Instagram vs YouTube for Artists Over 40: Which Will Grow Your Art Business?

[@mimisart]

I recently deleted IG from my phone. But have been playing with the idea to start a completely new account solely showcasing my art. But first things first, have my website launched so there’s a place to direct people to. I am not too fond of the ‘fast food culture’ though. So I’m willing to give it a go again in the future for a certain period of time. But at this point I can’t keep up with daily posts or reels whilst I’m barely keeping up with other things. I enjoy KZbin for the same reasons you mentioned. The videos are there to stay and might still be watched years down the road. But it is definitely not something that grows quickly, so buckle up for a long ride. But if I approach it with an attitude of reaching the 1 and not the 99…I have helped the right 1.

[@paulamcgurdy]

I think that’s a great attitude! I too at one time thought about starting a completely new IG account & then I didn’t 😆 I think you can just commit to what you can & take it from there otherwise it can take over. My feeling is that we can only focus on one thing really well. 😊✨

[@21kittensArtStudio]

Hi Paula, I only recently subscribed to your channel, and wanted to thank you for being such an inspiration. I’m a small artist who’s just began her journey with KZbin , but have been posting on IG for years. I’ve found that the latter has changed so much, at least for me, it has become a place i barely check. The lack of engagement, the way their algorithm only favours bigger accounts, etc. as well as the amount of spam in there, it’s just become a hassle to upload anything to it. At least that is my experience. As for KZbin, I am enjoying it quite a lot, but one also has to be willing to put the work in! All my videos are edited mainly because otherwise they would be 3hrs long 😅, so that also takes a lot of time. But slowly slowly, I’m getting the hang of it. Thank you so much for sharing your art journey with us, and for giving us hope. 💙

[@paulamcgurdy]

Thanks so much for you’re insight. I agree it definitely has become harder to get noticed and grow on IG lately & I really think it depends on how you show up on there. All the best with your channel & your 21 kittens 😊✨

[@EmoKitsuneDesigns]

Very helpful as a new business owner with both an Instagram and just starting KZbin, without knowing what I am doing.

[@paulamcgurdy]

Thank you. Glad it was helpful!

[@BeeElle-rt8qf]

Thank you for sharing your experience with KZbin and Instagram. Its helpful for people considering whether or not to invest their own serious amounts of time creating visual media accounts in KZbin and or Instagram.

[@paulamcgurdy]

You’re so welcome 😊

[@QemamuMosaics]

Thanks for the reminder that IG is a sprint and YT is a marathon. I have began to fall out of love with IG and seen a decline in engagement but that could just be how I'm feeling about it now and my energy is not going into posting there. YT however, I am absolutely loving. Anyway, thank you for sharing your thoughts on both, definitely food for thought. Could you do a video on how to work with interior designers in a non salesy way.

[@paulamcgurdy]

Hi Thanks for the comment. I too have had moments of falling out of love with IG and have taken a step back at times, so completely understand this too. Loving the engagement on YT and definitely seen more growth over here than on IG. Great idea for a video, which I'll give some thought to. Thanks for watching 💫

[@SharonMarieWhite]

Hi Paula. Thanks for the great info. I am a singer songwriter and recording artist. I have my own KZbin channel for music, however I am also a visual artist. I am trying to figure out if I should pool both of these creative endeavors into one channel ? I would appreciate your thoughts 😊. Thanks you

[@paulamcgurdy]

Hi Sharon, thanks you so much! My immediate reaction is, absolutely! They’re both part of who you are so why try and segregate them and as they’re both such beautiful creative pursuits you could blend them in really lovely together. I follow a visual artist, who makes jewellery & has just released her first album. She’s got a wonderful channel Jonna Jinton. See how she’s able to bring them together and it might inspire you 💫 All the best 😊✨

[@bagobeans]

It's a good thing no one ever told Grandma Moses she was too old to paint. What a loss that would be to the art world. 😮 She never had the help of KZbin or Instagram. As for me, I use KZbin. It's easier to navigate. Good video. 👍

[@paulamcgurdy]

Thank you, glad you found it insightful 😊✨

[@suelibey5142]

Thank you for the great information. This has made me think of youtube and instagram in a new way.

[@paulamcgurdy]

Great to hear, all the best with it!

[@alexandrasaunders8313]

Oh I love it. You've sold me! Yes!! I will start. LOL

[@myfairytreasures]

Awesome awesome advice. You taught me some new things and reminded of other ideas I need to do. Thanks again.

[@paulamcgurdy]

Great to hear! Sometimes a gentle reminder is all it takes 😊✨

[@WendyDewarHughes]

Nice, clear comparison of these two platforms. Thanks for sharing.

[@paulamcgurdy]

You’re welcome ☺️

[@NordicNatureArt]

Great insights Paula!✨ I' ve been thinking a lot about this lately, although I actually feel like Instagram is "easier" to engage with others and to reach the right people than KZbin is. But then I've only been on KZbin for like 2 months, so I guess I shouldn't expect to much at this point...😅

[@paulamcgurdy]

Yes I think it depends on the people who you are trying to engage with 😊 Glad you found it helpful 💫

[@stephhielscher6913]

So many gems of knowledge here. Thank you!! I’m thinking about starting a YT channel for a side hustle that I have recently started. I would need to edit though and I’m not sure how. I’m sure there’ll be a video on YT 😊

[@paulamcgurdy]

Thank you! I use iMovie or CapCut is also good for editing, both fairly easy to learn. And I use a simple tripod and my iPhone for recording. I understand the tech can get in the way when starting but it’s definitely figureoutable 😊 All the best with it 💫

[@chilli_bean_23]

Very useful information and perspective! Thanks a lot. 🙏

[@paulamcgurdy]

You’re so welcome glad you found it helpful

[@bethlong3011]

Really encouraging and helpful thanks. May just get on with a KZbin channel now 😊

[@paulamcgurdy]

You’re so welcome! Start small and keep going 💫

[@StillRainey]

This was very encouraging.

[@paulamcgurdy]

So glad you found it to be! Thank you

[@raymondelf7520]

internet social media is a waste of time everyone is just a tiny pin prick on a massive wall plus social media is slowly becoming out of date other new technology is coming ai and many more

[@paulamcgurdy]

I agree that other technologies will more than likely take over at some point, but I still successfully use social media to market and sell my artwork regularly. It depends how much time you’re willing to invest in it.

[@Lightcode]

I’m definitely for KZbin over Instagram, but also people need to realize that it’s not a money maker. On IG I spent 7 years trying to build a following just recently have 1000 followers. Did it make any difference? Have I sold any paintings through it? Nope. Best thing I ever read was to consider IG a portfolio. Takes the pressure off, and makes it of much better experience overall - at least for me personally. So while I like KZbin over IG, I think people need to be realistic about what you want from it.. My channel is almost 3 years old And I’m in shock that I have 2500 subscribers lately - but I’m nowher close to being able to monetize because the amount of views you need is staggering. So unless you’re really able to be comfortable on camera, have a very engaging personality as you do, Paula, or are offering something quite unique that gets a lot of views repeatedly - the idea of making money on KZbin is really not something to hold out for. But reaching people and being able to share your ideas and concepts and teach what you know - that’s what makes it worth it.

[@paulamcgurdy]

Thank you for your comment. I don’t necessarily think making a living solely from KZbin is an option for most, without a massive following but I still think it’s a great way to build a community of like minded people and have hat can be a great source of many other ventures. Congrats on your growing channel, it looks very intriguing 🤍✨