The Video Creatr Podcast

As successful YouTubers themselves, Grant and Augie have had the opportunity to grow their channels and accumulate hundreds of thousands of subscribers. Through their experiences, they have identified the five most important rules for achieving massive growth on YouTube that they are going to discuss in this episode.

Grant and Augie discuss the five most important rules for massive growth on YouTube. These rules include passion, consistency, analytics, delegation, and patience. They emphasize the importance of being passionate about the content you create, maintaining a consistent posting schedule, analyzing your video performance, delegating tasks to others, and being patient for long-term success.

Remember, building a successful YouTube channel takes time and effort. It's a marathon, not a sprint. By following these five rules and staying committed to your goals, you can achieve massive growth and create a thriving community of engaged viewers. So, keep creating, keep learning, and keep pushing forward. The possibilities on YouTube are endless.

Highlights
[03:26] How to find your passion and what excites you
[06:53] Consistency can mean different posting schedules for different channels
[10:26] Tips for staying consistent, such as having a dedicated recording day
[12:36] Overcoming fear and mental turmoil to press ‘record’
[14:10] Value of not putting too much pressure on yourself while recording
[16:06] Importance of analyzing YouTube analytics for success
[19:16] Aiming for 50% audience retention for 10-minute videos
[20:15] Adjust video structure to improve audience retention
[22:45] Balancing being objective and subjective with content creation
[25:18] Injecting personality and emotion into videos to stand out
[29:14] The benefits and challenges of delegating tasks in creating YouTube videos
[31:45] Starting with a virtual assistant to handle various tasks
[32:26] The mental toll of wearing multiple hats in a business
[35:18] The importance of patience in achieving success
[36:57] A cautionary tale of impatience and unrealistic expectations
[40:15] The rule of a thousand days for online success
[41:17] Taking proactive steps to speed up growth
[42:54] The potential for exponential growth in social media
[48:05] Baseline views can be maintained with consistent video production

Resources Mentioned

Subscribe to the Video Creatr Youtube channel

Check out Grant and Augie’s Channels below:

Grant Ball Treesicle

Augie Johnston Vidchops Baller Boot Camp

✅ If you want to take the burden of editing off your hands, head over to https://VidChops.com to add an expert video editor to your team in just a few clicks and you'll never have to edit again: https://VidChops.com

Get all your YouTube content done in 1 hour a week.

As a content creator on YouTube, it can be disheartening when your videos aren't getting the views and traction you had hoped for. You may find yourself wondering what steps you can take to improve your next video and increase your chances of triggering the YouTube algorithm.

Augie Johnston and Grant Ball discuss how to troubleshoot videos that are not getting views on YouTube. They provide tips and tricks for adjusting future videos to increase views and engagement. They emphasize the importance of analyzing impressions, click-through rates, and average view duration to identify areas for improvement. They also discuss the significance of understanding your audience and creating content that resonates with them. Additionally, they touch on the different traffic sources on YouTube, such as browse, suggested, and search, and how they can impact video performance.

Troubleshooting your YouTube videos requires a deep understanding of your analytics, audience, and the YouTube algorithm. By analyzing your impressions, click-through rate, average view duration, and audience retention, you can identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments to your content, thumbnail, title, and topic.

Highlights

[01:11] Checking impressions and adjusting thumbnail, title, and topic
[02:36] Analyzing audience retention and average view duration 
[03:52] Possibility of changing thumbnails and titles on old videos
[05:12] Importance of click-through rate and targeting the right audience
[09:07] Editing heavily in the first few minutes to keep viewers engaged
[12:03] Evan Carmichael's suggestion of keeping 70% of viewers after one minute [12:55] Analyzing drop-offs in videos to determine viewer engagement
[16:11] Getting right into the content at the beginning of the video
[16:57] Understanding your audience's preferences and interests
[17:28] Aligning content with personal artistic expression for artistic channels
[19:25] Understanding audience fears, desires, and motivations
[20:58] Creating videos that cater to the audience's true desires
[28:13] Utilizing trending topics to increase views [31:26] Using comments to build community and get video ideas
[33:21] Engagement signals to YouTube, like video shares, are important
[34:06] Sharing videos can be helpful, but may hurt watch time 
[36:58] Uncertainty about the impact of sharing on YouTube success 
[37:43] Content is malleable, learn from mistakes and keep improving
[38:37] Use benchmarks and analytics to gauge your progress

Resources Mentioned

Subscribe to the Video Creatr Youtube channel

Check out Grant and Augie’s Channels below:

Grant Ball Treesicle

Augie Johnston Vidchops Baller Boot Camp

✅ If you want to take the burden of editing off your hands, head over to https://VidChops.com to add an expert video editor to your team in just a few clicks and you'll never have to edit again: https://VidChops.com

Get all your YouTube content done in 1 hour a week.

As entrepreneurs and creators, we often hear the mantra that hard work is the key to success. While this is true to some extent, it overlooks a crucial aspect of reality: in order to be "on," we must sometimes be "off." Taking breaks and properly utilizing our off time is essential for our productivity and overall well-being.

Grant and Augie discuss the importance of taking breaks and how to utilize off time effectively. They explore different types of breaks, including short vacations, long vacations, and indefinite hiatuses. They emphasize the need to rest and recharge in order to be more productive when working. Grant and Augie also share personal experiences and insights on finding balance and pursuing a dream life.

Taking breaks is essential for our overall well-being and productivity. By properly utilizing our off time, we can recharge, find inspiration, and thrive in our personal and professional lives. Whether it's a short break during the workday, a brief vacation, a longer period of rejuvenation, or an indefinite hiatus, each type of break serves a unique purpose in our journey.

Highlights
[01:16] Different types of breaks: workday, short vacation, long vacation, indefinite hiatus
[04:17] Setting goals and incentives for taking breaks
[08:37] The benefits of short vacations and enjoying time off
[10:32] Augie's vacation setup as a former teacher
[11:00] Benefits of ppre-recorded episodes for the podcast
[13:34] Allowing oneself to feel and process emotions during breaks
[14:41] Delegating tasks during holidays
[16:20] Setting up a virtual assistant to handle day-to-day tasks
[18:29] Taking long vacations to recharge and reflect
[19:17] Using long vacations for passion projects and learning new skills
[20:23] Figuring out new directions and video topics during breaks
[26:20] It's okay to miss an upload on YouTube during vacations
[27:27] Taking an indefinite hiatus and giving yourself permission to not come back [33:11] Importance of considering future plans before taking a break
[34:01] Taking a break can lead to new horizons and opportunities
[35:02] Different motivations for creating videos
[42:15] Designing your life to live your dream life
[43:39] Why doing the right things can lead to luck and opportunities
[44:15] Taking breaks is important for productivity and luck
[45:49] Importance of mental health and creating videos.

Resources Mentioned

Subscribe to the Video Creatr Youtube channel

Check out Grant and Augie’s Channels below:

Grant Ball Treesicle

Augie Johnston Vidchops Baller Boot Camp

✅ If you want to take the burden of editing off your hands, head over to https://VidChops.com to add an expert video editor to your team in just a few clicks and you'll never have to edit again: https://VidChops.com

Get all your YouTube content done in 1 hour a week.

When it comes to YouTube success, consistency is key. The more videos you create, the more views you'll get. However, we understand that creating videos can be challenging and time-consuming. Procrastination and the struggle to stay productive are common obstacles that many YouTubers face. But fear not! There are YouTube productivity hacks to help you overcome these challenges and create more videos.

In this episode, Augie Johnston and Grant Ball discuss productivity tips and hacks for YouTubers. They emphasize the importance of finding ways to stay organized and focused in order to create more videos and get them published online. They cover topics such as coming up with video topics and titles, staying on schedule with weekly uploads, optimizing recording spaces, using productivity tools and software, and streamlining the editing and uploading process.

Mastering YouTube productivity requires a combination of organization, flexibility, and the right tools. By implementing these productivity hacks, you can optimize your video creation process, stay on schedule, and create more videos. Remember to find a workflow that works for you and adapt as needed. With the right mindset and strategies, you can take your YouTube channel to new heights of success. So, go out there, create amazing content, and enjoy the journey!

00:00:18 The challenges of creating more videos
00:03:09 Importance of stepping away and taking a break to let ideas flow
00:04:30 Example of a YouTuber who changed his video style
00:06:14 How to let the video flow naturally
 00:07:14 Time blocking and dedicating specific days for video creation 
00:09:30 Using a calendar tool like Calendly for scheduling meetings 
00:11:24 Using Google Suite tools for productivity and getting organized 
00:13:27 Optimizing recording space or studio for productivity 
00:14:16 Considering a dedicated office space for recording and editing 
00:17:27 Benefits of having a permanently set up recording space 
00:19:09 Streamlining equipment setup for better productivity 
00:21:34 Investing in a proper chair and standing desk for comfort in long hours of working 
00:22:21 Get a properly spec’d computer that can render videos efficiently 
00:24:03 Organize assets and use a naming convention for efficiency 
00:26:35 Have branding assets ready to save time during editing 
00:27:46 Batch recording can be a productivity hack, but what’s the catch 
00:30:30 Benefits of mixing up writing, recording, and editing 
00:31:21 Algorithm change and batch recording hurt channel growth 
00:33:36 Be flexible and drop everything for big trends 
00:37:30 Developing a thumbnail style for easy replication 
00:39:14 Don't try too hard, take breaks when needed

Resources Mentioned

Subscribe to the Video Creatr Youtube channel

Check out Grant and Augie’s Channels below:

Grant Ball Treesicle

Augie Johnston Vidchops Baller Boot Camp

✅ If you want to take the burden of editing off your hands, head over to https://VidChops.com to add an expert video editor to your team in just a few clicks and you'll never have to edit again: https://VidChops.com

Get all your YouTube content done in 1 hour a week.

In an era of short attention spans and endless distractions, YouTube has become a go-to platform for many to seek entertainment and distraction. While some may argue that YouTube is a source of inspiration, the reality is that most viewers turn to the platform for mindless consumption. This results to dominance of retention-focused content that has led to a decline in authenticity on YouTube.

Grant and Augie discuss the current state of YouTube and the balance between retention and authenticity. They explore how YouTube has evolved over the years and the impact of TikTok on attention spans. They also share their personal experiences with YouTube and the challenges they face as creators. They provide advice on how to stay authentic while still utilizing retention tactics.

The tension between retention and authenticity on YouTube is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. As creators, we must strive to create content that is both engaging and authentic, finding inspiration in our own lives and incorporating storytelling techniques to captivate our audience.

Highlights

[02:05] Do viewers watch YouTube to be inspired or distracted
[05:06] Different ways viewers use YouTube based on their preferences. 
[07:07] The impact of TikTok and short form content on attention spans. 
[08:34] The shift from authenticity to retention in YouTube storytelling. 
[09:22] Feeling oversaturated and bombarded by YouTube content. 
[10:09] Frustration with YouTube's homepage recommendations and lack of new creators. 
[11:33] The challenge of maintaining authenticity while prioritizing retention. 
[13:29] How creators can fix lack of inspiration and be authentic 
[16:28] Learn the rules of retention before breaking them. 
[18:16] Incorporate new experiences and break routine for inspiration. 
[23:23] Importance of storytelling and not overthinking the creation process. 
[25:43] Struggle of creating videos for the wrong reasons 
[27:19] Missing personal and authentic YouTube channels 
[29:27] David Dobrik's refreshing and authentic approach to content creation 
[30:18] Need for a subjective and qualitative way to showcase interesting content [32:24] Algorithm's focus on retention and the importance of likes, comments, and shares 
[34:52] Uncertainty of YouTube's future and potential changes in content formats [35:31] Constant phases and trends in content creation on YouTube [38:03] The passing era of retention demons

Resources Mentioned

Subscribe to the Video Creatr Youtube channel

Check out Grant and Augie’s Channels below:

Grant Ball Treesicle

Augie Johnston Vidchops Baller Boot Camp

✅ If you want to take the burden of editing off your hands, head over to https://VidChops.com to add an expert video editor to your team in just a few clicks and you'll never have to edit again: https://VidChops.com

Get all your YouTube content done in 1 hour a week.

Kids' channels on YouTube have become a global phenomenon, captivating young audiences and amassing millions of subscribers. These channels offer a unique blend of education and entertainment, providing parents with a valuable resource to engage and educate their children. 

In this episode, Augie and Grant discuss the popularity and monetization of kids' channels on YouTube. They highlight the success of channels like Ms. Rachel's "Songs for Littles", and "Cocomelon" and explore the reasons behind their rapid growth. They also discuss different strategies for monetizing kids' channels, such as creating educational products and subscription services. Augie and Grant compare the potential of starting a kids' channel versus a gaming channel and emphasize the importance of providing value and engaging content to attract and retain viewers.

Creators in the kid's channel space should focus on building a solid brand and exploring alternative revenue streams. By expanding beyond YouTube and creating products or experiences that extend the channel's reach, creators can establish a sustainable business model. The key is to strike a balance between providing valuable content and finding innovative ways to monetize that content.

Highlights

[00:42] Augie discusses his personal experience using YouTube as a tool for educating and entertaining his children
[02:13] Augie compares the views of Miss Rachel’s channel with popular YouTubers like PewDiePie and Mr. Beast
[04:11] Augie talks about the monetization challenges for kids' channels on YouTube
[06:57] The idea of creating a subscription-based platform or membership area for educational content
[09:08] Grant shares his thoughts on how to encourage parents to make purchases related to the channel's content
[11:42] Why kids' channels don't often include explicit calls to action in their videos
[15:09] How Cocomelon, a popular kid's channel, amassed millions of subscribers and billions of views
[17:23] Augie discusses the educational value of channels like Miss Rachel's and the positive impact they can have on children's learning
[21:05] Potential challenges and limitations of starting a kids channel in the current YouTube landscape
[23:14] The dangers of YouTube manipulation and unethical marketing strategies targeting children
[25:08] Responsibility of content creators to maintain ethical standards when creating content for kids.
[26:45] Incorporating catchy jingles and engaging content to capture children's attention and promote educational products.
[30:09] Importance of creating content that resonates with both children and parents to foster a genuine connection.
[32:01] The impact of kids' channels on children's development and learning.
[34:15] The evolving landscape of kids channels and the need for continuous innovation and adaptation.
[36:27] Exploring partnerships with educational organizations and experts to enhance the credibility and educational value of the content.

Resources Mentioned

Subscribe to Miss Rachel on YouTube
Subscribe to the Video Creatr YouTube channel

Check out Grant and Augie’s Channels below:
Grant Ball Treesicle
Augie Johnston Vidchops Baller Boot Camp

✅ If you want to take the burden of editing off your hands, head over to https://VidChops.com to add an expert video editor to your team in just a few clicks and you'll never have to edit again: https://VidChops.com

Get all your YouTube content done in 1 hour a week.

Many YouTubers experience a meteoric rise to fame, only to disappear from the platform just as quickly. This phenomenon has left many viewers wondering why these creators vanish and what causes their sudden departure.

Grant and Augie discuss the phenomenon of YouTubers disappearing from the platform after achieving success. They explore the causes of this trend, such as changing priorities, burnout, and the pursuit of new opportunities. The hosts share examples of YouTubers who have disappeared and rebranded themselves, as well as those who have taken breaks and returned to the platform. They emphasize the importance of recharging creativity, avoiding burnout, and finding new directions to sustain a YouTube career.

The disappearance of YouTubers is a natural part of the platform's evolution. By understanding the causes behind these disappearances and implementing strategies to avoid burnout, creators can navigate the challenges and find long-term success on YouTube. Embracing change, staying curious, and staying connected to their purpose will ensure that creators continue to create meaningful content and leave a lasting impact on their audience.

Highlights
[01:29] Examples of YouTubers who disappeared or took breaks
[02:42] How Casey Neistat’s personal life affected his YouTube career
[04:05] Causes of YouTubers disappearing: success, age, priorities, burnout
[04:27] Tips for recharging creativity: keep a document of ideas
[09:45] Priorities shifting with age and responsibilities
[11:27] Importance of consciously directing energy and putting in the work
[12:41] Balancing hard work and avoiding burnout in YouTube career
[14:48] Example of a YouTuber who found success on a different platform
[17:16] Moving on to new opportunities is not selling out
[18:58] Leveraging the audience to explore different business opportunities
[22:42] Finding different ways to leverage YouTube skills
[24:22] Avoiding unforeseen tragedy and mental health issues
[25:31] Tips to avoid burnout and intertwining identity with YouTube
[26:03] Find other opportunities outside of YouTube for a career
[27:09] Figure out your “WHY” for starting a YouTube channel
[28:07] Enjoy making videos and help people for longevity
[30:15] Wheezy Waiter's recipe for not burning out on YouTube
[35:03] Stick with what helps you continue making videos
[36:37] Don't cling to YouTube, accept change, and let things happen

Resources Mentioned

Subscribe to the Video Creatr Youtube channel

Check out Grant and Augie’s Channels below:

Grant Ball Treesicle

Augie Johnston Vidchops Baller Boot Camp

✅ If you want to take the burden of editing off your hands, head over to https://VidChops.com to add an expert video editor to your team in just a few clicks and you'll never have to edit again: https://VidChops.com

Get all your YouTube content done in 1 hour a week.

The creator economy has become a buzzword in recent years, and for good reason. It encompasses the vast world of being a YouTuber, extending far beyond the act of filming and uploading videos. From video editing services to YouTube managers, from thumbnail designers to SEO experts, the creator economy is a complex ecosystem of businesses that support and assist content creators in their journey to success.

In this episode, Augie and Grant Ball discuss the creator economy and how individuals can find their place in it. They define the creator economy as the world of being a YouTuber and highlight the various businesses that support YouTubers in their growth and success. They emphasize the importance of finding your niche within the creator economy and offer tips on how to get started, such as becoming a YouTube coach or consultant, offering video editing services, or specializing in marketing and advertising. They also discuss the rise of short-form content and the potential opportunities it presents in the creator economy.

As the creator economy continues to evolve, staying abreast of emerging trends and technologies is essential. Embrace the power of shorts, explore new software solutions, and be open to AI and cloud-based editing possibilities. The creator economy is a dynamic landscape, and by adapting and innovating, you can position yourself for long-term success.

Highlights

[01:18] Definition of the creator economy and its various components
[02:28] Exploring different roles in the creator economy
[04:41] Grant's role as a YouTube consultant and freelancer
[06:09] The need for coaches and consultants in the creator economy
[07:14] The rise of video editing services in the creator economy
[07:42] The importance of short-form content and its potential in the creator economy [09:00] Discussion on the algorithm for shorts and its discoverability factor
[11:36] Shorts make content discoverability easier due to their short length
[13:52] Using tools like Asana helps manage video creation workflows efficiently [19:09] Start as an editor and expand skills to become an essential member of the creator economy
[22:12] Offloading video editing and changing career paths
[28:43] Being a YouTuber and posting frequent content
[29:36] Paid marketing ad campaigns and avoiding pitfalls
[33:14] The creator economy and opportunities beyond YouTube 
[34:07] The importance of thinking outside the box 
[34:30] Opportunities for partnerships and affiliate marketing 
[35:34] Exploring different roles within the YouTube ecosystem

Resources Mentioned

Subscribe to the Video Creatr Youtube channel

Check out Grant and Augie’s Channels below:

Grant Ball Treesicle

Augie Johnston Vidchops Baller Boot Camp

✅ If you want to take the burden of editing off your hands, head over to https://VidChops.com to add an expert video editor to your team in just a few clicks and you'll never have to edit again: https://VidChops.com

Get all your YouTube content done in 1 hour a week.

YouTube Shorts are a great way to get attention and exposure for your channel. However, shorts are harder to monetize but YouTube is making changes to improve monetization for shorts creators. Given the circumstances, should you be able to grow your channel through shorts?

In today's episode, you get to learn about the importance of YouTube Shorts and how to create a channel with primarily or exclusively shorts. They talk about the monetization challenges of shorts and the upcoming changes in YouTube's monetization policies. They also discuss the benefits of sprinkling in some long-form content and the need for consistency in branding. Grant and Auggie share examples of successful channels that focus on shorts and provide tips for creating engaging shorts.

There are channels that were able to grow on YouTube producing just Shorts such as Mini Katana, a channel with over a million subscribers that creates shorts about katanas. Shorts can definitely grow a channel but it’s essential to create original shorts with a script and hook that can help them go viral and attract more views.

Highlights

[04:03] Shorts as a gateway drug to longer form content

[05:33] The potential impact of posting shorts alongside long form content

[07:33] Consistency in branding and vibe between shorts and long form content

[09:05] Shorts count towards watch time for monetization

[11:02] YouTube's Creator Fund and monetization for shorts

[13:24] Examples of channels with mostly or exclusively shorts

[17:45] Best strategy for creating shorts, including original content and frequency of posting

[19:02] Discussion of Mini Katana, a channel with over a million subscribers and mostly shorts content

[20:47] Importance of emotional impact and establishing a real audience with long form content

[22:18] Strategy for posting shorts on different platforms, including TikTok and Instagram

[24:06] Conclusion and final thoughts on YouTube Shorts and creating a channel with mostly shorts content

[26:00]Tips for making engaging shorts, including storytelling and emotional appeal

[28:03] Importance of being authentic and building a connection with your audience

[33:22] Tips for growing a channel, including consistency and collaboration

[36:37] Discussion of the evolution of YouTube and the importance of adapting to changes

[39:50] The impact of the pandemic on YouTube and content creation

[42:25] Tips for staying motivated and overcoming creative blocks

[44:20] Discussion of the importance of self-care and setting boundaries as a content creator

[47:05] Final thoughts on the future of YouTube and the importance of staying true to yourself and your audience

Resources Mentioned

Subscribe to Mini Katana on YouTube

Subscribe to the Video Creatr Youtube channel

Check out Grant and Augie’s Channels below:

Grant Ball Treesicle

Augie Johnston Vidchops Baller Boot Camp

✅ If you want to take the burden of editing off your hands, head over to https://VidChops.com to add an expert video editor to your team in just a few clicks and you'll never have to edit again: https://VidChops.com

Get all your YouTube content done in 1 hour a week.

AI has made significant advancements in recent years, and its potential to help YouTube creators get more views and subscribers is becoming increasingly evident. With the popularity of tools such as ChatGPT, Notion, and Descript, AI is transforming the YouTube creator world.

In this episode, Augie and Grant discuss the role of AI in the YouTube world and how it can help creators get more views and subscribers. They explore various AI tools that assist with tasks such as thumbnail creation, scriptwriting, video editing, and captioning. They emphasize the importance of embracing AI as a tool to enhance creativity and efficiency, rather than feeling threatened by it.

AI tools streamline the creative process and save creators valuable time, from thumbnail creation to content generation and editing. Although concerns exist about the role of AI in content creation, it is essential to embrace these advancements and find ways to work alongside AI to enhance creativity and reach a wider audience.

Highlights

[01:32] AI's advantage of speed and potential for thumbnail creation
[03:06] Channels like Disrupt already using AI for clickable thumbnails
[05:05] Possibilities of AI tools like Mid Journey and Jasper.ai
[06:35] Using AI to create backgrounds for thumbnails
[07:40] Possibility of automating most tasks with AI
[10:01] Podcast.ai and AI-generated podcast
[10:43] Impressive features of the AI-generated podcast between Steve Jobs and Joe Rogan
[16:27] AI's potential role in filming and camera settings
[20:13] AI's usefulness in YouTube compilations and finding specific content
[23:39] AI plugin to analyze audience retention and improve video quality
[25:42] AI can diagnose trends, but humans must find solutions
[32:25] Why AI can be seen as a threat or an opportunity
[33:22] AI tools can help you get ahead in content creation
[33:41] AI is a tool to assist in video editing

Resources Mentioned

Mid Journey and Jasper.ai

Quick.io and Rev.com

ChatGPT

Subscribe to the Video Creatr Youtube channel

Check out Grant and Augie’s Channels below:

Grant Ball Treesicle

Augie Johnston Vidchops Baller Boot Camp

✅ If you want to take the burden of editing off your hands, head over to https://VidChops.com to add an expert video editor to your team in just a few clicks and you'll never have to edit again: https://VidChops.com

Get all your YouTube content done in 1 hour a week.