From TV to YouTube: Kevin Kolbe's Journey

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May 23, 2025

In this engaging conversation, Kevin Kolbe, a successful YouTuber and former TV creative director, shares his captivating transition from traditional media to YouTube stardom. He discusses the importance of community over mere audience size and how content evolution has helped him better connect with viewers. Kevin reveals his inventive monetization strategies and the challenges of maintaining work-life balance as a creator. He emphasizes the need for adaptability and authenticity in the ever-changing digital landscape, inspiring others to take action and share their unique voices.

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ANECDOTE

Kevin's TV-to-YouTube Transition

Kevin Kolbe transitioned from a 30-year TV career to YouTube after his TV job was eliminated in 2017.
He used to upload TV promos and news stories to YouTube before taking content creation seriously.

ADVICE

Refine Channel Focus

A vidIQ audit revealed Kevin's channel lacked consistent focus and clear branding.
He improved by unlisting unfocused videos and concentrating on beginner tutorials with consistent thumbnails and titles.

ANECDOTE

Pivoting to Age Niche

Kevin pivoted his channel to embrace his age demographic, making content for those over 40 after encouragement from Heather Torres.
His video "If you're over 40, why you need to start a YouTube channel" dramatically changed his channel’s trajectory.

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In today's interview, I'm joined by Kevin Kolbe, a successful YouTuber and former television creative director. Kevin shares his journey from traditional media to building a thriving YouTube channel, discussing the challenges and successes he faced along the way. He emphasizes the importance of community, the impact of a channel audit by VidIQ, and the significance of pivoting content to better connect with audiences. Kevin also provides insights into his video production process, monetization strategies, and the evolving landscape of YouTube content creation.

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About Kevin:

Kevin Kolbe's creative journey started as a DJ on radio, before getting into TV. He spent over 30+ years in video production and marketing at FOX, NBC, CBS, and ABC affiliated TV stations including leading an award-winning creative team for one of the most recognized FOX affiliates in the country. Kevin has worked with national brands, non-profits, and other content creators around the world.

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