How Peter McKinnon Turned $0.55 Into A YouTube Empire (Interview)
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- čas přidán 18. 06. 2024
- Peter McKinnon pursued CZcams full-time when he only had 800 subscribers and made $0.55 cents on the platform. For contrast, other creators like Graham Stephan quit his full time job when he made $1,000,000 from CZcams and Mark Rober quit his job after he had 10 million subscribers.
Today, McKinnon has over 5.5 million subscribers, films cinematic videos like The Bucket Shot, and created some of the highest quality (and best selling) merch with his Nomatic backpack, PolarPro Signature Edition II camera lens, and now his Camera Tool which he spent 18 months perfecting.
Together with Spacestation and business partners Sean Holladay and Shaun “Shonduras” McBride, he’s built a beloved brand without ever feeling like he sold out.
In this interview, Peter and I talk about everything form his bromance with Casey Neistat, competing with the king of TikTok magic, Zach King, and how he single handedly re-invented photography content on CZcams.
Special thanks to Stir for sponsoring today's video. Stir is a financial tool for collaborating, splitting revenue, money management and metrics-all in one place. For more info: usestir.com/youshaei
Timestamps:
00:00- 01:03: Intro
01:04-02:52 Finding the right jobs as a creator
02:53- 04:20 When to leave your job
04:21 -06:29 What Peter Learned From Casey Neistat
06:30--07:38 Asking bigger creators to collab
07:39- 09:25 Tips for better brand deals
09:26-10:54 Peter's thoughts on Zach King
10:55-11:52 Competing in a saturated genre
11:53- 13:06 Peter's sound effects
13:07 - 14:16 Thank You Stir
14:17-16:10 How to keep improving
16:11-16:25 Outro
#petermckinnon #mckinnon #photography #camera #creator #caseyneistat #casey #zachking #shonduras #youtube #videography #merch #youtuber #grahamstephan #magic #forbes #petermckinnonforbes
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CREATED BY:
Jon Youshaei, Forbes 30 Under 30 who worked at Instagram and CZcams for past 8 years.
DM @Youshaei on Instagram to say hey
Probably the most fun I’ve ever had in an interview! Thank you for having me!!
You're my inspiration!
I have done 20 years in the military always honing my craft because of the great women in our lives. Your wife's words could never be more true.
What great insight to a legend and his journey. Appreciate the interview
Had so much fun chatting with you 🙏 Thanks again for coming on!!
Like Casey, Peter’s magnetic personality is why we all subscribe and watch. Period!
Honestly idk why not more people do interviews with Peter like he is literally one of the most fascinating people on youtube.
Couldn't agree more and he's one of the most humble and nicest off camera too
“If you’re not learning, you’re un-learning…” inspiration right there, wow.
That was definitely a mic drop moment 🎤
Peter and matti were the reasons i started taking my youtube hobby seriously. I only make like 15 bucks a month after four years, but damn it feels sooo good to get paid when i do the thing i love. The biggest thing i figured out was that i shouldn't try and become another peter Mckinnon, but instead i need to be myself and just do my best.
bro, i feel so inspired after watching this. thanks for the great content
Chris thank you man! Keep taking the plunge!! 🪠
I can relate 🎉
This is why we love Peter. We all see a little of ourselves in him. He just articulates it better. Like a song writer, a comedian, or an artist somehow expressing what we all feel but don't know how to express.
Your level of preparation is next level Jon, so much respect! I appreciate how you always give your guests a very different interview experience to what they are usually used to. The biggest takeaway for us was what he said at the end -> "If you're not learning, you're unlearning", a great reminder to continuously sharpen our skills!
Seriously made my day! Thank you, really means a lot with how much time goes into each interview 🙏
Yes, excellent interviewing skills. Top notch.
Thank you both for doing this interview. So cool to see and hear Peter in this way. Adding “humble” to the characteristics of his traits that inspire me.
Excellent...
Peter was probably the first CZcamsr I ever saw making a video showing "me" how I could make content.
Thanks for sharing this,
James
Amazing interview. Been a huge fan of Peter's for quite some time. An incredible creator 🔥
U bring sooooo much joy and enthusiasm to your interviews. Love watching your videos and very proud of u.❌⭕💖
Thanks for this! Peter has been an inspiration and it's great to see him on the receiving end of some great questions.
Thanks so much!
I have watched Peter’s videos here and there, but after watching this, he has become way more interesting… thanks for bringing out his personality. Well done!
This is why I love using Casey and Peter as inspiration for creating videos .. they focus on the art much more than the analytics and thats what makes making videos awesome … i make youtube videos as a means to get away from my life and my job … the minute i start spending to much time hung up on numbers this just starts feeling like another job
Right?! They're both huge inspirations to me as well
Absolutely agree with you! It’s so easy to focus on numbers but there is nothing more disheartening!
Great video. I love watching my role models taking on different content formats like yours. It gives us new perspectives on their journey, and approach to creative living.
I had this realization only last month. Going all in. I'm spending every minute I can on working for my channel now. I just know I can make it even if it takes a while to get there. Thx for the video, so inspiring!
So excited for you! Keep at it 🚀
That was really fun to watch while providing a lot of value at the same time! Thank you for bringing it out 👍🏻👍🏻
Glad you enjoyed it!
Such a great interview, those quesions were on point. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much 🙏
This is a great interview, Jon! I love the level of research you put into it. I'm a huge Peter McKinnon fan, I watch a lot of his videos, and it's pretty entertaining to see him in the "hot seat" - looking forward to more content like this from you!
thank you Rivvid! Peter made this one so much fun
Absolutely Love Peter. Favourite CZcamsr. Thanks for the content Jon!
@Peter McKinnon is the reason why I take CZcams seriously and constantly push myself to produce high quality content while simultaneously learning new skills. Thanks for sharing the interview, it was great.
What I admire most about Peter is his character and how he’s gone thru what we all go through. But his creativity and how he speaks in all genuinity is what makes me gravitate towards him. He inspired me to buy my first CANON camera! Thanks Peter!!
I just started watching peter from yesterday and literally from his very first video that i watched of Ae, which was shot 5 years back, was soo fascinating that i changed my mind to become a film maker. His way of interaction, teaching, and doing funny stuff keeps viewers indulging all the time. I admired him at that very moment and now this interview made me realize that this person does mean a lot to the world. Willing to learn from his videos. Peace
another epic chat and some valuable lessons!
Thanks Liron! 🙏
Love PM and it was cool to see him in an interview setting like this. Cheers!
This interview was my introduction to your channel. Now to start bingewatching it to see what I've been missing.
Thank you! So excited to have you here 😊
Just won a new BELL SUBSCRIBER, this kind of videos are my VIBE. I am about to start my creative studio and this helps a lot, since I admire Peter and all he has influenced my ideas and even me leaving my job!! Very well executed! thanks for this amazing interview! Greetings from Guatemala
Thank you Patrick!! Means a lot, I think you’re gonna love the next video I’m editing as we speak 🔥
Such a great interview and so inspiring for a newer CZcamsr 🙌
Awesome to hear that! And welcome😀
I watched @Peter's video from 2018. I am not a photographer or anything related. I just watched cz that guy is SO ALIVE. I kept watching premiere pro tutorial while not even interest in Video editing. Hats off to you peter. You deserve every bit of it
You’re extremely good at interviewing! Appreciate that you don’t interrupt. Well done🤝
Anthony thank you! Yeah that's my biggest pet peeve about other interviews haha so I try to prep good questions but then let them tell their stories. Really appreciate you taking the time to comment and mention that : )
Very encouraging to not chase trends and just stay yourself :)
Thanks so much for this interview
Great interview and preparation with the clips!
Thanks Josh!! Haha yeah I dig deep for those clips
Really liked the easy-going interview and yes, he said it, memorable and inspiring. Grazie!
Thanks so much Stefano!
Absolutely phenomenal interview. ❤
Great inspiration, thanks!
this was so good, inspired again 💕
So happy to hear it 😀
I find so many parallels with Peter McKinnon, it's insane. Not so much since he blew up on CZcams. But everything leading up to it, even the State Farm job, the restaurant job, to having my first "a ha" moment with a camera I randomly picked up because I saw it at a police auction, flipped it to Macro mode and BOOM. I'll be the first to admit, I'd love to just have a piece of his success on CZcams but like Pete I like to get to X my own stubborn way, which is why I am still at 1k subs and 1k hours and unable to go full time at this time. Pete is incredible to watch and I would not be surprised if I am somehow distantly related to him. Either way, he is an inspiration and I may not have had the balls to go from a typical 9 to 5 to now owning and operating a full time photography and video business. Pete, you say you don't read the comments, but if you read this one, thank you.
Been watching for years such an inspiration
Thanks for making my day! Loved the interview!
So happy to hear it 😀
this was legit one of the best interviews ive ever seen very dope
Whoa thank you! I think you’ll like the other ones on my channel too, lots more coming 🚀
Loved this...Great collab 👏👏👏
Thanks so much!!
wonderful interview!!!
Thank you Eric! 🙏
Beautiful interview
So jealous of this guy man... Also happy to see it. One day... One day I'll make myself proud.
Gonna Screen shot this for later.
Peter you helped me in my journey... I am now going full time as a head shot photographer which is what my Passion is and hearing you say if I can pay one bill then I can pay all the i love that
This is so awesome!! You're going to kill it Joshua 👏
Great of you to integrate Peter's ad(vice) directly into this video, loved it haha :D
Haha thank you had to take a page out of his book for this one 😆
that was awesome! thanks guys!
Amazing podcast Jon! I am going to watch this video everytime I am demotivated to create content
So great to hear that!
Super awesome interview, love it! 🔥
Thanks Ruben! 🙏
Loved the interview, Pete is awesome I’ve watched him for years! Little jealous, as a tiny part time creator I can’t even make 55 cents with better numbers then when he started even though CZcams runs ads on all my content. 55 cents would be amazing! Thanks again!
Just keep posting!!
Great interview with Peter.
Gotta say, that was a fantastic interview! Well done!
thanks Cristian! Hope you enjoy the other interviews on my channel, lots more coming : )
Nice interview !
Wow. Thank you guys; I love the story you told around 15:34 and the line "If you're not learning, you're un-learning"
Yess loved that quote from Peter
@@youshaei Thank you for taking your time to reply, and especially thank you for putting together such inspiring videos!
Great interview, Jon.
Thanks so much Daniel 🙏
Very interesting video, Jon.
Your Editing Concept Is Amazing 👏
Thanks so much!
Peter is one of my favorite on YT - great choice for interview
He’s the goat 🐐
This is so good - crazy how it's only at 900 views?! The YT algorithm has definitely messed up there
Appreciate you!!
Great interview… thank you both
Thanks for watching 🙏
Great chat. Really well edited intro, too🙌
Thanks Holly! Worked ages on that intro so appreciate you saying that 🙏
That’s so inspiring ♥️
Never have I watched a video this long upon first waking up 😂 Such an awesome interview!
Hahaha good morning!! Glad you enjoyed 🙏
A love Peter videos, I learn a lot from him
love this interview.. great job all
Thank you! 🙏
@@youshaei just finished - it was very professional and one major thing I've learned about interviewing is to show a relaxed nature, you did this brilliantly - new subscriber here dude
This was a great conversation and inspiring 👏
Thank you! 🙏
Have been waiting a long time for Pete to do an interview like this. Would love to see him on more podcasts to hear his stories, ideas and perspective on the creative world and art.
Loved it!! Great inspiration! This guy is special!
Thanks Nuno!
@@youshaei You're welcome! :)
Great interview!
thank you!
love the positive vibes! 😍
What an amazing interview ❤️🔥
This interview is very inspiring.
I am right there with Peter on the sound effects stuff 😂 I started waggling my tongue when he said helicopter 🤣 Great interview. Big fan.
I love Peter McKinnon, what a great open person.
Another bangeeer!
Ayooo appreciate you!!!
I am at this exact phase. I quit my job and trying to do photography full time. I am looking to dive into CZcams but I just don't know what I want to do with it and how much I value my privacy.
This is one of the most interesting and educative interviews I have ever watched
thank you Simon! Hope you like the other interviews on my channel too, try to put a ton of research and prep into each one
@@youshaei sure!
Amazing interview! Is there a longer version?
Thank you! And yes! Planning to upload extended version on my podcast soon (links below):
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/1iyl0D5jqjsgkT1ZPA2z3u?si=HVqhUbiXRjeGL9kfHMvA-g
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/created-with-jon-youshaei/id1639432847
it was amazing those all guys are legends ♥
Man, peter is a true genius!
Saying profound things in a simple way...
Peter’s videos are more than daily motivational videos ….❤ this interview
Thanks for watching!
Great success story he surely deserves it. Best to everything you do buddy
I agree
Oh 100%. No one works harder
Feeling so inspired watching this video
Thanks Emmanuel! Think you may like the other interviews on my channel as well, lots more coming 😊
“If you’re not learning, you’re un-learning.” Love that!
Love the videos!
Thank you!
13:17 Whaaaat? is that Jon making a skit? I LOVE how you incorporated Peter's advice about doing brand deals with humor!! So cool :)
Thank you!! Yes had to put Peter’s tips into practice on this one 🥳
I love Peter. Thanks for the interview :D
Man this should’ve been at least a one hour interview!
I'm a huge fan of Peter and Peter seems like the kind of guy that would just think that everything could be a story and he would tell it well.. "Hey Peter here's a baloney sandwich" and hey would probably nail it with the storyline.
Now THATS a video I would watch. 😆
Like Casey, Peter’s magnetic personality is why we all subscribe and watch. Period!
YES 100%
this was a cool interview!
thank you Sam!
Loving this
Thanks for watching 🙏
Really enjoyed that
Thanks Greg! Hope you like the other interviews on my channel too, lots more coming 🔥
i watch this video because i love Peter McKinnon ❤❤
I love his comment on the proof of concept - once he saw saw an inkling of revenue, he just knew it could only go up from there. I'm still waiting for that moment when I can jump into this realm full time - of course I think I may need a bit more then 55 cents to survive - but hey you gotta start somewhere 🙂
Greatest interview !
Thanks Brayden! 🙏
His the reason I started this CZcams journey its not easy but I just keep going hopefully one day
Have been watching Peter since the start and now I finally have the balls to start posting small bits that I record. He really changed the whole "teaching" narrative on CZcams!
That’s true! It was time all the information was free on CZcams and you didn’t have to buy courses.. Good times.
I really hope that Pete helped clean the kitchen before left. The former restaurant person in me really hope so, but I also get it. Great interview and awesome prep man. This is a cut above the rest.
Love this. Knowing Pete, he totally did. Thanks for watching 🙏
Very good interview, Pete is just the greatest!
Thanks David! Yes he’s the goat!! 🐐