Same! I love watching silent daily vlogs too. I think I only came to know that these silent vlogs exist 2yrs ago? And I thought it's awesome! It's seriously calming to watch how regular people go about their day, knowing that you have similar struggles, similar food sometimes, similar chores haha anyway, it's one of my favorite things to do after a day of mom duties if that makes sense 😆
I tend to think what draws the audience in is the lesson learned through the personal transformation in a story. The lesson is usually relatable and the transformation of the storyteller, whether physical, mental, or spiritual often inspires a desire for change in the audience.
THANK YOU for this!! It feels like the only advice on how to grow on CZcams is being an educator/providing value through educational videos and we love vlogging! We're still learning how to tell stories through our videos, but this video was so encouraging to keep going! Thank you!
Ugh this video is right on time! I was becoming discouraged with my CZcams journey & feeling like maybe vlogging isn't what I should do, but quite honestly it is what I want to do the most. Transactional vs relational was really well put. I love to relate to others & find ways to relate to others, so it just feels best. I love your videos always, and LOVE your vlogs as well. Thank you times a million for this video!
I turned my family channel into a vlog channel and I love doing it even if I’m only getting 2 views a day. It gives me something to do and actually knowing I need to put out content keeps me busy.
As someone who started a travel vlogging channel, I LOVE this. I am struggling on many levels but one of my problems is Im not good at the story telling. I get so caught up in the enjoyable aspect of travelling that I forget to actually get the important stuff on video or I dont talk enough about things. My s**t looks like its just me on vacation. Thank you for the tips. Now if you could just show me how to balance enjoying the destination AND worrying about the filming.
Finally a video that talks about vlogs as a way to grow! I absolutely love vlogging it brings me closer to my audience and allows me to look back at memories and my own growth. Great tips!
Sorry for all the comments but when something is good people need to know. I have been doing CZcams for over 3 years and this is one of the best videos I have come across.
I've actually had huge success starting a vlog channel... I love what you mentioned about transactional channels... totally fine but I LOVE my community!
Thank you for this, I loved the info! I have been doing youtube on and off since 2012. Once I changed my niche from "talking head" topics to a "Relatable mom vlog" channel my views, subs, ctr, and watch time went up significantly. I just tried it to try it not really thinking anything of it but this is the most engagement I have ever had on my channel, and I love vlogging.
Oh I love this! I’m trying to switch up my channel too… from talking educational, to sharing life lessons as I learn to grow a veggie garden! (Only done one video so far like this haha)
I watch more vlogs than other content, i recently started my own vlog channel (after going full time on this channel) It allows me to connect deeper to my super core audience and that is literally the only reason I have it
I am soo happy I have stumbled upon this video. I DID search for "Are vlogs dead", intending to find someone who says no because these "experts" on CZcams saying that vlogs are dead does not only make me cringe but is not correct. I watch so many vlogs; I got into YT because of the different vlogs I started following. It was also a time when I was taking a break from IG. In the past, I was only coming here when I needed a quick "how to" video on something, but vlogs made me see the beauty of connection with other people around the world, their stories, etc. There's also this incredibly high bar nowadays for vlogging, but on the other hand, I see the most homemade, and yes, sometimes it could be better quality, but they have millions of views. I always wondered how the "experts" justify that. I follow people who started on zero three years ago and now have more than 500k to 1m subs simply from vlogging (and good SEO, obviously). Those think media titles are clickbait-y to me because they address the people wanting to start a (sometimes scammy) business from home. Still, most of us want to explore our creativity, share our stories and build new parasocial relationships. I'm so happy Katie made this video and called this out.
I love you even more for putting my thoughts into words! I've been seeing SOO MANY niched youtubers lately completely stopped or just started a whole different channel because now they've found themselves in this box they have put themselves in.... and I don't want to put myself in that position
OMG Katie! I love you even more after this video. Every time I was searching for how to grow on CZcams videos, everyone was giving me that educational/educative channel recipe, the transaction type video like you explained today. When I am just a woman with a message and some experiences to share. I soooo needed to hear this today! I agree that a good story matters but not all the content here on CZcams should be niched, educating content. We are not all educators. As much as I appreciate your educative content, I like how you express yourself, I like you as a creator so I can't wait to go check your vlog channel. Hugs from Transylvania!
Your comment resonates with me! I don’t feel like I’m much of a teacher … but I have a lot of wisdom and inspiration I want to share! Plus editing videos that aren’t just sitting down and teaching, is sooo much more fun.
@@PaperCraneOfHope I agree. I love getting creative, my videos are art, I don’t see why they should have a niche and be educational. Hugs from Transylvania
Thank you for your video . From the beginning of starting my channel I always wanted to feel like my channel was relational . I want to feel like my subscribers are internet friends . I noticed that’s how I feel like with my favorite CZcamsrs . Great tips !
Thank you for this! I’m doing Vlogtober and have been really discouraged with my channel growth lately (I ended up being pretty niche and I am not doing that specific niche anymore). This video was super helpful and quite comforting. Thanks for giving me hope!
I love vlogging! It’s such a fun creative outlet for me. It’s great to hear this perspective :) I want to do some educational content also but continue the vlogs for sure. I’ve actually received a really cool compliment from a colleague in my industry - she said that my vlogs gave people a behind the scenes look into the work that I do without it feeling salesy… I really liked that perspective. Thanks for this video!
Currently 6 minutes in and thank you so much for making this. I've felt so stuck with feeling the only way is 'educational' 'tutorial' videos. I did that in the past and I grew a channel but I got so bored. I just want to be me. Still trying to find my way but your emphasis on telling the story is such a great reminder. It means it's harder work but I think it will be worth it. And also, if you're telling good stories, you're also making content for yourself too. To watch back, keep as special memories etc., Lovely lovely video xx
This really made me think more about where I'm going with my channel. I fell for the niche thing and now I feel stuck. I really want to start doing vlogs, but the transition is where I get stuck. Thank you for this!
Ya I hear you. I wonder if it depends on whether you intend tu turn CZcams into a business or just for pleasure? Seems like Katie's vlog channel doesn't get much views and she's using this channel mostly for profit. I could be wrong but vlogging is not dead just not as profitable maybe?
This video was SO encouraging! I've seen so many videos talking about how vlogging is kind of over. Thank you for giving us motivation, tips and your usual positivity! ❤🤗
Honestly, I would watch all your content here, both vlogs and the content creator and business tips :) I enjoy all of it, but I do understand how separating the two “audiences” or genres works well with the algorithm, views and business growth etc :) Always fun to watch your videos!
I totally agree! I feel like most of the people I see myself watching and subscribing to are people that have a similar lifestyle to me, have the lifestyle I aspire, or practice the values and interests that I also do. So like I may not be directly interested in cocktails but if the CZcamsr that I follow that does journaling or film photography mentions it, it can be something I can potentially be interested in too! Creating a super niche type of content, you actually limit yourself to what you can create since this sets some sort of expectation from both new and old subscribers. Guilty of thinking this way. But content creators need to understand that it's not so much about a game of demographics and targeting, it's "lifestyle targeting". Love love ur stuff, Katie!!!
Thank you for this. I started my vlog channel a month ago and this kept my spark of hope going. I’ll take your advice to heart and keep moving forward :) ❤
Thank you so much. As an African creater l have been procrastinating on my channel thinking I'm not good enough. I always wanted to CZcams. But always made excuses. Thank you
What I think is really misleading for niche creators is people rarely unsubscribe, unlike Instagram where an irrelevant post might make us unfollow, on CZcams we just choose not to watch and the algorithm doesn’t feed it to us again so CZcamsrs don’t even realize how much their subscribers really don’t want these videos that they didn’t sign up for.
We do because yt breaks down who views the videos. You can see various data points that highlight how interested a subscription base is interacting or watching.
I have to thank you for this. Full disclosure: I’m a paid member of VRA & I’ve been quite discouraged & disappointed by the education. I have never been interested in being a “hyper niche” channel. My idea of fun is to share & tell stories & everything you’ve mentioned here. If I had a business, the transactional method would make sense. But I ENJOY vlogging & telling stories & I’m tired of “CZcams gurus” telling me that what I want to do is pointless & “dead.” I want to create for the sake of it & become a better storyteller, filmmaker, & editor.
Saving this video!!! Love how you laid it all out! As a super small channel, who posts about homemaking, these help me so much. My niche is so small and not really something that draws people in. So I am looking at how to bring other things in, to make my super small niche better.
Dear Katie, you are so f***ng right! Congratulations 🎉I agree 100% Thanks for sharing your clear perspective. I absolutely trust this process - even if we grow slower, but we will build up a relationship. Much love 💕 Matthias👋
Thanks, Katie. This has really helped me. I have a channel about our farms here in Zambia, and I was out at one of our farms yesterday and shot some footage about an important task that we have to do each year. I found the workers in the middle of doing it and immediately started to shoot some footage. There was a lot happening all over the place, and I had to shoot fast and furious. Get the action, do some talking head to give the background, get some more action, do some more talking head. And all the while having the basic outline of the story in my head. Today, as I start to edit, your video has helped me think about how to shape the video into even more of a story. One challenge is that I will need to add in a bit of narration to link the story better. But I always worry about the audio quality on voiceover done in the studio being different to what we get out in the field as I'm walking around. Anyway, maybe I'm overthinking it and most viewers might not really notice the difference, especially with all the action going on.
Super intriguing video. I would love for you to dive further into the vlogging process in terms of the WHILE you are vlogging aspect. Like how do you vlog and worry about what the “conflict” or point of interest is going to be? Or is this something you focus on while editing? I’ve been really experimenting with my vlogs and trying to get in a rhythm, but this is still something that stumps me. Would love to hear your thoughts!
Katie! You read my mind, vlogs are what I search for because at the end of the day, I want to see the lives of the people behind the camera. I’d love to see you do more vlogs!! Looking forward to more of your personal videos💘
One of the only videos on CZcams that doesn’t discourage people on vlogging and actually talks about vlogging properly! Thanks! ❤ subscribed and now off to watching more videos. Your channel is a great find ❤❤
This was actually really good advice? Dude. I've been working on my vlogs for quite some time now, but this is the first time I've heard most of this. Thank you for sharing your experience!
thank you for this vid, i've been so unmotivated lately with my youtube channel because everyone insists that vlogging/youtube isn't "in" anymore. but i'm going to keep posting because this makes me happy!
I 100% agree with this. I seriously stopped posting because I was tired of being niched so tightly and then... that's all my audience wanted from me. I felt stuck and just lost all interest in posting. When I get over the bitterness from receiving the tips that led me to that thought process... maybe I'll start up again 😅
Wow. Literary I was just going through many topics for finding niche for my channel after going through an umpteen number of channels advising for finding a niche, i was about to leave this platform. Thank you for saving my youtube career. I'll definitely try now. Well. You got one subscriber today lady. Thanks for helping me with a refreshing video where I can now say that I DON'T HAVE TO BE A MASTER OF SOMETHING TO EXIST ON CZcams. I CAN BE A JACK OF ALL TRADES and still can persist on CZcams. Thank you once more for such an enlightening video. 🔥🔥🎉
This video is amazing! All the other vloggers suggest SEO/ niche and that creates “transactional search”. I’ve definitely noticed a decline in my Tik Tok, but I realized now after watching this video it’s because I much rather focus on storytelling & sharing my adventures then stuffing a milling SEO hashtags. ❤. Thank you.
Loved this video Katie I recently see the girl vlogs , are really taking off, compared to the male kind of vlogs . For ex this video is comfy chill out relaxing with u at home while u teach us, compare to the kind of videos you mentioned like think media, is very “ PRODUCED” feels colder the lighting the studio, we do not feel the big conection as we do with you, with this warm videos ❤😊
this was super helpful!!! I just started a book tube channel but am hoping to pivot to more vlog-like content soon, and I found these tips extremely valuable. it is quite hard to come up with that story angle.... but not impossible
I'm so glad I came across this video. Vlogs are so fun to watch! That's literally what I most watch on CZcams. I don't personally have a huge following on social media and this channel is only like 4-5 days old, but I really love making "vlog" type content! I call it "Video Diaries" Also they are great to look back on!
Thank you for this! You've inspired this scaredy cat to just go for it and start. I held back for the longest time because I was so concerned with having a niche and being confined to one thing. Also, a travel vlogger AND Outlander fan?! I feel like we would be best friends! 🥰
Love that you made this video. I was kinda sad about that video that vlogging is dead. It made me uninspired for quite a while. But, I love vlogging, coz that’s how I express myself better. I love story telling. These I think are far better approach if you want to be successful on this platform. We gotta love what we’re doing and not just pretending to be an expert on something that we aren’t just for the views. We do what we know we’re good and comfortable at. 😊
Whenever I watch these advice videos about how to grow I feel a lot of pressure to make educational content, but them I think about what I watch. I love vlogs and just inspirational videos to help me keep making art in these alone times, and sometimes a good virtual company is just as valuable
I just started my youtube channel. Wanted to share my adventures and really love editing videos learning more and just wanted something to reminisce memories later on.
I'm a vlogger I thought about changing because they say vlogging is dead but my channel was created to show the world the real me and my real authentic life and just hope that someone finds me interesting 😩
Thank you so much for your content. You provide so much value and I’m always so excited when you have a new video up. As I’m growing my baby channel teaching people about Hollywood lol and being a working mom as well as how everything is not perfect-I come to you for such great advice on how to grow my channel. Thank you!!!❤
I love vlogs. I don’t make my own videos, but I watch the heck out of everybody else’s vlogs. Clean your house. Knit a sock. Make dinner. Write a book. I don’t care. I just want to watch vlogs. They entertain me. 😊 I even watch videos of people reading books. It’s exciting to see their reactions. Even if I’ve never read the book they’re reading.
Oh Katie, you mentioned 'Outlander'... sorry, I can't hide it: I played the title song in various styles. Sorry for mentioning this here: you'll find them in playlist: 'Playing music just for fun' if you are interested. I love this song so much. Much love 💕 Matthias👋
You absolutely hit the nail on the head with this one! I've noticed this SO much with my own channel - my RV vlogs have cultivated a super invested community because I bring people along for the journey. But when I was traveling abroad and creating travel guides, it was very clear that people were only watching them because of the CONTENT rather than ME - which, like you said, builds a transactional channel rather than a relationship-driven channel. Awesome video, Katie!
I’ve just started my vlogging channel and ITS BEEN THE MOST ENJOYABLE THING I’ve ever done , I waited for so long to start and I don’t regret it cause everything happens at the right time , not gonna lie it’s uncomfortable for me as an introverted loner butterfly but If you’re reading this ITS YOUR SIGN BABY , do it for you and stop being your own barrier ❤️
thank you for making this video ! i've noticed that it's so easy to push away any intuitive storytelling drive and fall into the trap of focusing on seo optimization instead, especially when you mix in all of the fears involved with starting a new channel and doing it "perfectly." definitely needed these tips and reminders
And that, my friends, is how I started my CZcams channel. Thanks for this needed nudge. I’ve always felt like it’s not a thing anymore and overwhelmed by how people expect it to be formatted. 😅
You must just have fun! Be creative and see vlogging as your hobby! I recently uploaded a vlog .I didn't know if it would "satisfy my audience " but I liked it ,so I uploaded it. And then I got a DM saying he likes my videos and they're interesting! So have the courage to upload whatever you love on CZcams! Don't care too much about opinions. Also this video was created months ago,but there are STILL CZcamsrs creating vlogs and they have over 1 million subscribers 😅🩷 many youtubers. And their vlogs are about very mundane things . But they're aesthetic and still do very well on CZcams. I really don't think vlogs are dead 😅 and im going to keep uploading them either way 😅
I love this video because I just stumbled across the negative video you were talking about. I just developed a love for watching vlogs so clearly there’s still a market for it!
This is so timely, even within travel I did really well posting about food in Ecuador for the last year but I'm now in Indonesia and so I've transitioned to more vlog style.
I'm a tech blogger and really feel niched lol and reallyyy want to expand out, this video just appeared like you said on the home page and I fell in love. thank you-I feel inspired again!
I saved this vlog to give it my full attention later and I am so glad I did! This came to me on my homepage. I hadn't searched for anything similar to it, no other vlogs suggested were like it, I've actually never seen you before. And you said EXACTLY what I needed to hear! I had been feeling lost when it came to my channel and you hit so many points on the head - I took notes and am rethinking everything! THANK YOU!
Super smart video Katie! 💯 I think Becki & Chris are a great example of a hybrid channel. They provide a lot of education while also building relation! I think setting personal challenges for yourself and sharing your findings through video is a good transition into relationship building content. Especially for someone like myself that never felt comfortable with the idea of “vlogging” or documenting day to day.
Thank you for this video, lots of gems and very insightful. You’ve validated a lot of thoughts we’ve been having. We decided to change some things about how we do our videos. We want to show more of our personality, tell an engaging story that our audience can enjoy and we can be proud of.😊
This is an interesting idea, I like it. Like most newer CZcamsrs I do feel “forced” to just make another transactional channel that i already see working. So I’ve just been trying some different videos to see what will perform best 🤷♀️
Thank you for this! Vlogs are my favorite kind of content to make and watch AND my audience retention is the best on vlogs soooo I am going to keep making them.
This was incredibly insightful, thank you Katie! It also takes away some of my anxiety in terms of finding a 'niche' before I actually start creating content. I really like what you said about storytelling and starting with the expectation that you are documenting a journey.
Thank you! Good video I agree because I my channel grew in 2020 because I was posting about PUA and I didn't want to keep posting about that and the program ended away. I stopped posting consistently and after 6 months I was taking off the partner program.
Great video Katie! What are your thoughts on a channel having both educational sit-down videos and some vlogs? Is the change in format confusing for viewers? Or provide a more well-rounded view of the creator?
The part about consistency is very important and you hit a good point about it, however, it’s important to know that consistency shouldn’t sacrifice your quality in content. If you are able to post quality content consistently, whether or not that means you post every 2 to 3 days or every 3 to 5 days or even every week, the priority should be consistent quality over consistent quantity. :)
Idk if I missed it but will you link your vlog channel!
thank you for asking! it's czcams.com/users/katiedaninavan :)
I was going to ask this as well why not add it to your description? I’m sure people would follow
I love just watching a regular day without a story or conflict. There’s still an audience for it also🎉
Love this
Yes! I love getting to know people through their vlogs :)
Ooh yes me too!!
Same! I love watching silent daily vlogs too. I think I only came to know that these silent vlogs exist 2yrs ago? And I thought it's awesome! It's seriously calming to watch how regular people go about their day, knowing that you have similar struggles, similar food sometimes, similar chores haha anyway, it's one of my favorite things to do after a day of mom duties if that makes sense 😆
Thank you! I have been debating whether or not to continue my vlog channel :) but this gives me hope ♥️
I tend to think what draws the audience in is the lesson learned through the personal transformation in a story. The lesson is usually relatable and the transformation of the storyteller, whether physical, mental, or spiritual often inspires a desire for change in the audience.
THANK YOU for this!! It feels like the only advice on how to grow on CZcams is being an educator/providing value through educational videos and we love vlogging! We're still learning how to tell stories through our videos, but this video was so encouraging to keep going! Thank you!
I totally agree! And I just subscribed to check out your vlogs!
RIGHT!!!
Omg true! I learn as I keep making videos. It's true what they say, dont let perfect stop you, just do it! ❤️
I think having a healthy balance of both evergreen content and relatable/vlog content is the best route
Ugh this video is right on time! I was becoming discouraged with my CZcams journey & feeling like maybe vlogging isn't what I should do, but quite honestly it is what I want to do the most. Transactional vs relational was really well put. I love to relate to others & find ways to relate to others, so it just feels best. I love your videos always, and LOVE your vlogs as well. Thank you times a million for this video!
Stay encourage! I hope you continue to grow and flourish
Aww! I just started my channel and I can lowkey relate to this, just subscribed babe! Here to support💘🫶🏽
same here. i almost shifted all my vlogs from this channel to another. how stupid is that. will slowly get them back here again. lol
Gonna subscribe now 🧡 keep pushing cause im tryna get like you and put out my first video!
Thank you for this video! Such a refreshing perspective on the topic of “CZcams Growth”. Keep up your amazing videos!
I turned my family channel into a vlog channel and I love doing it even if I’m only getting 2 views a day. It gives me something to do and actually knowing I need to put out content keeps me busy.
As someone who started a travel vlogging channel, I LOVE this. I am struggling on many levels but one of my problems is Im not good at the story telling. I get so caught up in the enjoyable aspect of travelling that I forget to actually get the important stuff on video or I dont talk enough about things. My s**t looks like its just me on vacation. Thank you for the tips. Now if you could just show me how to balance enjoying the destination AND worrying about the filming.
Finally a video that talks about vlogs as a way to grow! I absolutely love vlogging it brings me closer to my audience and allows me to look back at memories and my own growth. Great tips!
Sorry for all the comments but when something is good people need to know. I have been doing CZcams for over 3 years and this is one of the best videos I have come across.
I live in Brazil and I simply love your content. Congratulations! I wish you much success on your journey!
I've actually had huge success starting a vlog channel... I love what you mentioned about transactional channels... totally fine but I LOVE my community!
Thank you for this, I loved the info! I have been doing youtube on and off since 2012. Once I changed my niche from "talking head" topics to a "Relatable mom vlog" channel my views, subs, ctr, and watch time went up significantly. I just tried it to try it not really thinking anything of it but this is the most engagement I have ever had on my channel, and I love vlogging.
Oh I love this! I’m trying to switch up my channel too… from talking educational, to sharing life lessons as I learn to grow a veggie garden! (Only done one video so far like this haha)
I do food reviews on my channel but also do weekly vlogs to switch it up. My subscribers love my weekly vlogs!
The "storification" tips are GOLD, Katie! I love love LOVE when you make YT ed vids, so value-packed!
I watch more vlogs than other content, i recently started my own vlog channel (after going full time on this channel) It allows me to connect deeper to my super core audience and that is literally the only reason I have it
I am soo happy I have stumbled upon this video. I DID search for "Are vlogs dead", intending to find someone who says no because these "experts" on CZcams saying that vlogs are dead does not only make me cringe but is not correct. I watch so many vlogs; I got into YT because of the different vlogs I started following. It was also a time when I was taking a break from IG. In the past, I was only coming here when I needed a quick "how to" video on something, but vlogs made me see the beauty of connection with other people around the world, their stories, etc. There's also this incredibly high bar nowadays for vlogging, but on the other hand, I see the most homemade, and yes, sometimes it could be better quality, but they have millions of views. I always wondered how the "experts" justify that. I follow people who started on zero three years ago and now have more than 500k to 1m subs simply from vlogging (and good SEO, obviously). Those think media titles are clickbait-y to me because they address the people wanting to start a (sometimes scammy) business from home. Still, most of us want to explore our creativity, share our stories and build new parasocial relationships. I'm so happy Katie made this video and called this out.
I love you even more for putting my thoughts into words! I've been seeing SOO MANY niched youtubers lately completely stopped or just started a whole different channel because now they've found themselves in this box they have put themselves in.... and I don't want to put myself in that position
Love how you differentiated between transactional vs. relational. It makes so much sense. Thank you, Katie 😘
OMG Katie! I love you even more after this video. Every time I was searching for how to grow on CZcams videos, everyone was giving me that educational/educative channel recipe, the transaction type video like you explained today. When I am just a woman with a message and some experiences to share. I soooo needed to hear this today! I agree that a good story matters but not all the content here on CZcams should be niched, educating content. We are not all educators. As much as I appreciate your educative content, I like how you express yourself, I like you as a creator so I can't wait to go check your vlog channel. Hugs from Transylvania!
Your comment resonates with me! I don’t feel like I’m much of a teacher … but I have a lot of wisdom and inspiration I want to share! Plus editing videos that aren’t just sitting down and teaching, is sooo much more fun.
@@PaperCraneOfHope I agree. I love getting creative, my videos are art, I don’t see why they should have a niche and be educational. Hugs from Transylvania
I feel the same!! I tried the educational thing and it felt soooo flat. I just wanted to share stories and this feels SO GOOD to do.
@@SamAltieri I am happy I am not the only one 🤗
Thank you for your video . From the beginning of starting my channel I always wanted to feel like my channel was relational . I want to feel like my subscribers are internet friends . I noticed that’s how I feel like with my favorite CZcamsrs . Great tips !
VLOGGING IS NOT DEAD. Yesss~ Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for this! I’m doing Vlogtober and have been really discouraged with my channel growth lately (I ended up being pretty niche and I am not doing that specific niche anymore). This video was super helpful and quite comforting. Thanks for giving me hope!
I love vlogging! It’s such a fun creative outlet for me. It’s great to hear this perspective :) I want to do some educational content also but continue the vlogs for sure. I’ve actually received a really cool compliment from a colleague in my industry - she said that my vlogs gave people a behind the scenes look into the work that I do without it feeling salesy… I really liked that perspective. Thanks for this video!
Currently 6 minutes in and thank you so much for making this. I've felt so stuck with feeling the only way is 'educational' 'tutorial' videos. I did that in the past and I grew a channel but I got so bored. I just want to be me. Still trying to find my way but your emphasis on telling the story is such a great reminder. It means it's harder work but I think it will be worth it. And also, if you're telling good stories, you're also making content for yourself too. To watch back, keep as special memories etc., Lovely lovely video xx
This video was honestly very encouraging!
This really made me think more about where I'm going with my channel. I fell for the niche thing and now I feel stuck. I really want to start doing vlogs, but the transition is where I get stuck. Thank you for this!
Ya I hear you. I wonder if it depends on whether you intend tu turn CZcams into a business or just for pleasure? Seems like Katie's vlog channel doesn't get much views and she's using this channel mostly for profit. I could be wrong but vlogging is not dead just not as profitable maybe?
This video was SO encouraging! I've seen so many videos talking about how vlogging is kind of over. Thank you for giving us motivation, tips and your usual positivity! ❤🤗
Honestly, I would watch all your content here, both vlogs and the content creator and business tips :)
I enjoy all of it, but I do understand how separating the two “audiences” or genres works well with the algorithm, views and business growth etc :)
Always fun to watch your videos!
I totally agree! I feel like most of the people I see myself watching and subscribing to are people that have a similar lifestyle to me, have the lifestyle I aspire, or practice the values and interests that I also do. So like I may not be directly interested in cocktails but if the CZcamsr that I follow that does journaling or film photography mentions it, it can be something I can potentially be interested in too!
Creating a super niche type of content, you actually limit yourself to what you can create since this sets some sort of expectation from both new and old subscribers. Guilty of thinking this way. But content creators need to understand that it's not so much about a game of demographics and targeting, it's "lifestyle targeting".
Love love ur stuff, Katie!!!
Thank you! I’m trying to grow as a vlogger and was so worried it wasn’t possible!!!
You are 100% correct. Subscribed because of your honesty. Not a fan at all of everyone that tries to teach CZcams but have never had a real channel.
Thank you for this. I started my vlog channel a month ago and this kept my spark of hope going. I’ll take your advice to heart and keep moving forward :) ❤
I really needed this! I'm pivoting my super niche education channel to do more vlogging 💗
I love vlogging our daily life!!! Narrowboat and style!!! Love doing it!
Thank you so much. As an African creater l have been procrastinating on my channel thinking I'm not good enough. I always wanted to CZcams. But always made excuses. Thank you
What I think is really misleading for niche creators is people rarely unsubscribe, unlike Instagram where an irrelevant post might make us unfollow, on CZcams we just choose not to watch and the algorithm doesn’t feed it to us again so CZcamsrs don’t even realize how much their subscribers really don’t want these videos that they didn’t sign up for.
We do because yt breaks down who views the videos. You can see various data points that highlight how interested a subscription base is interacting or watching.
Transactional vs relational is a great way to look at the difference.
Agreed!
I have to thank you for this. Full disclosure: I’m a paid member of VRA & I’ve been quite discouraged & disappointed by the education. I have never been interested in being a “hyper niche” channel. My idea of fun is to share & tell stories & everything you’ve mentioned here. If I had a business, the transactional method would make sense. But I ENJOY vlogging & telling stories & I’m tired of “CZcams gurus” telling me that what I want to do is pointless & “dead.” I want to create for the sake of it & become a better storyteller, filmmaker, & editor.
Saving this video!!! Love how you laid it all out! As a super small channel, who posts about homemaking, these help me so much. My niche is so small and not really something that draws people in. So I am looking at how to bring other things in, to make my super small niche better.
Dear Katie,
you are so f***ng right!
Congratulations 🎉I agree 100%
Thanks for sharing your clear perspective.
I absolutely trust this process - even if we grow slower, but we will build up a relationship.
Much love 💕
Matthias👋
Thanks, Katie. This has really helped me.
I have a channel about our farms here in Zambia, and I was out at one of our farms yesterday and shot some footage about an important task that we have to do each year.
I found the workers in the middle of doing it and immediately started to shoot some footage. There was a lot happening all over the place, and I had to shoot fast and furious.
Get the action, do some talking head to give the background, get some more action, do some more talking head. And all the while having the basic outline of the story in my head.
Today, as I start to edit, your video has helped me think about how to shape the video into even more of a story.
One challenge is that I will need to add in a bit of narration to link the story better.
But I always worry about the audio quality on voiceover done in the studio being different to what we get out in the field as I'm walking around.
Anyway, maybe I'm overthinking it and most viewers might not really notice the difference, especially with all the action going on.
Super intriguing video. I would love for you to dive further into the vlogging process in terms of the WHILE you are vlogging aspect. Like how do you vlog and worry about what the “conflict” or point of interest is going to be? Or is this something you focus on while editing? I’ve been really experimenting with my vlogs and trying to get in a rhythm, but this is still something that stumps me. Would love to hear your thoughts!
Katie! You read my mind, vlogs are what I search for because at the end of the day, I want to see the lives of the people behind the camera.
I’d love to see you do more vlogs!! Looking forward to more of your personal videos💘
One of the only videos on CZcams that doesn’t discourage people on vlogging and actually talks about vlogging properly! Thanks! ❤ subscribed and now off to watching more videos. Your channel is a great find ❤❤
I need to watch a video about all the different equipment you use and how you got some of those shots on your Quebec Vlog. Thanks for this!
I recently purchased a camera and will start posting vlogs. I’m a small channel and don’t want to get stuck in just one niche!
Love that you have such a positive outlook on vlogs! The flight example was very helpful btw! :)
This was actually really good advice? Dude. I've been working on my vlogs for quite some time now, but this is the first time I've heard most of this. Thank you for sharing your experience!
thank you for this vid, i've been so unmotivated lately with my youtube channel because everyone insists that vlogging/youtube isn't "in" anymore. but i'm going to keep posting because this makes me happy!
I 100% agree with this. I seriously stopped posting because I was tired of being niched so tightly and then... that's all my audience wanted from me. I felt stuck and just lost all interest in posting. When I get over the bitterness from receiving the tips that led me to that thought process... maybe I'll start up again 😅
Wow. Literary I was just going through many topics for finding niche for my channel after going through an umpteen number of channels advising for finding a niche, i was about to leave this platform. Thank you for saving my youtube career. I'll definitely try now. Well. You got one subscriber today lady. Thanks for helping me with a refreshing video where I can now say that I DON'T HAVE TO BE A MASTER OF SOMETHING TO EXIST ON CZcams. I CAN BE A JACK OF ALL TRADES and still can persist on CZcams. Thank you once more for such an enlightening video. 🔥🔥🎉
I really love your videos!! You’re on my homepage now, and every thumbnail and title makes me want to watch!! Tysm!!
This video is amazing! All the other vloggers suggest SEO/ niche and that creates “transactional search”. I’ve definitely noticed a decline in my Tik Tok, but I realized now after watching this video it’s because I much rather focus on storytelling & sharing my adventures then stuffing a milling SEO hashtags. ❤. Thank you.
Loved this video Katie I recently see the girl vlogs , are really taking off, compared to the male kind of vlogs . For ex this video is comfy chill out relaxing with u at home while u teach us, compare to the kind of videos you mentioned like think media, is very “ PRODUCED” feels colder the lighting the studio, we do not feel the big conection as we do with you, with this warm videos ❤😊
I’m going to begin my blogging journey with closing my indie bookstore after 1.5 years!
I'm intrigued!
@@customswithker1649 awwwww thank you!!! Typo Vlogging not blogging stinky autocorrect. But yes!!! So much in the works. Thank you!!
This is a great video! We are growing our vlog-style videos and transitioning away from search focused, so CZcams really knew where to land me!
only 2 minutes in and this is exactly how niche I've been and thinking about seo stuff you are in my head !!
this was super helpful!!! I just started a book tube channel but am hoping to pivot to more vlog-like content soon, and I found these tips extremely valuable. it is quite hard to come up with that story angle.... but not impossible
I'm so glad I came across this video. Vlogs are so fun to watch! That's literally what I most watch on CZcams. I don't personally have a huge following on social media and this channel is only like 4-5 days old, but I really love making "vlog" type content! I call it "Video Diaries" Also they are great to look back on!
Thank you for this! You've inspired this scaredy cat to just go for it and start. I held back for the longest time because I was so concerned with having a niche and being confined to one thing. Also, a travel vlogger AND Outlander fan?! I feel like we would be best friends! 🥰
Love that you made this video. I was kinda sad about that video that vlogging is dead. It made me uninspired for quite a while. But, I love vlogging, coz that’s how I express myself better. I love story telling. These I think are far better approach if you want to be successful on this platform. We gotta love what we’re doing and not just pretending to be an expert on something that we aren’t just for the views. We do what we know we’re good and comfortable at. 😊
Whenever I watch these advice videos about how to grow I feel a lot of pressure to make educational content, but them I think about what I watch. I love vlogs and just inspirational videos to help me keep making art in these alone times, and sometimes a good virtual company is just as valuable
I just started my youtube channel. Wanted to share my adventures and really love editing videos learning more and just wanted something to reminisce memories later on.
I'm a vlogger I thought about changing because they say vlogging is dead but my channel was created to show the world the real me and my real authentic life and just hope that someone finds me interesting 😩
4:18 - When you tell stories in your videos, then you create a relationships. This is the best advise I've heard about vlogging. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your content. You provide so much value and I’m always so excited when you have a new video up. As I’m growing my baby channel teaching people about Hollywood lol and being a working mom as well as how everything is not perfect-I come to you for such great advice on how to grow my channel. Thank you!!!❤
I love vlogs. I don’t make my own videos, but I watch the heck out of everybody else’s vlogs. Clean your house. Knit a sock. Make dinner. Write a book. I don’t care. I just want to watch vlogs. They entertain me. 😊 I even watch videos of people reading books. It’s exciting to see their reactions. Even if I’ve never read the book they’re reading.
Oh Katie, you mentioned 'Outlander'... sorry, I can't hide it: I played the title song in various styles. Sorry for mentioning this here: you'll find them in playlist: 'Playing music just for fun' if you are interested. I love this song so much.
Much love 💕
Matthias👋
You absolutely hit the nail on the head with this one! I've noticed this SO much with my own channel - my RV vlogs have cultivated a super invested community because I bring people along for the journey. But when I was traveling abroad and creating travel guides, it was very clear that people were only watching them because of the CONTENT rather than ME - which, like you said, builds a transactional channel rather than a relationship-driven channel. Awesome video, Katie!
You are EXCELLENT at what you do!! Thanks so much!!🙌🏼🫶🏼😍
I’ve just started my vlogging channel and ITS BEEN THE MOST ENJOYABLE THING I’ve ever done , I waited for so long to start and I don’t regret it cause everything happens at the right time , not gonna lie it’s uncomfortable for me as an introverted loner butterfly but If you’re reading this ITS YOUR SIGN BABY , do it for you and stop being your own barrier ❤️
thank you for making this video ! i've noticed that it's so easy to push away any intuitive storytelling drive and fall into the trap of focusing on
seo optimization instead, especially when you mix in all of the fears involved with starting a new channel and doing it "perfectly." definitely needed these tips and reminders
And that, my friends, is how I started my CZcams channel. Thanks for this needed nudge. I’ve always felt like it’s not a thing anymore and overwhelmed by how people expect it to be formatted. 😅
You must just have fun! Be creative and see vlogging as your hobby! I recently uploaded a vlog .I didn't know if it would "satisfy my audience " but I liked it ,so I uploaded it. And then I got a DM saying he likes my videos and they're interesting! So have the courage to upload whatever you love on CZcams! Don't care too much about opinions. Also this video was created months ago,but there are STILL CZcamsrs creating vlogs and they have over 1 million subscribers 😅🩷 many youtubers. And their vlogs are about very mundane things . But they're aesthetic and still do very well on CZcams. I really don't think vlogs are dead 😅 and im going to keep uploading them either way 😅
I've been waiting for this one! Can't wait to hear your thoughts 😄
I love this video because I just stumbled across the negative video you were talking about. I just developed a love for watching vlogs so clearly there’s still a market for it!
Just the vid I needed. Been thinking back and forth about my vlog. Thanks!
Thanks for your opinion!! I find a lot of my subs really enjoy my vlogs because it’s more personal and has people feeling connected :)
You’ve been my go-to for some time now and I love your transparency about your journey ❤
This is so timely, even within travel I did really well posting about food in Ecuador for the last year but I'm now in Indonesia and so I've transitioned to more vlog style.
I'm a tech blogger and really feel niched lol and reallyyy want to expand out, this video just appeared like you said on the home page and I fell in love. thank you-I feel inspired again!
I saved this vlog to give it my full attention later and I am so glad I did! This came to me on my homepage. I hadn't searched for anything similar to it, no other vlogs suggested were like it, I've actually never seen you before. And you said EXACTLY what I needed to hear! I had been feeling lost when it came to my channel and you hit so many points on the head - I took notes and am rethinking everything! THANK YOU!
Super smart video Katie! 💯 I think Becki & Chris are a great example of a hybrid channel. They provide a lot of education while also building relation! I think setting personal challenges for yourself and sharing your findings through video is a good transition into relationship building content. Especially for someone like myself that never felt comfortable with the idea of “vlogging” or documenting day to day.
Thank you for this video, lots of gems and very insightful. You’ve validated a lot of thoughts we’ve been having. We decided to change some things about how we do our videos. We want to show more of our personality, tell an engaging story that our audience can enjoy and we can be proud of.😊
Katie, I'm so glad this video reached my CZcams home page for me to watch, it saved me from quitting vlog type of videos.
This is an interesting idea, I like it. Like most newer CZcamsrs I do feel “forced” to just make another transactional channel that i already see working. So I’ve just been trying some different videos to see what will perform best 🤷♀️
This is a gold nugget of a video! You covered the other side of CZcams perfectly because no one is talking about starting a non-educational video
I mean channel not video lol
Vlogs will always be the backbone of youtube
Thank you for this! Vlogs are my favorite kind of content to make and watch AND my audience retention is the best on vlogs soooo I am going to keep making them.
Omg I watch you! I love that you keep creating. It's legit a time capsule too. I love making videos and looking at them later in life as well
This was incredibly insightful, thank you Katie! It also takes away some of my anxiety in terms of finding a 'niche' before I actually start creating content. I really like what you said about storytelling and starting with the expectation that you are documenting a journey.
So wonderfully inspiring and timely. Thanks so much Katie! Totally need this push.
Thank you! Good video I agree because I my channel grew in 2020 because I was posting about PUA and I didn't want to keep posting about that and the program ended away. I stopped posting consistently and after 6 months I was taking off the partner program.
I create DIY videos on Sundays and vlogs during the week. My subscribers know that’s my schedule and it seems to be working for me.
Thank you for this!!! :) I just started my channel last week
saw this on the home page & watched the whole thing. loved it!
I love vlogging so much. I started youtube to do art but I love blogging more its so carthatic and makes me feel like I'm facetime.
You are the best youtuber ever. Thank you so much for all that information. 💕
Great video Katie! What are your thoughts on a channel having both educational sit-down videos and some vlogs? Is the change in format confusing for viewers? Or provide a more well-rounded view of the creator?
The part about consistency is very important and you hit a good point about it, however, it’s important to know that consistency shouldn’t sacrifice your quality in content. If you are able to post quality content consistently, whether or not that means you post every 2 to 3 days or every 3 to 5 days or even every week, the priority should be consistent quality over consistent quantity. :)