Is YouTube still worth it for filmmakers in 2024?

[@austinmeyerfilms]

Luc! Thanks for giving my channel a shoutout and for all your guidance along the way. I really appreciate it. I am definitely going to keep at it, offering as much value as I can as I learn and grow in my career. And for anyone out there reading this comment who is also in the early days of your channel, I am with you on the journey!

[@meshachshakes]

😄 Nice to meet you in the comment section Austin. I first came across your work when you were in my country, Zambia.

[@austinmeyerfilms]

@@meshachshakes no way! That’s amazing. Great to see you here. Luc is the man 🙌

[@Hyper.actvty]

As someone who has been shooting since I was 16 (now 25), I wish I would have seen a video like this sooner. The relaxed tones while talking about creativity and shooting content was something I never saw because every video was loud and fast but never really dove into the reality of make any form of content, documentary or KZbin. It is very refreshing that someone is saying "I am not going to convenience you one way or the other, but I am going to tell you its going to be difficult and you are going to have to work for it." Until very recently, I just thought subscribers and views would just fall into my lap because I make content, but never had truly put in the time and effort to earn those results. I finally started holding myself accountable for my lack of effort and became more realistic in my expectations. I am still not where I want to be now, but I am working on getting to my goals. Thank you for making this video.

[@Theallanrodriguez]

A business breakdown video would be sick 🤙🏼

[@dakotacoburn]

2nd this!

[@die_dunkelheit]

LOVE the vlogger mockery on the thumbnail. YES YES YES to business breakdown.

[@GeologyDude]

Many recent videos have been pushing “KZbin easy mode”-late in 2024. Your title reminded me of this term. There has been pushback to this “easy mode” lately. KZbin is hard-even if you enjoy the creative outcomes of your efforts. But every job is competitive these days, and to do well, you must be dedicated and focused. Many people believe instant success is normal and “easy” with KZbin-of course that’s not true.

[@firstgopod]

There's so much about what you do and your perspective that I love, but my favorite is that a viewer knows you're not going to sell out for a gear, a sponsor, whatever...and that's so valuable. Keep crushing it, Luc.

[@xjet]

BRAVO!!! Full marks and respect for not using mid-roll ads. I've been trying to encourage all creators to respect the viewing experience of those who watch their vids by NOT using mid-rolls, I know I don't. The reality is that mid-rolls are nothing but a huge annoyance and they don't actually generate a lot more revenue anyway because 99 percent of people will pound that "skip" button as soon as it appears. Good channels treat their viewers and friends and valuable assets -- not as a cash cow that are there simply to generate ad-revenue. Thank you Luc for obviously agreeing and I encourage all other monetized creators to follow suit.

[@ZachMayfield]

great vid man! I think now is a really good time for us creators to lock in on authenticity, especially with sponsorships or any financial incentive in our videos. Viewers are smart and can tell when someone is being fake

[@j.jones1181]

I'm never going to create videos or films at your level, but I appreciate your honesty, integrity and just plain talking education about this industry that makes sense, based on experience and hard work. Thanks.

[@leocaptured]

Hi Luc, I want to say two things: first of all I appreciate you for sparing us with mid-roll ads The audience does notice it and it does make a difference. Secondly, I think a lot of us would be super interested into a deep-dive into KZbin!

[@LucForsyth]

Noted! Thanks a lot for your feedback!

[@EkstedtMediaProductionsLLC]

A full business breakdown of a KZbin channel video would be amazing. I've been debating on starting a channel for a while but there are not too many full breakdowns out there nowadays.

[@GlenAndFriendsCooking]

I haven't worked on a commercial set, or chased down clients for about a decade now. The KZbin grind has allowed me to be very choosey about who I work for.

[@indievisualimages]

Not to pat myself on the back for generally not leaving comments, as if that comes from some high-minded place (likely it’s mostly a generational code imbedded in my psyche from growing up in the 90’s), but I felt something close to inspired, or at least fairly compelled, because of the philosophical point you made, specifically here in this video and in general with most, if not all of the content I’ve watched of your making. I align effortlessly with your stated beliefs with regard to KZbin content creating. When you made the decision to forego the mid-video ad break, I felt real gratitude and admiration. This is my long-winded singular contribution - my Thank You- in return. I’ll be perusing your catalog of videos looking for more content especially knowing that you have a principled approach to what you’re offering your viewers. I’ll also be checking out Austin’s page based on your recommendation. Good on you, sir!

[@DaveFattizzo]

So I have to be honest, this is the first video of yours I’ve watched. I watched this video in its entirety and appreciated all that you shared. I’ve been on YT for a few years but all in on it this year. I, like you, have a full time job that I love. So I make the time for my channel as it’s something I find so much enjoyment in. Thanks again!

[@Fendeguard]

Man, I love your values around your channel. I resonate in so many ways. Thank you for having dignity.

[@ultimateclimbing]

Great video and very helpful. I have nothing but respect for you Luc. You keep ‘em coming and we’ll keep watching ‘em

[@alexmiller8177]

Two years wow. I started watching very early on, in the beginning of my freelance journey and you've been a big mentor. Thanks and congrats 🎉 and I'm excited for the next few years!

[@bobtronic73]

Thanks for sharing your perspective, Luc. I always appreciate your straight to the point no BS approach.

[@CountSorinsRealm]

Fantastic and hyper useful video as per usual Luc, thank you very much for everything you do! And yes, the business breakdown and especially a full course about how Filmmakers can do KZbin the right way would be awesome, can't wait!

[@glatznatureproductions]

+1 on KZbin course

[@HeathClark]

Don’t change Luc, we love the content bud 💪🏻🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@mejasiu]

This video is on point! Thanks laying it out and really giving your genuine perspective! As you point out, people want great video with their perspective not some mindless unboxing video ❤. Thank you!

[@ChrisIzattOfficial]

Great video & great perspective Luc! Thanks again!

[@MiasarahLai-c6g]

Yes, please on the business breakdown about KZbin and the course!

[@matadormartin]

Great, I love that you are talking about honesty and integrity here, and basically using what you do to nourish yourself creatively. At the end of the day it is hard to see how it could be worth it unless you genuinely love doing it. I have made some very indie short documentaries that are for want of a better term 'artsy'. It will never be particularly popular, but the nourishment I get from putting them out there is more than enough, and I've realised over the years my tastes are on the margins anyway. So whatever you do as a filmmaker, be it KZbin content or arthouse films that only people at festivals will ever see, you have to love it and want it to be part of your life. Always wondered about putting stuff on KZbin though...maybe one day.

[@Iamtrejack]

You have integrity and I respect and appreciate that.

[@peopleareflowers]

Great advice as always. I have so much respect for your integrity and work ethic. Looking forward to seeing this channel grow and the success that will follow.

[@Stolentoken]

Awesome video, this is a big push for me because I'm still working on finding direction while working on my craft. I agree I'm so tired of seeing youtube shorts where it shows the gear but not what it is actually capable of, I think your definitely motivating people in a better direction, Thanks for the motivation and positivity.

[@PhilipRanson-d5t]

The reality just makes you a better person worth watching,thank you.

[@chrisw443]

Hay your over 80k subscribers! Congrats buddy. I been doing youtube since it was created. Not a partner anymore, I just do it, to do it. It helps people get to know you and leads to connections that can bring work, or fun.

[@LucForsyth]

Totally agree, thank you!

[@Rod-Skinner]

What I have learnt in my mind numbly desperate search for that illusive KZbin payday is exactly what you describe. Obviously you have an amazing skill-set, which is why I subscribed to your channel in the first place. Your insights are well thought-out and so incredibly useful so imagine my shock to realise despite 83k subscribers you are battling the same woes we all face. What I will say and I would be interested to know is did your biggest video take-off have anything to do with a higher number of likes and comments? Amazing content as always 🥂

[@meshachshakes]

Thanks for turning off the ad-break feature Luc. Quality content as always, Thank you.

[@LucForsyth]

Any time!

[@dessa.almeida]

Hey Luc! I'd be awesome to watch your content about your business breakdown and how you manage your digital business! I really like how you position yourself and add value to the filmmaking community. I feel that you're very organised and I'm sure I'll learn a lot with your experience. Cheers from Brazil! :)

[@joshrexford]

Really really appreciated this video man. Not super far into the YT journey (around 2.7k at this point) and it's definitely hard to keep going sometimes, but this perspective was really helpful and insightful and gives me the push to keep going!

[@petersuvara]

Absolutely agree with the fact you reduce overall time waste by having weekly targets. I found I no longer watch TV or play video games now that I do a video every week. Doing photography and coding, along with film now, just means there's no time for anything unless it's meaningful.

[@sergio.cervantes25]

You are a real inspiration ma guy, thank you so much🖤

[@donaldgibson1642]

Thank you, just what I needed to hear this morning. A breakdown of the money would be nice.

[@graysonarias]

Great video, and great perspective. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@stanru1]

I really love your mindset and I really enjoyed this video as well as other ones from your channel! And I totally agree the main driver of any new channel should be willing to shoot and bring value instead of making money.

[@LucForsyth]

Thank you!

[@matthewmulholland7877]

Thank you. I really love your content... and your outlook.

[@master_kapow]

You are the best. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!

[@LiteShaper1]

Excellent advice…with a lot of integrity.

[@johnclay7644]

informative video thanks Luc.

[@24pfilms]

Great advice! Thank you. I am currently finalling my second video for my photography channel. Much learning and wisdom gained. Thanks Best to TO from a Canadian living in Portugal

[@LucForsyth]

Best of luck!

[@stanfordcardinal11]

Love Austin's videos!!

[@inframe-brooklyn993]

Hey Luc,, Another great informative video and you could not be more on the money. I have been doing my channel for about two years, and while it really is just a side thing I do for fun, my motivation is to teach folks about making low budget Documentary films. I have a tidy 158 loyal followers. I tend to do more videos when I am actually in production on a project (which of course makes no sense at all) but to me I like to bring my followers along the filmmaking journey and that is what inspires me. I have a much harder time creating "content" there's that word again, when I am not in production. Also I gave only done three product reviews in two years, All of them were gear I needed to get for my shoot at the time. Including my latest acquisition, a large pelican case for both camera rigs because finally at my age the back packs were crippling me :-) ! Keep preaching common sense to the masses buddy, you are one of the few people who do!

[@LucForsyth]

Thank you!

[@DoucetThomas]

Once again, great content! Will it be possible to share your workflow for recording/editing/posting video? I'm doing it on my channel and I'm curious to compare our workflows ahah! Take care.

[@MesaWestlake]

Dying at the thumbnail lol awesome video as always Luc!!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks a lot!

[@filmunderground1573]

Love Austin Meyer. I actually found your channel through his podcast!

[@IrwinFilms]

Thanks Luc! Been In the process of building lots to share. Time to start :)

[@LucForsyth]

Fantastic!

[@karlgustafson179]

Love your videos...but would you consider varying the stock footage of you in action? The same clips seem to repeat across several videos, and I'm sure you have much more variety!

[@rpace]

Excellent wisdom as always 👍👍👍

[@San_valentino]

Thank you for this video! I’m on the beggining stage and your content inspires me a lot!

[@LucForsyth]

Glad you like it!

[@davidmorefield]

Sharing your personal voice on your channel is a huge differentiator. Real world use is my favorite type of content.

[@LucForsyth]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@CoveStreetBoatWorks-wy9xe]

Great learning channel and a constant source of inspiration. Thanks for all your efforts.

[@LucForsyth]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Eyeofkamau]

@13:36 YES, short vid on this pls

[@MicahSimpson]

I agree making thumbnails is a life sucker!

[@FromAverageToWarrior]

Great video, thanks!

[@chris_sparrows]

Definitely interested in a breakdown of your revenue sources.

[@TeddyRumble]

I was in a couple of programs where I got free gear. I soon grew tired of evaluating cheap gear and then writing about it. I generally give most of the stuff away.

[@MindfulGrinds]

When you mentioned e-waste and accumulation of crap, you had me at hello. You are a true professional!

[@LucForsyth]

Thank you!

[@WhySteve]

Man, that long wait in between jobs is more soul sucking than doing jobs you hate for money 😅 Honestly, it is frustrating to perform so badly because it takes so much damn time to make videos. From writing, recording music, setting up, shooting, editing and sound design, only to get like 100 views for something that took a week to make. But it's still better than doing nothing all week while waiting for the next job.🎥

[@fireplaceinacozyroom2064]

Great subject and question Luc! Akim K

[@CraigMarshall_HDvideo4K]

My Channel is well over 10 years old but I make videos on very different subjects and I only make and publish a few films a year. I also refuse to allow ads mid programme and I refuse to Subscribe to Channels that do but yes, there's a significant income and it has generated local & international work but I'm in my early 70s now so I'm 'retired' and only take the jobs I like but bottom line is I run the Channel, it doesn't run me.

[@AkaBull]

In 2024 if you're planning on making KZbin a full-time gig, you need to come good, be original and be completely yourself. You have to set yourself apart from the rest in a big way.

[@andgamingtech6964]

I didn't realize how cheap Audio is, its been hard looking for an all in one platform for non copyright sfx and music without paying nearly $200+ or $30/mo. Just used your discount man THANKS!

[@pedrosanchez4035]

that sounds interesting! 🙂

[@TeddyRumble]

Aa far as music goes, I reached out to local musicians and for shorts, I got music super cheap or even free.

[@Andyrewk]

Maybe you make videos because you like it. Not because it’s going to make you bank on KZbin. You make KZbin content just to share stuff with people that maybe you wouldn’t be paid for anyway but you still get to put your passion out there.

[@ryandowling76]

Do you feel that its a lonely job? I have tried and find I feel better working with other people. Ive seen for years how it helps peoples career but just cant find enjoyment in it. Im trying to get over that and just know that this will make a big impact on my overall career.

[@Lathrop_Media]

It can help you meet others and network, think of the channel as a new connection point!

[@thinkaskandlearn9685]

Would you recommend any film making course which is worth it.

[@gavenevans]

Seeing the Rangers in the background now brings me some kind of vicarious joy 😂

[@DanielJohnFPV]

That FPV drone reference was so specific that I'm wondering who that was aimed at 😂😂

[@ryancourtoyfilms]

yeah i thought the same thing.

[@LucForsyth]

Haha, legitimately nobody in particular!

[@LycanVisuals]

Lol like the thumbnail

[@FilmshooterOH]

Great insights. You have got me thinking. (And you may have pissed off my wife by making think about making a youtube channel.;) )

[@thinkaskandlearn9685]

Do you have ur own discord channel?

[@leogemetro]

Good think is that you are a true professional and you know what you’re talking about out of experience. Other channels (most) that you named are shown are just… empty shells. McKinnon screams a lot, drinks too much coffee, and offers zero content in regards of true advice born out of field experience.

[@AkaBull]

Que onda

[@jeanjx6550]

We are very much looking forward to cooperating with you. We’ve sent you email, but haven’t received reply yet.

[@LouisLuzuka]

:O

[@bellbottom3202]

You talk way too much. These topics could be done within 7-10mins. And watching ads are not a problem. But this much blabber is just a turn off. Unsubscribing.

[@TeddyRumble]

LOL.