I Can't Do THIS Anymore - YouTube Says I Should Change - Cruise Channels Evolving, (Good News, too!)

The world of cruise ship and travel related content on KZbin has changed so much since I first started this channel 15 years ago. Back then, there were only a handful of creators showcasing lines like Royal Caribbean, NCL, Disney, Cunard, and theme parks like Disney and Universal. Cut to now, and channels like La Lido Loca, Don's Family Vacations, Emma Cruises, Shiplife, and more have taken the internet by storm! The way we use the internet to help us plan and enjoy our vacations has changed... and now it's time for me to change, too! #cruise #youtube #travel
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[@LaLidoLoca]

Oh, I'm always watching! :) I'm a little surprised that KZbin is suggesting you make thumbnails like the "cruise news" thumbs since your content isn't really that. I would think that Gary, Emma, and Ilana would be a more similar lane. Either way, I can speak for myself in saying I feel KZbin is good at recommending videos that people want to see, (it has to so KZbin can sell those ads to advertisers). My take away from that is that people tend to click on thumbs with big faces that show emotions, very readable images and phrases that tease the story, and a title that intrigues and compliments the thumb. Of course the content should keep folks coming back. I know there will be a vocal few that says, "we don't like clicky thumbs and titles", but the numbers suggest that most do. I know I spend as much or if not more time working on thumbs and titles and the strategy around them as I do than making the show. Again for me when I describe to someone what a KZbinr is, I usually say at the core, a KZbinr is someone who figures out what an audience wants and finds a way to give it to them (both the content and the marketing of the content). Its the ultimate puzzle really. You know I love your content and your grind Morgan! Keep doing it sir!

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

There he is! Thanks for chiming in, Tony. These weekly updates in the app have consistently pointed my attention towards you, Don, B&D, J, etc. I don't get it either because, as mentioned, my style of actual video is quite different, but maybe because all the keywords are the same... except "news"? I'm going to try to play the game this way for a while and see how it goes. Already this video has jumped to the short term "number one" in my uploads and gotten almost 100 new subs just in the first few hours... so it seems to be working. Thanks again so much for the support!

[@RiverWoods111]

@@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides This is my very first time seeing you in my recommendations. I can say, that I often click on Tony's and the other's videos because the thumbnail sells it. Also, visually they stand out more than all the other thumbnails and I get a quick bold this is what this is about! Then they actually give me what it says it is about. As long as you continue to be you in your videos, then the new style of thumbnail will only help you reach more people. You can't listen to the people who don't understand the KZbin business how much time it takes to do this, and why you should be paid to do this for a good living! You Got This!

[@douglasbray3563]

Good Morning Tony, I am having a relaxing Sunday, I gave already watched videos from you, from Don, and from Sharon at Sea.

[@lisaanderson8235]

Tony is always so thoughtful and conscientious in his input. 👍 And he's Everywhere.... LOL

[@heathermichael3987]

I watch That channel !!!! Hi Tony !!!! 🎉

[@m.hreels9822]

Morgan, I speak for everyone here when I say this: Thank you so much for being one of the few KZbinrs who openly discuss changes to your channel with your audience. It's very much appreciated. You're one of the few channels that treat your audience like family, and we appreciate that. ❤😊👍🏻

[@deannad3566]

Ah, thumbnails… as long as you keep delivering content in your same unique style , with the crazy face morphs and helium voice, I’m sticking with you! I subscribe to those other channels as well and I get something different from each of you. Always a pleasure hearing what you have to say.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

The videos won't be changing!

[@joeysaunz]

In my opinion what you are doing right is that you are genuine and do videos to help people and not for the sake of creating content. Can’t wait for your next cruise vlogs . Can’t wait for more videos each week 😊 I really really hope we get you 100k subscribers. Come on folks we can help Morgan !

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Thanks, Jo!

[@23oakhill]

Oh dear , I hate being hooked into click baiting but completely understand that you must do it too. I avoid the silly faces but since it works for others then you have to do it too. Good luck Morgan.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Thanks for the well wishes! Just to be clear, actual "click-baiting" is when the thumbnail or title makes you believe there will be something in the video that then isn't really in the video. Like the thumbnails where they show a roller coaster in the loop and then a person falling towards the ground. I think the thumbnails that KZbin has pointed out to me are just overly "sensational". Know what I mean?

[@vanessawyndham8791]

Love your videos. The changes you have to implement have nothing to do with the fantastic content and information you provide in your own inimitable and entertaining style. Keep keeping on!

[@YellowProductions]

I think there's also a tendency for people to want to watch the "worst" or awful or negative things.. where in our minds we'd rather be showing the best. But if what people want to see is they worst. .every once in awhile we need to give them what they want 😊

[@jackredmond6023]

Morgan, you are one of our favorite channels to watch. I don’t really care about your thumbnails, we will be watching regardless. All my best in the success growing your channel. By the way… two of the largest, most successful and other favorites of ours, Gary (Tips for Travelers) and Emma (Emma Cruises) don’t really employ these “suggested” thumbnail styles..

[@dearmepa1]

Thank you for not changing your style!!!

[@TomandDomTravel]

Thank you for making this video. 100% understand this. This is exactly what KZbin has been telling us

[@user-ll4uc9mc4c]

It's a shame people are geared to drama. I hope that changes. I'll keep watching.

[@mlo8081]

Great video. I wouldn't sweat doing a new thumbnail style. At the end of the day the thumbnails get people to click, but the content gets people to stay. I follow some of the people you mentioned, and their thumbnails may be 'corny', but the content is excellent, that's why I watch. Nothing wrong with more eye catching marketing. Wishing you continued and increased success!

[@stellawiltshire8007]

Thanks for the heads up...I am subscribed to several of the channels you mentioned and I have actually found myself scrolling past them because after having watched some of their "improved" content I got board or in some cases disgusted...Im not good with excessive sexual innuendo and sensationalism. I love your voice and the way you present your videos...I normally check for your new videos every week. Yes, the notification bell is on...lol...Good luck with your transition....I will continue to look for you. ❤

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Thank you, Stella! It's still going to be the same old me... just a new poster for the same movie, basically :-P

[@susanr.562]

100% understand, Morgan. I was wondering why there was a trend of ‘cheap’ ad gimmicks on thumbnails, and you have informed us. Can’t argue with the ‘machine of Google Analytics’ (unfortunately). Your holding out this long, and then sharing all this confirms what a genuine person you are.

[@EmmaCruises]

The idea of you fighting Tony made me laugh 😅🤣

[@margaretlm]

When the sensationalist click-bait style thumbnails first started appearing in the cruise space I was one of those that was bothered by it. I quickly realized that it's just business and that the content of most of the people I follow hasn't really changed. I'm with you 100% and can't wait to see what you come up with. I'm sure with your creativity and unique style they should be very entertaining. Can't wait for you to reach that 20 million views and the fact that you aren't at 100K subscribers yet is mind-boggling. I'm rooting for you!

[@jeremyforino2933]

Don't think that it hasn't been noticed that you didn't follow the trend. I like it. I also realise exactly what you're saying. It sucks, but it's business. Just please. really please, make sure the thumbnail, no matter how sensational it gets, is related to your content somehow. THAT is the one thing that really irks me and will drive me away.

[@jostock564]

Totally agree. It's the reason I stopped watching Tony and the others and unsubscribed. I just want to listen to the travel experiences in fair and non sensational manner.

[@dollymando]

Yup especially Don. His thumbnails look so stupid I just downvote and don’t watch.

[@traceykoerner1871]

We understand completely- you were suggested content for me in 2018 but it’s a whole new you tube world now ! Keep up the great videos. Build it and they will come

[@JoeHusosky]

Watching this from the carnival magic on our way to The Dominican Republic. We have a second level balcony, after all the bad press they got from flooded cabins. They now closed the storm doors on the balconies at this level at the slightest hint of possible rough seas. No discount was offered. After 24 hours of flat seas. They open them up so we could use the balcony now.

[@JJCruise]

Yay!! Now we can share your video whenever we get someone saying “Your Thumbnails are so clicky!” (And 🙏🏼 they understand!) KZbin is one unique beast that we love creating on yet hate the negative public image needed in thumbnails to grow. What we’ve learned most from our followers is ensuring our vids are purely “Clicky” and not “click-bait”. Majority of followers understands KZbin’s algorithm requires some dramatic thumbnails, but won’t support “clickbait“. This makes sense to us too so we never focus on something that isn’t what we are actually talking about in the video. We may lose a few here and there with “clicky” thumbs, but the vast majority of our followers understand and we gain even more new followers! 🥳

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Thanks for chiming in, you two! You know EXACTLY what I'm talking about. Are you guys still in the Med?

[@JJCruise]

@@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides we are not 😌 Back in the States but heading on our Group Cruise in a week! 🥳

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Good luck with that! I would love to talk about your experience when you finish. Let's get in touch.

[@erniesimmons4452]

​@@JJCruiseyou guys are definitely over the top especially with that MSC stunt.

[@JJCruise]

@@erniesimmons4452 😂 we’ve never been on MSC 😅

[@plushie2007]

So sorry this is happening. I really enjoy your videos over the "top" guys. In fact, I also like Bram Seas the Day. You both have a personal touch that cannot be copied. So keep going. I'll keep coming back.

[@douglasbray3563]

Hello Morgan, I watch a lot of crusing and travel videos as well as lots of car videos. One thing that I have seen is that many videos tweek and alter the thumbnail a number of times in the first 12 hours of posting the videos and that can help to have pushed out to a larger audience

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

I’m a little late but thank you SO much for making this video! I am in the same boat and agree with you. Making thumbnails has become one of the most challenging parts of creating cruise content on KZbin! Onward.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Have you tried the “thumbnail test” feature yet?

[@ZachtheTravelingMan]

@@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides Yes! I've been enjoying that and maximize the testing (3 thumbnails) with each video I post.

[@mrsstege]

Hi Morgan! Excited that you're growing and everyone gets to experience tangents and great content😊

[@learnexplorelove1300]

Been watching you for years. I find your voice calming and you make me smile! You and Cruise Tips TV were my first cruise channels I binged on. I have noticed I don’t get you in my feed much anymore. Hadn’t thought much about it 🤔 interesting video!

[@LemmyMoore]

As a creator, the rules are the algorithm picks the thumbnails and it test them throughout impressions so if you don’t join the bandwagon, then you will be left behind. If this is your main source of income, then you have no choice because you’re in Google‘s hands sorry KZbin hands same thing. Thumbnails are important and also the title. So don’t forget that. Your content is great, but think about this , if the algorithm does not like your thumbnail, which it shows to a lot of people, then you won’t get any clicks or views so if this is your main source of income, once again, then you have to go with the flow my friend. Don’t sweat it. Just do what you Gotta do. And look at your analytics. Much success and love. Oh and by the way, I watch Jay and Tony because of the thumbnails just a little, FYI.

[@StephenS0906]

I'm glad that you said that you weren't going to change the way you do your videos, because I don't think that there are any issues at all with your content, rather, I believe that your problem might be that you are not able to reach as many people as you could be. I always thought that it was youtube's fault, not yours. Is there anything that you feel they might be requiring of you in order to change this, based on the analytical data they provide? It doesn't seem to me that they are going to overextend themselves to help you out in any real way. The best way for you tighten things up and get some real results, imho, is by seeking out feedback from youtubers that you know who have been successful - those who can give you some real useful advice specific to your channel. Thanks for reading this far, if you did. :) Best wishes!!!

[@elizabethwhite1559]

I’m here to stay because I enjoy your channel! But I hate that KZbin encourages this. I avoid videos that use this tactic. I guess that changes now 😜. Best of luck with the new experiment. I hope you’ll keep us posted on the data.

[@LaHermitess]

Thanks for your candour in discussing this issue with us, and forewarning us of the minor changes to come. I think it is a great pity that times now require hints of negativity & disappointment in order to best capture people's interest but I do recognize that a business must do whatever they reasonably can to maintain, and ideally improve, their income source. I'm sorry that you must give in to the inevitable, but do not fault you in any way for having to do so. If the primary change need only be your thumbnails, I am greatly relieved as your generally upbeat & lively presentations are what puts you in the highest ranks of my favourite KZbin channels. I am genuinely surprised that you have not long ago reached the magic 100,000 mark, and if this moves you ahead with that goal ...you go girl. I'm just sorry that I can't subscribe more than once, or that there isn't a more refined rating system to give feedback to KZbin.... something like a star rating would help us as viewers to differentiate the bad, from the average, from the excellent. Gotta go now to find those ancient videos of you looking so adorably new to the KZbin world so bye for now.

[@beckymoran321]

I watch who I like, based on personality. Tony is great. Don, not so much. You are great! I don’t give a hoot about a thumbnail.

[@davidsheets1092]

Hi Morgan, My wife and I are long time subscribers to your channel. I've got to say we watch you, Tony, Don, Emma and so many others mostly for them, the creators of their channel. We like and enjoy you all's personalities and the content. We enjoy most all travel related KZbin content. The thumnails do catch the eye at times but we mostly look for our favorite content creators.....................you all. I know the idea is to attract new subscribers, so the thumbnails do seem to be the answer. Have to agree with KZbin here on this one. David & Donna Sheets - the Sunshine State of Florida

[@alk61695]

Completely understandable the decision you're making. Yeah it is annoying to have to follow the herd but if this is how to grow your channel, so be it. I've been a long time subscriber and always enjoyed your genuineness. I've been subscribed to other growing KZbin channels in the past who forgot who they were and became too full of themselves after success which I did not like. I hope this change brings you more viewership and subscribers. You are basically one of the original travel channels out there.

[@thepeachpassport]

Thanks for all the info, Morgan! Very informative for us small creators. Been watching you and all the other travel and cruise creators for a long time now and finally starting to upload my own vids more consistently. Congrats on your growth!

[@danielwilson4544]

The thumbnails have nothing to do with whether I watch a video or not. I have a few creators I watch and if I follow someone, I watch everything they put out. You are one of them, so do what you have to do to grow. It won't change my watching habits at all. ❤

[@TIFFandDRETV]

First, I understand. And I never once thought you would change your style or voice in your content. We loved you from day one and we looked up to you to get ideas for our channel. And it worked. I never looked at thumbnails as an indication of the quality of the content. But I guess people do. There’s a lot of great content that have poor thumbnails and will probably not got the views. I feel like it’s an OCD thing that KZbin is promoting. It does give our channels a clean look. We’re going to do the same on our channel. Have you experimented with the multiple thumbnail option? I heard about it. But have never tried it. I guess KZbin allows you to have at least two thumbnails for a video and KZbin decides who gets to see which thumbnail. Of course, we get to track the analytics of this and make changes to improve views. Don’t mean to be long winded. Can’t wait to see your results. You have everything it takes to be successful. We need more channels like yours.❤

[@familyocean]

We totally understand this change. You have to do what works for your channel. I appreciate you explaining it though.

[@indygosteve4713]

Finally! Morgan’s doing it too! 😊

[@laar4642]

Looking forward to seeing your worried/confused/ frustrated face multiple times next week! I watch all your videos, no matter the thumbnail.

[@vap57]

I watch without paying any attention to the thumbnail. I come back looking for your new videos all the time. However, you gotta go with the flow, so good luck with the new thumbnails!

[@travelwithdebandnick]

totally understand :) you have my full support to do whatever is needed for you to do to grow your channel :)

[@Stephanie-likes-StarTrek]

I hope for your success to reach stratospheric heights. You are such a real & down to earth nice guy.

[@machellep1]

I’ve actually quit watching all the other channels your sharing because they are getting to sensational and negative. I’m in the middle of hospice with my husband and don’t need anymore drama and negative in my life. You do what you need to do .I’ll watch it.

[@neresq]

I love that you are in a different lane than most of the other cruise KZbinrs and didn't use all the negative click-bait thumbnails. But I understand the business decision you're making, and will keep watching -- especially because you said your content won't change even if the thumbnails need to...

[@ShipToShoreCruiseNews]

Thank you for making this video! Your content consistently shows up in my recommendations and Home screen and I am a regular viewer. As someone with a fairly new channel and looking for growth, i found this video more informational to me than channels that try to teach you how to be successful in KZbin. Thank you again, I think your content is great!

[@mattm1619]

Hi Morgan.. please keep up the good work. Always enjoy your content. Quality over quantity! It's sad that negativity seems to sell, the other thing most of those thumb nails had. Just like the local news, shock value sells. Love your fun and light-hearted style, it's refreshing. Hope you hit your goal quickly!

[@adriannemakutu7759]

I enjoy how & what you produce. I'll still be watching 🙂

[@cheryladamic4773]

You do what you need to do. Your channel makes me chuckle. Thank you

[@aubandsteve]

If it becomes a major source of income, you have to play the game to keep getting views and subscribers. That is the sacrifice we must make. That is also why it will never be more than just a hobby for us. Keep making great content, and the right people will find you. Cheers!

[@eminiarvii]

The title drew me here and i see Tony likes you, so I just subscribed to see if this channel will interest me too..continued success for you🚢🙂

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Thanks for taking a chance on me 🤪. My videos are usually a little bit different than Tony’s, but about 80% about ca-ruising 😋

[@eminiarvii]

@@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides 👍

[@johannebrsted6495]

We are definitely living in a world of short attention spans, where the value of a "click baity" thumb nail become apparent. As long as your content stays the same high quality, it's fine by me. But I do find it rather interesting, that negatives seem to pull in more punters than positives.... Looking forward to all the goodies.

[@hollyperry3774]

Good luck! I hope by this time next year you are celebrating 100k subscribers!

[@dougwheeler1265]

Yeah, it's too bad KZbin has to try to do this. I'm not in favor of it. I do have to say that I did watch a video or 2 of one of the others Channels that you mentioned,, because of the thumbnail, but about 1 third of the way in the video, I got board with it and realized that the "hype" of the thumbnail was exaggerated and I thought less of this persons video's because of that, and needless to say, I don't watch his videos anymore! And then there's Emma, I like her channel and there is no hyped up thumbnail on her videos that I have noticed, and yet doesn't she have over 100,000 subscribers. So I'm not so convinced that changing your thumbnails is going to get you many more viewers..... maybe at first? But then not so much after that? Who knows?

[@live2skide1]

Love the CONTENT you produce on your channel, and your sense of humor. You Tube is an amazing way for people to make a living and I completely understand. Your style is unique and fun as well as informative. The thumbnails don't "drive me" to new creators, but I understand the whole analytics thing. I'll keep watching and cheering you along to that GOAL of 100K subscribers. Last year I think Tony was talking about his 20 million goal. I have to say thanks for your insight into Social Blade. Hubby and I talk often about how well channels are doing that we follow, and look our favorites up on a regular basis.

[@AngelaKHarrell]

NEW SUBSCRIBER (AGAIN ACTUALLY)! Hi Morgan, I'm here to help you reach that 100k!! I swear I used to be subscribed but somehow, KZbin says I'm not? So I just subscribed (again)!! You can do it! And don't look at it as changing your channel - you're just changing the look of a thumbnail. I'm still here for your awesome content despite the look of a thumbnail!!! God Bless.

[@lisaanderson8235]

This video was so interesting! Im a bit of a data nerd, so I've wondered what kind of feedback YT was giving its creators. Thanks for pulling back the curtain.👍 PS. The early video clips of you as a young pup were adorable. What would current Morgan tell that young fella? (Video idea?🤔)

[@LifeWellCruised]

You do you Morgan! Congrats on your success (which is awesome!) That said, good dramatic title on this video 😂

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Haha! Thanks for showing up here and chiming in! You certainly belong to one of the "cool club" as far as the algorithm goes :-P And KZbin seems to send your video out to a large audience, despite your thumbnails being not overly sensational. Sometimes it's all just a big mystery to me!

[@LifeWellCruised]

@@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides haha I’m always trying & testing too

[@lisagraves7390]

That's true. Ilana's thumbnails are not usually negative or sensational, but she was the first KZbinr that I ever subscribed to because I was looking for a video about Celebrity, and she is the one that KZbin suggested. I later found JJCruise, J., Tony and others. But I especially love you, Morgan, because you are so entertaining and offer something different from the others. I will still be excited to watch, no matter what the thumbnail is. Great work both of you! ❤

[@ThisSingleMom]

I've been watching you for years just because I like your humor and content. Thumbnails won't change that so do what you need to do. I don't understand why your channel isn't growing like the others.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Thanks 🥰

[@janinecarr3805]

I think the new thumb nail looks good... but, I am a die hard fan so whatever you do I give a thumbs up!!! 👍

[@CruisingtheworldwithJackie]

Will watch no matter what thumbnail is. Keep up good work

[@lindalaliberte8704]

Hi Morgan 👏 I understand completely. It's a sign of the times. I enjoy all your videos and look forward to watching them in the future. You do what you have to do to stay current and your fans will always be there, plus you will be attracting new people to your site. I think it will be a win win situation for you. 👍😀💙

[@dianafischer1299]

Love seeing these great points from other creators! I don't care as long as it's clicky, not clickbait. You can make expressive headshots and catchy phrases on the thumbnails without making it misleading.

[@Megansaysthis]

I guess it worked because YT recommended your channel to me today, I'd never heard of you. I clicked because I saw on your thumbnail other KZbinrs I watch on your thumbnail. I watch all the others you showed Travel Scouts being my favorite. But I will say I only watch cruise content. I don't have any plans to travel abroad anytime soon but we love the ease of cruises, we have 2 kids and we love everything is right there for us (Food, entertainment, often times things like waterslides, laser tag, etc).

[@dacallahan1]

I’ve learned to ignore the thumbnails for channels I subscribe to for just the reason you said. Just keeping making great content. I’m not really even a cruiser- I just enjoy your content and personality!

[@douglasbray3563]

Good Morning and I hope that you have a great Sunday

[@TheRiverPirate13]

I completely understand Morgan why you're changing the thumbnails. I first noticed Don doing the "dramatic" poses and faces for the Thumbnail years ago and then almost every major cruise channel started doing it! Emma Cruises wasn't doing these poses until very recently. I do a similar "dramatic face" pose with my thumbnails for rum review videos, but I haven't tried the "dramatic face" with cruise videos. I need to experiment with the "dramatic pose and face" on my next cruise video. I am a tiny channel with 300K views however I don't do videos full time just once in a while for fun! Enjoyed this video!

[@BlissGroove]

I love your style of sharing your impressions. I'm actually surprised that you have less subscribers than the ones who came after you. I watch them, too, but I love the little wackiness and silliness of yoir delivery. Brings a smile to my face. I have noticed a trend over the last cocid years when I forstnstarted.watchijg KZbin, and that is negativity seems to sell. At least on the thumbnail. I'm not a basher on vacations because I know cultures are different and I wouldn't want my travel.experience to be as though I'm in the US if I'm visiting Spain or Mexico or Vietnam. Same with the cruises. It's the differences that I appreciate. Thanks for being you.

[@JLee62671]

Unfortunately, in today's Social Media - Content Creators climate, you gotta do what ya gotta do to survive in it....I've been watching your videos off an on for while now, and I appreciate your honesty about these things.....you got another subscriber!

[@BenDucklow]

Love how honest you are with this. It is silly, but hey it's your source of income. Embrace the change!! Looking forward to what's to come. Keep up with the great content!

[@BenDucklow]

I am looking forward to your mix of facial expressions in your thumbnails! lol

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Thanks, Ben!

[@judycater2832]

I’ll watch whatever the thumbnail. Love your content and your presentation! ❤❤❤

[@bonitak8483]

Hi Morgan, do what you need to if you want to be successful on KZbin, but if don’t want to compromise your values leave KZbin and find something else or create something else. You have free will- a gift from God.

[@PrepperPotpourri]

Thumbnails and then titles are the key. I have the same problem with my prepping channel. Unless you have a fear based thumbnail you can't get the clicks. It didn't used to be that way when I started over 10 years ago. However, I cannot really put the blame on the KZbin algorithm. It really is the viewers' who click more on these type of thumbnails which causes KZbin to recommend the video more.

[@SCOTTIETHOMPSON10314]

To be honest, Morgan, I pay more attention to a title than what the vision of the thumbnail is giving - - you do what you gotta do in order to stay in the game - - you loyal fans and viewers (such as myself) will continue to support you!!!!

[@allgoodontheroad]

I really feel you in this video. I want to grow, but at the same time hate the sensationalizing of KZbin!

[@bufbufhk]

Keep doing what you’ve been doing, your content shouldn’t be dictated by KZbin.

[@claudiajohnson3302]

Don’t worry we will still watch

[@GailCollins-ov7kd]

I love your style and commentary. Go for it! If a thumbnail change is all you need to gather more subscriptions, do it. You work hard. We get to enjoy the final product, and you'll enjoy more income and recognition. 🎉

[@chrisdarazsi6325]

Morgan, Hi from Winnipeg! My partner and I subscribe and religiously watch your channel along with the other "cruise tubers" Emma, Gary, Tony, Don, B&D and we generally love the content on all of them. We've noticed Don taking on more of a news feel to his channel, similar to Tony. But one thing I've noticed, and please take this positively as a constructive comment, is that part of the success of Tony and Don, is the DAILY content. Those of us who are at "that age" when we are cruising more, we tend to go back to our roots and that would be like watching the daily 5 o'clock news. But, instead, we watch the daily cruise news. And every few days it's like "Oh, Morgan has a new one!" which we excitedly watch. But it's a constant falling off, and coming back onto, our radar. We've gotten used to it but I do think that might have something to do with increasing your viewership. Consistency probably helps. We really like your style, humour, and us being from Winnipeg, love it when you slip into the Minnesota accent now and then :) Emma has great content and pacing. Tony has daily news content. Don is Canadian so we like supporting him. Same with Ilana. You? Funny, really good content, approachable and accessible, great story-telling skills, personable... you've got lots of great things going on. We wish you MUCH success!!!

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

There was a time when I was uploading 3-4 videos a week and honestly, it did not seem to grow my channel any faster. In fact, it seemed to me that the views went DOWN a bit during that period. I was working so much harder and the results were not motivating :-P My theory is, with less videos, people are more likely to watch EVERY video. With 6 or 7 videos a week, people know, "Well, I think we missed a few, but that's ok because there's a new one coming tomorrow." Does that make sense?

[@chrisdarazsi6325]

@@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides Yeah, it kinda makes sense, but at the same time not. I hear what you're saying but with that said, if we miss a few, we go back and watch them to "catch up". Maybe we're the weird ones?!?! And I totally understand the workload thing. What if you were to take a 12-15 minute vid and split it into two. A "Part I" & "Part II" kinda thing? I dunno, just spit-ballin' here. In theory, it should be minimal addition to the workload. You could basically use the same thumbnail and just change the part number. The amount of content would be the same. You have enough drama/acting background to know how to do a good cliffhanger. I honestly don't know. Just throwing some ideas out there and trying to help out one of our favourite tubers. Variety keeps in interesting. Full disclosure, when it seemed like you were doing a LOT of NCL cruises, we lost interest. But then you branched out. Maybe inject some new "blood" like HAL or Princess? I know you like your higher activity activities but hey, buddy, we're all getting older! :)

[@georgianapage7198]

Morgan, I love your content! You deserve a million subscribers. I don’t care what you make your thumbnails, I’ll still watch all your videos because I love them. I hope this new tactic is super successful so you can afford to take us along on even more fun adventures in the future!

[@kennethwilliams1301]

Your videos are awesome and I thoroughly enjoy them. Once analytics are applied to them, however, one's eyes are then opened to the finer points of monetization of ones videos. You’ll adapt just fine!😁

[@michaelrider2519]

Love all your videos. Keep up the great work. It’s true negativity sells. So the more negative the thumbnail the more viewers you get. Sorry it has to come to this but glad you aren’t changing anything.

[@loreleilawson5296]

Here's an idea: your large head doing your best Home Alone scream and a banner reading, "Shocking events on cruise vacation!" Then just continue to keep us entertained with your truthful and helpful reviews. The shock? Just manufacture one. "Towel animal climbs shower door!" Or, "Midnight buffet open after midnight!"

[@donnaadams7620]

Thanks for the look into KZbins inner workings. First time seeing you on my feed and I just subscribed. We are retired and love all kinds of travel, so I’m sure your videos will be helpful! Good luck getting to 100k!

[@bobdonna6042]

We have followed you forever Morgan and enjoy your content. Something Tony and Don always do is invite viewers to subscribe always do that too.

[@travelingwiththia]

I have only been a content creator for a year but I have quickly realized a happy video doesn't sell. Congratulations on your success!!!! I hope one day to have a 10th of your following. Great video!

[@kayebice6584]

I have loved your videos for many years. You are doing fantastic so keep it up. You do what you need to do and I will continue to love your channel.

[@jas22980]

Really appreciate this behind the curtain view of what it's like to be a KZbin creator. I hate that our society has become a clickbait society, but unfortunately that's what we've become and we have to cater to the low hanging fruit.

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

Clickbait is when the thumbnail and title make you believe the video will be about something that it's actually not about. What I'm talking about here is something different.

[@CharitySpalding]

I think this is really quite interesting and I wonder if it’s just that people are more likely to click on the thumbnails with the large faces with exaggerated expressions or is it that KZbin preferences pushing those videos to a larger audience and so you get more views because there are more impressions? Or is it both?

[@winterwhitechocolate]

I hate that you have to get all click-baitee to be successful. It is just stupid. But you gotta do what you gotta do. I have been trying to overlook it on the other channels you mentioned, I can certainly overlook it on yours! You were my very first travel channel subscription and you have helped and entertained me for many years now. I so enjoy your videos!

[@montyboswell6509]

It’s sad that sensational thumbnails are necessary but I get it! You must do what you need to do for your business! I love your videos and your delivery and look forward to a speedy March to the 100,000 mark! Lois

[@gettwetter4752]

Hi Morgan, as I understand it, the tabloid-style thumbnails are mainly more successful because KZbin puts them in people’s feed first, and not because people would click them if they had the choice between videos for mature people (I like that statement in your old clip) and videos for people who only consume videos on the level of tabloid newspapers. Apparently the managers of KZbin just hope for society to become dumb and dumber. Maybe it’s time for me to look out for a better video platform. But first I will search for your Liseberg-video. Wish you all the best, and hope you will continue making great videos.

[@shellytrottier639]

grateful that your content won't change, I'll still watch regardless of the thumbnails. :)

[@elizabeth-annecelebrant6155]

Personally, I hate the click bait type titles ( and there are some that bear little relevance to the content) I feel however that this is a sign of the times. Many people love drama, love mayhem and miser and that's why these videos get clicks. I would be interested to see if you get the same view stats if someone watches five minutes or so then clicks off. I have noticed I have been doing this more and more ( not your Channel or Toni and Don as it happens) But many videos, I watch a few minutes, after looking at titles ( not just cruise vlogs) then realise the video is not at all what I wanted so I switch off. I enjoy all the blogs that show balance and reality, so keep up the good work.

[@happycruiser]

Thanks for the info, very informative. Please do a follow up video so we can see the difference in the numbers when you have done this for awhile. You, JJ Cruise, Ben and David and the Travel Scouts (they are great because they just give you the news - quick) no one else does that. I love all of you, and watch regardless of thumb nails.

[@SpeedNoodles]

It's too bad that you have to adapt to the trend if it isn't really your style, BUT I'm gonna keep watching!

[@danielbobberson9849]

This was interesting and confirms the use of "click bait" will result in more views. People want to see drama and bad news.

[@summerbee4351]

Hi Morgan, love your channel and thumbnails don't matter. Have you ever thought of becoming a cruise director? We had such a funny one on our last cruise and I was thinking-hey how cool it would be to have Morgan on our next cuise😁

[@VeryunOfficialTravelGuides]

My sister said the same thing! Honestly, though, I think it’s a little bit too much work and too much time away from home for me.

[@gloriacordero1630]

Hola . I will keep watching your video with or without changes, thus I like your honest content and the way you present it. Keep having fun. 🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@terrymurphy9054]

I'm not going anywhere. I love your videos.

[@judydale9661]

It’s certainly worth trying!!!!

[@carolemckibbon4586]

Hey Morgan, I really don't pay any attention to the thumbnails. I see your site name and click on it. I am sure that most of your followers do the same. You do great, very informative videos.