Ryan Hashemi, Founder of Hashemi Studios and former Chief Strategy Officer of Jubilee Media, talks about the longevity of YouTube, building the “Disney of Empathy”, micro and macro experimentation, copying vs. being original, sabbaticals, and knowing what you want. They also discuss optimizing YouTube content, content development strategies of successful YouTube creators, and prioritizing health and self-care.
YouTube's longevity lies in its vibrant creator ecosystem and its lucrative monetization model.
Gradually implementing authenticity and storytelling in content can deepen the audience connection.
To succeed on YouTube, creators must offer something distinct to their starting audience and provide engaging content that showcases value and establishes authority.
Deep dives
Importance of Continuous Improvement
To thrive on YouTube's massive platform, creators must constantly strive to make each new video better than the last. By focusing on incremental improvements, creators can grow their skills and their videos' performance.
YouTube's Longevity and Creator Ecosystem
YouTube has stood the test of time because of its vibrant creator ecosystem and its prioritization of creators. The platform's monetization model is highly lucrative, and its community-building capabilities are strong. Other platforms struggle to compete because YouTube has built a sustainable business model that incentivizes creators.
Balancing Authenticity and Production Value
While there is a shift towards more authentic content, simply relying on raw, unedited videos may not guarantee success. It largely depends on the unique qualities of a creator and their existing following. However, gradually implementing more authenticity and storytelling into content can deepen the audience connection. Thumbnail design, click-through rate (CTR), and retention rate should still be considered for video performance improvement.
Importance of Being Distinct in a Crowded YouTube Landscape
In a landscape with millions of videos uploaded daily, it is crucial to identify what sets you apart when building a long-term YouTube channel. While copying successful formats may work in the short term, it is not sustainable for a career or channel. Discovering a unique starting audience and offering something distinct to them is essential for success.
The Potential for Every Business to Stand Out on YouTube
Many businesses underestimate the potential of using YouTube to reach their audience. Even in seemingly niche industries, there are often creative ways to produce engaging content that showcases value and establishes authority. By understanding the unique angles and content strategies, almost every business can leverage YouTube for long-term growth and revenue.
Ryan Hashemi is the founder of Hashemi Studios, which helps businesses and creators grow on YouTube, as well as the former Chief Strategy Officer of Jubilee Media, a media company provoking understanding and human connection. Ryan and I talk about the longevity of YouTube, building the “Disney of Empathy”, keys to creating and growing on YouTube, macro and micro experimentation, copying vs. being original, sabbaticals, and knowing what you want.
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(01:11) The longevity of YouTube
(10:46) Building Jubilee Media, the “Disney of Empathy”
(14:33) Micro & macro experimentation, emotions, & competitive analysis
(29:14) Copying vs. being original & unique
(36:58) Why leave Jubilee? What is Hashemi Studios?
(42:43) Ryan's unique skill set
(48:29) The 80/20 on creating content early: bottoms-up approach to competitive analysis, plus focus on CTR and retention
(55:14) Raw, authentic vs. edited, scripted content
(01:01:22) YouTube channels as variety shows; format expansion
(01:06:29) Podcasting on YouTube
(01:13:31) Sabbaticals: find what you like, talk to people, & prioritize health
(01:20:03) What is it that you want?
