How Much YouTube Paid Me For 4,700,000 Views and why...

[@kaychuckm2]

No run on sentences full of “ands.” No “ums” or “uhs.” Complete sentences. Complete thoughts. A recognizable point of view. Organized content. Professional and relatable. Many KZbinrs could learn a lot from your videos. Love your content. Keep it up.

[@aarolecklin8627]

That's why I like to listen her voice. Very relaxing and clear.

[@jeffreymartin2010]

That's what I was taught and I try to reduce those in my own speaking, but then there's former president Obama who uh uh uhed his way to President of the US.

[@robinsheldon899]

Great observation - so refreshing

[@Urbanhandyman]

She's not American so her education is likely better than most of us native to Freedom.

[@witnessnz]

To add to this and completely agree on your points above, the usage of… ‘a bunch of’ and ‘a ton of’ is refreshingly missing. Keep this dialogue up, it was great just to watch and understand this facet of your online interaction.

[@riveralvarez7517]

Great video. I still remember my first proper KZbin paycheck. I was so proud of myself. If it wasn't for my consistency (and a little bit of Famester), I wouldn't have made anything probably.

[@MrVaskor]

After a lot of effort posting music videos, I got enough views (probably mainly from family and friends) to earn $0.01 on my account. Then KZbin/Google took it all away from me by changing the requirements and telling me that I was no longer eligible for a revenue producing account, which I was very upset about! :)

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420]

Refreshing to hear someone so well spoken. Clear, concise and articulate.

[@Mike-ks3yq]

You're a very good public speaker! Keep up the good work!

[@FrancescoGarganese]

I'm not a musician, I'm a flight and aeronautical instructor, but I found your video full of right reflections and valuable advices. Especially the final one, where you tell to be yourself and to continue to make videos and do what you love not for success, but to nourish your spirit. Thanks for what you said.

[@jrdlabs]

Mary, you're one of my 'go-to' KZbinrs. One reason.... your videos are always well produced, no matter the content. Your mike technique, approach and style of narration are absolutely pro. I appreciate that, being a broadcast professional of 40 years. I have zero patience with content creators who sound like the mic is in a room, but it's just not the room from which they're speaking. Bad edits, no economy of words, are other turn offs. Another reason..... I really enjoy your singing. I think you have a great voice. You've heard the expression, "she could sing the phone book"? Well, although I wouldn't recommend you try it, (although it might be interesting) it's kinda like that. Third reason.... you're all in! I can tell that you're fully committed to your career, your music and this channel. I love being privy to your journey. All that being said, I'm dumbfounded by how little you've been paid for 4,700,000 views. It's just surprising. Knowing this, I'm even more impressed with your level of commitment. I wish you the best.

[@CAThompson]

Actually now, I think she maybe should sing a phone book, or similar. 😸

[@benwu7980]

The content has to be very good if the production values are very low. If it's someone starting out and still learning how to use the various tools, or is obviously is on a low budget, but has promise, and takes some feedback.... I'm far more lenient.

[@bgrigg07]

I couldn't say it better, so thanks for saving me some typing!

[@Marcus_C51]

I can see it now-Mary's new album "From The Phone Book" with her hit "AAA ACME AIR". Yeah, I hear you on the 4.7 million views and the paltry sum they pay her-I was surprised as well. She certainly has my respect for her hard work and dedication to her art.

[@florkgagga]

​@@CAThompsonimagine the "virality potential" when one of the... dunno, may we call them "cringe" youtubers pick up the phonebooksong and spin theories about when, at what letter, the adbreaks are in this strange video about being fit for singing a phone book.

[@theothersmith9570]

Don’t ever stop making and publishing your original music, Mary. Some of us are here for it.

[@fattmusiek5452]

This. Also be sure to follow on the major streaming platforms, where numbers (unfortunately) really matter to the various algorithms. ❤

[@-Thunder]

Yeah, I think it adds a ton of credibility to the reviews. It's the entire body of work that sets up the opportunity for the few big hit videos that come along.

[@DavidBennettPiano]

We make money so we can make music, not the other way around. As long as you are doing what you love and you have enough money coming in to keep doing it, then you’re doing it right 😊

[@John.Flower.Productions]

Musicians, from the dawn of recorded history, have made their money by performing music for live audiences. Even musicians with lucrative label contracts make the majority of their money from concert performances. Anything other than that, would seem to make someone something other than a musician.

[@Sudhirchoudhary2788]

Hey David you are the same guy who breaks down songs on ur channel n help people learn what they would normally do in a music school right?

[@alphagt62]

In the heyday of Rock music, concert tickets were cheap! I used to attend concerts for $7! Sure they made money, but the concerts were just a way to sell records. Record sales made all those rock bands rich. Now, the internet has destroyed record sales, so a concert ticket now cost $150.

[@John.Flower.Productions]

@@alphagt62 You have it all wrong. Record sales made the record labels a lot of money, concerts/touring was where the musicians made money. The records and radio were what drove their live events.

[@willb1157]

⁠@@alphagt62the internet hasn’t destroyed “record sales”. It has never been easier to reach a potentially massive audience. To get ones music “heard” in the bad old days was phenomenally difficult.

[@dmorthanj1091]

I just stumbled onto this... Impressed by your candor. Haven't watched anything else you've created yet, but looking forward to it. And thank you for being real 😊

[@spoondeep]

Wow, what an absolute pleasure to hear English spoken so well. This is the first time I saw your channel, and the first video I've watched. I have no idea what your music is like, but I could listen to Mary narrate all day long. (I will listen to some music now).of course thank you for sharing some real income data.

[@yunggrandma666]

Thank you so much for being transparent Mary! So few folks are these days. Your transparency and integrity are two of the things I really admire about you, and your new music is sounding fantastic!

[@tonecaster8102]

"...its a long road to build your audience up and the urge to quitt is going to be ever present" so true for all creators. thank you Mary for continuing your path!

[@stevesanders7196]

This is exactly why I try to watch everything you post. I am not a musician or have any ability in that field. Yet, your advice about being who you are naturally AND about remaining in contact with your audience (customer base) works for every career path. Well done, Mary. You be you. No one does you better than you do.

[@OFallons]

Mary, you are a most gracious, articulate, clear, concise speaker who is able to bring one into your space in the presentation of your topic, as if engaged within a personal communication. Thank you. ❤

[@dubasciver3234]

I stumbled across your channel. I haven’t listened to your music but I think your communication skills are outstanding. I love the no ‘fillers’, clean enunciation, and complete thoughts as someone else mentioned. Beautiful! You could go into broadcasting.

[@smoorej]

Great video. People subscribe for many reasons. For me it’s your honesty, integrity, wysiwyg personality, original music and absolutely magnificent singing and speaking voice that will keep me coming back as long as you continue your journey. I’d love to see every video of yours hit tens of millions of views. You deserve it.

[@KevinMerinoCreations]

Your talents span many facets from musician, to historian, to business entrepreneur! I love your transparency and intellect! Thank you for being you in what you do! 👏👏👏

[@georgealvarez8967]

I really enjoy the videos when you invite the other Mary's to accompany you. The edits are award worthy and for me demonstrate that you enjoy doing it and making it look effortless. Thank you.

[@TheRoseCityRockers]

Great videos Mary! Being a musician is a blessing and a curse. We not only want to make music (blessing)... we have to (curse).

[@NigelJames180]

What a brilliantly transparent piece. Somehow I found you because of the algorithm and you are right we just need to be ourselves and take the long view. Keep on keeping on Mary.

[@michaelgates8669]

You are incredibly articulate.

[@worklocomotion]

Your contribution extends far beyond music. Watching you, we get to see what honesty looks like. The level of honesty that seems so easy for you, can be scary for many of us. You're an excellent role model on many levels. Please keep up the good work.

[@72151]

I'm not a musician (lol) and I enjoy your voice, music and presented personality. Those YT metrics don't mean one single thing which measures your value. What keeps me here is you, your honesty & healthy intelligent conversations. Even though you don't see my face, I'm seeing yours and will do my best to reflect what you give every time.

[@lindsaythompson726]

Are you actually laughing out loud ?

[@jacquelynjones6364]

You have made a very compelling video, thank you. First time viewer here. Waving hello from 🇨🇦

[@michaelginever732]

I found you because you collaborated with Leo on Sultans of swing. Collaborations are a great thing for expanding subs and it helps each other out.

[@JDCottonMusic]

Mary, your talent, insight, personality and professionalism are a powerful combination. Thank you for pulling back the curtain on this continually evolving world of music.

[@auralsonicwaves7170]

I am subscribed to both your music channel and the newsletter. Keep doing what your heart tells you Mary. You're great!

[@WCworkhorse]

Your viewer to subscriber ratio is impressive. You have a very loyal fanbase. I love that you are sticking to your guns with making music. You could just sellout and only make gear review vids. The fact that your channel is a mix of everything keeps me subscribed. I appreciate all your content.

[@tadvanallen]

All really good points and very interesting stuff!!! Thanks!

[@InPursuitOfCuriosity]

I am a subscriber who hasn't seen many of your original music videos, but what has drawn me to your channel is the way you are so authentic as a person, and how you give such fascinating and honest reflections about being a modern artist, as well as your revelations about the music industry as a whole. I think having a diverse range videos works well for this channel. I want to see you grow and thrive. Keep doing what you are doing!

[@MattG1027]

@@flashwashington2735 bro really said meritorious 😆. It wasn't a backhanded compliment and practically nothing in your rant is relevant to what the OP said. But go off 👍

[@MattG1027]

@@flashwashington2735 who here is expressing praise for what she is not doing? You’re talking in circles to yourself bro

[@MattG1027]

@@flashwashington2735 Keep up? You haven’t made one cogent thought to keep up with. Why don’t you point to just one instance of this commenter saying “no” or giving negative praise since you accuse them of repeatedly doing so (I believe “no no no no no” were your words)

[@InPursuitOfCuriosity]

@flashwashington2735 Nowhere in your incoherent drivel were you even close to making a valid point. Perhaps your imaginary sky-daddy can gift you with the ability to make a sensible comment. Good luck and pray hard.

[@pressonc]

I discovered you through your interview with Anderton's six years ago, and I've been watching your videos ever since. I enjoy practically all of your content, and I appreciate how honest you are about how you navigate this industry. You're one of my favorite KZbinrs.

[@maybr]

Thank you for honesty & proffecionality. And indeed to get online require bravery. I do think your educational videos are great!

[@johnmatthewnewman6310]

Thank you for this, for us creators who just want to write our music and be successful, and to not be discouraged upon finding out what really sells

[@BrianLTanner]

Did you, as a creator, forget what it means to be a real musician? You’ve got to leave the bedroom. 🤷🏻‍♂️ sorry, but facts are facts. The Stones didn’t become the stones by sitting in a flat and filming their little jam sessions while they bumped their gums at the camera. They got their asses out there and found that fuckin dog!

[@DrewKF]

The territory’s changed a bit since the Stones started out, mate 🤔

[@johnmatthewnewman6310]

Ooo - Challenge accepted ;-) @@BrianLTanner

[@jmlcosta64pt]

Video liked, channel subscribed, newsletter subscribed, and I cannot do much more for you right now, except going to listen to some of your songs... A few questions, though: 1. Are you sure you were nervous while Rick Beato was listening to your music (smiles)? 2. Have you ever considered being a motivational speaker? All the best to you AND your music.

[@Travisesty]

I love ya and appreciate your honesty. I learned a lot!! Follow your dreams sweetheart!! Do what makes ya happy and your heart……that way you’ll never have ANY REGRET 😊😊😊

[@fxdaly]

Well done Mary. You’re very creative and tenacious. Success takes hard work and you’re putting that work in. Keep going. We’re all behind you cheering you on.

[@chriskelly1543]

Hi Mary. I've always found your enthusiasm, generosity, humility and authenticity up there with the great Rick Beato. Keep on doing what you do so well!

[@alixlm1]

Mary please just keep being you, doing what you do. I love your music and songwriting. You are a inspiration.

[@HellcatM]

Mary, some people don't subscribe because they don't want Google to know to much about them. They do the same with their Windows OS, they don't login with a Microsoft account. Those same people probably don't have Facebook, Twitter or most other social media accounts. I personally like your songs and your voice. Some of your lyrics remind me of Jewel before she sold out, your voice doesn't sound like anyone I could put my finger on.

[@Integrator22]

Excellent video… very informative. And I really like the “Hugh Grant” accent, diction and even expressions in a “female edition”

[@rick49]

I love your content, Mary. Your music is lovely.

[@IvanovBR]

As many said, you are inspiring. In many ways! Keep on! And thank you for your kindness when we met at Ricks gig in Berlin. 🙂

[@recumbentrocks2929]

Love the honesty of this video and the insights into how hard it is to make a living from the net. If you are still enjoying doing what you do, (and it is clear that you are) stick with it because we love watching you whether it's playing your songs, doing covers or sharing your travels. You are a born presenter and performer.

[@Nick-from-norfolk]

Fascinating, very good. You must be a smart cookie.

[@wealth245]

Really you are great, I have watched many videos on this topic, and this is the best example yet. Your honesty forced me to do subscribe. Thank you so much for such an informative video.

[@charlesfaucher6518]

I love your honest take on things. You’re an awesome artist…just keep moving forward and creating great music. Much love and respect.

[@terrylittrell9596]

Mary, I've always appreciated your Honesty and Integrity in your videos. You are not only talented but real. The world needs more like you. Keep on following your heart.

[@Ro32da72]

Honesty, candour, diversity of content, professionalism - these are the things that keep me coming back. Your recording technique literally makes it sound like you are here in the room, so many KZbinrs don't pay enough (or any!) attention to this but, being a committed pro, you do, and it really shows. The broadcast quality video and editing make your content easy and entertaining to watch. And that voice - like a big mug of hot chocolate with a shot of Jack Daniels. One of my favourite channels (if you haven't guessed...) 🤩

[@Itsthatoneguy371]

Subscribed, just because of this video. I really appreciate your honesty and openness. I will listen to your music, promise!

[@Eric_Kole]

Not a musician, but a filmmaker, and you're video still resonated with me... you're right, there's never-ever been a better time to take control of your own creativity.

[@BrucePercyPhoto]

hi Mary, I am a photographic artist and I've been running my own business now for 14 years. I have found that a newsletter was the most powerful way to go. I came off social media about 7 years ago and I haven't regretted it. Your words '1,000 true fans is better than 4 million casual viewers' is so true. a newsletter tends to be for those who bond with you and it's a great way of filtering out the casuals, and also in beating the social media algorithms which basically prevent you from reaching those who wish to keep up to date with you. The internet is broken - most social media platforms act as a broker between you and your audience. they choose how much of your audience you reach and that is just plain perverse.

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

Good advice, go out and get the work yourself. An add in a weekly arts paper will get tangible results .

[@workdevice7808]

I agree 100%.

[@hefeibao]

The YT/Tiktok content is the hook to get them interested in the newsletter. The newsletter is as you say, the way to go for your true fans.

[@TJfossil]

Mary, Ignore the haters. You ROCK. Great voice, great guitar playing, great song writing. Keep up the GREAT WORK!

[@tasilovonheydebrandtundder6851]

Mary, I'm just going to say this. You're a very, very good songwriter. You simply MUSTN'T listen to people who say they don't like your songs. I'm a very good but amateur songwriter and full time professor. You really have your own sound, you're a fine singer, and your songs have depth and perspective. Never stop never stopping!

[@bryantdarris]

🫶🏽

[@johnbassett5407]

I love how you articulate and describe so concisely. I wish you great success. Your integrity and authenticity will always take you far. Passion for what you’re doing is a wonderful driving force.

[@them1project515]

This is the best vid about KZbin vids. Not just about music but rather about how people view vids. Thank you very much. This gave me ideas on what to record to get more viewers.

[@fbass2003]

Well done Mary, such great info. and thoughts. Thanks!

[@dpwrightjr109]

Your channel is one I look forward to each week. I started following you after the Rick Beato video and have not been disappointed. Not only is your music great but it’s great to see someone who is so passionate about their music and has a great on screen personality. Keep doing what you’re doing.

[@simongardner1835]

Mary, you have no reason at all to put "artistic integrity" in air quotes - it is a quality that shines out of your work. I really appreciate your openness and the reality-check of navigating this crazy media world. You are a beacon of honest hard-working musicianship, but of course it is built on some inspired song-writing. Thank you!

[@philipscoggins]

Thanks for the info & oddly enough, this is your first video KZbin has suggested to me.

[@Billytomtom18]

Hello Mary I love music too. I never had the discipline to play an instrument. But I have been going to Concerts since a teenager, and back then some people would film it on a hand held video camera. But what I love as much as a very wide variety of music genres. Many great memories are preserved by KZbin. I never grew up with video games, I am a tech dinosaur …lol I have no clue how the whole KZbin channel thing works. But since I love all sorts of music for most of my life, I subscribed to your KZbin channel. I look forward to hearing some of your songs. I bet making a KZbin channel takes a lot of effort and dedication. Thank You Mary, please keep following your Heart of making Music ❤️⭐️🎤🎸

[@wadeoden8464]

You're an absolute treasure to us independent musicians-thank you for doing this. I believe the music 'business' has come to a crossroads. Independent musicians are going to forge a new way with folks like you at the helm. ❤

[@tobytoxd]

So true! Well said :)

[@Marcus_C51]

Yes, so very true-I'm really loving the new newsletter that she has taken upon herself to do. She is indeed the absolute treasure!

[@QuinnZoneStudios]

Great video as always! You have a very balanced way of seeing everything. That's also helpful to other creatives too, so thank you!

[@nesdonbooth9726]

I'm not a musician, but a retired film maker who is amazed and fascinated by the way film making has been democratized by these on line platforms. I HUGELY appreciate creators form any niche who make these sorts of videos analyzing their approach, business models, and insights. This video earned you a subscriber, who will follow your career. BTW, I'm curious about your relationship with comments. I find the hundreds of fawning compliments most comment sections are composed of to be useless. Your's include (at least to this vidoe) many more thoughtful and unique observations. I presume for a creator, seeing 1000's of attaboys must buoy your self confidence, but for me, IRL, I am often put off by pro forma compliments which feel insincere, actually making me doubt myself more due to the uncertainty.

[@SamWelbourneGuitar]

Nice one, thanks for sharing. I can see why I’ll never cut it on YT and you’ve helped see it differently. Interesting that it’s the ‘making of’ content that works.

[@deekando1068]

Well put Mary..loved it when you were on with Leo singing Sultans of Swing.

[@MizuRino]

Thanks Mary for this transparence and openness! A lot of people went narcistic about their success in social media. Keep creating your music!

[@robertwilliamson5309]

never stop what your doing love your voice love your playing love your channel

[@Quest4us]

Your video was enlightening and revealing about the long hours and perseverance needed to succeed online. Considering the staggering number of talented musicians worldwide competing for youtube fame, 5 million views is a significant accomplishment. I hope you don't give up on doing quality covers. Every great artist in music history has paid homage to the great songs of the past. Some surpass the original. I listen to a hundred new and established artists weekly. Your version of Sultans of Swing with Josh Turner is one of my all-time favorites. I shared it with dozens of music lovers. You're young, smart and exceptionally talented. Keep your vision, Mary, you're headed for some big stages. I wish you good health.

[@BrettHoustonTube]

Thanks for sharing. Yeah, my biggest clip is a story about an Instant Karma Machine I made to deal with noisy neighbors. It gets a million views while my music scores 73 if I'm lucky. And it seems like the new monetization pays so much less now, it's not really worth it.

[@axelovingguy]

I don’t know how you continue to be so positive when the world at large values reviews over original music and content, but kudos to you for keeping at it ❤.

[@JBrierley02]

I does make sense to my mind. It brings in a different group of people, plus the ones that listen to the music normally - ones who want to see how an unusual or particular product is worth looking at.

[@davidsant5729]

Watched you over the years now. You're astonishing. The most honest intelligence in a huge morass of lies and expectations. Your unusually bright and sharp personality is what so many 'great' singers totally lack. All show and no substance. You the opposite. I'll now listen to your songs with a keener ear!

[@johnbarker5009]

Of course you don't want to give up on your original music, and you shouldn't. Being a musician, a singer, and a song writer gives you the skills which make your other videos so compelling. It gives you credibility. It gives you the passion you exhibit in everything on your channel. Trying to put myself in your shoes, supplementing your income with these other music-related topics allows you to continue exercising your creativity and your desire to make music. It's all of a piece, and we very much appreciate what you do.

[@RolandHutchinson]

Even for people who may not be great fans of your type of original music, knowing that you are are a creative artist maintaining your own integrity in your own songs and videos really gives to your essays and gear-oriented videos a great and evident level of credibility, which I think must attract views and incline them to stick around. I'm very pleased to hear that you intend to keep doing you.

[@johnnoblemedia]

Hmm, for some reason, this video popped onto my suggested vidoes, not sure why. Anyway, im so glad it did. I found this video very informative. Watch a couple of others, and you hooked me. Im not a musician, but so love your music. I am a small creator and watching your videos inspires me. Thanks for sharing your life's journey with us. Greetings from Whyalla South Australia.😮😮

[@LowEndUniversity]

Randomly stumbled on this video, blown away at the presentation and modern, realistic advice for succeeding in today’s creative climate. Subbed!

[@rrrosecarbinela]

No, no, don't stop making music. You ARE a singer/songwriter. And a good one (BTW, just got the CD in the mail!)

[@joshbottz]

You're an inspiring music KZbinr! I'm finding that making KZbin videos pushes me to be more creative and innovative with how I share my own music. It's a challenge but it's good fun. I love that you stay true to your creative vision rather than being swayed into making stuff that you don't enjoy.

[@DanielBobke]

I think you are doing literally everything a 21st century independent musician can do. I got to meet Aaron Marshall recently and we briefly talked about how much work it is to manage your own content (audio and video), basically manage your own EVERYTHING, do your own recording and releasing, etc. You are a one-woman operation and that is HARD. I totally respect everything you do, all the attempts, the failures, and successes. This shows your passion for what you do and your desire to pave a way for others coming behind you. EDIT - One of the things that Aaron Marshall mentioned to me is that the tab books he sells through Sheet Happens are big income generators for him. He packages them with backing tracks for guitarists to play along to. I have bought two of them, so I see the attraction! Not sure if you sell this kind of merch, but something to think about.

[@handsfree1000]

Mary, this is what you are best at. Narrating with that velvet voice and intelligent thought process

[@loneyb11]

You’re a smart lady, I’m sure you’ll figure out whatever you put your effort into

[@andrewdancer8520]

Hi Mary, I don’t know how you ended up being recommended on the array of KZbin potential watches, but glad you did. Keep at it and be successful… or more successful. PS we subscribed too !!

[@pedrozatravel]

I can't call myself a music person, but this video is a great motivator for me to keep trying different things to build an audience. Thank you

[@JillRhoads]

Every artist no matter what the genre has to feed themselves and there is no shame in that. It’s all about finding balance and also you doing you.

[@steveshepherd2712]

Very refreshing to hear honest and clear information so I subbed on that- will I stay ? That will depend if I enjoy the content but you got your foot in my door faster than a door to door brush salesman 😄🇨🇦

[@deanelliot4127]

Hi, Mary - I just stumbled upon your video and was totally absorbed by your “story.” I’m neither a musician nor a social media “creator,” although I consider myself to be a very accomplished wildlife and nature photographer. Since I’m sitting at the kitchen table with little on my mind except curiosity, I headed over to Apple Music to see what I could find to make me smile. I found your Songbook Volumes (1&2), clicked on “She,” and fell in love. Where have you been hiding all my life? A touch of Joni Mitchell with a sprinkle of Joan Baez and a hint of Judy Collins but 100% Mary Spender. I can’t wait to listen to all your songs on these albums on my next walk in the park with my faithful Golden Retriever, Dylan.

[@richardrosenbaum6387]

I really appreciate your KZbin videos. You present yourself so very well. Making music is a passion and generally not a a way of making a living. I think I’m pretty good and my friends tell me I am as well. I think one thing you might want to share with your audience and your newsletter is how many companies prey on artists by promising more listeners if they just pay them to promote their music. Many thanks for what you do!

[@alfsmith4936]

There used to be a good living to be made playing small gigs in the U.K but why would people pay for entertainment, when people like you tell them you will provide them a service for free because you love doing it? I've noticed it a lot in the past 20 years. There are too many people thinking they're some sort of artist when they're free background music.

[@ShinyShinyBlack]

Mary, I love your voice, your playing, your sincerity. Thanks for putting yourself out there, and helping all of us. You’re the best. Also, I accidentally referred to my band’s livestream as a “Tuesday Talks” today. 😂

[@leokimvideo]

I love how open and honest this is, yep I can relate to everything said here. Yes it's weird how one video can attract a huge income and others next to zero. I remember you from your Spotify bad income video. But maybe what you can't see is how the wheels fell off the wagon of this site from 2014 in relation to income. It was like the last straw of kerplunk and the game totally changed. There use to be a time here when earning a strong income was easy, just about everything you could produce would get an excellent run, but then that all changed. The current controls set against you feel more like a handbrake thats always applied to your channel so you can never really get huge success. More so if you have a older channel. I could explain a lot more but I'm sure you understand enough considering what you exposed here. Sadly if your not flogging a brand, or something weird and looking like a blatant sell out your going to go absolutely nowhere on KZbin now. I find that very sad because the site use to be amazing pre 2014 and more so pre 2010.

[@FingersOnAFretboard]

The 'Algorithm'-chasing' ,the copyright strike stuff, the hobby collector channels having to abide by 'Tube policy changes, the cheese is forever moving for the content creators hustling. I recall seeing many ppl saying how things were looking peachy on the ad-revenue income stream front and Whoopsies! the rug got pulled out from under them by the corporation taking bigger slices of pie. Artists of all kinds are just doomed to prostituting themselves in some form or fashion to survive amid the game of Thumbnails,clickbait,sponsorship-tainted revues, and notification shadow-banning,trending videos , and barfy ADHD triggering tickytocky 'shorts'...

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

pre 2010 KZbin basically didn't even exist.... so yeah ....it was 5 years old at that time and there was zero money to be made on it so I am not sure what you are talking about.

[@stefanfrankel8157]

*You're,* damn it.

[@Rocksite1]

Rumble is promising a more content creator-friendly fee structure. If it started getting more traffic, it could be a pretty good thing. They're also not so big on politically-slanted censorship.

[@ronaldmilner8932]

Is it "weird" or is the system opaque and corrupt???

[@kevinmontplaisir1098]

THANK YOU FOR THIS!! GOOD DAY YOUNG LADY-

[@rustyfan89]

That would be a great name for an album just me and a guitar and a camera! Been following you and your channel for years love ya Mary!

[@BlueJayWaters]

I love that you're still optimistic about getting your music out there along with what the algorithm says is good content. I'm surprised to hear such negative feedback from your originals, but I admit I haven't heard every song you've been putting out in anticipation of your album release. But that's a quick and easy fix! I wanted to suggest something I've been doing over on my music KZbin since you've given advice in this video to help others. I have a series that is going over all of my originals in chronological order of me writing it, so you can hear a progression and development of an artist from when I first started in 2006. I structure it by performing the song acoustically, going over its origins, how I wrote it, album analytics if it was on one, and finally it's reception live. Just another tip out there to help musicians, and perhaps something you could try as well!

[@Xubono]

An engaging and interesting presentation, from an articulate artist with honest straight forward information, without hype or derision, and a charming personality too! I might not be your target audience, but I enjoy and appreciate learning about people who are so richly talented. Thank you.

[@markshepardsongs]

As a "compulsive songwriter" since 1976, I have to agree that it's "a long road"... But NOW we can actually do it the way we WANT to do it. no gate keepers. just the school of hard knocks and trying multiple approaches to authentically "get our stuff out into the world." thank you for your encouragement. it Matters.

[@RobM-e3y]

The economics of KZbin is a subject that interests a lot of people, thanks for sharing!

[@andrewunderhill8508]

Great advice expressed in a clear and articulate way. I respect your integrity and your musicianship and wish you well going forward in 2024. Best wishes

[@Jalex_Owns]

Thank you for making this and, in my opinion, continuing to do what you for the right reasons (i.e., making music and other art for yourself and out of love for the creative process), as well as being so frank and revealing here. The quality of your videos and work in general is absolute top-tier, and what you say here makes me want to do a deeper dive into your songs. Keep being incredible. Cheers!

[@foxstarproductions]

I truly believe that 20 years from now Mary Spender will be recognized as a key figure in the drastic new model that music started being made & consumed.

[@markkelderman2439]

Getting that first paycheck from KZbin was like the best feeling for me. But I think I wouldn't have made it if I didn't use some boosting tools (my favorite one by far is to use a lot of Famester when I need to make my content go viral). Good thing is that it also works on different social media platforms, so I am not just tied to KZbin. It's amazing, feels like I am in control of algorithm.

[@judymyers1934]

Sounds really cool, I might try it xD

[@DrewLoker]

How much does it cost? (I looked…but they hide the price until after an account is opened…which I think is a sneaky tactic.)

[@MikeDBZ]

What paycheck, you have 92 subs and no videos? Or is this an ad for Famester...

[@ShoesMagoo]

@@Aroundvision I think this video appeared in my feed for the sole purpose of bringing me here in order to read your comment. Grazie.

[@tonymaher1056]

I've just subscribed - honesty is a rare thing, good luck going forward. xxx

[@TonyWenzel-c4r]

Super interesting. Thanks for posting. Makes me want to pick up a guitar.