Are YouTube Shorts Killing Drum Cover Views? (Drum Talk)

This drum talk rant is about what happened to the KZbin drum community since 2017.
I discuss:
How has it changed?
How do we get subs and views?
How has the KZbin Short video format changed our attention span?
Is there still a need to watch long form videos and drum covers?
Why I do drum cover on KZbin.
A few mentions:
@drumman190 @DrumAttic @RichRawDawgdrums
Basic Equipment
Gretsch - 8x10, 9x13, 16x16, 14x20
Ludwig Black Beauty - 6.5x14
Paiste -14" 2000 Sound Reflector SE Top/RUDE Bottom, 18" 2002 Crash, 22" 2002 Ride, 20" Giant Beat Multi, 20" PSTX Medium
Logic Pro X
Presonus StudioLive 24.4.2
Now available Earldrum's Spring Store
my-store-d51346.creator-sprin...
Please check out my series on how to make a drum cover in this playlist
• How I Make A Drum Cover (Series)
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
No Copyright Infringement Intended. All copyrighted material remains the property of the respective copyright owner(s).

[@PaulDes]

I no longer worry about "viewing figures", "subs" or "thumbs", I just make my drum covers for myself, because I can also get creative with it in the field of video editing, but especially because I see it as a form of practice, and a bit of an obligation to do it as well as possible, ideal as preparation for rehearsing songs for the band(s) I play in... oh yes, and of course I appreciate the nice comments, but the main goal is the "fun" I experience from it

[@earldrum]

Paul, I totally get what you are say and couldn’t agree more! Thanks for sharing because you are doing KZbin drum covers for the right reason … learning and fun! Thanks for watching my friend! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Kingy-23drums]

I am with you, I have never bothered about figures , I do it to keep my brain active and enjoyment. I wasn't going to put any videos on KZbin and then I heard earl talking about how he started a couple of years ago and I decided why not. I average around 30 secs to 50 secs last time I looked. Keep smiling 🥁🥁🙏

[@earldrum]

@@Kingy-23drums you are doing it for the right reasons! Keeping our brains engaged is very important the older we get! That is part of the reason I do drum covers too! To stay engaged! Keep doing what you do my friend! It’s about enjoy life every moment we have! Have a great day and thanks for watching!

[@RichRawDawgdrums]

Yes Paul! I agree. The main goal is for fun!

[@waltonbrown]

Thanks Earl, all makes perfect sense mate and yep, it has to be fun first, and foremost. It is for me anyway 😊

[@earldrum]

That’s the bottom line Walton! Fun. Thanks for watching! 🤘🏻👍🏻🙏🏻😎

[@3L3V3NDRUMS]

Great video man! I started doing YT covers because of my family. They live far away so that's the only way my grandparents can see me playing. It's kind of a documentation of my drumming journey. I just use shorts as advertising for my videos. Most important for me is recording everything in a single take without cuts/ edits. So that's because I want to be able to play live someday. KZbin views and Subs don't count so much to me. Man I got comments from original musicians from famous bands like Five Finger Death Punch, Helloween, Powerwolf, Hammerfall, Sirenia, Bloodorn, Temperance etc. Some of them shared my videos on their other socials. That's so cool. This and support from the community is so nice and means so much more to me than any views or subs.

[@earldrum]

You are doing great Toby! That’s a great reason to do KZbin too! Thanks for the feedback and watching! I think shorts are good for advertising as well! I try to add a link to my original video, but I’m not sure if anyone ever finds that link on a Short video! 😂😂😂😂

[@3L3V3NDRUMS]

@@earldrum I couldn't agree more. I use a link and the ne 'related video option' but in total I got 1 full cover view per 1.000 short views.

[@DrummerKeithScott]

Great to hear there are going to be more talking shows in addition to AEA. Thanks Earl!

[@earldrum]

That’s part of my plan Keith! 😎🤘🏻🙏🏻👍🏻

[@aronowaughful]

Good show! I started drumming in 1965. Never took a lesson but learned to listen. I started playing along to songs I liked. In 1966, I was good enough to be in a band. It was fun then and, now at age 72, it's still fun for me...and I'm in a band in my retirement community. When I see drum covers I learn something new all the time. These KZbin shorts just leave me wanting more, so I don't really like them. I don't learn anything from them. If you play drums, you listen and learn every day. Iknow I do. I'm not a technical drummer and don't pretend to be. I can't learn much from these shorts, but I do learn from watching a full drum cover. I pick things up that I'm doing wrong or not doing at all...and I work on that. IMO, if you're a drummer, no matter what level, you always learn something new and keep it fun! If it's not fun anymore why bother. I love your drum covers! Keep up the good work! Joel

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback and encouragement! Never stop drumming until you can’t or don’t have fun! That’s my guiding chat. Drumming on KZbin is like playing drums to records at my mom’s house. The only difference is I film it, can record it better, and I learn from watching, listening, and getting your feedback! So, I’m going to keep having fun! I glad to hear you continue to drum Joel! Awesome!

[@RichRawDawgdrums]

Interesting insight on how it is now versus 6-7 years ago. Earl you and I have subscribed to each other’s channels for many years. You do motivate us old guys and I have learned a lot from your AEA shows. I myself have tried to make covers that there aren’t already hundreds of covers already, with some exceptions. Then started to include more live shows and my Drummers to Check out monthly episodes. I’m in it for fun and entertainment. Sometimes it’s just my own entertainment 😂. I agree with Tobi that I’m not doing it for numbers and growth but seeing the subs grow puts a little pressure on us to put out different or better content. I think all YT channels have a shelf life and you and I have seen many channels come and go. In a few years, maybe I will do something other than drum covers on my channel, who knows? If new channels are doing it for their own personal reasons and not trying to make it a numbers game or get money then that’s the purpose of it. Fun and the interaction!

[@earldrum]

I agree with you Rich! KZbin channels have a shelf life for three main reasons frustration, boredom, or inability to change and adapt. I think the other factor us having fun doing it! Fun keeps me making covers and dropping videos. Having a goal to make 30 drummers happy most days is motivating to me to produce consistent content, but if I’m not having fun then it’s time stop. I haven’t hit that yet, so I’m blessed! But views, subs, and playing the “I’ll watch your video game, if you watch mine” game doesn’t interest me at all! People that like what you do will find you if you stay true to your goals and find joy and fun in doing what you love! Thanks for watching and commenting Rich!

[@DrumAttic]

Lots of great info and thoughts here, my friend!

[@earldrum]

Thanks for watching Eric! It’s not the same KZbin as it was years ago!

[@markazinker3212]

u got it right Earl , i’m 61 and i’m just starting out , and u definitely inspire me to keep going and keep trying ! thanks earl , plus i love your stories of your journey

[@earldrum]

This is the reason I consistently put out videos, because I know there are drummers that are inspired by my drumming! Thanks for watching and learning from my content Mark!

[@GoGreen44]

I agree with a lot of what you said. I'm 55 and have followed your channel for years. Song selection does play a factor on which videos to watch. I'm an advanced beginner drummer 😁 always looking for learning content, how you play covers and just general interest in drumming. I would enjoy you putting out teaching content/ lessons. I feel you have the demeanor for it 😁. One thing that is hard to find is good intermediate level stuff, getting to the next level from beginner to playing with a band 🤷‍♂️. Just my 2 cents...Thanks Earl, big fan

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback my friend! I’m trying to figure out how to do more teaching when there are so many great teachers on KZbin already! Please let know what you think is missing teaching content for intermediate drummers? I’d love to work on a lesson. I do teach privately using FaceTime or Skype for certain students. Thanks for watching too!

[@jameslyons1661]

Good morning earl, I look forward to your video’s, and you do inspire me. Really love the exits from the songs when you just jam, freestyle. Have a great day. Have fun. Also love the WALK BREATHE Rejoice Play Motto, T-shirt, and mug thank you for the wonderful work you put out.

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the encouragement Jimmy! Walk, breathe, rejoice, and play! Yes, it’s my daily reminder of living life each day! Thanks 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@gregwonhoff7161]

Great piece, Hammer. I really enjoy your talks as well as your playing. Question, when a commercial comes during a video, is there a time that commercial needs to be watched for the performer to get money. There was a performer that said on one of his videos that we watchers need to watch for at least 30 seconds for him to get credit. As a result, when I am watching someone I really like and consider a friend, I will watch for a minimum of 30 seconds so he/she gets credit. Again, thank you for your valued friendship.❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

[@earldrum]

Hi Greg, I’ll try to find out before my Ask Earl Anything! I never heard that before! Thanks for watching my friend!

[@Claes_Isacson]

I just find “shorts” annoying, so I haven’t changed my viewing habits because of those. But I’m 56 years old, so perhaps I have a longer attention span than younger people these days. 😄 I don’t know. Sometimes I feel that changes like these are made without much to go on. Rock on Earl! 🥁

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Claes! I think these changes happen because social media is morphing! I mean TicTok has really messed up everyone, kid don’t have an attention span today, the technology keeps changing … like it or not, and we have progress or be left behind! I really appreciate all of you that love watching drummers do their thing and support long form video! I couldn’t just make tictok, Instagram or shorts … I’d quit drumming. I drum for the music, art, and pleasure of learning new music! But I really do appreciate all of you that watch my drum covers! Thank you! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@DrumBragg]

I love your honesty here. And, yes, videos have to be for fun; have to be fun for us to make. What would be the point otherwise? Re attention spans, I write novels - I'm so glad some folk still read (long form)! :) I like your work ethic and very often the songs you choose (which will obviously draw folk in).

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Tim! Yes, doing it for the art form, for fun, and because you enjoy speaking through your art! All great reasons to do KZbin! My wife is an author so I know how little money comes writing books, but again it the love of expression through words that drives her to write. My work ethic is because I love learning, drumming, being creative, and analyzing why I love the music I play! I rarely play songs that I don’t like on KZbin! There is no joy in playing a song that doesn’t teach me something about my craft. I find doing drum covers close the original to be a way to really understand studio drumming in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. The analog tape years, musicians playing music in a room without clicks, protools, beat detective, and technology over art! But that’s my driving force and the desire to play like my childhood when I first learned drumming in my mom’s garage playing with a record player! Thanks for watching Tim!

[@DrumBragg]

@@earldrum - great response. I only started playing music (drum first) a month shy of being 20. But I did get to record in analogue studios, I think the last wholly analogue was 1993 but some home studios kept analogue going - so maybe right up till 2001. I heard you wife's an author. Cool! :)

[@earldrum]

Yes, she has written a futuristic trilogy called Within The Walls. And has written several academic books. Her name is Stephanie Bennett.

[@DrumBragg]

@@earldrum - excellent! :)

[@metzilla]

Earl, ...you just keep entertaining me every morning and everything will be fine!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣 Interesting video, and can't wait to see the new content on cymbals, etc! 🥁👍😎

[@earldrum]

I’m working on doing my ride cymbals where I started to my collection today. I actually have a spreadsheet with my cymbal history! I’ve had a lot of cymbal come and go over the years! Thanks for the feedback Jeff! I appreciate the daily interactions! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻👍🏻

[@metzilla]

@@earldrum looking foward to it! Ditto! 👍

[@mickeyf3730]

Great show and info!

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Mickey! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻👍🏻🤘🏻

[@andrewnelsondrumcovers1787]

I totally agree with you about this, Earl. 1 minute 20 seconds is about average viewing for my videos too, even though I mostly watch whole videos and rarely less that 2 thirds of a video. I dont mind though. I have a small channel that leaves me room for family life and I also enjoy sessions of just going to my drums with no headphones, playing music through speakers and jamming along without recording anything. I only ever did one short as I'd tried a solo, which I very rarely do, and a short was long enough for the only decent bit of it. I much prefer drumming to songs and, if recorded, posting the whole cover. BTW I've noticed you're doing Wrapped Around Your Finger for Sting and The Police week. I wouldn't dare go near that song, but I know you'll nail it.

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Andrew! Yea, drum covers are not getting views like they use to, but I go back to doing drum covers for fun! So if that’s your motivation average viewing time doesn’t matter! I had fun recording Wrapped Around Your Finger … lots of splash cymbals! 😎😎😎😎 What song did you choose Andrew?

[@andrewnelsondrumcovers1787]

@@earldrum I chose Desert Rose, Can't Stand Losing You and So Lonely. I have them all sitting unlisted on KZbin and scheduled for dates on that week. I really look forward to your Wrapped Around My Finger. It's a beautiful song.

[@CCMDrummer]

The biggest takeaway I got from watching The Back Beat with Drum Attic and Drumman 190 is the reminder to network with other KZbin cover drummers. I think networking will always have its value even if it doesn’t necessarily build up your subscribership.

[@earldrum]

Matthew, I think networking is important to early growth, but sustained growth is producing content that you enjoy doing! Then your audience will find you. I think that’s what I have done … I don’t go looking for drummers each week, but when I find a drummer I like to watch I sub and comment. Sometimes they follow back, but sometimes not. That’s okay with me, I’m still watching their content because I enjoy what they do. I have a bigger problem with YT channels that seem to be in it for the money, subs, and influence status. They are not relational and that’s contrived and not authentic to me! Then I tune out their channel eventually because I can’t relate to them. Thanks for watching Matthew!

[@RichRawDawgdrums]

Well said my friend! The networking and interaction with people from all over the globe are things I enjoy most about having a channel too!

[@earldrum]

@@RichRawDawgdrums it’s all about the people! I’d love to meet face to face some day Rich! That’s what drum community is about to me, people!

[@CCMDrummer]

@@earldrum I don't disagree with anything that you said about how networking is the most effective at the early growth stage of one's YT channel. I think our different perspectives on the matter may have more to do with the fact that you have 9K+ subs and I am waiting to break the 1K barrier. I am currently at 969, so hopefully I will be in the 1K+ club before too long.

[@earldrum]

@@CCMDrummer I understand you and networking might work for you! But growth for you is finding drummers in you niche market. Unfortunately that market is quite small unless you expand the number of drummers coming to your channel it can’t grow. But I think more output of new songs would help and possibly some videos on CCM history or a CCM drummers like Jack Kelly or Bill Maxwell to interview might driver viewers to your channel. My wife has a very narrow niche channel and it does not grow quickly. She is at 200 subs …. But that’s cool for her!

[@jameslyons1661]

❤️🥁❤️

[@earldrum]

Good morning Jimmy!

[@bryandrums32]

I agree half its 50%-50%,,,,, I’m going to watch the rest of this when I have more time ,

[@earldrum]

Thanks for watching Bryan! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻👍🏻🤘🏻😎

[@bryandrums32]

@@earldrum no problem pal

[@CCMDrummer]

I think video shorts have their place in the various video platforms. It’s an excellent medium for instructional videos. However, I don’t think that will ever replace drum covers per se even though shorts may be more popular than drum covers. The stated mission for my KZbin channel is to promote and preserve the CCM classics. I am committed to that vision regardless of the current state of KZbin.

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Matthew! Staying true to your mission is critical to staying in this KZbin game!

[@Ds_Drums]

Very interesting show. I do not care for shorts but KZbin is competing with tiktok, at least that what I heard. I really enjoy your vids and hope you can keep it up.

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback D! I plan on doing my long form drum covers for as long as I’m having fun and subs like you enjoy what I do! But I’m going to use my short videos more just to keep my long form videos in the algorithm streams of KZbin! I’m playing the game to learn more about this ever changing KZbin world! But really do it for my small but wonderful drum community and fun!

[@gazgraham]

A year or so ago I started doing the shorts along with the full form covers. 95% of the time the shorts get way more views than the long form. The attention span on the long form generally lasts for a minute or so. I do think the attention span has diminished which is where shorts fill a “new” space in the market.

[@earldrum]

Gaz, you are right about shorts … short attention span! But Instagram and KZbin Short are contributing to the lack of attention span! It’s crazy when you think about how hard it is for people to focus on one thing? Multitasking is a misnomer, but everyone thinks we can do more than one thing at a time and do it well! But this not true, just look at drivers on the road today. More accidents caused by not paying attention to the road, but to their smart phone! Thanks for watching my friend!

[@TxDrumChannel]

It just might kill the style. People today as you stated have lost the ability on a computer to stay with anything longer than 30 seconds. I would think most drummers that are looking for help or simply to enjoy others playability will continue to watch. But it's the attention span. I personally turn off shortcuts on you tube. Other formats its fine but I don't come here for blurts of video. Keep up the good work Earl

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Dave! I agree with you that those that want full song covers will come find them on KZbin! It’s just interesting how things change! Thanks for watching my friend! 🙏🏻👍🏻😎🤘🏻🥁

[@ZaxDrumsandGolf]

I think since the shorts came out the normal covers videos don't get as many views. Unless it really a popular song or one that has really cool drum parts!! I know I haven't watched as many lately but that is due to personal issues. I still try to watch and follow the channels like yours and others which make great covers!!

[@earldrum]

Thanks for watching Zax! You are probably right on your statement about “normal covers”! But I have so many popular song videos on my hard drive that making a short just requires editing time! It really strange, but I think I have to put a few shorts out each week to keep my drum cover channel viable! The world has changed from the days of Google + and early KZbin!

[@ZaxDrumsandGolf]

@@earldrum The view for shorts are evaluted differently than from normal videos. I saw you need more fews to get monetized. But I usually make a short from an already released videos. Totally agree it has changed a lot and I still only do it for fun.

[@earldrum]

@@ZaxDrumsandGolf I’m not sure on the monetary compensation for shorts. But I think if you are already a monetize KZbinr than you start making some money from shorts! But truthfully, I have no idea! It’s pennies unless you have 10k, 100k, or 1 MM plus views. I think many of try to use views and subs to keep us motivated to do our “drum cover art”, but actually the motivation has to be the love of music and the art, not monetary compensation!

[@ZaxDrumsandGolf]

@@earldrum Yeah I agree with that I knew right from the get go that there was no money to be made. I did it to get better and to connect with other drummers!!

[@earldrum]

@@ZaxDrumsandGolf that’s an excellent reason to upload videos! I love learning from my video uploads too! That’s why I started KZbin channel in 2011 … nobody but me watched my videos! Those videos were pretty bad compared my fully produced covers today. But I had fun watching and learning!

[@The-Tired-Drummer]

I’ve learned not to care anymore about views, or the other numbers, it took me a while but I’m seeing how it all works. Yes I find it gratifying to be close to 1000 subs at this point, but I’m not getting discouraged by poor views. Like I’ve said to you before, if I play, Foreigner, The Partridge Family, Creedence Clear Water Revival and so on I get more views and I’m tired of playing those songs. Sure every once in a while I will play those songs. I see your shorts and other drum community players, but just flip by them. I have no interest or intention to make shorts myself. I’m now choosing lots of songs that are not well known or by Blues artists that don’t get much radio exposure. I just play for fun as a hobby, now that I’ve expanded to a two camera set up and a more elaborate video production most new drum cover videos take me a minimum of THREE HOURS to produce and upload. It’s obviously my own choice to spend the amount of hours I put into a cover, but it keeps me busy and my mind working. This year I’ve decided to spend more time doing my photography hobby as well. Like you say, it’s gratifying enough to get comments from our small Drummer community 🥁and making new friends from around the world 🌎 and such different ages. . Considering I’m just a basement drummer approaching 70 I’m satisfied with my progress. I was at 200 subscribers at the beginning of last year, and are 40 away from 1000 … I feel it’s an accomplishment 😊

[@earldrum]

You are doing it for the right reasons, you are active, drumming and it makes you happy! That’s awesome success! You’ll get the 1K subs soon my friend! Thanks for watching Ken! 🙏🏻👍🏻🤘🏻😎🥁

[@markazinker3212]

i also think a lot of guys do the “ shorts “ because they only have to get a few moments on video, don’t have to deal with the stress and pressure of learning a whole song , whether they make money or feel good about being on youtube for a few moments, who knows , they are definitely not in your category

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback and kind words Mark!

[@JackNiles]

All things must pass

[@earldrum]

Thanks for watching Jack … maybe … all things transform and change. So I agree change is part of life. Thanks for watching my friend!

[@MykeLewisMusic]

The whole 'shorts' thing has completely wrecked this platform, not just in the field of drum covers. I use the shorts now as a "in case you missed it" the day after i post a full-length video. The shorts ALWAYS get 100x the views, but I do sometimes get a new sub out of 'em. Personally, I hate it, it's extra work, for little to no pay-off. I think trying to compete with a platform like TikTok (which is basically brain cancer 1 minute at a time) was the stupidest decision anyone at KZbin has made since Susan decided we needed censorship.

[@earldrum]

Agree with your analysis Myke! I wish shorts on KZbin never happened. I wish it stayed on Instagram and TicTok, but they went for the money! These are strange times … I’m just trying to keep doing what love and play what I want drum to here on long form KZbin! Thanks for weighing in on this one Myke! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@SONORSQ2guy]

I agree with you, but at the same time, I think Drum covers have run their course and people just don’t want to watch them

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Greg! You might be right. Most of the guys that comment on my videos are older drummers that are still drumming or got back into later in life. These guys love the covers, but younger drummers are all about the chops and have less of an attention span, so drum covers do excite them. Either way there is room for anyone to put up videos, but people will watch what KZbin pushes into your feed which today is mostly short videos. Thanks for watching my friend!

[@DrummerKeithScott]

I agree too. A lot of great drummers out there but it got over saturated.

[@earldrum]

@@DrummerKeithScott you are probably right about over saturation, but my motivation is having fun. To be honest, if no one watched I’d be disappointed, but it wouldn’t stop me from having fun! I like watching me play drums … and I learn from me playing drums on KZbin! So I’m not going anywhere. I do like talking to guys like you that enjoy my rants, topics, the questions, and interaction! I hope to do more of that in the future! Have a great week Keith!

[@DrummerKeithScott]

@@earldrum you too Earl! You’re channel and Terry keeting are my absolute favorite.

[@earldrum]

@@DrummerKeithScott thanks for including me with Terry …. “I’m not worthy” 😎🤘🏻🙏🏻👍🏻

[@Drumsholic]

Shorts are a part of the game cause they are small , concentrated sometimes and they not make people tired to see a big video with the same vibe so they maybe inform the viewers for what can they view.I didn't like them and i think you can't have a sight of what this video it is from a short.

[@earldrum]

I agree Stamatis, shorts don’t allow you to get the correct vibe of the drummer or their skill set. But they are here to stay and we have to beware of their effect on channel growth and views. Which is what I tried to explain and hoped for discussion about. Actually, it really doesn’t change my decision make the best drum covers that I can and to keep having fun with my community who are the best on KZbin! Thanks for the feedback my friend!

[@Drumsholic]

@@earldrum what do you expect to be after this ?Do you expect someone from youtube team see your video and will push to stop the shorts project?Personally i can't believe that it will happen.So maybe we must continue to live with it.Did you ever upload a short?

[@earldrum]

Stamatis, my only goal is to start a discussion I’m not stupid to think you can change the machine called KZbin. My goal is to get my subs talking about the whys of KZbin. I ask myself this question daily because I want to do things that make happy and others. But it’s about my fun, but I’m always happy if others enjoy it to. Anyhow, no grand plan just getting the pulse of my drum community. Have a great day my friend!