How a Strategy Shift Got WheezyWaiter 1 Million Subscribers
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- čas přidán 30. 05. 2024
- Craig Benzine aka @wheezywaiter had just 32 subscribers for his first three years on CZcams. After many years of perseverance and a strategy shift, he now has over a million. In this episode Jack and Craig talk about how Craig's channel has changed over the years he's been on the platform, and how he shifted his strategy to reignite his audience growth.
Featured Videos:
We Quite Sugar For a Month, Here's What Happened: • We Quit Sugar For A Mo...
How I Saved My CZcams Channel: • How I Saved My CZcams...
We Tried Getting 10,000 Steps Every Day For a Month, Here's What Happened: • We Tried Getting 10,00...
Featured Book:
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
simonsinek.com/books/start-wi...
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For more ways to grow your creative business, visit creatorhub.patreon.com/ - Krátké a kreslené filmy
Dang, this is my favorite interviewee EVER!
Thanks for having me, Jack! It was a lot of fun and I meant it when I said I'm honored to be a part of it. We did this interview a little while ago and I'm STILL figuring out how to make videos about people other than myself. I have many ideas. It's coming.
It was so fun talking to you, and I can't WAIT to see what you come up with next.
-a forever fan
Are we going to see the Wheezywaiter podcast, maybe?
Firstly, Jack Conte, you're killing it with this channel. I loved the interview with GMM's Stevie, and now Wheezy too? I feel like you're really finding the creators that have made and are making CZcams what it is. Thank you!
Have you thought about making a wearing the same outfit everyday challenge? To reduce decision fatigue? Maybe chyna would want to participate in that one?
The original haul video is legendary. Watched it several times alone and showed it to a bunch of friends
Wheezy is the kind of old Internet personality that I miss having in the zeitgeist of the meta of CZcams.
Totally 😂 🤙🏽
W
I think, as a long-time Wheezy Waiter fan, his personality comes through in every video. So, the purpose of the video may change, but he still shows up as his hilarious self. Now, more people are enjoying his videos because it's a power combo of quality info and his humor.
I love watching his videos to laugh and take all these challenges more lightly (health stuff is almost always so serious).
I really like Craig. What I like about his videos is that he comes across as genuine and not fake.
"The 32 subscribers for the first three years." Now there's some soul coal right there for folks to keep going. Numbers are just numbers and I have actively avoided counting and anything math-shaped for my whole career so why start now? Enjoyed this.
I found him in his first small boom back in like 2007 I think it was. I remember going back to video 1 and watching them all over a week and ended up buying his wheezey shoes. that's like peak late nostalgia for me.
OG! It's good to be reminded that we all start somewhere. Some people's ramps are just longer than others? I recently had Ze Frank pop back into my feed and my mind exploded.
Wheezywaiter is probably one of the longest creators that I've followed (maybe more than a decade now?) I love the fact that he never compromised on his authenticity and remained down to earth even with shifting from random videos with singing carpets, punching eagles and clones, to his current type of content.
the real success of Wheezy is due to his scene of humor and his presentation skills. These two characteristics are why I am a subscriber.
I can't believe I've been following Craig for 14 (??) years now!! Luckily, I'm really good at hiding, so he hasn't caught me yet.
Thanks for this interview!
that was good.....
craig's parkour video will always hold a very special place in my heart
It works for him because he comes across as genuine, honest and funny smart. I enjoy his channel. And this interview.
I've been watching Craig since 2008/9, he has been a consistent person in my life for such a long time. It's very weird that's he's not somebody I know in real life, but feels like a friend none the less.
I was thinking this.
A big reason I think he the changed worked is the audience that grew up with him and had kinda gotten over the 8 years of the same stuff, were in the same life phases as him. I'm probably 5-10 years younger that Craig, but when his video changed to things he did to actually improve his live and make meaningful changes, I was in a period of my life where I started to things to change my life.
For me as an only child, I didn't really have a slightly older friend or role model or brother to follow. But it was nice to see the life changes he went through and his mind set change and felt like a good shift for me to.
Craig is smart, relatable, and much funnier than my regular friends. It's no wonder he's popular around here.
Been a beardlover for years and loved the shift! His older videos I enjoyed because it felt like a Saturday morning cartoon or watching the news at breakfast. Similar to the feeling I get watching GMM. Now his content feels more deliberate and thought provoking which has lead to changes and thoughts into my daily life. No matter what he puts out, I’ll always make sure to see what Craig is up to!
I love Craig so much! Never expected this interview but I’m glad it’s here
Craig is the coolest funniest most relateable guy on youtube. Big thumbs up for having him on your show 🙂
I re-watch Craig's video on how he saved his channel once a year just to remind myself of some of the rules.
Awesome interview, would love to see a longer version.
What a great guy! Well done! He doesn't call himself some Creator then look down at the rest of us......just rolls out the fun.
The world is full of good people!
This video series is always fascinating. Not your average podcast/interview video.
Hey this is random but I saw your thumbnail at the bottom of my screen when the title/channel was hidden and I immediately went "digital spaghetti" ur thumbnails are great man I could recognize them immediately
I hope he doesn't ever stop making videos 'about himself.' That's his biggest strength imo
I've been watching Wheezy since I was in my teens (absolutely wild to say that) but I get a healthy pit in my stomach every time I see one of my OG youtubers still throwing things on here and they love them all the same. Can't stop myself from clicking when I see them nowadays.
OG Wheezy Waiter fan here. His old videos are some of my favourite on the internet. His band rips too (not sure if they're still around). Big ups Craig!
My channel’s metrics have been in decline since 2017, so this interview was very relatable and useful. Going from exponential viewership growth (and all the opportunities that come with that) to the opposite feels like the most 1st world of problems, but damn it still really knocked my confidence and self esteem. Thanks for being willing to talk about external success metrics (eg resonating with the audience) with nuance rather than staying safe with puritanical ideals about being a “true artist” who doesn’t “sell out” or think about external success ever.
My last two videos have underperformed, but they are the kind of video I want to make, so I have to decide whether to double down or try something else. Hopefully, I can find the middle ground. Longer videos is definitely something I’ll try after hearing Craig’s experience.
As a long time beardlover, this was a really great interview to watch. I do miss some of Craig's older style of content but I definitely enjoy the new stuff he's gotten into.
I found WheezyWaiter just before the sugar video. I blinged watched the content. I think the other thing that worked for him was that his audience was ready to get to know him better. When China step into the videos, it grounded the videos in reality. WheezyWaiter became Craig. Instead of a character we loved, he was a friend we could journey with.
I love WW and also nice shoutout for Internet Comment Etiquette !
Thank for interviewing WheezyWaiter, I enjoy watching him because he is real. He doesn’t keeps and says what on his mind /feelings.
Thanks for this video. I used to watch the crap out of WheezyWaiter and it was one of my inspirations for making weird comedy sketches. Now this current channel I create on is completely different, but I find it very interesting that someone as creative as Craig found a way to reinvent himself without having to start from scratch a second time. Thanks to both of you!
It's funny to me as someone that's been watching Craig for over a decade that I've never really thought too much about the format change. From the clone era to the challenge era, he's just endlessly charismatic and a brilliant editor.
two powerhouses , delightful to see wheezy's brain running at full steam here!
I was aware of Craig, occasionally watching a video here or there. But I became a regular viewer just a few months before he made the sugar video and made the push to 1 million subs. It was really fun to watch.
I used to watch Craig when he was doing his clone jokes, then stopped when he was vlogging washing his car. The change of format worked really well, he is very talented and his hard work is paying off
I subscribed to this guy years ago and have never seen him since.
As a growing creator (not on CZcams - yet!) this interview hits the spot. Jack, your series is binge-worthy. So much wisdom about the creative process, and from people who know the struggles more intimately than anyone else. Thank you!!!!
KING DOOBLYDOO! I have been proudly subscribed (albeit through different accounts over the years) since 2009. It's been fun to watch this shift pay off!
Really resonating with his desire to be helpful first. I’d lost my way making videos too. Chasing views and following too much advice online. Lately I’m just focusing on adding value
No sugar for a month was a fantastic blend of OG CZcams and the new era CZcams. I think that’s why it worked. Very Ryan Trahan-esque challenge feel without losing the OG handcrafted nature.
Just my thoughts!
I could barely wait since I've seen a snippet in a compilation you did.
I loved to see you 2 in the same video! Thanks a lot!
Authenticity. He’s just this guy, ya know?
The CARE for making things is so important. I've gotten bored of creating things I didn't care about and never published those.
The Beard power in this video is VERY strong...
I love interviews like this so much, and hearing what the actually experiences of creators are
For a while I've been wanting to see someone interview Craig on his creative process like this and I'm glad you did it. He's one of my favorites creators...been following since 2009 on different projects from regular wheezy waiter vids to things like driftless pony club, the good stuff, ty the regular guy, the gaming channel, etc. can't wait for what's to come in the future.
Mr Spaghetti, just realized that you are the Patreon guy. I don’t know anything about Patreon (I should probably look into that) but I enjoy your channel here. Thanks for the great content! If you need anything 3D printed, just let me know.
Why did the switch work for me? I found Craig in high school, and the random videos were fun and silly and just what I was looking for! When he made the switch in 2018, I was graduating college. And just as he was out growing his style, I was too! It’s been so fun to get to watch Craig’s journey. I never miss a video!
Craig is the goat AND the og
I remember when I worked at a merch place he was printing through. 🤘🏻 we had an old Wheezy poster up on the wall of the office. Great vids!
I hope Craig is in the comments. I just wants to say that I am excited to see what you make that you’re not in. I love your sense of humor, your writing and your editing and I think those things will fit well even without you on camera.
love you guys, thanks for vid!
I love the idea of making video just because making it would be good for you. I think a super underrated benefit of being an internet content creator that you can just go do the things you want to do, then make a video out of it, and potentially get paid just to live your best possible life👍
Great interview! Making changes can be daunting, so congratulations to wheezy waiter on having the presence of mind to evolve so well.
So cool to hear Craig talking about his process. Your interview was great!
Thank you for this wonderful dialogue! And thanks for putting in the links to the key videos mentioned. I'm going to watch the sugar one after this.
Wheezy videos look effortlessly produced (nevermind the challenges). Besides being humorous they're so watchable because there's so much love coming out of him when addressing the camera.
If Wheezy wore the same hat, mind would’ve been blown.
Love Jack's interviewing style. insightful questions; great follow-up.
Great interview! I love when WW posts new content...his humor, his relationship with his wife , and just his down-to-earth persona makes me want to be his friend. I love the real life aspects, OH, I ALMOST FORGOT, his parents...hilarious!!
I'm watching Craig's channel for a couple of years now (Before the "challenge" time). Awesome guy making great videos. This is actually how I came across Pomplamoose (awesome music!) etc. So I especially enjoyed this interview. Thanks! :)
I'm a longtime fan of Craig but never watched WheezyWaiter. His channel is just not my bag, preferring educational channels. His guest-hosting is how I know him. Lifestyle videos, no matter how entertaining they are, and overwhelmingly what CZcams is made of is on my never-in-my-lifetime list. This interview however is right up my alley. I like the learny stuff.
Feeling WHEEZY! Such a great interview! 🤩
Been a WheezyWaiter fan for some time now. Great interview,
Love Wheezywaiter! I've been watching for years. Love how authentic he and China are. And you got to love his parents....more vids with the parents please!
Serious organic insight from Wheezy! Great questions too
Great interview, would love an even deeper dive into Wheezy's various characters over the years, his biggest wins and losses, financials, collabs, the whole shebang! He is such an incredible creator, been a beardlover since 2013 or maybe even before!
I joined Wheezy waiter because of the sugar stopping episode. 😊💕
I enjoy the ww videos! I like seeing guys roughly my age makin vids too and he’s defo an inspiration! Also enjoyed the interviewer too, guy seemed genuinely interested and curious. I like people like that
They look like Super Smash Bros alternate skins of each other
I’ve lived wheezy since I was a college freshman and he was sitting at a desk punching birds and throwing clones to the pit and his personality and likability has ensured I will watch whatever he does for the rest of time
very nice laid back interview.
I'd love to just have a Van Neistat pencil to be casually waving around.
Craig is the best!
Two waves of success - a commonality between these two domains:
pre- and post- 2018 wheezywaiter
Nvidia in 3D graphics and artificial intelligence
Good thing one of you was wearing a hat
I love that man
What I love most about this is that Jack is using the pencil Van gifted him. :)
Did I just make it 20+ minutes without Craig peaking his mic to jolt me back to life?!
His comment about the youtube rabbit hole Markiplier has done a couple of times, its actually really interesting where you find yourself
I’m going to model some of my video techniques based on his stuff…
As soon as I actually take the time and actually pull out all my footage from over the years, throw it in FCP, and edit it!
Just two boys with great beards talking and they also have very great beards.
Whoa. There's some S-tier BBE goin' on. (Big Beard Energy)
Why is the video not performing very well? It's such a great video. Love your Lems too, I have that exact pair.
Yes David BTS vlogs has inspired a lot including me
Whatever happened to Dead Wax! I loved those videos
I heard a guy yesterday say that numbers dont mean you failed. Its possible your content grew beyond the original audience. Theres a recipe these days to make things people like and so many people find that and just churn it out and churn it out. Making content just to make content in the hopes it will be a success is kinda meh.
I’m just like Mr. WW…I can’t schedule in advance. I have to be free to move in whatever direction I want to go.
What you can do now is once or twice a year spend your time creating full feature films for CZcams.
I was there for Weezy's clones. I used to laugh so hard
Holy shirt! Is that the guy from Driftless Pony Club?
hey this is the guy from Pomplamoose
I loves me some wheezywaiter.
The only think my audience begs me for is sugar lol
I say this before watching most of the video. I love Craig's current video style, but it could do with more clones. That is all.
I'm a simple man. I see Jack and WheezyWaiter in one video, I click. And I'm sure I'll be constantly confused who is who.
WheezyWaiter is the one wearing a hat
@@StefKors I thought it was the one with the beard and brown eyes.
😂
This looks like he's interviewing himself 😂
Is that a Van Neistat pencil that you are holding Jack?
is this the guy from crash course
I stopped watching wheezy videos for 5 years and this is what I learned! I miss the old content and just can’t get into this recycled concept…
BEARD-BROTHERS
I thought Wheezy stopped making video's with his clones. Guess i was wrong 😀
Beard brothers