How Small YouTube Creators Can Win Against Big Competitors

[@ThinkMediaPodcast]

Question of the Day ⚡What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Let us know! 👇 🔥 Get a 14-Day FREE Trial of StreamYard HERE ➡ StreamWithThink.com

[@growingthegoodlifenc]

I love this kind of episode so much. I am about to hit 1000 subscribers and I’m working on my 4000 watch hours. Listening to this episode has made me rethink my whole strategy and see opportunities thatI haven’t seen before. Please keep these type of episodes coming!

[@heathertormey]

Congrats on your almost 1000!

[@jesszadra]

Yay on being so close to 1,000! 🎉 Congrats!

[@livebeyondthesurface1735]

Congratulations! Keep up the good work! 🎉

[@TheMentalHealthToolbox]

Way to go! 👏👏👏🙌 I am a little over 1K and 400 hours from monetization, should hit it in two weeks. Let’s Go!

[@CaptainCoffeeFox]

Congratulations!! That’s awesome!

[@smarty.adviser]

Your video on how small KZbin creators can triumph over big competitors is a goldmine of practical advice and motivation, empowering aspiring content creators to carve their own path and succeed against all odds. Thank you for sharing these invaluable insights!

[@venishamonger8620]

I watched this like 3 or 4 times lol this was so good. I think the fact that you made it clear that we shouldn’t be following what you’re doing because you’re doing it with an entire team and clearly that’s something that cannot be done with just one person that really resonated because I do look at what everyone’s doing that is way bigger than me thinking that if I do anything less, I am not going to be successful which is why I haven’t started but now I think I’m going to give it a shot.

[@ar8502]

This is literally my favourite episode! Please do more videos translating advice from books to KZbin. Thank you for this episode!

[@SquirtleTurtleAdventures]

Being a creator is a great experience, stay strong out there smaller channel's, we've got this!!!

[@Almightees70]

Thank you for your encouraging words! Your’re right…we got this!

[@theprogressivemichigander6588]

I found this a lot more thought provoking and useful for evaluating my overall channel approach than most of your videos.

[@angeloscofield1384]

YES for a follow up episodes! I never expected business, marketing, and KZbin are actually interconncected. Excited for more! 34:25

[@DanielBergman99]

Hey Sean & crew! I am a regular listener to the audio version of the podcast, and came here just to give feedback on THIS EPISODE. I love the nitty gritty “geekiness” and practically of this episode. It was educational, encouraging, and motivational! I have almost 3k subs, and this episode was so great for where I’m at. Thank you & more please!!😀🔥🙌🙏

[@ThinkMediaPodcast]

Thanks so much for taking the time to come over and comment Daniel! Really glad this was valuable. More to come! 🙏🏻

[@nnekaonyilofor]

So much value in this episode. Thank you Sean! 🙌🏾

[@jaquansanders3249]

"It not about your resources but about if your resourcefulness". That was a great quote that's going to stick with me.

[@SocialMediaMoneyy]

Sean Cannell The Goat

[@thrallski]

PLEASE do more of this type of content. Strategy is the key. "The battle is won before it is even fought"

[@do-it-yourself-skills]

I found this episode on KZbin as I was just starting to research my competition. Perfect timing and perfect message! Please do more podcasts/videos like this.

[@Spencerreich]

Think Team, I watch these video podcasts daily. Never stop!

[@Jenniferadcock]

I’d love a follow up episode. I feel like there’s so much room for everyone on KZbin. We have been slowly working on our family channel the last year and just hit 100 subs!! I’d love to put more time into our channel which is challenging when we both work full time. But we are trying

[@amberdmccann]

I listened to this entire podcast during my morning walk today and to be honest it was a lot to process. I do feel like this sort of content is necessary though because it's humbling and challenging. It's so easy to get caught in the rut of being a KZbinr and creating content, but forgetting that this is a business. Recently, I've had to accept that my entire approach to my channel has been in error for months now. Instead of focusing on my community and engagement, I've been focused on growth and numbers. Now it feels as though I'm talking to a wall and I'm not sure what type of content I should even be creating. I don't think my channel offers brand clarity. My intent was to create faith based and lifestyle content, but I don't think I've done my due diligence in making that clear. This episode has definitely brought me back to square 1 and has me rewriting my vision and mission. I'm also having to rediscover what feels authentic to me and what my true goals are. I'm forever grateful for Sean & the Think Media Team. There's so much I've learned and am learning from their expertise and resources. To anyone reading this, keep going in your KZbin journey and just focus on being 1% better everyday. Much love!

[@ThinkMediaPodcast]

🙏🏻💛

[@heathertormey]

I could see how it's easy to fall into the trap of focusing only on the numbers. Just subscribed bc I can't wait to see your content.

[@VIVIDTCG]

Well said 👌👌👌

[@charlieliverbk]

Also, blue is my favorite color. The blue hat and blue lumberjack shirt set against the warm cinnamon wood tones in the background are hypnotic 🙌🏾 (video production goals!).

[@tinyhomenetworking]

I love this type of message. Who wants things that require no effort.

[@theculturedbumpkin]

I absolutely loved this episode. I’m a former Army officer so referencing von Clausewitz etc is timeless and relatable . Really good stuff 👏

[@TheTravelingHatter]

The “a-ha” moment for was the guerrilla warfare aspect. I will have to “out niche” the competition

[@thespeakingpen]

My strategy is not to compete with dominant forces in my niche (Freelancing/ Upwork) but to collaborate with them on one side and create my own unique content on the other hand. I simply prioritise my audience getting value

[@storybabble]

I think this has been my favorite podcast from Think Media. Keep leveling up. As a beginner, I have gotten tired of the same old thing over and over. This video is built on the basics but provides more. Thanks.

[@ThinkMediaPodcast]

Wow, thank you!

[@themeandrousengineer]

I agree with @storybabble on this. This was one of your more informative videos/podcasts. I would love if you go intense and realistic on more topics like this. A lot of content regarding KZbin strategy seems informative on the surface, but upon evaluation is regurgatative. This was awesome.

[@faithannbasore8422]

Excellent! Love the tips about reading comments of other channels and making videos that the bigger channels don’t have time to make.

[@victorgonzalez9605]

Man, an in depth marketing strategy episode sounds like a great follow up

[@CliqzHD]

This one is so different from what we see everyday. I love this. Keep them coming

[@kent-ski]

Sean, I have watched a lot of your videos recently, but this is the first time I'm leaving a comment. THANK YOU very much for this business-minded approach to KZbin. My wife and I own a company with very specific niche training programs that we have been doing in-person for over 30 years. We are in the process of putting this into on-line programs, starting a yt channel, and all that goes with it. Your advice and guidance that you offer here has been so valuable in helping us build a plan to get this exciting new project started!

[@eyesonindie]

Very valuable episode. The use of analogies (like youtube as warfare) is an important way the smartest people (business people, artists, writers, leaders) approach their work and rise above the rest. So, yeah! Keep it coming!

[@ThinkMediaPodcast]

Thanks for the feedback - so glad this was helpful!

[@VIVIDTCG]

This is so helpful. I've finally found a way I can be consistent with less burnout. I think my burnout comes from trying to replicate what top KZbinrs are doing in this space 😅

[@LaughSewCreate]

Ex military gal here starting a small KZbin channel. I loved this information and as usual Shawn you always deliver. I’m in “KZbin University”a la Think Media and have been over the last year, listening to you and the team traveling to and from work. You and your team always offer so much information that can be readily implemented. I haven’t found a sub par message yet. Thank you.

[@davidmorefield]

Filled with gold. You lease keep going deeper into this nerdy stuff.

[@ChrisGaultHealthyLiving]

I used to own a specialty running store. Guerrilla marketing was the way to go! Glad to hear it’s for small KZbin channels. Thanks for the insight, Sean! Very helpful!

[@AshleySmithh]

Definitely one of my favourite episodes! Would love to see you do a similar thing with others books! It's nice having someone distill the information specifically for KZbin and content creation. If you need another idea, I'd love to hear your thoughts on "The E-Myth Revisited"!

[@ThinkMediaPodcast]

That's a great idea!

[@ThePoplarReport]

Love the deeper stuff. I’m full time and need more of this.👍

[@TEXASCARACCIDENTS]

In a world filled with Goliaths, be a David.

[@felynnsoleil]

Upcoming/small KZbinrs have an advantage to be resourceful on a resilient level and scrappy until they find that sweet spot that exactly works best for them. The warfare mindset is definitely needed to combat the various battles we can take in our favor and see how you can defend your territory in the platform. Great episode Sean!

[@ThinkMediaTV]

🙏🏻🔥

[@heathertormey]

Perfectly well said!

[@Shemene]

COngrats you are almost there ♥

[@stevenbozeman6345]

Absolutely love Sean and what he brings to every single episode!! He is the BEST out there!!

[@true05angel]

This was a great "kick in the butt" episode! I really enjoyed it! I like the other styles as well. This style is good every now and then to keep us accountable!

[@MadMikeNetwork]

Thank you Sean for clarity. While listening to your podcast I went to a competitor and saw quite a few comments from people who were concerned about something. Thanks. Strategy is KING

[@MilaDiamond]

I’m just starting and love this episode, Shawn! I love the gorilla marketing and mining my competitors’ comments for the unanswered questions. I am basing my content on answering questions anyway, but getting questions from the followers on my competitors hit the spot for me. My niche - public speaking coaching specifically for TED/TEDx speakers.

[@createyourbestlife]

As always, your advice is so valuable. I am a member of VRA and I’m slowly growing my channel, and I’m implementing the things you have said thank you for all you do! Applying for philosophy, and strategies is brilliant!

[@createyourbestlife]

war philosophy

[@davidleetorres3428]

This has been one of the best and most impactful videos I've watched. Sean thank you for taking the time to explain the books tips.

[@DavidHernandezLovesYou]

I really appreciate this content Sean! It's a good change of pace for the type of content that I'm used to seeing from your page, a little more aggressive/competitive yet encouraging and lighting a fire under some of us. I'm a small youtube channel who wants to build and establish myself as one of the influential voices in my niche, but I generally don't care to see others as my competition. This video causes me to reconsider my approach, and I appreciate that. *My biggest takeaway* : BE OK WITH BEING A MORE COMPETITIVE & STRATEGIC CONTENT CREATOR. *Question:* Any tips/strategies on identifying who my competitors are and who's in my niche? Do you already have a video on this? PS: Dope flannel btw

[@KimByers]

Yes! Please continue with the deeper dives. Love your content (and your Christian values), I need the next level. Near 40K, and I need momentum heading into 4Q.

[@ThinkMediaPodcast]

Go Kim! Appreciate you. 🙏🏻💯

[@CreatedByGwen]

One of my fav episodes ever... I'm so over the 'make better titles' and 'youtube for beginners' stuff... I could listen to you talk strategy all day Sean, thanks for sharing this with us.

[@wishfulanthony]

Watching this video for the first time, and I am blown away by the amount of strategies you’ve provided to make my pivot successful. I’ve even reminded through your video several times to make important notes and understand the analogies you got, in which I must say: as a strategist myself thanks to me playing a lot of strategy games, I believe I am very close to making the call of a pivot from my current theme of transportation videos to gaming with a transportation planning point of view. I understand my competition, but I definitely need to study my competitors in greater detail and see where I can break out so that I can finally crack that dream of achieving tens of thousands of subscribers and millions of hours of viewing time as soon as possible. Pairing this with a previous Masterclass on Finding Your Niche, and this is something I definitely would like to see more often from you. Strategy videos like this really put me in concentration mode, I’d like you to do more of it. Seriously, this is something I’ve waited to watch, and I will replay this as much as I need it so that I can complete my pivot and pursue the path I’ve been dreaming of.

[@ThinkMediaPodcast]

Glad this was helpful and appreciate your thoughtful response Anthony!

[@joywrenncreative]

Great mindset-shifting episode!

[@WeiseGuy91]

Great episode, so much better to see newer stuff than rehashed content restated over and over

[@ThinkMediaPodcast]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@ArtiFoolishIntelligence]

I agree! Best content seen in a while. 👍

[@TheArtOfJerry]

Guerrilla warfare 🙏❤️. Insightful video. Doing what the bigger channels will not do, still doing within your niche. Like Rambo, take down all his enemies bit by bit, surprise attacks, set traps... Be adventurous, hit and go.

[@outtheresomewhere]

For me personally, this is the best Think Media video I have watched both in format and content in the last two years! I have enjoyed most Think Media content, but this knocked the ball out of the park!!❤ There is so much I am able to take away from this. I'll rewatch this weekly, just to reinforce my strategic focus to ensure I'm picking the right battles and focusing my resources. Thank you for sharing!😀

[@shannonskiptomylife]

Yes yes yes! I have recently gotten incredible insight on this to uniquely target my demographic in a way no one else in my niche has done. Epic!

[@shannonskiptomylife]

PS just would add that even when you get clear on strategy it still takes TIME. I am learning to stay consistent and be patient for the outcome.

[@RiverflowwcutzTV]

Appreciate the insight ❤

[@GpFitnessOC]

It’s always make a short story long with you, but you do have good content and ideas once you get there. Thanks for what you do.

[@jesszadra]

Love episodes like this! & The tough love we'll also call it 'strategy' of the video! 🔥

[@danielnuthletics]

One of the best segments. I love to hear about new books and inspiration you have found

[@visionsofhistorytelevision]

I'm loving this! This is giving me some very specific ideas for my own channel that I'm now going to go and do research on to see how saturated it is. Thanks again Sean for everything you do

[@ThinkMediaPodcast]

I'm so glad!

[@JourneyWithAjah]

Needing to out-work my competition is why I’m never gonna be KZbin successful

[@TwoStarWarsNerds]

This is great! Our best, and most community building, videos were those where we unintentionally flanked. We are definitely in the guerrilla place currently. This helped give some steam and vision to marketing!

[@hedgewitchtarot]

Out of context. Your lighting, camera and audio quality is mind blowing. This is the best I've seen on KZbin in a while. It would be amazing to get advice on how your getting that right. 🎥📸🎦

[@ClintHansonPercussion]

This is a fantastic episode! This thought process applied to YT makes perfect sense, thank you for sharing this knowledge!

[@ThinkMediaPodcast]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@iamcoreymcclain]

Please do more of this! This is EXACTLY what I needed to do what I should’ve done months ago to narrow down to a place no one will go!

[@HopeHustler]

This is the type of talk I like Sean!!!! Keep it coming! 👊🏾

[@CoffeeCrazy]

Thanks for this video, it really motivated me not to give up , which I pretty much did as of the spring time. My biggest take away was to be different vs trying to be like the competition or better. Better is different!!!!! Sorry. DIFFERENT is better!!!

[@amazemaths]

Thank you so much for this. Im enjoying creating math contents on my channel for grade 1 to grade 10 or an equivalent of the British system year 1 to year 11

[@saudepravida1]

I live in Orlando, FL. Your teaching style and wisdom are the best. Be blessed

[@ChicStrands]

I love episodes like this🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 thank you Sean for your continuous generosity of useful information🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@ThinkMediaPodcast]

More to come!

[@aqueen13]

I prefer to think of fellow KZbinrs as potential collaborators or a form of coworkers… we should be cheering each other on rather than competing. These tips are definitely beneficial for creating a strategy for which videos to create, but you can use these strategies without competing. Often if there’s a great video people want more perspectives (aka more videos) from other content creators on the same topic. A competitors content is great because it can lead more eyes to your video, where viewers might not have peaked their interest before seeing their video. It can be seen as content team work in a way. It’s nice to analyze the type of videos most effective for small vs large channels too so I am by no means saying the tips are wrong, just a mindset thing.

[@ThinkMediaPodcast]

Great points 💯

[@davidnelmsesq]

You only have 19 subscribers. Seems to me you should be learning from him not giving advice.

[@aqueen13]

@@davidnelmsesq haha… this is the channel I use to watch KZbin, not my creator channel. None of those 19 subscribers are from making videos on this channel. Making judgments against me based on such limited knowledge is silly. I liked his video and his recommendations, I just also like the mindset of working together and voiced that; what’s the point of diminishing this perspective for you?

[@YaSminCreaTes]

Just an awesome coherent explanation of what being a youtuber means. Very well thought out

[@ThinkMediaPodcast]

Glad you think so!

[@GirlDadYoutubeChannel]

Great video, thanks for sharing!!!

[@ThinkMediaPodcast]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidkhai]

Loved the episode. Really widened my perspective on what I should really be focusing and prioritising on for my channel. Much appreciated 🙏

[@ThinkMediaPodcast]

Thanks for that feedback David - glad it was helpful!

[@MMRecovery]

This video is the best I have heard! Out of hundreds of videos this was the most impactful! Thanks 🙏

[@PioneerMountainHomestead]

Please do more strategy episodes. I got a ton of information from this video. Thank you for all you do.

[@ThinkMediaPodcast]

More to come!

[@plantificationpodcast]

Love when you work it out in front of the audience. Total honesty strategy. 🤙🏽😉Always appreciate the efforts you guys make for us to level up Sean. JV

[@GamePassDad]

I loved this video, as a content creator I have been working on revamping overall strategy. As a live streamer on twitch I kind of hit a wall growing socially mainly and needed to work on building an actual audience and have been focusing on KZbin over the last 6 months. I have been doing some of these guerrilla style strategies and moving from an audience focus to a creator focus and this has put a definition on that for me and gives me some great things to work on. I have watched this video twice already after finding it today and I am going to listen to it again while bringing my plan together. Looking forward to more high level topics! Thank you!

[@migosyrntakeoff2929]

Priceless information 🙏🏾

[@cassiesews]

This is one of the most important and helpful and informative videos I have heard from Think Media. I am grateful for this content. I am a small, struggling channel. Thanks to Think Media, I discovered my value offering and the voice of my channel. I got that from listening to so much of Think Media. Thanks guys. Now I have to work on my video format and uploading consistently. Thanks guys, I keep learning from what you share. I can’t wait to one day send you the message to tell you I finally got monetized. One day,… that message will be coming! Now I am going to take what I learned here today and go strategize and niche down a little more. 😊

[@howgroovyisthis]

This is a great video. I can completely relate to this video. I am struggling to get subscribers in the online reseller world and can't seem to get any traction. I need to zero in on a specific niche of resellers who I can relate to...that is the person who is retired or retiring soon to supplement their income. I have been thinking of this for a while, and your video has really driven this home. Thank you!

[@ThinkMediaPodcast]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@livebeyondthesurface1735]

Loved this episode! 🎉 Please keep bringing more content like this. Strategy over Performance really hit home with me. Also, the guerrilla warfare analogy was a great perspective shift. Thank you!

[@maplewoodhomestead2017]

I needed this! 30 videos. 42 subscribers. This helped soooooo much

[@TeacherKellyTag]

You gave me an idea of a way to get more specific within my niche. Reading your book now too.

[@SoBeBun]

It might not be your greatest, but it’s one of the most needed! Those who learned from it will remember you, so you are creating a legacy! This is not instant gratification stuff, but it will pay eventually. 😊

[@BjornSummer]

Love it! Thanks Think Media, really needed this!

[@UnorthodoxVision]

This might be my favorite video on KZbin, this was amazing information and eye opening, as to how to attack KZbin as a small creator. Incredible hope to see more content like this !

[@NancyMyrland]

Outstanding business principles, Sean! I loved this discussion!

[@zanouji]

What's with the random black screen at 15:55

[@SisterKim_]

Great episode! Lots of insight and major key takeaways. I love the breakdown of the book. Thank you Sean. Will love to see more of this content.

[@colehershner]

This is a video I didn’t know I needed! I’m at the point where in order to grow from where I am, I need to find that point and use gorilla warfare. Loved this video!❤

[@AikenAdventures]

I really appreciate this different perspective. Glad to hear some fresh material.

[@studio528inc]

This was awesome. I'm a brand new channel. This really made me restrategize everything. Instead of trying to be everywhere, to really drill down on one platform, with one specific topic. Stoked! Thanks!

[@TheMentalHealthToolbox]

Love this episode! Listened first on Apple Podcasts and came over to give props! More like this please 🙏👏👏👏👏. Go VRA!

[@thevictorone]

great stuff...as always thanks for the information!!!

[@ideeskdo9495]

Thanks for your videos. I have a French channel but i usually watch your episodes. Good quality content. Thumbs up.

[@ThinkMediaPodcast]

Glad you like them!

[@KaylaCarlileArt]

Love this video.

[@birgertales]

The Guerilla Strategy really opened my eyes! Especially for me, as an author of Spiritual Dark Fantasy stories. THANK YOU SO MUCH! 🤗💙 And P.S. -- I liked the "geekiness" of this episode ;)

[@ThePracticalWarrior]

Love the chess and Rambo reference! Thanks for all your time and efforts in bringing this content to us! 😊

[@stinejensen_photo]

This is an awesome episode! So incredibly helpful, you have no idea Sean. Its like a light bulb just went on upstairs😂 My niche is photography BUT, Ive been doing the same kind of videos as the number one (800k subs) in my niche 🤦‍♀️ and I was wondering why I seem to be a bit stuck…well, its pretty clear now. And the thing about not focusing on one area first…I mean, ding dong! More of this please because as a single mum I dont have time to read marketing books 👏👏👏👏❤️

[@majorpyrotechniks_]

This is my marketing growth guru !! Thank u think media for all you do ! I learn so much from you, and still learning. I’m sitting at 300 subs ( and growing) 2700 watch hours and 50 vids. Slowly on my way. Gorilla warfare !!

[@BradLlewellyn]

This is badass man. I appreciate the real-talk.

[@FrankSpeer66]

Pure Gold!! I wish I could talk to you one-on-one for 30 minutes brother! I have so many questions even though I'm taking the VRA course

[@Holmie_Bytes]

Love the content man. I’ve been wanting to start my channel for 2 years…. Finally decided it’s my season…. Editing my first video and releasing this week. Did my research - ready to execute. Thank you

[@artascrochet3869]

Wow this episode really opened my eyes to the bigger picture. It's like pick your battle and approach in smart way. Love the concept of warfare. That's really make sence and value.