90% of YouTube channels fail. Here's why.

The first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare skl.sh/katiesteckly08231 💻 The vast majority of KZbin channels will never become financially successful - in fact, out of the 100 million KZbin creators - only 10 million channels have surpassed 1000 subscribers. That means that if you have 1000 subscribers, you’re in the top 10% of all KZbin creators. I’ve found there are really 5 main reasons why the majority of KZbin channels “fail” or fail to grow into a consistent form of income for the creator. And they have nothing to do with having the right camera, or using the “best” editing software, or even knowing the latest changes to the algorithm. So we’re going to talk about the 5 things that might be really holding you back from seeing success on KZbin in today’s video.
📣 Want to work with my agency? Creatorly Media is currently accepting new KZbin clients. We can help with editing your weekly videos, or even guiding you through building your content calendar and flushing out your video ideas. See all the details here: www.creatorlymedia.com
📕 TABLE OF CONTENTS 📕
00:00 90% of KZbin creators never find success…
01:18 it’s coffee chat time, y’all! ☕️
01:37 reason #1 KZbinrs fail because they quit ❌
03:17 why so many creators end up quitting…
04:21 reason #2 you’re creating for yourself, not the audience
07:03 when I almost fell into this myself…
07:58 thanks to Skillshare for sponsoring this video!
09:07 reason #3 you’re uploading just to upload
10:36 my biggest social media coach pet peeve 😡
11:27 what you gotta do instead if you want to grow
12:01 reason #4 you’re being a perfectionist
13:00 why perfectionism is so common on KZbin
13:56 practice is ESSENTIAL
15:06 reason #5 you’re stuck in a fan mentality
16:04 you’re a creator too ❤️
Wanna work with me? Check out my creative agency www.creatorlymedia.com
Follow us on Instagram for social media strategy tips daily! ➡️ / creatorlymedia
// FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM
/ katiesteckly
// SOME OF MY FAVES:
*some of these are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase on the site after clicking these links, I could earn a commission. thanks for supporting the channel!
🎧 where I get music for my videos: www.katiesteckly.com/artlist and share.epidemicsound.com/6x4f73
💻 how I edit my videos: www.katiesteckly.com/adobe
// GEAR
Vlog Camera: geni.us/dFXAVn
Big Camera: geni.us/ktsonyzve10
Lens: geni.us/Gw6rjif
Microphone: geni.us/00oT8aQ
Tripod: geni.us/kvmFbH
See all my gear here: katiesteckly.com/faves
// ABOUT ME
Hey, I'm Katie! I make videos about social media strategy and content creation. In addition to being a KZbinr, I also run a small digital creative agency that produces content for all kinds of creators! We edit podcasts, produce KZbin channels, develop online branding and Instagram strategies and more! If you want our help or just want to learn more, check out www.creatorlymedia.com
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[@weightlosssupport36]

Love this!!! ❤ "The only way to guarantee a certain outcome is to quit. If you quit you know you will never reach your goals. As long as you keep trying there is always a chance you reach your goals! " Katie Steckley.

[@myanh1216]

thanks for summarizing this i love it!

[@weightlosssupport36]

@@myanh1216 You are very welcome

[@melissamelliex]

This really hit hard!

[@lifeoflamarmke]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@weightlosssupport36 great summary and Katie is spot on! I started my KZbin journey 4-5 months ago and have experienced a number of humbling moments lol. But, always a chance if I/we just keep going 🎉

[@weightlosssupport36]

@@lifeoflamarmke That is right. Just keep learning and growing. You will win in the end.

[@TysonASMR]

Stay consistent. Make decent thumbnails. Make video titles that are searchable/interesting. And like you said, your channel will definitely grow more if you see what content does the best and cater to your viewers more. And equipment means nothing. Some of my most viewed videos were filmed on an iPhone and edited in 10 minutes. It’s more so about the idea of the video. Not necessarily the quality. If anything, invest in better lighting than a better camera. Best of luck everyone ❤️

[@Wildestrawberryfunnyfarm]

Thanks so much for the tip, I was really scratching my head with this!

[@Magicmindyogamindfulness]

Same here…

[@Namtrendingvideos]

Thank you 🙏

[@AdyExploresNet]

Nice advice

[@erics607]

I am someone who is considering starting a KZbin channel as a way to make money because I'm in a job that I don't even enjoy, but a lot of what Katie as well as other creators do on here, is stuff that I enjoy doing. With how stressed out I can get with my job, I get confused with how people can make content creation work. Then when I have time to relax, and reflect on all of the information I learned in college with my psychology degree......I begin to realize it's not that difficult if you put yourself in other people's minds, and focus on the things that people want. A lot of people have the wrong mindset, and they don't know how to change it.

[@LadySurvival]

hearing you say you started your channel in 2011 and you didnt hit 10k until 2019 reminds me of my journey too and gives me hope! I started in 2012, and just a month ago hit 10k. considering you got from 10k to 226k in just a few years is mind blowing! I just started kind of taking my channel seriously a month or so ago, still learning a lot and trying to figure out my system/style. Thanks for your videos Katie!

[@LadySurvival]

your 2nd tip was me omg :P my channel was about world of warcraft (gameplay, reactions, nerding out) but also about like hair, makeup, fashion, random vlogs, heres me cooking, heres my cat XD so i recently made a second channel for my world of warcraft content and now it makes way more sense

[@ClaraSais]

I started 2012, had a break and now back under 1000 subs but very slowly growing

[@gatekeeperboxing5898]

@@ClaraSais Just had a look at your channel, I am sure it will continue to grow. I myself have been a carer among other things, so I know the difficulties people face in this field and I am sure your viewers value your content.

[@ClaraSais]

@@gatekeeperboxing5898 thank you I needed to hear that - as struggle to get motivated to keep creating ;)

[@littlemissshihtzu]

13 months in and I so relate to just about everything you said! I hate being boxed in and although my channel is about our family's one-eyed rescue dog, I dared to branch out and found a way to incorporate some difficult topics (my mom's dementia, death, loss, grief). It was the right thing to do for many reasons and I have no regrets about that. Sometimes as creatives we have to dare to be creative and think beyond the niche! Thanks for this real and honest conversation! Much appreciated!!!

[@MarblesRolling2023]

Your channel sounds very interesting, I have just subscribed. :)

[@gatekeeperboxing5898]

Exactly, these other subjects you mentioned are things many other people are dealing with and therefore will have some resonance, and as a result they will watch these videos to see what your experiences were like.

[@MsRayChi]

Finding your channel has been a blessing. I can't wait to use what I've learned in my videos. I just started my channel about three weeks ago. Prior to that, I had 0 experience. Now I'm up to 33 subscribers 😊. Thank you!

[@Melissa_Irene]

Boy oh boy do I agree w the consistency advice. My views were picking up & in order to “grow faster” I said “now I need to post 2x a week”. So I started to do this & my latest video bombed. I changed title & thumbnail & it didn’t help. The video just wasn’t that great. I didn’t put as much effort into when I was honest w myself bc I was just pushing to get something out. LESSON LEARNED. I ended up deleteing it & will now focus on quality vs quantity.

[@FaithandFurniture]

Keeping the door open is such a smart mentality!

[@WhytheBookWins]

Creating content for your audience and not for yourself is one I've had a hard time with! But I'm definitely learning that those that are successful are making content with their audience at the forefront of their mind. Thanks for another great video Katie!

[@Ashley.LAUREN]

This video really spoke to me, especially REASON #2. I had one video on decluttering go viral early on and now if i post anything outside of MINIMALISM or DECLUTTERING the video flops. I feel like I have so much more to offer to my viewers then just decluttering (although I do LOVE decluttering) but my "other" content is all over the place (BUILDING CHICKEN COOPS, RESET ROUTINES, MEAL PREP, GARDENING AND TRAVEL). Today I will brainstorm "that sweet spot" between what my viewers want and what I want to create. Thank you for creating great content!!!

[@JanetKohl]

Same experience here. I think chicken coop, meal prep and de cluttering/home care can all be done under the homesteading or home maker category and get rid of travel until you have a huge subscriber base. Good luck!

[@DrEldersAnatomyChannel]

Point #1 is so valid. No one realizes how much work a KZbin channel is.

[@solarpoweredafricanvegansp178]

One of the saddest things I see on KZbin is when a content creator was booming and crushing it in views and see them years later still uploading and have over 4 mil subs but barley get 100k views. That to me is so sad because they then become slaves to trying to do what’s hot just to try and stay afloat and relevant.

[@vincyagain]

It’s so hard, but you’re right, keeping the possibility open is so important. Try and try and try again and again and again. I’ll find that rhythm soon, whenever that may be. Thank you for this video 😭

[@KaizenWithRen]

You gotta be persistent while also tinkering on areas you can slowly improve on 🙌

[@SweetLifeLanta]

I actually have a successful channel with more than 100k but lately my views have gone down tremendously and I just needed this talk to give me some motivation again. Did i tell you already how much I love your channel and how much I love to listen to your down to earth, no bullshit kind of vibes? Love it and thanks! ❤❤❤

[@nyasascha]

I have been pushing off doing KZbin for six years, it has been my dream since a child. To say the least, my camera just got delivered yesterday. I am more excited than terrified this time to start!

[@keilamarciel]

I love what you said about intention. Sometimes I make videos but then think to myself “I really don’t want to just regurgitate the same info over and over.” This has stopped me from making more videos recently, but I think you’ve inspired me to get back to it! ❤

[@grannyronna]

Now it is hot coca season and not iced coffee. But your advice is still spot on! As a new creator in 2023, at 73, I find the most important thing is to be able to manage my mood. I have had a lot of rejection in my work life, but something about social media can really get bad rental space in my head. Literally, I think the key skill I am refining as an influencer is the ability to shake it off and keep going.

[@alishamusk]

I so agree on the niche thing!!! Not boxing in but having a certain coherence in your personal brand!

[@paulinacardenas6938]

"you're a creator too" That's exactly what I needed to hear.

[@JeannieBASMR]

I get a lot of people telling me they’d like to start a channel, asking how. I see you have so much here in your channel that jives with what I do. I’ll be happy to refer people here! 😊❤

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

It's refreshing to watch a video like this. There's no need for fast and fancy edits, constant camera zooms, keywords, etc. I love this honest advice and helps me know that what I'm doing with my channel is working. Thank you.

[@noticeablybetter]

this was much needed. Thank you! Just getting the KZbin channel started, and certainly trying to remove those barriers to growth!

[@RicPuzzles]

Hi Katie, 1st of all i love your glasses and the van. 😁 Ive been watching your videos for a while and everything seems to resonate with my youtube journey. Ive been a KZbinr since the very beginning of the platform like literally and i wish - i wish - i knew then what i know now. I struggled so much over the years with my channels, and deleted channels with thousands of videos for feeling like a failure over and over and over. This time i feel different, i feel ready and i feel like nothing will stop me from growing my channel now and watching videos like yours that put it in plain words what is wrong and what needs to be done is very reassuring. Thank you so much and a big cheers from New Zealand.

[@mayawalksdogs]

Having a rough day & your sunshine is totally turning the day around! My nervous system is seriously calming down. You da best!

[@FullyLovingYourself]

I love the way you deliver Information but it’s also like a Vlog. So glad I found this channel.

[@paralysedwithlove8565]

Thanks so much for talking about this! The point about not giving up to keep the possibility of succeeding alive was exactly what I needed ❤

[@unmanii]

Thank you katie! Your videos push me to create more and create better! ❤

[@jjn6914]

I've fallen into the #3 pitfall. My editing skills are crappy, though, so I need to get better at that. And, get better at story-building, and maybe outsource what I can afford to outsource. I feel defeated and exhausted trying to edit on iMovie after 3-4 hours, and won't go back until 1-2 weeks later :/

[@PETERFRITZPHOTO]

Your content is SO valuable. Thanks, Katie.

[@SpiffyFambam]

This is so encouraging! Making a content is difficult, but as long as you keep trying it will grow. Thank you for all the different ideas you have provided.

[@LorisBostonFound]

Another great video Katie! You are so good at delivering honest, straight forward, constructive information!

[@MyaGriffinRealtor]

great advice Katie! Love watching your videos.

[@OhNoShesVegan]

I agree, thank you for all of the advices!

[@iritnoble]

Thank you Katie! I eat up all your content! I launched my KZbin channel a couple of weeks ago, after agonising for absolute months over everything including topic, tone, scripting editing tagging designing et cetera et cetera et cetera. Now it’s up and running, I am so happy that I put all that work in. Now it’s about enjoying the journey as I evolve. You’ve been a big part of it thank you so much ❤🎉

[@katie]

omg that makes me so happy 🥰 congrats on finally launching, that's amazing! you're gonna do great :)

[@ThePamelaJordan]

Hearing you say it took you 8 years to hit 10K made me feel so much better about my current trajectory. I feel really stuck at the moment - and I have a niche😫 I have thought about quitting many times because I barely go over 300 views anymore

[@coilsandcurls]

Your video last week has over 1k views! Congratulations 🍾🎉

[@ThePamelaJordan]

@@coilsandcurls I was completely grateful about that! Praying that it stays that course.

[@yongamamakehleni4826]

I JUST SUBSCRIBED ❤

[@sisily15]

Such great advice. Thank you!

[@iSaiiri]

My biggest issue is perfectionism, but also finding a topic that I feel like I can talk about long term haha; I love so many things. I feel like my one defining point is becoming the 'vibes' of my channel, which I hope helps

[@heroinheels]

Same!!!

[@imjustcody]

Thanks for this video, I deleted my og KZbin account in 2016, and it's the biggest regret, I have in terms of things I've done on the internet. I also had another channel that I created after, but I deleted it a few days ago, I wasn't fond of it, I wasn't taking proper care of the channel and it never reached an audience that my og channel had, and I never realized the exact reasons until now. Now here I am on this channel with less than 200 subs, and I've been on this platform since 2011, and now it feels like I have to start from square 1 again, and it really freaking sucks. But after watching this I kind of understand what I've done wrong in the past, and now get what I need to do differently, the crappy part is that I have to compete against alot more people now than I would of had to in the past. Thanks for the video, earned my sub!

[@EboneeRaven]

Great motivation to keep trying and prioritize having fun in the process!!

[@simple_naildesigns]

‘Keep trying’ needed to hear this! My channel is growing so slow and need all the advice.

[@TravelswithLucky]

You are a really good communicator. Thanks for the tips! Very encouraging!

[@RachelEffort]

3:13 in tears because (needed to hear this) this is why I like strangers on the internet.

[@LuandraTanya]

Thank you so much for this video, and this amazing advice.👌🏼

[@Talkingtaylor]

Pure inspiration right here. Thank you!

[@carina.belmonte]

Love the editing of this Video, Katie! As always love your KZbin Perspective

[@vittoriaslife]

Helpful tips, thank you!

[@withloveroa]

Thak you for the encouragement and tips, Katie! This is really helpful for me, and motivares me to keep going. 😊

[@shaunaleessnackidies]

Very helpful, thank you!!!!❤ Just started mine 😊

[@starlandandmore]

Our channel was doing fine until KZbin said we "might " have bought views, but they can't prove it according to them. That's probably the number one reason channels fail, after 12 years they make unfounded accusations.

[@littlemavis2221]

Super Clear Explanation. I'm impressed. Keep it Up!!😊⭐

[@mummaandvernicasplanet]

Thank you, love learning from you. Finally hit 1000 subscribers🙏

[@takahisaen]

The fan mentality spoke to me. I’ve been aspiring to be an illustrator myself but often struggle with the fact that I could also do it aside to being a fan of another successful illustrator! Loved the reasons shared, timely reminder for myself! Will give my own channel a little bit more thought from now on 🤪

[@ShortStories-qf5ln]

It's KZbin algorithm

[@CrimsonNightsGaming]

It is tough and discouraging sometimes but stick with it

[@angelarcana]

This was incredibly helpful !!! Thanks Katie :)

[@eerinoneil]

I loved this video!!! Especially the consistency vs uploading just to upload point! I feel like everyone drills into your brain that you need to be uploading exactly x times per week or month etc. in order to have success, and it can be overwhelming to try and hit certain cadences that don't authentically resonate with your content or channel! Hearing that tip alone takes a little pressure off so thank you for sharing it 😊 love the broader goal of uploading quality content and not throw away pieces that may not land with you or your viewer! Thanks for another great video as always!!!

[@drElsaWQ]

You're amazing Katie! Enjoy your informative and helpful videos! love you!

[@beckymartin7731]

Thank you for your straightforward advice. It's so encouraging to me as I take my first "baby steps" in the exciting world of KZbin content creation. 💖

[@katie]

I'm super happy to help!! all the best on your journey, you've got this 🙌🏻

[@indigospringsfarm]

This is extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@RitaSipsWine]

Thank you for your advice. Encouraging to know that it’s hard in the beginning and that it takes work to succeed.

[@bloodorangemoon]

#4, Perfectionism! I have a message to share about healing and resilience, I've been filming but I hate it all lol, kinda the same when I'm painting but usually I mess with it until I love or at least like it. This is just so out of my depth, way harder than it looks. I'm on my iphone, the lighting, angles, and some weird buzzing sound in the background, I realized pretty quickly this definitely way more work than it looks. It's terrible when I hear people ask full time youtubers what they do for work. This is work! However, I have learned from my own journey healing chronic health issues, CPTSD and my fitness achievements that the only way to fail is to quit. You can't fail if you keep going because really it's about the journey not the destination. My main mission is to help people come out of the depths of despair that I am intimately familiar with. Thanks for the pep talk, I need to remember my mission and put it out there imperfections and all

[@corva5118]

The part where you said "would you watch your own video?" stung a bit, but fortunately I realized I need to make my videos more interesting before even coming across this video, so it didn't sting as much as it would have, had i not realized this myself first. That's why I decided that, starting next year (because I already have my videos scheduled up to the end of december) I'm putting more effort into editing to make my videos really "flow better" and more enjoyable and "easy" to watch, as well as more engaging for the viewers. I'm looking forward to it!

[@harmonia22]

i really like what you are saying, it feels honest and transparent and this is what I value the most. thank you, Katie!

[@NDeavor_in_Nutrition]

Thanks Katie... great advice for us newbies!

[@muchadoaboutsomething]

Good to know, definitely good to know. Thanks.

[@bistrawrites]

Thank you soo much for sharing the behind-the-scenes clip (*where you move the tripod and lighting around). It basically gave me ideas of what I'm gonna use 😅

[@RCRVadventures]

This was great! Very insightful and inspirational. Thanks!

[@andreajayavelu4813]

Thanks for sharing these tips! I’m really enjoying your content. You’re very approachable and very relatable.

[@joshuau.]

Great and helpful tips!! I appreciate the honesty, wisdom, and offered suggestions!

[@movebeautifullywithhilda]

I really like how you are so down to earth n practical. No over promise. The whole this is so effortless is just a perception. Effortless takes a lot of effort 😊

[@JasiminiMindfulYoga]

Thank you for sharing this Kate, your advice is very encouraging. I love what you said about finding a balance between your interests and the interests of your audience x

[@col3life]

I love watching you! You are great at making your videos feel like I’m just hanging out with a mentor and friend! Great job! Keep it up and thanks so much for sharing this and doing this! 😁

[@FatimahDankey]

Just came across your channel, this is all great to know! Excited to learn more and be a successful creator 😁

[@margf5092]

Thanks so much for this.

[@jasenomade]

Excellent, the best advice out there... Thank you. I took notes :) 💞

[@syarulizat6677]

I'm looking for this kind of tips and you deliver well in this video. Thanks for the info👍

[@ChloeTheePayne]

i really like the coffee chat series! thanks for experimenting with this nice mix of expertise and knowledge with also balancing casual vibe and more of your personality, it makes it kinda easier for the concepts to penetrate into my brain cuz it feels it's being explained in a more anecdotal way 😊

[@tt_looking_glass]

You described my feelings towards my channel so well. As long as I keep trying…. There a possibility. Bang on!!

[@whopetite]

Eye opening, thank you!

[@snackbunnykorea]

Thank you, Katie!

[@uvanana.]

No KZbin channel fails if they put hardwork

[@UrbanInfluence54209]

Thank you love your calming effects for that helps me think. Thank you 😊

[@katie]

awe so glad to hear that 🥹

[@Lifebinary]

This is very helpful , thank you so much . I’m new on KZbin and I’m feeling the frustration already 😂 but watching this I will keep pushing

[@rachelpmunoz]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom Katie! ❤

[@veganlunchmom]

Great advice!!

[@Lifelogsbysteph]

we’re just starting on this journey to document our small business. your channel has been a great inspo!!

[@marivitelli]

That’s great advice! I’m a quiet lurker, but I’ve been studying your videos, taking notes and applying your tips to the best of my ability. Thanks for all your help! Oh and since it’s a holiday here today, I’m actually enjoying a rare glass of gin tonic 😅

[@StephanieHajal]

I needed to see/hear/smell/touch/taste this video haha, so thank you for making it!🙌🏼 ❤️ Perfectionism & time-consuming editing are what get to me as a solo content creator!

[@ARTyHaG]

Spot on advice 🙏

[@ImageDivaMedia]

Thanks for your honesty Katie, and making this valuable video to assist us. Mine is definitely all over the place,listening to you makes me know I'm guilty of atleast 3 or 4 reasons mentioned. I will definitely review my steps and reexamine my mindsets.

[@mercsworld6754]

I love how you keep it real! Love this!

[@gregoriussudaryono260]

Good information to share. Thank you👍

[@kaer1nae]

Loved this! It’s hard sometimes to hear the reality of it all. Thank you! ❤

[@DikelediandTerrence]

Let’s grow together

[@isabellammusic]

I am just starting out and this is very helpful! Thank you so much!

[@adreaminfocus]

This was so insightful. I would consider my KZbin a failed channel… I’ve had 2 real goes at it and then just stopped because I couldnt seem to grow an audience. Despite doing courses. I’m now starting it again… but totally changing my my content. I was on the fence about starting a brand-new channel and starting from scratch, how ever after much perfectionistic thinking, I think I’m going to keep my channel and rebrand it because myself as a person and my messaging hasn’t really changed it’s just more that I’ve moved into a new chapter of my life. So, for example, my KZbin channel was always a business tool. It was never just to be a content creator. after 20 years of doing my business, I’ve decided to totally change my direction and pursuing more creative life. Because I was nutritionist before I did a lot of cooking but it was always based on health and fitness/binge eating recovery etc. now I do a lot of cooking for pleasure… so it seems relivant. A lot of my content before was about nutrition facts, aesthetics and the strategy to creating good habits. for me none of this stuff has changed however I am in the chapter of living slower and building a more intentional and enriched life. I think I’m going the right thing by keeping my channel and not starting from scratch x

[@Biancalovestosew98]

I’m still trying, and that’s all that matters❤️

[@LoveandSoul7]

thank you! I've been in youtube since 2020. My channel is still very tiny, but I've realized that I'm ok with growing at my own pace and build a community that cares 💗

[@nathanieltrinka2866]

Thank you Katie for the Skill Share I am so excited to try it!

[@Pawsitivelygolden]

Thank you for your genuine thoughts. It’s true that some YT creators make it seem like there are magic strategies to buy their courses but a big part is just not quitting. Thank you

[@babykaroots]

I had a little tear at the end. It was a good video, thanks!

[@ahnjidan]

Love all the tips Katie 🙏🙏

[@Mugolizz]

This is so informative and detailed. Having a new channel myself, this is a great guideline. Thank you for this information