Life as a Small YouTuber: The Brutal Truth from a Newbie

Is it Worth It? It's been 2 months since I started this channel.
Join me as I share the brutal truths, challenges, and unexpected joys that come with starting a KZbin channel as a newbie. From battling self-doubt and dealing with algorithm changes to celebrating small victories.
🌟 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell.
*** Share your experiences in the comments below and let's support each other on this journey!
#SmallKZbinr #KZbinJourney #ContentCreation

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Two months on KZbin and I wanted to share all the feels, challenges. What was something that you could relate to in this video?

[@ritavindedzis]

Hi Iz. You popped into my feed this morning and I felt like I was having coffee with a new friend. Watched till the end and subscribed. Keep going! You're 2 months ahead of me. I've been dreaming and planning to get my channel up for so long now, I just have to make the leap 😅

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Rita!! Thanks so much! That is so sweet and gave me all the feels! Please take the leap so that I can have my morning coffee with you!

[@dawnf2z1]

It’s not bad, it’s brilliantly honest and truthful. What a breath of fresh air you are!

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Wow - thank you so much!

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

agree with all you points. I decided long ago that my videos are just for me and family.. a legacy. Maybe a few others might see them, but I don't really care. I don't edit. I just record and put it out there. At 61 I am done with trying another 'job'. I just want to enjoy life, talk about things that interest me, and vent once in awhile.

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thanks for sharing! It looks like you have a nice following. And thanks for watching.

[@resoluton]

I subscribed!

[@xploradora8099]

So so true… I love that KZbin your video isn’t lost, buried under the feed. And yes… life is an adventure, everyday

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

That is truly one of the best things about KZbin. Someone in years from now maybe looking for something that we made and bam there it is.

[@theprofitablepassionprojec8126]

I like your honest natural speaking style. Keep at it.

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thank you! Will do! Thanks for watching!

[@smallretiredlife]

Well I just started three weeks ago, just found you and I expect the journey to be slow! What is great is that the algorithm is actually starting to throw channels like yours at me that I actually identify with!

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Hello and thank you for watching - you are doing well - at 2 months I only had 18 followers and maybe 50 views per video - so you are definitely on your way. I noticed that smaller channels are being pushed a bit more as well. Here's to us!

[@SusanFlynn-k5f]

Great channel Iz keep on with it I really enjoyed it!

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Glad you enjoy it! Thank you for watching.

[@leslierfriedman973]

I'm 75 on the 25th. Never paid much attention to numbers but 75 is hard to ignore. I was widowed at 73. Had to start over while accepting that I was married for most of my adult life and had hidden myself in marriage. I still have a life but it's different. Scary but steadily finding myself. So...you r doing it in KZbin TIME! Congrats. You have a lot of time to get comfortable with taking chances. It's all in the ability to b open to the unknown and JUST GO FOR IT!

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

This just gave me all the feels. Our lives are so complex. I wish you so much love and peace while you find the way back to yourself. Thank you so much for sharing and for watching - and for the encouragement!

[@danieljparkinson]

What’s your why … is always a good guide 👏

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Yes it is! Thanks for watching.

[@Just_NickyT]

Comparison can be a killer. I follow small channels for that reason. YOU are the Niche 🎉enjoy the journey my friend. Some of my videos get only 20 views but so what WE keep going 🚀

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Hi Nicky! Thank you for the encouragement and I agree about comparison - as someone said it is the thief of joy.

[@Lovelea404]

I subscribed to you today! I love following small channels like my own! Can’t wait to watch some of your vids lovely 😊

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

@@Lovelea404 Thank you so much and subbed to your channel!

[@allenreid62]

Hang in there! You have a good, natural ability to talk to the camera which is the hardest part. You got the other basics down, good lighting, audio...that's the easy stuff. There are so many details that can keep a video from hitting or not. KZbin is finicky.

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thank you so much! I appreciate the encouragement and the advice.

[@toreapwhatyousow]

Just subscribed :) Keep posting. Keep keeping it real. I haven't posted in a year due to life circumstances . I lost my whole 8 hours of watch time! LOL. 😁But I'm hoping to start posting again next month.

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thanks for subbing! I look forward to seeing your videos!

[@jaynewarriner7214]

Don’t give up! In fact, this video will probably get some subscribers to you channel. I certainly subscribed. Good job!

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thanks for the sub! And the encouragement - I will push on!

[@xploradora8099]

I loved watching this. Emotions I’m sure most of us feel. I think your views and engagement for a beginner is huge. I’m getting way less views and engagement so that tells me my content isn’t that great BUT I do it for me and fun. I know by posting what I like and want won’t grow my channel but that’s ok.. I’m learning and documenting my life as I do it. So honestly, you are doing great. I bet you have more than 18 subs now

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thank you so much! For watching and that you found this video relatable. In the end it is all about the fun and enjoyment of life that we chose to share on here for ourselves and if it touches someone else out there it is the cherry on top!

[@catobie1948]

Great job. If you want to know what i forgot to do in my 60s tell me. I'm 75 now...not a youtuber or anything...but I learned some lessons that are helping me now.

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thank you for watching and I think you should start a channel because your insight is something we can all learn from and appreciate.

[@catobie1948]

@@Iz-SixtyandBeyond thanks. Nice thought. But I worked on deadlines and time pressure most of my life. I'd rather just contribute. Keep up your good work. For a short timer, your camera presence is outstanding.

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

@@catobie1948 Thank you so much for watching and for the kind words.

[@kasko8550]

🎉 Thanks! This was super interesting to listen to. I have been putting off going on KZbin for 12 years now.

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Go for it! You just have to do it... ready or not. Thank you for watching all the way through!

[@discocat4127]

Hi, I enjoyed your video and subbed! Good luck with your channel!

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thanks for subbing and for watching. Good luck to you as well.

[@judydayes1265]

Finally, someone in my age bracket. Thanks for the insights.

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thank you for watching!

[@PinkandPossible]

Here til the end of your video. Subscribed and I will post tomorrow 💕

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thank you for watching until the end and the sub!

[@schoolneverteach]

Joining your amazing journey! Love the candid share! U w hit 1k in literally no time, wow!!!

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thank you so much 🤗 that is so awesome! I hope you are right but if not you made it here!

[@wabisabisylvie111]

Don’t give up. You are making progress. I don’t understand the rhyme and reason yet, posted on different days, averaging 30 views per video. Last week I posted on Monday just because I had no time to post on my normal day and had 2500 views the next day. I thought that was the worst day to post. I am sure my next video may be low views again, but the important thing is to keep going and having fun, which I do! Btw, I have seen the KZbin emoji when I use my desktop, it’s not available on the phone , but watched your full episode 😅📺

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thank you - I don't get it either but will continue to put out content. Congrats on the 2500 views! Thanks for watching all the way through.

[@WhispersofTarot]

I sub and stayed to the end😂 I’m also a new 2m old channel so I can resonate with you . I do tarot reading so I find fascinating how out of my 12 zodiac signs one gets “taken for a ride by KZbin “ as I call it. Same thumbnail, same description just different zodiak. We just need to stay on this and give it a time. All the best to you and all of us small Chanel’s but big ❤creators 😊.

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thanks for subbing! I love that you do tarot - and will be heading to your channel to check it out! I do think there is some sort of system that works the KZbin world but the system is baffling to me! I agree that we just need to stick to it and I also feel the payback will be great - because it is all about the Why and mine is being fulfilled with every post journaling my life's adventures! YES all the best to all of us small channels with big hearted creators -well said.

[@NextLevelHustlers]

Happy 2 Monthiversary! I completely agree with you-life is best seen as an adventure, and we’re here to embrace it to the fullest. You're doing an amazing job! Dropped a like 🚀

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thank you for watching all the way through - also for the like and encouragement it is so appreciated.

[@Just_NickyT]

Some channels take years to monetize and take off. We can only control our efforts. We’re building a skill and that’s priceless 🎉

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Well said! Thank you for that.

[@Kathleensplace]

You’re a natural! Nice to meet you! I’m over 50, just restarting to upload videos. I’m still learning. It is fun and the people we meet are great! You have 54 subscribers as of now! I’m glad you started! Exactly comparison is horrible!

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thank you so much! Your comment made me glad that I started too. The subs are growing... yay!

[@Milly_in_denmark]

You are doing so great and you are good on camera, so keep it up 👍

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thank you so much 😁

[@LeonaM-MyABCs]

This is a wonderful video to have seen today. Thank you for making it. I've been feeling rather overwhelmed with my channel's progress lately - and your video has given me some positive reinforcement. I have subscribed.

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thank you so much for watching Leona and for subscribing. I am so happy the video was a positive reinforcement. Keep going and enjoy the process. 💜

[@merrimcarthur7198]

Girlie! As of 9/18/24 at 6:16pm Los Angeles time, you now have 180 subscribers! One of whom is me! Looking forward to seeing where you go with this. Also, your honesty and personality are perfect for KZbin...in my opinion.

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Yay! Thank you! I like your opinion! I can't believe how it has taken off in the last 2 weeks. Blown away.

[@SassyKlock]

Wow! When you did this video you only had 18 subs? You’re doing amazing! I enjoy your content but this is my second time i’ve subscribed. This video is doing very well. I love how you speak truth. Nooo don’t give up friend!

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thank you so much!! I'm happy you enjoyed it and subbed - truly appreciate it.

[@ManhattanRats]

Glad KZbin has recommended you to me! Liked and subscribed, as we're all on our YT journey. Robert in NYC.

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thanks for subbing.

[@Shotiris]

really enjoyed your review as a small youtuber , sending good vibes for your dream :) i guess age dopesnt matter as long as you love what you are doing . im in my 40s photographer . finally decided to start my own channel as well . i enjoy every moment of it :) have a great day

[@leslierfriedman973]

I enjoy your insight

[@julienelson9095]

I admire anyone who can do what you're doing. I like your ability to to be authentic and how well you express yourself. And your ability to laugh at yourself is refreshing. I think I'm too reticent to be able to do this type of thing, besides which i talk slow. I'll be interested to see how you grow and develop as you do your channel. Best of luck to you!

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

OMGosh thank you so much for the sweet comment and for watching. If you ever decide to start up a channel I will be one of your supporters for sure!

[@laurence_tipene]

Well done!! subscribed. Greetings from Auckland, New Zealand

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@deb7518]

Well, 'The Algorithm' just sent you my way today, and now I'm subscribed. You have nothing to worry about in your presentation, as your lighting and background is really nice, your voice is pleasant and your approach is very calm and realistic. (And your skin looks fantastic, btw...I'm jealous!) I could MAYBE see myself starting a channel one day, providing I finally get my hips replaced and can actually DO anything, lol! Til then, I'll content myself with tagging along behind you and others as you navigate the path. I've come to the conclusion that most people watching KZbin just want somebody to 'Tell Me a Story!'....just like when we were little kids. And, if they could show pictures or souvenirs that went with that story, that was awesome! So, you've got the basics in mind, and I think, over time, you'll do great! 😊

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

OMGosh I can't - stop it right now! All these lovely compliments are making me blush - even without the blush on. I am so happy that I was sent your way and that you chose to watch and subscribe - Thank you! I hope you decide to star a channel - before or after that hip replacement - we need stories (as you said) and everyone has their unique way of telling them. So come on and hit that record button!

[@dawnf2z1]

Haha! I so wish that I could sit with you and have coffee! You’d be so much fun and I love taking the P- out of everything!

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Haha - I love coffee - Thanks for watching!

[@annsavino2936]

I am 60 too and about to start my own Channel. Thanks for the honesty about your experience. I hate social media in general but started watching KZbin almost exclusively when the pandemic started. I was impressed by people's authenticity and how there were so many interesting things they were sharing. Things I never would have sought out to learn about. I have talked myself out of starting multiple times thinking who cares about an older woman who isn't a Kardashian. I have come to the same conclusion as you. Do it because it is something that I want to do for myself. I have no expectation about subs and algorithms. I want to share the things I find of interest and that have enriched my life. If anyone gets something from that, added bonus. I believe that creativity and communication are some of the most powerful healing experiences you can add to your life. So I applaud your efforts. The main thing I can add to your observations is that at 60 I have nothing to prove, to the world, to KZbin. I think that can be a valuable viewpoint to add. Post-menopausal women are truly free!

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Do it!!! I talked myself out of doing this for years as well. I love your outlook and wisdom. Your voice will be wonderful on here and I for one will be watching! Thank you so much for watching and I agree post menopausal women rock the world!

[@robins_nest_]

Just subscribed I'm going to be 70 soon. Have been thinking about starting a channel. (I do currently have a Blog) Thx for the encouragement.

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thank you for subscribing ! I am happy to hear that you will be starting a channel and that I was able to encourage you.

[@tonirad9577]

It has taken me years to get anywhere. Some people take off right away and some do not . And it has very little to do with skill or content . I believe it is luck of the draw . Good luck to you ! 🍀

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thank you for watching and the good luck. I just watched your latest video hope Blue is feeling better soon and those sunflowers are holding on.

[@sierralovesdogs]

“Comparison is the Thief of Joy”

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

It truly is.

[@ginnyscraftroom]

Hi I'm a new subscriber to your channel as of today! I enjoyed listening to you. I feel that I can relate to what you are saying. You have a lovely speaking voice, the lightening is great, "You Are THE NICHE" you are doing great. I am very shy and hardly show my face on my channel lol. I'm 63 and started my channel Nov 2023. I'm still learning a lot about KZbin. I enjoy KZbin because I've made new friends all over the world that enjoy the same crafts as me. We accept each other they way we are and have shared a lot of our talents to each other, supported each other. You are doing great! Keep going and have fun getting to know new people. Be kind to you. You have a natural ability to look in the camera, you look comfortable and relaxed. That's great. HUGS xx

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Ginny! Thank you so much for all the lovely compliments and all the encouragement! Thank you for watching and subbing! You are very kind. I will be heading to your channel to check out your crafts. I totally agree that the people that I have met so far on KZbin are supportive and fun to watch - all have something wonderful to offer and are talented people.

[@ginnyscraftroom]

Thank you Iz ❤ you have a great day HUGS

[@sierralovesdogs]

I actually changed my preferences to “don’t show me” on some quick growth channels because I found myself feeling discouraged about their growth. Remember it took me over a year to get 250 subs and 16 months for monetization! I also have no niche! 😂😂😂

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thank is a good idea! Wow thank you for sharing your stats. I knew it took you a while to get monetized, but you did it and your blowing up! I love that for you!

[@sierralovesdogs]

@@Iz-SixtyandBeyond yes but a LOT of very low views in the beginning.

[@VisitLiveLoveMaui]

Can’t find the KZbin emoji 😂- but I want you to know I watched till the end. It’s hard to continue when all the excitement of starting a YT is starting to fade - you are wise to reflect upon “what is your why”. I have been on and off with my YT channel for many years (my first post was in 2015 on another channel 😂) and still am not monetized 😂I’m busy with my full time job along with many other things that I can’t really concentrate on creating long form videos to get my watch hours. Now my why is to connect to people who loves Maui and also loves my “vibe” whatever that is 😂 - yeah, finding our tribe so to speak. I recently restarted posting more regularly when I saw that there are many 40,50 and 60 peeps creating and interacting on KZbin. You are naturally great “speaker”/storyteller - it’s enjoyable watching your videos and listening to you: Keep going 🌺✨💕

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Aloha! Thank you for watching until the end - I need to start saying "or type" instead of just saying the emoji lol. I love your vibe and you sharing you life on Maui - the sunsets are amazing! Yes, there are a lot of us out here - the search is on... Thank you for the encouragement and letting me know that you enjoy the storytelling :)

[@debbiewood4560]

Great video. As an aside, you are looking amazing as a 60 year young girl. Such a lovely, smiley face. Always remember your why. We don't condemn or get frustrated with our paper journals, or our hobbies when they don't compare to others. They are what they are. There for us to find some enjoyment, vent some, record our wins, feel some achievement in learning something. Your learning curve atm is huge and good on you for giving it a go. What great memories you are making for yourself and it's always a plus when we learn new skills. I totally get the tantrum throwing. 😄 I've certainly done it in the last year or two when I am learning new things at my job. Lucky I work from home and can throw myself on the bed. 🤣 We have such high expectations of ourselves sometimes, but we need to cut ourselves some slack. Imagine if a baby lost it every time they fell over when learning to walk, they'd probably never get anywhere. You're doing great. Keep doing you and enjoying the process. Our learning curve continues until the day we stop breathing. You've got this! Have an awesome week.

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Wow - thank you so much for watching and all the lovely encouragement. I agree with your outlook and definitely intend to keep going!

[@LighterMandy]

I’m two months into my channel too, I’m loving chatting to new people. Thank you for this vlog ❤new subscriber from me too looking forward to watching you grow, I hope we all grow if you’re reading this we can do this ❤❤❤❤

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thanks for subbing! This is a wonderful message and I will be heading over to you to support your channel as well.

[@LighterMandy]

@@Iz-SixtyandBeyond oh thank you so much 😊 ❤️ what a lovely thing to do, can’t wait for our channels to grow xx

[@TrekkingwithDebandMike]

Great

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thank you so much for watching.

[@dianeyvon]

💗

[@bigcitygirlsmallcityliving]

I started a youtube channel over a year ago. I only have about 1200 subs - and believe it or not I got most subs recently from a video I did close to a year ago on gray hair - and it ended up with over 150k views. But that is the only one - I have found a rise in views on older videos but nothing like you said others may have gotten in a couple of months. And Yeah - it does take time and energy to do these videos - I am 65 btw- but I do it for creative energy and if something I post helps just one person I am happy. Stick with it and don't worry about how many videos you do - Oh - BTW - KZbin did suggest I do some Shorts which I did and it is an easy, fun way to promote a video and to help people find the channel.

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thank you for watching and sharing your journey! It looks like you have quite a following. I love your outlook and your why!

[@LibbyRoseEmbroidery]

That's the one big off-put for me: The sheer amount of time that would be needed to create one 10 minute video per week. 😮 I'm going to give it a try, but I'm afraid it'll turn out as a time drain.

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thank you for watching - It time consuming, however, if you enjoy learning new things and seeing the final product of your work - you will enjoy it. It looks like you enjoy embroidery - that is a beautiful talent and I am sure was sometimes frustrating in the beginning (I don't really know since I have never embroidered, but I assume there was a learning curve) and you grew to enjoying the process and the beautiful piece when you were finished. I would suggest you give it a try you may just find that you have another creative outlet to showcase!

[@LibbyRoseEmbroidery]

@@Iz-SixtyandBeyond Yes, there's definitely a learning curve , esp with traditional, technical embroidery. It's kinda a time consuming pursuit to start with, so I've learned to guard my time jealously!! 🤣

[@Lovelea404]

New subby here!🤗 thanks for this video I started a new channel and I’ve been feeling crappy about it as I haven’t had a new subscriber in weeks!! I thought maybe I broke my channel or something lol..I’m not giving up though because I love doing it even if no one’s watching 🤷🏻‍♀️my niche is me too!🥰👍🏻

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thanks for subbing! I am on my to your channel to sub - it is not broken LOL - but I totally understand the feeling I had a week with just one new sub and I was like - wow - ok - maybe next week?

[@Lovelea404]

@@Iz-SixtyandBeyond oh thank you so much lovely!! 48 is my new favourite number!! Lol

[@bettiegambrill8545]

New sub here. Enjoyed your vid

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Welcome aboard! Thank you so much.

[@sierralovesdogs]

Wait what’s a KZbin emoji????

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Haha I didn't even think about it. I mean like the the little youtube icon. LOL. I guess I should have said "or type KZbin"

[@sierralovesdogs]

@@Iz-SixtyandBeyond 🚀

[@sierralovesdogs]

@@Iz-SixtyandBeyond this one?

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

@@sierralovesdogs LOL I'll take it

[@ellenhazelton8872]

I wonder whether subs can be bought. The numbers some people have compared to what they offer, is extraordinary. Or is that an urban myth?

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Good question. Not sure, but that is an avenue I am not willing to take. I want to share my journey with an organic tribe.

[@jaynewarriner7214]

Don’t give up! In fact, this video will probably get some subscribers to you channel. I certainly subscribed. Good job!😊

[@Iz-SixtyandBeyond]

Thank you so much for subbing and for watching!