube has impacted and ultimately benefitted my life, and in ways people don’t typically measure or even notice.

Part 2: YouTubers are rich, right?

Obviously if you’ve watched enough YouTubers, you will have seen there’s opportunity to make serious money on youtube and build a business from it if you so choose.

I want to mention one of my favourite phrases to keep in mind and this comes from a strategy point of view: short form content funds your ego. Long form content funds your band account.

I’ve had millions of views on TikTok/Reels that gained me nothing other than a few thousand followers (which means almost nothing anything) compared to just a few thousands views on long form youtube videos which have turned into huge brand deals and pay days.

In my opinion, short form content does lack substance. If your viral video is one scroll away & requires 3 seconds of someone’s attention, it can’t be that meaningful or impactful can it?

Building a YouTube audience with longer form content is far more powerful, even after just a few thousands subscribers you’re starting to create a loyal audience.

When my monthly views started to pick up from 10k up to 100k views, those small monthly ad sense payments would pay for my train tickets, coffee, the simple things in life. (which is actually incredible when you think about it)

But then as the channel views grows, brand deals start kicking in which pay much more and then after you’ve built that loyal audience you can sell you’re own products and services as well.

For example, I sell the below products that I casually advertise on YouTube.

As the brand deals and product sales have started ramping up over the last 2 years it’s allowed me to pay for pretty much all my photography gear, equipment and a lot of travel

My life, financially has completely changed by having this channel.

It does take time though. None of this will be handed to you on plate. I’d say i didn’t really get any decent paying brand deals until I was at about 50k subscribers and getting consistent views on the channel.

*From a paid trip to Abu Dhabi for @visitabudhabi*

The main point here on this money making section is how it does start slow, realistically it takes years and you shouldn’t be making videos in my opinion to make money right away.

But once you have a audience and start building a community. That becomes valuable.

I see the audience I have built like an asset.

Back when the baby boomers bought houses for £5 and that investment grew in value. Having an asset like an audience and viewership is a modern day investment.

Part 3: The doors that open

This one might sound very similar to making money but sometimes opportunities are not monetary and show up other ways.

YouTube has been a gateway to experiences I would have never had if I didn’t make videos. From brand collaborations to invitations to exclusive events or getting paid to travel and be part of great projects, my channel has opened doors to a world I was once only an observer of.

These opportunities have also connected me with some amazing like-minded people and I have made some very good friends over the years based on our mutual interests.

The ‘opportunities’ that come from youtube will look different to everyone, depending on the type of person they are and the content they make.

if I could simplify this point it would be that good things can come as a result of making videos and building an audience that is not just making money.

There are opportunities out there you haven’t even considered.

Part 4: Learn how to kickflip (figuratively)

One of the most important aspects of growing a youtube channel is consistency. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, maintaining a regular posting schedule on YouTube has not only helped grow my channel but also that habit and routine of being consistent leaks over into other areas of life.

When I used to skateboard, if you’re learning to kickflip, it’ll take 700 attempts before you land a single one. It’s just persistence, practice and consistency.

Repetitions are key.

It almost becomes part of your philosophy. This healthy habit of consistency says something about your character, it says something about you as a person.

Youtube has taught me a lot of things but above everything it has taught me the power of being consistent.

Part 5: Because making stuff is cool

If you don’t consider yourself creative, this point might not be for you. If you’re making videos purely for analytical or business purposes, you might not resonate with this point.

For the creative people reading: I recommend watching this video by NeatOnTheRocks, it’s called ‘you should be a youTuber’.

He shares a great perspective on why youtube is good for creatives but also the danger of how making money can interfere with it.

I think the video shares a really interesting perspective on the whole thing.

For me, photography scratches that creative itch, and the reason for that, like YouTube is I find the difficulty of it perfectly balanced between really challenging but really rewarding.

The whole creative cycle from idea to filming to editing and uploading is enjoyable. Especially when it’s about a topic i’m super passionate about, like photography.

So If you’re mind gets busy, creatively with thoughts and ideas. Making videos about it is a great outlet for that.

Because whatever you’re interested in, I can guarantee, there’s a whole community on youtube who are also interested in it.

Part 6: Articulate your thoughts, it’s healthy

The creative outlet benefit also leads me into this idea of having to articulate your thoughts.

For a long time before anyone watches your videos you might find yourself shouting into a void getting no response from anyone.

This is the period of time where you trying to figure out what works, how to improve the videos and ideas. You’re being vulnerable in sharing thoughts.

Creating anything is a vulnerable thing to do as you are in reality sharing a part of yourself with the world.

Over the recent years as I’ve made videos about photography I’ve had to articulate and analyse my own thoughts into digestible understandable concepts that others can relate too.

As I write a script, or make some bullet points at the very least. It’s my job to tell the story as best I possibly can for my audience to feel something or resonate or be entertained.

And when I look at some very best creators, a huge part of their success is their ability to convey their message. How do they present their ideas and how does it make the audience feel.

I didn’t leave school with amazing grades, I was a pretty average kid but since making videos over the years I’ve definitely improved at articulating my thoughts and presenting my ideas.

I think it’s a good skillet to develop.

Part 7: People can and will help, just ask

Something I highly recommend is finding other people who are creating youtube videos to surround yourself with.

I have whatsapp groups and Instagram DM’s with a variety of YouTubers and we all share titles that are working, thumbnail ideas, editing tips and everything in between.

it can be so helpful to get ideas and feedback from people doing the do and not your uncles brothers mate in the pub. So If you dive into YouTube, get social with similar creators, it’ll be the best consultancy you ever have.

Watch my YouTube on this entire subject in more detail here:

How YouTube changed my life (and why you should start)