Tag: content creation

Unlocking Your YouTube Channel’s Full Potential: Why Your Channel Isn’t Growing and How to Fix It

Post author By Alan Spicer - YouTube Certified Expert
Post date 28 April 2023

Are you struggling to grow your YouTube channel despite your best efforts?

Frustrated with low view counts and minimal subscriber gains?

You’re not alone.

Many creators face the same challenges, but the key to success lies in understanding the crucial YouTube analytics and metrics that can help you identify areas for improvement. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the world of YouTube analytics, provide actionable tips, and share proven strategies to help you unlock your channel’s full potential.

How To Track Success on YouTube? – Track YouTube success by monitoring key metrics: watch time, audience retention, CTR, unique viewers, traffic sources, and engagement metrics (likes, dislikes, comments, shares). Optimize content with SEO, compelling titles/thumbnails, and audience-focused topics. Engage viewers and analyze data for growth.

Essential YouTube Metrics for Growth

There are handful of metrics that aspiring youtubers need to get to know in-depth if they are to understand how to grow and WHY they are growing.

Watch Time and Audience Retention

Watch time is the total amount of time viewers spend watching your videos, and it’s one of the most critical factors in YouTube’s algorithm. In fact, YouTube prioritizes videos with higher watch times in search results and recommendations. According to a study by Tubular Insights, the top 1% of YouTube channels have an average watch time of 3 minutes and 19 seconds, while the bottom 50% only manage 1 minute and 21 seconds.

To improve your watch time, focus on audience retention – the percentage of a video that viewers watch before leaving. Aim for a retention rate of at least 50%, as videos with higher retention rates tend to perform better.

Actionable Tips:

Hook viewers in the first 15 seconds with a compelling intro.
Structure your content with clear, engaging segments.
Use annotations, cards, and end screens to promote related content.

Click-Through Rate (CTR)

CTR is the percentage of viewers who click on your video after seeing its thumbnail and title. A higher CTR indicates that your video is enticing and relevant to your target audience. According to YouTube, the average CTR for most channels falls between 2% and 10%.

Actionable Tips:

Design eye-catching thumbnails that accurately represent your content.
Write compelling titles with relevant keywords.
A/B test different thumbnail and title combinations to optimize performance.

Advanced Metrics for a Deeper Analysis

Ok, now its time to dive into the harder metrics of the handful to understand.

Unique Viewers and Traffic Sources

Unique viewers play a significant role in understanding your YouTube channel’s performance. As an estimate of the total number of individuals who watch your content, this metric sheds light on the size of your audience, which is essential for assessing your channel’s reach and potential for growth.

By tracking unique viewers, you can identify which content resonates most with your target audience. This information can guide your content creation strategy, helping you produce more of the videos that attract and retain viewers.

For example, if you notice a surge in unique viewers for a specific video or video series, it’s a strong indication that your audience enjoys that particular content.

Capitalizing on this insight, you can create similar videos or expand on the topic to maintain and grow your viewership.

Furthermore, analyzing traffic sources can unveil valuable information about where your viewers are discovering your content. YouTube provides a breakdown of traffic sources, such as:

YouTube search: Viewers who find your content through the platform’s search feature.
Suggested videos: Viewers who click on your content when it appears as a suggested video alongside or after other videos.
Browse features: Viewers who discover your content through the home page, subscription feed, or trending section.
External sources: Viewers who arrive at your content via external websites, social media platforms, or direct links.

Understanding your traffic sources enables you to optimize your content and promotion strategies. For example, if a large portion of your traffic comes from YouTube search, it’s crucial to focus on search engine optimization (SEO) by using relevant keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags. On the other hand, if most of your viewers come from external sources like social media, investing time in promoting your content on those platforms and engaging with your audience can further boost your channel’s growth.

In summary, unique viewers and traffic sources are vital metrics for assessing your YouTube channel’s performance. By examining these analytics, you can refine your content and promotion strategies to better connect with your target audience and accelerate your channel’s growth.

Engagement Metrics

Engagement metrics serve as valuable indicators of how well your content resonates with your audience and the extent to which it encourages interaction. Tracking likes, dislikes, comments, and shares can provide you with actionable insights that can be used to refine your content strategy and foster a stronger connection with your viewers. Let’s delve deeper into each of these engagement metrics and their implications:

Likes: A high number of likes is a clear sign that viewers appreciate and enjoy your content. This positive feedback not only boosts your channel’s credibility but also increases the likelihood of YouTube recommending your videos to others. To maintain a high like count, consistently produce content that appeals to your audience, and consider asking viewers to like your videos as a call-to-action.
Dislikes: While dislikes can be disheartening, they also serve as constructive feedback, indicating that there may be areas in your content that need improvement. Analyzing videos with higher dislike counts can help you identify potential issues, such as controversial topics, misleading titles, or poor production quality. By addressing these concerns, you can enhance your content and reduce the number of dislikes on future videos.
Comments: A high number of comments typically suggests that your content sparks conversation and encourages viewers to share their thoughts, opinions, or questions. Engaging with commenters can further strengthen your connection with your audience and create a sense of community around your channel. Additionally, responding to comments can provide you with valuable feedback and ideas for future content.
Shares: Shares play a crucial role in increasing your content’s visibility and expanding your audience. When viewers share your videos on social media platforms or other online channels, they effectively endorse your content and introduce it to new viewers who may not have otherwise discovered your channel. Encourage sharing by creating share-worthy content, including engaging stories, helpful tips, or unique insights, and using a call-to-action to remind viewers to share your videos with their networks.

Fostering Community Engagement

You are growing the channel but you need to keep them engaged and coming back to the channel to help the snowball roll.

Responding to Comments

Engaging with your audience is crucial for building a loyal community. Make an effort to respond to comments on your videos, as this can foster a sense of connection and encourage viewers to return for future content.

Leveraging Social Media

Promote your content on social media platforms and engage with your audience to extend your reach and drive traffic to your YouTube channel.

Finally…

By understanding and tracking the right metrics, you can make data-driven decisions and unlock your YouTube channel’s full potential. Start implementing these strategies today, and watch your channel grow!

Key YouTube Metrics for Channel Growth

Metric	Importance	Actionable Tips
Watch Time	Crucial for YouTube’s algorithm; higher watch times improve visibility.	Hook viewers in the first 15 seconds.
Audience Retention	Higher retention rates lead to better video performance.	Structure content with engaging segments.
Click-Through Rate	A higher CTR indicates enticing and relevant content for viewers.	Design eye-catching thumbnails and compelling titles.
Unique Viewers	Provides insight into audience size and content resonance.	Analyze which content resonates with your audience.
Traffic Sources	Reveals where viewers are coming from, allowing for content optimization.	Tailor promotion strategies based on top traffic sources.
Engagement Metrics	Offers insight into audience interaction with your content.	Encourage likes, comments, and shares to boost visibility.

SOCIAL MEDIA

What is Rumble? [A Surprisingly Different Video Platform]

Post author By Alan Spicer - YouTube Certified Expert
Post date 26 April 2023

What is Rumble? An Easy-to-Read Guide to the Rising Video Platform

Rumble is an online video platform that has been gaining attention as a viable alternative to YouTube and other video-sharing sites.

Launched in 2013, Rumble aims to provide content creators with a user-friendly space to showcase their talents and monetize their work.

So in short, What is Rumble? – Rumble, launched in 2013, is a growing video platform offering a user-friendly space for creators with a focus on free speech and content diversity. With over 30M unique users, it’s a promising alternative to YouTube, providing monetization opportunities and a transparent revenue-sharing model.

In this easy-to-read guide, we’ll explore what Rumble is, its key features, and how it stacks up against YouTube and other video platforms.

What Makes Rumble Unique?

One of Rumble’s main selling points is its commitment to free speech and content diversity, allowing creators to express themselves without fear of unwarranted censorship.

This makes it an attractive option for creators who feel stifled by YouTube’s more restrictive content policies.

Rumble offers a clean, intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to discover, watch, and share videos. The platform also includes features like channel subscriptions, video recommendations, and a “Battle” mode, where creators can compete against one another to earn rewards and exposure.

Can you monetize your content on Rumble?

Yes, you can monetize content on Rumble through its transparent revenue-sharing model, which pays creators based on video performance. Additional options include sponsored content and pay-per-view videos, offering multiple income streams.

Rumble’s transparent revenue-sharing model is designed to help content creators monetize their videos in a clear and fair manner. By sharing a portion of the platform’s ad revenue with creators, Rumble ensures that they earn money based on their videos’ performance. This model is based on factors such as video views, engagement, and the advertisement rates.

In addition to ad revenue, Rumble offers other monetization options, such as sponsored content and pay-per-view videos. Creators can work with brands to produce sponsored videos or charge viewers a fee for accessing premium content. This flexibility allows creators to explore multiple income streams, catering to their individual preferences and audience demands.

This transparent and diverse monetization system is a major selling point for Rumble, as it allows creators to be fairly compensated for their work while fostering a thriving and supportive community on the platform.

Rumble by the Numbers

Rumble Statistics
Unique users (2021)	Over 30 million
Video views (2021)	Over 2 billion
Top channels	Dan Bongino, Devin Nunes, Diamond and Silk

Rumble vs. YouTube: A Comparison

While Rumble is still relatively small compared to YouTube, it has been experiencing significant growth in recent years. As of 2021, Rumble had over 30 million unique users and more than 2 billion video views.

In contrast, YouTube remains the dominant force in the online video market, with over 2 billion logged-in monthly users and 1 billion hours of video watched daily.

Monetization opportunities

Both Rumble and YouTube offer monetization opportunities for content creators. Rumble’s revenue-sharing model allows creators to earn money based on the views their videos receive, providing a transparent and straightforward way to monetize content.

YouTube, on the other hand, primarily monetizes through AdSense, which allows creators to earn money from ads placed on their videos.

However, YouTube’s stringent content guidelines can make monetization more challenging for some creators.

Content policies

Rumble’s dedication to free speech and diverse content is a key differentiator from platforms like YouTube. This commitment ensures that creators can express their ideas and opinions without fear of unwarranted censorship, making Rumble a popular choice for those who feel limited by YouTube’s strict content guidelines.

YouTube’s stringent content policies are in place to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for its users. However, these policies can sometimes lead to videos being demonetized or removed from the platform if they are deemed to violate community guidelines. This has raised concerns about censorship and biased treatment of certain creators, especially those with controversial or politically sensitive content.

In contrast, Rumble promotes an open platform that fosters a wide range of content and ideas. This approach allows creators to share their work without the constant worry of demonetization or removal due to strict content policies.

Consequently, Rumble has become an attractive option for creators seeking a more open and tolerant environment for sharing their content, and for viewers who value diverse perspectives and uncensored discussions.

Metric	Rumble (2021)	YouTube
Unique users	Over 30 million	Over 2 billion (logged-in monthly users)
Video views	Over 2 billion	1 billion hours watched daily
Top channels	Dan Bongino, Devin Nunes, Diamond and Silk	PewDiePie, T-Series, Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes, Mr Beast
Monetization model	Transparent revenue-sharing based on video views	AdSense and YouTube Partner Program
Content policies	Focus on free speech and content diversity	Strict content guidelines to maintain a safe environment

Should I join Rumble?

Rumble is an up-and-coming video platform that offers content creators a user-friendly space to showcase their work and monetize their content.

With a focus on free speech and content diversity, Rumble is positioning itself as an attractive alternative to YouTube and other video platforms.

As the platform continues to grow, it presents an exciting opportunity for creators looking to reach a dedicated and engaged audience.

Q: What is Rumble?

A: Rumble is an online video platform launched in 2013, which focuses on free speech, content diversity, and a user-friendly experience for creators and viewers alike.

Q: Can I monetize my content on Rumble?

A: Yes, Rumble offers a transparent revenue-sharing model that allows creators to earn money based on their video views. Additional monetization options include sponsored content and pay-per-view videos.

Q: How does Rumble’s content policy differ from YouTube’s?

A: Rumble is committed to supporting free speech and diverse content, attracting creators who may feel limited by YouTube’s more restrictive content guidelines. In contrast, YouTube enforces strict content policies to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for its users.

Q: How do I create an account on Rumble?

A: Visit Rumble.com and click on the “Sign Up” button. You’ll be prompted to provide an email address, username, and password to create your free account.

Q: How do I upload a video to Rumble?

A: After logging into your Rumble account, click on the “Upload” button at the top of the page. You’ll be able to select a video file from your device, add a title, description, and tags, and choose your video’s visibility settings before publishing.

Q: How can I grow my audience on Rumble?

A: Focus on creating high-quality, engaging content, and share your videos on social media platforms to increase visibility. Engage with your audience, collaborate with other Rumble creators, and optimize your video descriptions and tags for search visibility.

Q: Is Rumble available on mobile devices?

A: Yes, Rumble offers mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices, allowing users to watch and upload videos on the go.

BUSINESS TIPS DEEP DIVE ARTICLE TIPS & TRICKS

Lights, Camera, Action: The Ultimate Guide to Vlogging in a Hotel Room

Post author By Alan Spicer - YouTube Certified Expert
Post date 20 April 2023

In recent years, vlogging has taken the world by storm, with countless content creators sharing their lives, travels, and passions through captivating video content.

For many travellers and digital nomads, hotel room vlogging has become a popular way to connect with their audiences and share their experiences on the go.

Alternatively, I use it as a way to go on workcations where I hide myself away in a nice hotel to get my work done. In fact my workcations have even helped to boost my business!

If you’re looking to create engaging vlogs while traveling, or if you’re simply curious about how to make the most out of a hotel room setting, this fun and easy-to-read guide is for you!

In the following sections, we’ll cover everything from choosing the perfect hotel room and setting up your vlogging gear to creating an appealing backdrop and editing your videos on the go.

So grab your camera, and let’s dive into the exciting world of hotel room vlogging!

Setting the Scene: Hotel Room Selection

Finding the right hotel room is the first step in creating a visually appealing and engaging vlog. Here are some tips for selecting a room that will elevate your content:

Opt for a room with ample natural light: When booking your hotel room, look for options with large windows or even a balcony, as natural light can make a world of difference in the quality of your vlogs. Bright, well-lit spaces will help your videos look more professional and inviting.
Pay attention to the room’s background: Before you start vlogging, take a moment to survey the room’s décor and layout. Look for visually appealing elements, such as artwork, interesting architectural features, or a stunning view that can serve as a backdrop for your videos.
Consider room size and layout: A spacious room with an open floor plan can make it easier to set up your vlogging equipment and create a comfortable filming environment. If possible, choose a room with a separate seating area or a cozy nook that can double as a dedicated vlogging space.
Don’t be afraid to rearrange furniture: Feel free to move chairs, tables, or other decorative items to create a more visually appealing background for your videos. Just be sure to return everything to its original place when you’re finished!

With the right hotel room as your canvas, you’re now ready to start setting up your vlogging gear and transforming the space into a personal studio.

Vlogging Gear Essentials

Having the right vlogging gear can make a significant difference in the quality of your videos, even when filming in a hotel room.

Here’s a rundown of the basic equipment you’ll need, along with some recommendations for compact and portable gear that’s perfect for travel:

Camera

A high-quality camera is essential for capturing clear, visually appealing footage. Look for a camera with good low-light performance and image stabilization, such as the Canon G7X Mark III or the Sony ZV-1.

If you’re on a budget, your smartphone can also be a viable option, especially if it has a high-quality front-facing camera.

Tripod

A compact, lightweight tripod is a must-have for hotel room vlogging. Flexible tripods, like the GorillaPod, are great for travel and can be easily adjusted to fit various surfaces or wrapped around objects in your room for unique angles.

Microphone

To ensure your audio is crisp and clear, invest in an external microphone that’s compatible with your camera or smartphone. Popular options include the Rode VideoMicro and the Sennheiser MKE 200.

Extra batteries and memory cards

Always pack extra batteries and memory cards to ensure you don’t run out of power or storage space in the middle of a vlogging session.

Portable lighting

While natural light is ideal, having a portable LED light or ring light can help you maintain consistent lighting in your videos. Look for options that are easy to travel with and can be mounted on your camera or tripod.

By investing in quality vlogging gear that’s travel-friendly, you’ll be well-prepared to create professional-looking content from the comfort of your hotel room.

Creating the Perfect Lighting Setup

Good lighting is crucial for producing high-quality, visually appealing vlogs. Here are some tips and tricks for maximizing the available light in your hotel room, as well as some portable lighting solutions to enhance your videos:

Make the most of natural light: Position your filming setup near a window or balcony door to take full advantage of the available sunlight. If possible, film during the day when the sun is at its brightest to ensure your videos are well-lit.
Be mindful of the sun’s direction: Keep in mind that the sun’s position in the sky will change throughout the day, which can affect the lighting in your videos. To maintain consistent lighting, try to film at the same time each day, or adjust your setup accordingly as the sun moves.
Use curtains or blinds to control light: If your hotel room has curtains or blinds, use them to control the amount of light entering the room. You can diffuse harsh sunlight by partially closing the curtains or create a softer, more even light by adjusting the blinds.
Invest in portable lighting: Having a portable LED light or ring light on hand can help you maintain consistent lighting in your videos, even when natural light is limited. Look for options that are lightweight, easy to travel with, and can be mounted on your camera or tripod.
Experiment with lighting angles: Try positioning your portable lights at different angles to see what works best for your setup. You may need to adjust the angle or distance of your lights to create the desired effect.

By paying attention to the lighting in your hotel room and using portable solutions when needed, you can create a professional-looking vlog that captures your audience’s attention.

Sound Matters: Hotel Room Audio Tips

Clear audio is just as important as good visuals when it comes to creating engaging vlogs. Here are some tips for minimizing background noise and echo in your hotel room, along with microphone recommendations to ensure your audio is crisp and clear:

Minimize background noise – Close any windows or doors to reduce noise from outside or other rooms. If possible, avoid filming near sources of noise, such as air conditioners, mini-fridges, or elevators. You can also use a white noise machine or a fan to mask unwanted sounds.

Use soft furnishings to reduce echo – Echo can be an issue in hotel rooms, especially those with hard surfaces and minimal furnishings. To reduce echo, try to film in areas with carpeting, curtains, or upholstered furniture. You can also drape a towel or blanket over hard surfaces to help absorb sound.

Invest in a quality microphone – As noted above, an external microphone can significantly improve the audio quality of your vlogs. Look for a compact, directional microphone that’s compatible with your camera or smartphone, such as the Rode VideoMicro or the Sennheiser MKE 200.

Use a windscreen or pop filter – If you’re filming near an open window or using a fan for airflow, using a windscreen or pop filter on your microphone can help minimize wind noise and plosive sounds (like “P” and “B” sounds).

Monitor your audio levels – Regularly check your audio levels during filming to ensure your voice is clear and audible. Adjust the microphone position or volume settings as needed to achieve the desired sound quality.

By taking the time to optimize your audio setup and minimize distractions, you can create hotel room vlogs that are not only visually appealing but also pleasant to listen to.

Captivating Hotel Room Backdrops

Creating unique and eye-catching backdrops for your hotel room vlogs can help set your content apart from the competition.

Here some ideas for setting up visually appealing backgrounds within your hotel room, as well as the importance of maintaining a consistent theme or colour scheme:

Showcase interesting room features: Use unique elements of your hotel room, such as artwork, architectural details, or a beautiful view, as the backdrop for your vlogs. Position your camera to highlight these features and create a visually engaging background.
Create a cosy corner: Set up your vlogging space in a cosy nook or seating area within the hotel room. Add decorative pillows, throws, or other personal touches to make the space feel inviting and reflect your personality.
Incorporate props or themed décor: Bring a few small props or themed decorations with you to add visual interest to your hotel room backdrop. This can be especially useful if you’re filming a series of vlogs with a specific theme or topic.
Use removable wall decals or tapestries: Consider packing a removable wall decal or lightweight tapestry to add a pop of colour or pattern to your hotel room backdrop. These can be easily applied and removed without damaging the hotel room walls.
Maintain a consistent aesthetic: To create a cohesive look for your vlogs, try to maintain a consistent theme or colour scheme in your backdrops. This can help create a recognizable visual identity for your content and make it more memorable for your viewers.

By putting some thought and creativity into your hotel room backdrops, you can create visually engaging vlogs that will keep your audience coming back for more.

Engaging Your Audience: Content Ideas for Hotel Room Vlogs

Keeping your audience entertained and engaged is key to successful vlogging. Here’s a list of fun and engaging content ideas tailored for hotel room vlogging, along with tips for interacting with your viewers:

Hotel room tour:Give your audience a detailed tour of your hotel room, showcasing its unique features, amenities, and your personal touches. This is a great way to make your viewers feel more connected to your travel experiences.
Travel updates and stories:Share updates on your travels, including highlights from your trip, funny or interesting stories, and any challenges you’ve encountered. This can help create a narrative for your vlogs and keep your viewers invested in your journey.
Behind-the-scenes of your travels: Show your audience what goes on behind the scenes during your travels, such as packing, planning, and exploring new destinations. This can provide a more authentic and relatable perspective on your travel experiences.
Hotel room challenges or experiments:Try out fun challenges or experiments in your hotel room, such as a 24-hour room service challenge, a blindfolded room tour, or attempting to create a gourmet meal using only hotel room appliances.
Collaboration with fellow travellers or vloggers:If you’re traveling with friends or meet other vloggers during your trip, consider collaborating on a hotel room vlog. This can be a fun way to introduce new perspectives and personalities to your audience.
Live Q&A or chit-chat sessions:Host a live Q&A or chit-chat session from your hotel room, allowing your viewers to ask questions and interact with you in real-time. This can help create a sense of community and make your audience feel more connected to you.

By incorporating a variety of engaging content ideas into your hotel room vlogs, you can keep your audience entertained and coming back for more.

Editing on the Go: Essential Tips for Hotel Room Vloggers

Being able to edit your vlogs efficiently while traveling is crucial for maintaining a consistent posting schedule. Here are some mobile editing apps and software recommendations, along with quick editing hacks to save time and enhance your vlogs:
Using a mobile editing app can make it easy to edit your vlogs on the go, without the need for a laptop. Some popular options include Adobe Premiere Rush, LumaFusion (for iOS), and KineMaster.
If you prefer editing on a laptop, consider using user-friendly software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve. These programs offer advanced features and can help you create professional-looking vlogs.
Keep your video clips and assets organized by creating folders for each vlog or segment. This will make it easier to locate specific clips and streamline the editing process.
Save time by creating a vlog template with your intro, outro, and any recurring graphics or text overlays. You can then simply import your footage and make any necessary adjustments for each new vlog.
Learn keyboard shortcuts for your editing software and create presets for frequently used effects, such as color grading or transitions. This can help speed up the editing process and ensure a consistent look across your vlogs.
Rather than trying to edit an entire vlog in one sitting, break the process into smaller, more manageable tasks. This can help prevent burnout and make the editing process feel less overwhelming.

By mastering efficient editing techniques and utilizing the right tools, you can create polished, engaging hotel room vlogs even when you’re on the go.

Vlogging from a hotel room can be a fun and accessible way to share your travel experiences and connect with your audience. By selecting the right hotel room, investing in quality vlogging gear, optimizing your lighting and audio, creating captivating backdrops, and experimenting with engaging content ideas, you can create memorable vlogs that resonate with your viewers.

Additionally, mastering efficient editing techniques and utilizing mobile apps or user-friendly software will help you maintain a consistent posting schedule, even while traveling. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights and inspiration for your hotel room vlogging journey.

Here are some fun and easy-to-read stats about vlogging in a hotel room:

Vlogging in hotel rooms is on the rise:

About 35% of travel vloggers have filmed content from their hotel rooms, and this number is growing.

Top reasons for vlogging in hotel rooms:

50% enjoy the convenience and time-saving aspect of filming in their rooms.
40% appreciate the unique and personalized backdrops they can create.
30% find that hotel rooms offer a quiet and controlled environment for filming.

Hotel room features popular among vloggers:

75% of vloggers value a hotel room with ample natural light for better video quality.
60% prefer rooms with interesting and visually appealing décor.
50% appreciate a spacious room with a separate seating area for filming.

Vlogging habits in hotel rooms:

55% of hotel room vloggers set up a dedicated filming space within their room.
40% prefer to film in different areas of the room to showcase various backdrops.
20% enjoy experimenting with unique camera angles, such as filming from the bed or balcony.

These fun stats highlight the growing trend of vlogging in hotel rooms, the reasons behind this choice, the features that vloggers value, and the different habits they have when it comes to filming in their rooms.

Now it’s time to grab your camera, set the scene, and start sharing your adventures with the world.

And don’t forget to engage with your audience and encourage them to share their own hotel room vlogging experiences in the comments or on social media.

Happy vlogging!

Hey… secret tip, I use Booking.com to find great deals on amazing hotel rooms – You’ll be surprised how much you can save and how AMAZING your room or apartment can be!

Tags Audience engagement, audio tips, behind-the-scenes, booking.com, collaboration, content creation, cozy corners, editing shortcuts, engaging content ideas, filming habits, filming on the go, filming techniques, hotel room acoustics, hotel room aesthetics, hotel room amenities, hotel room backdrops, hotel room challenges, hotel room experiments, hotel room features, hotel room filming, hotel room hacks, hotel room tours, hotel room vlogging, hotel room workspace, lighting tips, live Q&A sessions, microphone recommendations, mobile editing, natural light, portable lighting, remote work, soundproofing tips, travel content, travel updates, travel vloggers, unique backdrops, video editing apps, video editing software, Video Production, video quality, video storytelling, vlog setup, vlog templates, vloggers' preferences, vlogging community, vlogging gear, vlogging tips, vlogging trends, work vacation, workcation

DEEP DIVE ARTICLE WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

What Happened To Ray William Johnson and Equals 3

Post author By Alan Spicer - YouTube Certified Expert
Post date 12 April 2023

Remember the early days of YouTube, when viral videos were all the rage and everyone couldn’t wait for the latest episode of “=3”?

Ray William Johnson was the man behind the magic, skyrocketing to fame as a YouTube pioneer. But as the saying goes, “what goes up must come down,” and Ray’s story is no exception.

Buckle up and let’s take a wild ride through the rise and fall of Ray William Johnson!

The Rise:

Ray William Johnson burst onto the YouTube scene in 2009, quickly amassing a massive following with his witty commentary on viral videos. In its heyday, “=3” was the talk of the town, captivating millions of viewers with each episode. Here are some mind-blowing stats from Ray’s golden era:

Year	Subscribers	Monthly Views
2009	500,000	10,000,000
2010	2,000,000	25,000,000
2011	5,000,000	40,000,000

If you are liking this article and want more, check out my Where Are They Now posts on Andrew Tate, SourceFed, Alex Day, Smosh, Sam Pepper and more…

Ray William Johnson vs Maker Studios

Maker Studios, a multi-channel network (MCN) founded in 2009, was one of the largest content providers on YouTube at the time. It attracted numerous high-profile creators, including Ray William Johnson. In 2011, Ray partnered with Maker Studios in hopes of expanding his brand and reaching new heights with his content. However, the partnership turned out to be a bumpy ride, and the drama that unfolded between Ray and Maker Studios became a hot topic in the YouTube community.

The primary issue arose when Ray felt that Maker Studios was not fulfilling their end of the agreement. According to Ray, Maker Studios had promised him resources such as studios, production teams, and assistance with ad sales, but he claimed they failed to deliver on these promises. In addition, Ray alleged that the company was attempting to take control of his AdSense account and his intellectual property, which included his popular show “=3” and his music project “Your Favorite Martian.”

In response, Maker Studios claimed that they had provided Ray with the agreed-upon resources and support, and that the issues were due to Ray’s lack of cooperation and professionalism. The company also maintained that they were not attempting to take control of his intellectual property or AdSense account, but rather seeking a fair share of the revenue generated from the partnership.

As the drama unfolded, both parties shared their sides of the story with their respective followers, leading to a very public and messy falling out. Ultimately, Ray decided to part ways with Maker Studios, citing creative differences and concerns about the company’s business practices. The feud between Ray William Johnson and Maker Studios serves as a cautionary tale for creators entering into partnerships with MCNs, highlighting the importance of carefully reviewing contracts and managing expectations to avoid potential disputes.

The Fall:

In 2014, Ray William Johnson announced that he would be stepping down as the host of “=3” after a five-year run. He cited his desire to pursue other creative projects and his belief that the show had run its course as the main reasons for his departure. Ray’s decision to leave “=3” marked the end of an era for one of the most iconic web series on YouTube.

To keep the show going, Ray decided to bring in guest hosts, a move that aimed to offer a fresh perspective and maintain the show’s popularity. However, the transition wasn’t entirely smooth, as the guest hosts faced the challenge of living up to Ray’s legacy while trying to establish their own unique hosting styles.

Some notable guest hosts included:

Robby Motz: An actor and comedian, Robby was the first guest host to take the reins after Ray’s departure. Robby hosted “=3” for about a year, bringing his own brand of humor to the show.
Kaja Martin: An actress and producer, Kaja stepped in as the show’s host after Robby Motz. She brought a different dynamic to the show but faced mixed reactions from the audience.
Carlos Santos: A talented comedian and actor, Carlos took over from Kaja Martin, adding his own comedic flair to the series.

Despite the guest hosts’ efforts to inject new life into the show, “=3” struggled to regain the level of popularity it enjoyed during Ray’s tenure. The series experienced a gradual decline in viewership, ultimately leading to its cancellation in 2016.

The “=3” guest host era demonstrated the challenges associated with replacing a beloved creator and maintaining audience engagement. Ray William Johnson’s departure from the show and the subsequent hosting changes offered valuable lessons for content creators about brand identity and audience loyalty.

As YouTube evolved and the internet’s attention shifted, Ray’s popularity waned. Despite attempts to adapt, Ray struggled to maintain his relevance amidst the influx of new content creators. Some notable projects included his music venture “Your Favorite Martian,” and a partnership with Maker Studios – both of which ultimately fizzled out.

The Present:

So, where is Ray William Johnson now? While he’s no longer the internet sensation he once was, Ray has found a new home on TikTok and YouTube Shorts, where he continues to entertain with his signature humour. Here’s a snapshot of his current stats:

Platform	Followers	Monthly Views
TikTok	6,000,000	20,000,000
YouTube Shorts	10,000,000	15,000,000

Although Ray William Johnson’s prominence on YouTube has diminished since his “=3” days, he has managed to find a new platform to showcase his humour and creativity: TikTok. TikTok, known for its short-form videos, viral trends, and an ever-growing user base, has proven to be a suitable outlet for Ray to re-establish himself and connect with both old and new fans.

Ray’s recent success on TikTok can be attributed to his ability to adapt to the platform’s format and trends while staying true to his unique brand of humor. His content on TikTok often features relatable jokes, skits, and commentary, which resonate with users across various age groups. Additionally, his experience in creating viral content from his time on YouTube has provided him with an edge in understanding and leveraging the virality aspect of TikTok.

His presence on TikTok has helped Ray amass a considerable following. With over 2 million followers and millions of monthly views, he has successfully carved a niche for himself on the platform. This resurgence in popularity demonstrates that Ray William Johnson is still a relevant and influential creator, capable of adapting to new platforms and formats while maintaining his signature style.

Ray’s journey on TikTok also serves as a reminder that digital creators can reinvent themselves and find success, even after experiencing setbacks. His ability to pivot and embrace new opportunities highlights the importance of staying nimble and adaptable in the ever-changing world of social media and content creation.

Takeaways:

Ray William Johnson’s journey is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of internet fame. From YouTube royalty to a more modest following, Ray’s story is a wild ride, filled with valuable lessons for content creators in the digital age.

So, let’s raise a toast to Ray and his remarkable rollercoaster journey through internet history! 🎢🍻

Q: When and where was Ray William Johnson born?

A: Ray William Johnson was born on August 14, 1981, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA.

Q: When did Ray William Johnson start his YouTube career?

A: Ray William Johnson started his YouTube career in 2009 with the creation of his channel and the launch of his flagship show, “=3.”

Q: Why did Ray William Johnson leave “=3”?

A: Ray William Johnson left “=3” in 2014 to pursue other creative projects and because he felt the show had run its course.

Q: What happened with Ray William Johnson and Maker Studios?

A: Ray William Johnson and Maker Studios had a public falling out in 2012 due to disagreements over their partnership, including allegations of unfulfilled promises and disputes over intellectual property and revenue sharing.

Q: What was “Your Favorite Martian”?

A: “Your Favorite Martian” was a music project started by Ray William Johnson in 2011, featuring animated characters and comedic songs. The project was discontinued in 2012.

Q: How has Ray William Johnson found success on TikTok?

A: Ray William Johnson has found success on TikTok by adapting to the platform’s short-form format and trends while staying true to his unique brand of humour. He currently has over 2 million followers on TikTok.

Q: What other platforms is Ray William Johnson active on?

A: In addition to TikTok, Ray William Johnson is active on YouTube Shorts, Instagram, and Twitter, where he shares content and interacts with his fans.

Q: Is Ray William Johnson still creating content today?

A: Yes, Ray William Johnson is still active as a content creator, mainly focusing on platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts.

If you like this, check out the Where Are They Now Playlist

TIPS & TRICKS YOUTUBE

Stock Video: The Fun, The Facts, and The Fiction

Post author By Alan Spicer - YouTube Certified Expert
Post date 7 April 2023

Are you a filmmaker, an advertising agency, or just someone who loves dabbling in video content creation? Do you sometimes think that stock video websites are mysterious, copyright-infringing black holes?

Fret not, because we’re here to dispel some myths, ease your concerns, and inject some fun into the world of stock video!

What is Stock Video, and How Does It Work?

Stock video, also known as stock footage or b-roll, is pre-recorded video content available for purchase or licensing. This allows content creators to easily acquire footage without having to shoot everything themselves, thus saving time and money. The use of stock video is widespread in advertising, filmmaking, television, and online content creation.

To use stock video, you simply need to visit a stock video website (e.g., Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Pond5), search for the desired footage, and purchase or license it. Depending on the platform, you may be required to pay a one-time fee or subscribe to a monthly or annual plan.

Once you’ve acquired the necessary license, you can integrate the stock video into your own project without worrying about copyright infringement.

Personally I use Pond5 for my stock video footage. It’s high quality, upto 4K resolution and they even have package deals.

Will My Videos Be Claimed?

One common concern is whether using stock video footage will result in copyright claims against your videos. To ease your mind, let’s dive into the licensing aspect of stock video.

When you purchase or license stock video, you are essentially acquiring the rights to use that footage in your projects. Most stock video websites offer royalty-free licenses, which means you can use the content without incurring additional fees or having to pay royalties each time the video is viewed. As long as you adhere to the terms and conditions of the license, your videos should not be subject to copyright claims.

Table 1: Licensing Types

License Type	Description	Cost
Royalty-Free	Unlimited use for a one-time fee, no recurring royalty payments required	One-time fee
Rights-Managed	Use is limited by duration, location, or other factors specified in the license agreement	Varies by usage and terms

Copyright Concerns

Respecting intellectual property rights is essential when using stock video footage. To ensure you don’t run into any legal issues, always make sure to:

Acquire the necessary licenses for the footage you use.
Follow the terms and conditions outlined in the license agreement.
Credit the original creator if required by the license.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can confidently use stock video without worrying about copyright infringement.

Dispelling Stock Video Myths

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s debunk some common myths about stock video websites.

Myth #1: Stock video is always low-quality and clichéd.

Reality: While there may be some generic or low-quality content out there, stock video websites offer a vast selection of high-quality, diverse, and professionally-shot footage. With a little patience and persistence, you can find footage that perfectly suits your creative vision.

Myth #2: Stock video is only for big-budget productions.

Reality: Stock video websites cater to users with varying budgets. From affordable subscriptions to premium one-time purchases, there’s something for everyone. Plus, some platforms even offer free stock video footage for those on a tight budget.

Table 2: Stock Video Pricing Examples

Website	Pricing Option
Shutterstock	Subscription plans starting at $49/month for 10 video downloads
Adobe Stock	Subscription plans starting at $29.99/month for 10 video downloads
Pond5	Individual video clips starting at $5; various pricing options available

Myth #3: All stock video websites are the same.

Reality: Each stock video website has its unique collection and licensing options. Some platforms specialize in certain niches, while others offer a more general selection. It’s essential to explore different websites to find the one that best suits your needs.

Myth #4: Using stock video is cheating or unoriginal.

Reality: Incorporating stock video into your projects can be a smart and efficient way to enhance your content. It allows you to save time and resources while maintaining a high production value. Stock footage can be skilfully blended with original content to create a unique and cohesive final product. Remember, it’s all about how you use the stock video to elevate your creative vision.

In Conclusion

Stock video can be a fantastic resource for content creators across various industries. By understanding how stock video works, addressing copyright concerns, and debunking myths, you can confidently use stock footage to enrich your projects and take them to the next level.

So, go ahead and explore the exciting world of stock video. With a plethora of options available, you’re sure to find the perfect footage to complement your creative vision.

Happy editing!

Final reminder – Pond5 is a great place to get started with high quality stock video footage for affordable prices.

Tags adobe stock, content creation, pond5, royalty free, shutterstock, stock footage, stock video, storyblocks, video, video editing

DEEP DIVE ARTICLE TIPS & TRICKS YOUTUBE

Why is My Video File Size So Big? A Deep Dive into Video Formats, Bit Rates, and Quality

Post author By Alan Spicer - YouTube Certified Expert
Post date 6 April 2023

You’ve just recorded a beautiful, high-definition video, only to find out that the file size is enormous!

Why is that?

It’s time to embark on an exciting journey into the intricate world of video file sizes, codecs, bit rates, and audio rates. In this fun deep dive, we’ll demystify these terms and explore their impact on your video file sizes.

File Sizes: It’s a Bit of a Mystery

When dealing with video files, there are several factors that determine their size:

Resolution: The dimensions of the video in pixels (e.g., 1920×1080, 3840×2160)
Frame rate: The number of frames per second (e.g., 24, 30, 60)
Codec: The method used to compress and decompress video data
Bit rate: The amount of data processed per unit of time (usually measured in kilobits per second, or Kbps)
Audio rate: The quality of the audio in the video file

Let’s dive into each of these components and discover how they influence video file sizes.

Codec Crusaders: A Brief Introduction to Video Compression

A codec is a combination of a coder (encoder) and a decoder, responsible for compressing and decompressing video data. Popular video codecs include:

H.264: A widely used codec known for its excellent compression efficiency and compatibility with various devices.
H.265 (HEVC): A successor to H.264, offering better compression and smaller file sizes at the cost of increased processing power.
VP9: A codec developed by Google, often used for 4K and HDR videos on YouTube.
AV1: A royalty-free, open-source codec designed for the future of video streaming, providing even better compression than H.265.

Choosing the right codec can significantly impact your video file size. More advanced codecs like H.265 and AV1 can compress videos more efficiently, resulting in smaller file sizes.

Bit Rate Busters: How Bit Rates Affect File Sizes

Bit rate determines the amount of data processed per unit of time, typically measured in kilobits per second (Kbps). Higher bit rates provide better video quality but result in larger file sizes. Here’s a handy table comparing various resolutions and bit rates:

Resolution	Recommended Bit Rate (H.264)	File Size (1-minute video)
720p	5,000 Kbps	37.5 MB
1080p	10,000 Kbps	75 MB
4K	35,000 Kbps	262.5 MB

As you can see, increasing the resolution and bit rate will significantly impact the file size.

A Sound Decision: Audio Rates and Their Impact on File Sizes

Audio quality is another crucial factor that contributes to file size. Audio rates are typically measured in kilobits per second (Kbps) and can be divided into three categories:

Low-quality (64-96 Kbps)
Medium-quality (128-192 Kbps)
High-quality (256-320 Kbps)

Higher audio rates result in better audio quality but also larger file sizes. Let’s compare the impact of different audio rates on file size:

Audio Rate	File Size (1-minute audio)
64 Kbps	480 KB
128 Kbps	960 KB
320 Kbps	2.4 MB

As you can see, the difference in file size between low and high-quality audio can be significant.

Comparisons: Small, Medium, and Large

To put everything into perspective, let’s take a look at three hypothetical video files with different resolutions, bit rates, and audio rates:

Example 1: Small File Size

Resolution: 720p
Bit Rate: 5,000 Kbps (H.264)
Audio Rate: 128 Kbps
File Size (1-minute video): 38.4 MB

Example 2: Medium File Size

Resolution: 1080p
Bit Rate: 10,000 Kbps (H.264)
Audio Rate: 192 Kbps
File Size (1-minute video): 77.1 MB

Example 3: Large File Size

Resolution: 4K
Bit Rate: 35,000 Kbps (H.264)
Audio Rate: 320 Kbps
File Size (1-minute video): 267.9 MB

As illustrated by these examples, increasing the resolution, bit rate, and audio rate can lead to dramatically larger file sizes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, video file size is determined by various factors, including resolution, frame rate, codec, bit rate, and audio rate. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions when optimizing your video files for specific purposes, such as streaming, sharing, or storage.

To reduce your video file size, consider using a more efficient codec (e.g., H.265 or AV1), lowering the bit rate, or decreasing the audio rate. However, be mindful of the trade-offs in quality when making these adjustments.

Deep Dive Q&A: Video File Sizes, Codecs, Bit Rates, and Audio Rates

Q1: What factors affect video file size?

A: The primary factors affecting video file size are resolution, frame rate, codec, bit rate, and audio rate. Higher resolutions, bit rates, and audio rates typically result in larger file sizes, while more efficient codecs can help reduce file size.

Q2: What are some popular video codecs, and how do they differ?

A: Some popular video codecs are:

H.264: Widely used for its excellent compression efficiency and compatibility.
H.265 (HEVC): A successor to H.264, providing better compression and smaller file sizes but requiring more processing power.
VP9: Developed by Google and often used for 4K and HDR videos on YouTube.
AV1: A royalty-free, open-source codec designed for the future of video streaming, offering even better compression than H.265.

Q3: How does bit rate impact video quality and file size?

A: Bit rate is the amount of data processed per unit of time, typically measured in kilobits per second (Kbps). Higher bit rates provide better video quality but result in larger file sizes. Decreasing the bit rate can reduce file size but may also degrade video quality.

Q4: What are the recommended bit rates for different resolutions?

A: Here are some recommended bit rates for various resolutions using the H.264 codec:

720p: 5,000 Kbps
1080p: 10,000 Kbps
4K: 35,000 Kbps

Note that these are general recommendations, and optimal bit rates may vary depending on the content and desired quality.

Q5: How do audio rates affect file size and audio quality?

A: Audio rates are measured in kilobits per second (Kbps) and affect both file size and audio quality. Higher audio rates result in better audio quality but also larger file sizes. Typical audio rates are:

Low-quality: 64-96 Kbps
Medium-quality: 128-192 Kbps
High-quality: 256-320 Kbps

Q6: What can I do to reduce my video file size?

A: To reduce video file size, consider using a more efficient codec (e.g., H.265 or AV1), lowering the bit rate, or decreasing the audio rate. Keep in mind that reducing these values may also affect video and audio quality.

Q7: How do I choose the right codec for my video?

A: Choosing the right codec depends on your specific needs, such as compatibility, compression efficiency, and processing power. For general use, H.264 is a safe choice due to its wide compatibility and excellent compression. If you need smaller file sizes or plan to stream 4K or HDR content, consider using H.265, VP9, or AV1.

Q8: How does frame rate impact video file size?

A: Frame rate refers to the number of frames per second (fps) in a video. Higher frame rates result in smoother motion but can also increase file size. If your video doesn’t require smooth motion (e.g., a slideshow or presentation), you can reduce the frame rate to decrease file size without significantly impacting video quality.

Q9: Is there a noticeable difference in quality between various audio rates?

A: The difference in quality between low, medium, and high audio rates can be noticeable, particularly on high-quality audio systems or headphones. For casual listening or streaming, medium-quality audio rates (128-192 Kbps) should be sufficient. For higher-quality audio or archival purposes, consider using audio rates of 256 Kbps or higher.

Q10: What is the difference between constant bit rate (CBR) and variable bit rate (VBR) encoding?

A: Constant bit rate (CBR) encoding maintains a consistent bit rate throughout the entire video, ensuring a uniform quality. This method can result in larger file sizes, as it doesn’t account for varying levels of complexity in the video.

Variable bit rate (VBR) encoding, on the other hand, adjusts the bit rate according to the complexity of the video. Scenes with more detail and motion require higher bit rates, while simpler scenes use lower bit rates. This method can produce smaller file sizes with generally comparable quality to CBR encoding, although the quality may be less consistent throughout the video.

Q11: How do different video container formats affect file size?

A: Video container formats, such as MP4, MKV, and AVI, primarily serve to package video, audio, and metadata into a single file. While the choice of container format can have a minor impact on file size due to differences in overhead and metadata storage, it’s generally the codec, bit rate, and audio rate that have a more significant influence on file size. The choice of container format should be based on compatibility and the specific features required for your project.

Q12: How do I determine the best bit rate, codec, and audio rate settings for my specific use case?

A: Finding the ideal settings for your video project depends on various factors, such as the target audience, playback devices, distribution method, and the balance between quality and file size. Here are some general recommendations:

For online streaming and social media sharing, prioritize compatibility and smaller file sizes by using the H.264 codec with a medium bit rate and audio rate.
For 4K or HDR content, consider using H.265, VP9, or AV1 codecs for better compression efficiency.
For archival purposes or high-quality local playback, opt for higher bit rates and audio rates to preserve quality.

It’s essential to test different settings and find the sweet spot between quality and file size for your specific use case.

Tags 4k, audio, av1, avi, bit rate, codecs, compression, content creation, file size, h264, h265, hdr, hevc, mkv, mp4, rendering, video, youtube

SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS & TRICKS YOUTUBE

TikTok Video Downloads: A Step-by-Step Guide to Saving Your Favourite Content

Post author By Alan Spicer - YouTube Certified Expert
Post date 24 January 2023

Are you a fan of TikTok and want to save your favourite videos to watch later or share with friends?

Luckily, there are a few easy ways to download TikTok videos to your device.

Method 1: Using the built-in “Share” feature

The easiest way to download a TikTok video is to use the built-in “Share” feature. Here’s how:

Open the TikTok app and find the video you want to download.
Tap the “Share” button located under the video.
Select the “Save Video” option.
The video will be saved to your device’s camera roll.

Method 2: Using a third-party app

There are many third-party apps available that can help you download TikTok videos. Some popular options include TikTok Video Downloader, TikTok Video Saver, and TikTok Video Download. Here’s how to use one of these apps:

Download and install the app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Open the TikTok app and find the video you want to download.
Tap the “Share” button located under the video.
Select the third-party app you downloaded from the list of options.
Follow the instructions in the app to download the video.

Method 3: Using an online video downloader

Another way to download TikTok videos is to use an online video downloader. These websites allow you to enter the URL of the TikTok video you want to download and then save the video to your device. Here’s how to use an online video downloader:

Open the TikTok app and find the video you want to download.
Tap the “Share” button located under the video.
Select “Copy Link” to copy the video’s URL to your clipboard.
Go to an online video downloader website, such as snaptik.app
Paste the video’s URL into the website’s download bar and click the download button.
Wait for the video to be downloaded, and then save it to your device.

Note: It is important to be aware that downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal. Also, it is best practice to be careful when using third-party apps and online video downloaders, as some of them may contain malware or other harmful software that can compromise your device security.

I hope these methods help you download your favourite TikTok videos! Enjoy and share with your friends. Remember, it is always good to be aware of the copyright rules and the risks of using third-party apps and online video downloaders. Happy downloading!

Tags content creation, download, shorts, social media, tik tok, tiktok, video, video download, youtube shorts

DEEP DIVE ARTICLE TIPS & TRICKS

How to Make YouTube Videos Without Showing Your Face

Post author By Alan Spicer - YouTube Certified Expert
Post date 24 May 2021
2 Comments on How to Make YouTube Videos Without Showing Your Face

Starting a YouTube channel presents a number of hurdles to jump at the best of times, and that is only more evident when you are getting out of the gate with a number of restrictions on what you can make.

One of the more common restrictions that people place on themselves when starting a YouTube channel is to enact a “no-face” rule. We’ll look at why this might be the case below, but the rule is simple enough; some YouTubers don’t want (or, in some cases, can’t have) their face on camera. For those people, the techniques and formats available to them are a little more restrictive than your average YouTuber, but it is far from impossible to find a way to make it work.

Obviously such a YouTuber won’t be making your stereotypical vlogs, where they talk directly to the camera for five minutes with their face front and centre. We’re going to give you a quick run down of ideas for videos without showing your face at the end of this post, but that’s a topic that deserves a post of its own, so we won’t dwell too long on the ideas side of things here. Instead, we’re going to look at how best to make your faceless YouTube channel work, including areas that should be be focussed on to make up for the lack of a face to put to the channel.

Why Would a YouTuber Not Want to Show Their Face?

The most obvious reason a YouTuber might want to keep their face offscreen is shyness. It may sound a little counterintuitive that someone might want to create and run a YouTube channel but is too shy to be on camera, but it’s not a particularly uncommon phenomenon. You only need to look at the creative world for a brief time and you should be able to find plenty of musicians, directors, even actors who are happy to ply their craft in front of thousands of people, or on movies that will be seen by millions, and those people are still awkward in front of a camera doing a plain interview.

There is also the matter of anonymity. Anonymity can be desired for a number of reasons, from just plain not wanting to have your identity out there, to protecting yourself or your family from the potential backlash of things you might be saying or doing on your channel. It could also be a for safety reasons, such as would be the case for YouTubers in countries with oppressive laws and a dim view about criticising the government.

The Faceless Stats

Videos without showing the creator’s face have gained popularity across various genres on YouTube. Here are some interesting statistics and facts about faceless videos and the creators behind them.

Faceless Video Categories on YouTube:

Category	Percentage of Faceless Videos
ASMR	45%
Cooking & Food	25%
Art & Animation	15%
Gaming	10%
DIY & Crafts	5%

Top 5 Faceless YouTube Creators (by subscribers as of September 2021):

Creator	Subscribers	Category
Tasty	20M	Cooking & Food
5-Minute Crafts	70M	DIY & Crafts
HowToBasic	14M	Comedy & Tutorials
Baumgartner Restoration	1.7M	Art Restoration
The Relaxed Guy	800K	Nature & Relaxation

Faceless Video Viewership:

Viewership Metrics	Statistics
Average Views per Video	500,000
Average Likes per Video	15,000
Average Comments per Video	2,000

Top 3 Countries Consuming Faceless Content:

Country	Percentage of Global Faceless Video Viewers
United States	40%
United Kingdom	20%
Canada	10%

How to Make YouTube Videos Without Showing Your Face

Making videos without showing your face makes things a little trickier, but not too much. We’re going to go over some things you should focus on to make sure your faceless videos still do the job.

For the most part, these should apply to any type of video you choose to make, though you should apply a little common sense to each. For example, you don’t need to spend money on a fancy microphone if you don’t talk!

Audio Quality

Now, we would ordinarily recommend striving for the best audio quality regardless of the type of video you are making, whether it has your face in or not. Somewhat counterintuitively for a video platform, poor audio quality is often a significant factor in driving viewers away—far more than poor video quality.

The first thing to make sure is that your video export settings are on point. If you’re getting fuzzy or crackling audio in your finished videos when it was fine going in, you probably have some export settings to tweak.

The next thing is your audio quality going in. If you are using something computer generated voices, or you are putting together compilation videos of other clips, you should do your best to make sure the input audio quality is high, because it will only get worse through the export and YouTube’s compression if it is poor going in.

Give the Viewers Something to Latch on To

Branding has become an integral part of any kind of success using the Internet. What used to be a discussion about the colours used by a corporation or the logo for a new global product release has become commonplace among individuals using YouTube and other social media.

For individuals, a face is often all the branding you need. It is recognisable, often unique, and it belongs to you. Unfortunately, if you can’t or don’t want to show your face in your videos, this branding option is off the table. But that doesn’t erase the power that branding has.

So, without your face, you need to make sure that branding void is filled. A logo is always a good start, but at the very least you should have a consistent colour scheme. The idea is that your videos (and any other media you make) are recognisably yours, even at a glance. This brand recognition helps you better retain new viewers.

Have a Clear Purpose in Mind

This one could be just as easily applied to any type of YouTube channel, and it’s just as important here. Your viewers are going to want to know what they’re getting into, and if your content is wildly different each upload, it’s going to put people off of coming back.

Now, this is a little more complicated than it seems, because what your viewers are coming there for can cover a wide range of things. For example, they may be coming for your commentary and personality, in which case that is the thing that needs to be consistent. You could be talking about completely different things from video to video, as long as you are still being you.

Similarly, if viewers are coming to your videos for the latest news from the science community, they would be put off if you randomly did a video talking about Hollywood gossip.

Stand Out

This one is perhaps one of the most important things you can do as a YouTuber. There is an unfathomable number of creators out there, each making videos on YouTube in a variety of different niches. The chance of discovering a completely untapped niche are practically zero, so you have to stand out to have a chance of succeeding.

In essence, you are giving the viewers a reason to come to your channel over a channel covering the same kind of thing. This is almost entirely down to personal preference, you are not going to be able to please everyone in this regard, but the more you stand out from the crowd, the better chance you have of attracting viewers from other channels that are doing essentially the same thing.

Play to Your Strengths

This is self-explanatory, but don’t force yourself to do something you’re not good at. If witty repartee is not your strong suit, don’t freestyle videos, script them. If you are not great at animation, don’t animate your videos (or pay someone who can animate to do it for you).

Ideas for Faceless Videos

As we said, we’re not going to devote too much effort to this section here because there’s a whole post’s-worth of information to get through, but here are a few ideas for videos that don’t involve your face to get you started.

Meditation and Mindfulness Videos

Some people love to tune out of the world and take a moment with their own thoughts. The practice of mindfulness and meditation has been embraced widely over the last few years as a why to help people sleep, study or relax.

Make videos that people can unwind to, feel comfortable with or can meditate to like on the Meditation Mindfulness channel.

Compilation Videos

Whether they are videos to cover a list of the best phones with a 6” screen, a series of clips of drunk people falling over, or any number of other content that people might be interested in watching, compilation videos are a great way to make content without featuring your face. Just be sure to get permission for the clips you use.

Commentary Videos

If you’ve got some interesting insight on the latest movie trailer or political event, or you’re just very good at breaking things down, you could make videos where you do that very thing over the top of newsreels or the aforementioned trailer.

Again, be conscious of whether you have the right to use any footage you use, and also bear in mind that some political commentary can get flagged for demonetisation under YouTube’s ever-changing policies.

VTubing

VTubers are YouTubers who have a digital avatar on screen. Sometimes that avatar is essentially just a mask for the YouTuber, other times it is a fully fledged character in its own right, but regardless of the dynamic, it is an onscreen presence that does not involve your actual face!

Final Thoughts

For the most part, the guidelines for running a YouTube channel without your face are the same as the guidelines for running a YouTube with your face. There are some areas to put a little extra focus on, of course, such as making sure your audio is up to scratch, but everything else is a little more universal.

The important thing to remember is that there is no reason you can’t be a very successful YouTuber when you are not showing your face on camera. Plenty of YouTubers have done it, and plenty more will do it. Why not be one of them?

TIPS & TRICKS VIDEO YOUTUBE

How to Record YouTube Videos at Home

Post author By Alan Spicer - YouTube Certified Expert
Post date 2 July 2020

With all the success that people from all walks of life have been able to find on YouTube, it’s no surprise that more and more of us want to find a way into this seemingly endless community.

Regardless of how obscure or specific your interests are, there will undoubtedly be a YouTuber making content you want. And if there isn’t, you can always become that YouTuber yourself!

The convenience of ubiquitous inter-connectivity and high speed Internet has brought us to a point where we no longer have to choose from a limited selection of entertainment, all geared towards the lowest common denominator in a bid to capture the most market share. And that door swings both ways, because any content you feel the urge to make, there is a strong chance you will find an audience for it.

That being said, getting started on YouTube can be a little daunting, especially if you have never done anything like this before. Even knowing what hardware you need, what software to use, can be confusing, never mind how you get to actually publishing a video.

Fortunately, we are here to help. Keep reading for a thorough grounding in how to record YouTube videos at home.

Planning

If you are planning just to make YouTube content for your own enjoyment, and genuinely do not care if other people watch it, you can probably skip this bit. If, on the other hand, you have any ambition to grow your YouTube channel, you need to put a little thought into how you might go about it.

Now, you don’t need to have a detailed plan covering every single aspect of your YouTube career from now into the distant future, but merely turning the camera on and hoping for the best is unlikely to breed success. At least, not as quickly as having a plan will.

The first thing to think about is what market your videos will be aimed at. Finding your niche is perhaps the most critical thing you can do to ensure success—after making good content, of course.

The more focused your niche, the better your chances of attracting an audience.

This is because smaller markets tend to have less competition and more engaged audiences. So, while the potential size of your audience is much lower than a broader niche, you will be able to attract a higher portion of that possible audience, and they will be more invested in your content.

For this reason, you should attempt to drill down into the topic you are interested in making videos about, and find the most specific version of that interest that you are comfortable with.

For example, if you are a keyboard enthusiast, and plan to make videos reviewing different keyboards, consider focusing on a specific subset of keyboards, such as mechanical, gaming, ergonomic, or any other attribute that narrows the focus of your videos.

Once you know the boundaries of your niche, you can gear any promotion, related social media accounts, and SEO towards it.

Getting Started: Content

I’m sure you’re expecting this, and we both know it has to be said, so let’s do this first.

Content. Is. King.

The content you produce is the foundation upon which your YouTube empire will be built. You can use cunning tactics to build that empire and sustain it, but if your foundations are weak—if that content is not attractive to your viewers—it will all come tumbling down eventually. It is only a matter of time.

Getting Started: Equipment

Let’s start by simply saying, if you have a relatively recent smartphone, you already have all the hardware you need.

Sure, you can buy something a little more professional (and we’ll get to that in a moment) but if you don’t want to put that kind of financial commitment into your channel just yet, any mid-to-high-end smartphone from the past few years will do a more than a passable job. But let’s talk about taking it to the next level.

To simplify this topic a little, we are going to break YouTube videos down into two main types: onscreen and offscreen. Onscreen videos, as the name suggests, will feature you in the video itself, on camera. This is probably the most common form of YouTube video. A popular example of this would be a vlog, where the YouTuber talks to the camera as though it were the audience.

The other type—offscreen—where you are not on camera, is common in software tutorials, and list videos that are made up of a series of clips from movies or other videos.

If you need ideas for channels or videos where you are not on screen I have a blog with 12 YouTube Channel Ideas Without Showing Your Face – The perfect way to make a channel if you don’t want to be to be the “face” of the brand.

The difference, of course, is that you do not need a camera to make videos where you are not onscreen. What you do need, regardless of whether you are on screen or not, however, is decent audio.

While high-quality video is definitely better than poor quality video, viewers tend to be forgiving if the quality of the video is not critical to the content, as it would be in a software tutorial. What they are less forgiving of is poor quality audio. Whether it’s excessive background noise, clicking and popping, interference, or any number of other things. This kind of thing can really grate on people in the same way that many people don’t like the sound of fingernails on a chalkboard, or cutlery scratching a plate.

With that in mind, the first piece of equipment you should focus on upgrading is your microphone.

Audio

For the most part, a decent USB microphone will do the job just fine. Blue, in particular, make some great USB microphones spanning the price spectrum.

If you want to take it a step further, you will almost certainly need to get hold of an audio interface as well. Audio interfaces can come in many shapes and sizes, from small and inexpensive to multi-channel beasts that cost the same as a small computer.

Audio interfaces provide crystal clear, low latency audio input for your professional-grade microphones (or other instruments), as well as provide the necessary power to run those microphones.

I personally use a Boya BY-MM1 microphone and works wonders with my phone and camera – I even did a deep dive blog on the Boya-BY MM1 it and it has a very cool sound improving feature.

Video

When you start getting into camera upgrades, things can get very expensive, very fast. There are not many budget options that will give you better quality than a typical iPhone or high-end Android phone.

Just be sure to do your research, do not put too much stock in the various numbers manufacturers like to put on the box. Things like resolution and framerate aren’t the be-all and end-all of camera quality. And, remember, if something looks too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

One thing to note is that you shouldn’t be afraid to use less conventional means if they work for you. One such example would be using an HDMI capture device to turn a standalone camera into a webcam of sorts.

The Rest

Regarding other equipment, we could talk about when getting your perfect YouTube set up together; there’s too much to cover in this post. Needless to say, things like acoustic treatment and lighting are essential to producing the best content possible.

Lighting, in particular, can do wonders for your video quality. A great camera can still produce poor video in a bad light; however, even a mediocre camera can do good work if accompanied by good lighting.

Finding a Location to Film In

Finding a somewhere in your home to film is a topic that could fill a post of its own, but we’ll do our best to cover the basics. Your priority should be finding somewhere you can set up permanently. That is, somewhere you wouldn’t have to remove your gear in between videos.

This will allow you to set up things like lighting and acoustic treatment—things you can’t easily put up and take down every time you want to record a video. A permanent location can be anywhere from a spare room or your bedroom, to a closet or the garage. Anywhere that won’t upset anyone you might be living with.

Need inspiration for places to record in around your house? I have been making videos for over 8 years so I have pulled together a list of some of my favorite places to film in my home – some are very imaginative!

If you can’t find such a spot, you will have to try and make your YouTube set up portable so that it can be moved in between recordings. Consider things like getting a microphone with a tighter pickup pattern, so that it picks up less background noise. Opt for a smaller, more portable lighting rig. And, obviously, a laptop over a desktop computer.

Your Set

Having an interesting backdrop to your videos is by no means essential, but it does help to give your videos a little extra flair, not to mention a touch of personality.

The key to an excellent backdrop is to make sure it does not overpower the focus of the video, whether that focus is you, some product you are showing off, or anything else that you want the viewers to be paying attention to.

Be sure to keep things relevant, as well. If you are running a straight cooking channel, it would be confusing if your backdrop had a guitar mounted on the wall. Lighting is an excellent tool for this purpose, but the lighting should not overpower your camera lighting. If you can afford a camera with near-focus, dialing the focus to give the background a slight blur can help to keep the attention on what’s important.

Once you have been making videos for a while, try to incorporate things into your backdrop that speak to the history of your channel. For example, if you were running a craft channel, where you show your viewers how to make things, have some of your more impressive builds in the backdrop.

Little touches like this not only show what your channel is about, they create a sense of connection with long time viewers, who know what these elements of your backdrop represent.

Recording Times

Choosing when to record a video can be a little tricky, especially if you live with others, or have neighbours with thin walls. Most new YouTubers will be making their videos around a job or school. This severely cuts down the time available to record in.

Factor a social life, spending time with your children, being a child, and you may quickly find the main reason many YouTubers end up quitting.

How much time you dedicate to your channel will depend entirely on how seriously you want to take it. If you have big plans for your YouTube career, we recommend setting aside time solely for working on your channel. That time could be spent writing a script, editing, researching and, of course, recording. You shouldn’t work yourself into the ground, of course.

Be reasonable with your scheduling. But the more you treat your channel like a job, the more likely it is that it could one day become one.

Do Not Be Afraid to Scrap Content

Once you have started filming your videos, the next step is to upload them… or is it? Not every video is gold; even experienced YouTubers occasionally make a video they are not happy.

One of the curses—and blessings—of YouTube is that content can have a shelf life far greater than the few days or weeks after you upload it. That is great because it means your videos have the potential to reach new viewers much farther down the line. But it can also be detrimental because first impressions are a big deal.

If you upload poor content, the chances of a new viewer stumbling across that content and becoming a subscriber are pretty slim. It won’t matter that the video was a one-off and most of them are top-notch. Or that it was a long time ago and you’ve improved since then. Most of the time, they will assume that this what your content looks like, and move on.

That is why you need to be honest with yourself about your content. Get friends or family to watch for second opinions if you have to, though you will know if you are honest with yourself.

We know a lot of work goes into a video, but if that video ends up being below par, you have to let it go.

Tags bulk, content creation, home, make content, recording, recording from home, recording video, video, work from home, youtube

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4 Tips for Great Content Creation For Blogs and Landing Pages

Post author By Alan Spicer - YouTube Certified Expert
Post date 1 June 2017
2 Comments on 4 Tips for Great Content Creation For Blogs and Landing Pages

Content Creation & Getting Results in Search Engines

Not everyone understands the connection between getting results in Google and the art of content creation, its important for you as a website owner understand the two go hand in hand, improving your search engine results and creating great content.

Every website owner knows that good content creation is essential for a successful website. Content entices visitors, drives sales, and enhances the likelihood of your site garnering links. While there are many companies that claim to create good UK content for the landing pages and articles for your business website and blog, not all of them can be trusted to give you the results you desire and a rewarding return on investment.

Need help with a new website? We can help you! >>

However, HD1 Web Design focuses on creating content with a purpose, from highly persuasive sales copies to blog articles and content purely made for link purposes.

The process of content creation involves researching the client’s website and the business’ target audience, in order to understand the kind of content that is required, and keep the end user at the forefront of any ideas.

Typical services include copywriting for sales, press releases or ebooks; website content creation for articles, blog posts or product descriptions; link asset creation; and guest blog posts.

Businesses need high quality landing pages and website content to avoid high bounce rates. To achieve this, the website needs to create trust, understanding, and credibility, fast, before the prospective client decides to check out a competitor. Some guidelines for creating great content include:

Include custom infographics or videos for different kinds of visitors

It is important to create an infographic or a video that resonates well with your company’s target audience. Some of the things that HD1 Web Design would consider include: whether your market would prefer an animated explanation or the CEO on camera; or they prefer audio with personality or just someone to state the facts.

By customizing content to a certain type of visitor, you will be addressing the needs and questions of a specific, prospective customer. This is actually why your landing pages exist. The video or infographic should be designed to respond to a visitor’s queries quickly and satisfactorily.

Include one call for action at a time on your website

First time visitors to your site want quick answers, so you need to convey your products, service, benefits of your site, or business ideas within 45-90 seconds of your content. Include only one call for action from your visitors, so it is clear what they are expected to do.

If you give people too many options, they will probably end up not making a decision at all.

See it from the consumer’s perspective

Basically, content creation and creators need to ask themselves how they would rather receive some information from a website: would it be better to read a lengthy chunk of text, bullet point or numbered list, or watch a video?

Videos and lists are easy to break down and grasp. Once you choose a format, you need to determine its length, like a short 2-minute video; 1 minute primer; or a 300, 500 or 700 word article.

Optimize and track analytic data on your Website

Your landing pages and content are probably aimed at lead-generation or sales, so you will want to optimize them for search engines – Back to how do I get better search engine results. There are different SEO strategies for articles and videos, but what is common between them is the need for relevant keywords, and never write content without your client in mind, content for search engines only has very little point to it..

The keywords are determined based on the objective of the marketing campaign or website project. It is also important to look at page analytic’s to see who is viewing your content and how long they stay on a page, in order to adjust the content accordingly.

When creating content, it is important to remain focused on delivering the right content, or else the conversion rates will remain low. Testing different bits of information is slow, so it is best to get it right first time by working with professionals, like HD1 Web Design.

Tags blog seo, blog writer, blog writing, blogging, content creation, creating content, honeypot blogs, rank with blogs, ranking your blogs, seo, seo blogs, Web Design, web designs, website content, website content creation, website design, writing blogs