Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/3yvoc7rWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQEver wondered if running Google Ads will actually help your small YouTube channel grow? In this eye-opening episode of Tube Talk, Travis and Jenn deliver the hard truth: paid promotion often brings the wrong audience and can hurt more than help. "Please stop running your ads," Jenn asserts, explaining why organic growth consistently outperforms paid traffic for sustainable channel success.The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Jenn reveals her pre-publishing ritual - she needs to "feel right" about releasing a video, sometimes closing her laptop multiple times until the universe aligns. This sparked a deeper discussion about the psychology behind content creation and how many creators likely have their own unique rituals. As Travis puts it, "Publishing a video is a sport," and like athletes, creators develop routines that help them perform.One of the most powerful moments comes when Travis challenges our perception of success on YouTube. While many creators dismiss "low" view counts, he reminds us that having 50 people watch your video is equivalent to filling a room with interested listeners - something that would be considered remarkable in any other context. "We need to normalize the fact that almost any amount of views is really impressive," he explains, encouraging creators to celebrate every milestone along their journey.The hosts also tackle niche expansion strategies for gaming channels, recommending a gradual approach called "wedging" - slowly introducing new game content while maintaining your core focus. This method helps bring your existing audience along rather than shocking them with an abrupt change.Want to join the conversation? Check out our Discord community where Travis and Jenn will be recording future episodes with creators just like you. Download vidIQ for free at vidIQ.com and start optimizing your YouTube strategy today!

In this episode, Benji Travis, a long-time vlogger known for his genuine and unedited style, joins the hosts for an engaging discussion about the resurgence of vlogging. He reveals how lengthy, unscripted videos are making a comeback as viewers crave authenticity. They dive into YouTube's evolving role as a dominant entertainment platform and how its algorithm is helping small creators find their audience. Benji also introduces his 'Three T's' framework for successful vlogging: Theme, Topic, and Telling stories—sparking inspiration for aspiring videographers.

Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/3yvoc7rWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQCheck out Trisha!  https://www.trishahershberger.com/Trisha Hershberger, a 12-year veteran in the content creation world, takes us behind the curtain of what it truly means to build a sustainable career around your passions. Moving from theater training to digital storytelling, Trisha has carved out a unique space for herself discussing technology, video games, tabletop gaming, and broader fandom culture across multiple platforms.What separates her journey from many others is her steadfast commitment to content diversity despite algorithm pressures to niche down. "If you're going to have longevity as a creator, you can't just do one thing all the time," Trisha explains. "You'll get sick of it, run out of content ideas, and be creatively less fulfilled." This philosophy has allowed her to weather platform changes while building meaningful connections with her audience.The conversation delves into the rarely discussed challenges of content creation – from the staggering $30,000 annual health insurance costs for her family to the complex negotiations behind brand partnerships. Trisha offers candid insights into what working with brands actually entails, debunking the myth that creators "just get paid for posting pictures." Her careful approach to partnerships – first assessing whether she genuinely likes the product, then evaluating if the brand representatives seem reasonable to work with – reveals the thoughtful business acumen behind successful creator careers.As a woman in traditionally male-dominated niches, Trisha shares how she's navigated both the advantages of standing out and the challenges of constantly having to prove her knowledge. The shift from community-based social platforms to algorithmic content delivery has intensified these challenges, creating situations where every new video potentially faces the same scrutiny from unfamiliar audiences.Perhaps most powerfully, Trisha reveals how she's balanced her creative career with motherhood, candidly discussing how her husband transitioned to being a stay-at-home parent during the pandemic, enabling her demanding schedule of production days, streams, and events. This glimpse into the careful orchestration required to make creator careers sustainable alongside family responsibilities offers invaluable perspective for anyone considering this path.Ready to dive deeper into content creation? Subscribe to Tube Talk for more honest conversations about building your audience in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostpluginWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQIn this episode of Tube Talk, Travis and Jenn dive into various aspects of video creation, including the effectiveness of hashtags, finding your niche, and the importance of audience engagement. They discuss the challenges of replicating successful videos, the role of analytics, and the impact of YouTube Premium. The conversation also touches on the significance of community support for creators, the nuances of combining different niches, and the best practices for thumbnail testing. The hosts emphasize the need for consistency in content creation while encouraging creators to focus on making quality videos. They conclude with insights on when to consider starting a second channel and the value of feedback in the creative process.

Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostpluginWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQIn this episode of Tube Talk, Travis and Dan tackle a variety of listener questions, focusing on monetization strategies, audience engagement, and the challenges of going full-time on YouTube. They discuss the intricacies of YouTube metrics, the importance of niche consistency, and how to navigate content creation with kids. The conversation also touches on the impact of viral videos on channel analytics and the significance of maintaining audience trust through transparency and thoughtful sponsorships.TakeawaysMonetization for music channels can be challenging due to copyright issues.YouTube metrics like CTR and AVD are important but not the only indicators of success.Finding a niche and being consistent is crucial for audience engagement.Engaging with your audience and understanding their expectations can lead to better content.Transparency with your audience about your main channel can have pros and cons.Sponsorships should align with your content and audience to maintain trust.Viral videos can skew analytics and affect future content performance.Improving voice and presentation skills can enhance viewer engagement.Managing your finances and understanding taxes is essential for full-time creators.Creating family-friendly content requires careful consideration of COPPA regulations.

This week features Noah Grossman, an actor and comedian known for his work with Smosh. The conversation kicks off with a humorous debate over candy corn, followed by insights into the collaborative chaos that fuels Smosh's success. Noah shares his experience with LASIK surgery, blending humor with his journey to clearer vision. They also discuss the struggles of imposter syndrome and the significance of community support for creatives, as they navigate the unpredictable world of content creation.

Send us a textGet Sponsor Magnet now!  https://www.sponsormagnet.com/Get the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostpluginWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQIn this episode of Tube Talk, Travis and Justin Moore discuss the journey of becoming a successful YouTube creator and the importance of monetizing through sponsorships rather than relying solely on AdSense. Justin shares his personal experiences, insights on how to approach brands, and strategies for small creators to find opportunities. The conversation also covers the significance of understanding brand goals, crafting effective pitches, and the evolving landscape of content creation, including the shift towards short-form content. Justin's new book, 'Sponsor Magnet,' is highlighted as a valuable resource for creators looking to enhance their sponsorship strategies.

Travis and Jenn explore the evolving landscape of YouTube, discussing the rise of long-form content and its impact on viewership. They emphasize the importance of analytics in understanding audience behavior and enhancing video engagement. The duo sheds light on the balance between high-quality production and live streaming, while stressing the value of experimentation for creators. They also delve into the unpredictability of YouTube success, encouraging listeners to celebrate small wins in their creative journeys.

Dive into the intriguing world of YouTube engagement metrics! Discover how likes and dislikes can influence video performance, and why not all engagement is beneficial. The hosts discuss the delicate balance of live streaming versus on-demand content and the challenges of maintaining audience retention. They also tackle the controversial impact of AI on authenticity and the need for unique content. Join them as they explore viewer expectations and the ever-evolving YouTube algorithm, emphasizing experimentation for creators.

Discover the unpredictable world of viral success on YouTube! The hosts share how even mundane topics can capture massive attention and stress the importance of community engagement. They dive into crafting strong thumbnails and strategic ad placements that boost viewer retention without deterring fans. Personal experiences and listener stories illustrate the pivotal role of live streaming in building loyal audiences. Tune in for tips that transform your content and ignite viewer curiosity!