How Much YouTube Paid Me in 2023 plus being a FULL TIME content creator

How much KZbin paid me as a cruise and travel content creator with a little more than 12K subscribers in 2023. The amount may be shocking for some! But I am keeping it transparent so other content creators know what to expect! PLUS I will share some of the pros and cons of being a full time content creator and business owner- and what my journey has been like these last 6 months since I QUIT my career as an educator!

[@MyFullFiguredLife]

💛💛💛

[@mrs.queenb7781]

Great videos!!..

[@bridgetp3989]

Thank you for sharing! I appreciate your videos and opinions on travel.

[@machellekennedy2199]

You ROCK!!

[@cherrone86]

I’m very happy to have found your channel. It’s so relatable as opposed to the stuff I had been watching in the past. 😊

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you 😊

[@AtlantaMikeH]

I’m a new subscriber and was quite impressed with this video.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you 😊

[@JS-wi5lf]

Thank you for this. I’m an educator (middle school science) and a fellow travel agent. I am looking to pivot to travel full-time one day.

[@NiyaRison]

I’ve been looking for a good travel agent too! I’m glad I found your channel!

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you for subscribing! We appreciate the support. Feel free to reach out when you are ready to plan your cruise vacation!

[@rubypersha5881]

Thank you for sharing your insight with starting out I would like to reach out to you on where and how do I get started I really appreciate the video you share on everything many blessings to you and your family 🙏🏽❤️

[@TwoCaptainsOneShip]

Great stuff. New subscriber!! We just started our own channel but we are very small right now with not a lot of content but we will stick to it.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thanks for the sub! And best wishes on your channel! Subscribing to you right now!

[@hereyago]

I appreciate this video! I got discouraged when I started making my content public. I have so many vlogs that I have not put together because I just wanted to give up. I will keep pushing. Whatever will be will be! ✊🏽❤

[@jeremiahdonze4632]

Awesome video! My wife and I have been on 4 cruises and have our 5th scheduled for April on MSC Seashore. I have been wanting to start a travel channel but haven’t yet. What are your tips on getting one started?

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you! Enjoy your cruise in April! I say just pick up the camera or phone and start filming. Decide whether you just want to show/share what you are doing, give information, or just make short clips of things like cabin tours, cruise food, entertainment, etc. I do full length vlogs but that’s not everyone’s style. Dont feel the need to purchase lots of equipment and mics and things. I simply use a GoPro. Nothing fancy. Find balance in recording and actually enjoying your cruise. I’m 30% filming, 70% enjoying!! Be consistent. Vlog consistently and share consistently and that will help you grow a following. Good luck!

[@kristihicks9549]

Raquelle!!! I just recently found your channel and am so grateful I did. I have my masters in education and have never used it. I went straight into starting my own business and 15 years later am so glad I did. You have done an amazing job growing your channel and your content has been so informative and amazing. Keep up the fantastic work and I can’t wait to watch you grow 😊.

[@cindyaherns9073]

❤

[@keshiah-stayblessed]

Awesome Raquelle! I am always in awe of your transparency! Love that everything is about educating those who’s path you cross. You definitely are starting this venture as a full-time content creator with a leg-up on one that I think is absolutely critical to this business. You have already been leading a staff and organization as an administrator in the school system as well has running your own travel agency business. Both of those careers require discipline when it comes to time management and focus on tasks that others are dependent upon you to execute to ensure everyone’s success. Every time I try to get into the YT support area and read on the infamous “algorithm”, it makes my head spin. So many factors to determine what gets the videos pushed out. But what I read that makes the biggest difference in whether or not your videos get pushed out more is determined on your particular niche and whether your audience is being driven to someone else within the same niche thereby pushing your content down. So, what do you do without driving yourself mad to not be discouraged by that. I think that you have found that sanity pill in that you are crossing platforms as well as having a business that is driven by your content and is not dependent upon that ole nasty algorithm monster. Where as money is extremely important, I’m super glad that your passion is out-weighing that drive at least when it comes from a content perspective. I look at your situation in that social media is totally your marketing platform for your bread-n-butter business. At the end of the day, YT/IG/TT are actually paying YOU to market your business on their platform. yes, the revenue will grow, but will you get rich from it by content creation alone, no. It’s the collaborations and networking opportunities that come with these platforms that really generate the revenue. I’m super proud of your success and appreciate your efforts to share and educate as many of as possible along the way. And the absolute best thing of all is that you are doing something you love that allows you to spend more time with your family give your children more of the things that you love. Thanks so much for all that you’re doing. Peace and blessings for more successes in 2024 and beyond. ✌🏾🥰🌺

[@keshiah-stayblessed]

oh… here’s my novel … did not see it after i hit send… 📜📕📗📘📙😂😂😂😂

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you so much Keshia! I always enjoy your “novels” lol. This has certainly been the best thing for our family. And yes it has its ups and downs and down but you are right- I am using these tools to market my business and if it only helps my business- I am cool with that! The extra money is nice though! I enjoy being transparent and helping others! There is enough to go around for everyone!

[@adareape7344]

That’s awesome! I love watching you and your family cruise I cruise a lot my self. I hope to run into you on some cruise ship ❤

[@lindacooler6886]

Thanks Raquelle, as I said before in 2021 I retired after 42 years at the same job in Jacksonville. I did not know what I wanted to do next. As a fellow introvert, I never traveled very much. I started watching you and started cruising from yours and other vlogs. I always somehow identified with you. Now, I want to cruise more. I mostly go to Orlando or Miami to cruise. I want to learn how to do more.😊 My granddaughter is buying equipment to start her a travel vlog. This will be helpful to her. Thanks for all that you do.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

You are so welcome! Best wishes to your granddaughter! No special equipment is needed to vlog. I started with my cell phone!

[@ItsBeyondGee]

Congratulations 🎊 Very inspiring and motivating! Keep going and growing!

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you so much!!

[@kristydanielle]

Yesss sis! I just got monetized last month and you're right, it takes a lot of hard work and consistency. Thanks for the video

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

You are so welcome! And congrats on being monetized!!!

[@kristydanielle]

@@MHFamilyAdventures thank you!!!

[@TwoCaptainsOneShip]

Congrats!! We just stated a channel too, we are very very small but we plan on creating more content.

[@justzee1574]

Nice explanation. Thank you for sharing and being open.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

My pleasure!

[@ShugAlansTravelChannel]

Nice video! We love the honesty and transparency. Thank you for sharing!

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

You are so welcome!

[@sondraking902]

Congratulations!! Well deserved. You work hard.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you so much!

[@ramonalovelace6680]

Congratulations ! Absolutely love all your videos and content.❤

[@lisaleach9179]

Love your transparency Raquelle! This was very informative ❤

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you so much!

[@gabriellepollydore]

Just gained a new follower on TikTok. I love your content!

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you so much!!! ❤️

[@QualityChildcare1]

Congratulations Raquelle 🎉I am so excited for you 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you!

[@DreAndMichelle]

Yeh sis it's a lot of work but it's rewarding. I love it

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Yes I love it too!

[@suzinazsuzinaz9445]

So interesting! Thanks for being so honest! I love your channel and watching it grow is so great! I’m happy for your success! ❤️

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

❤️❤️❤️ thank you so much!

[@Fantasytravelbysherrie]

“Self motivate” yes that is something I have to work on.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

That truly is the hardest part! Some days I don’t feel like creating or posting anything!

[@avaa1217]

Congratulations on all of your achievements and wishing you even more success in the years ahead!

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

❤️❤️❤️

[@keshiah-stayblessed]

Thanks Raquelle for your ever-present transparency! The best things in life do not come easy but with passion and dedication, you can at least make it fun and turn a profit. I appreciate you sharing this level of detail. I had a whole other novel-length reply that disappeared when i hit send…but you know i had lots to say in between work calls/meetings. Happy Holidays MH Family! ✌🏾🎉🎉🥰

[@ScroggyFamilyTravels]

Thank you soo much. This is great motivation as someone just starting out.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

You are welcome! Best wishes on your journey!

[@keshiah-stayblessed]

You got my attention Ms. Raquelle! Listening closely! Back in 20…😊

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you Keshia!

[@AnonyMous-nl7ig]

Thanks!

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you so much!!! We appreciate the support!

[@alisasadventuresincruising]

Awesome RacQuelle! Thanks so much for sharing I cannot wait to see all you accomplish in 2024, Keep Going!!

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you Alisa!!! Blessings to you as well!!!

[@SocialCouplepreneur]

Thank you so much for sharing. It's truly encouraging! Congratulations on the deals you've done and those you already have in the pipe for 2024. That's really awesome. Yes to all of the cruises already booked. May you all continue to grow and prosper.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you so much!

[@theinspiredhomedecor]

RacQuelle, I can’t tell you enough how grateful I am that you posted this video. I’m also a content creator and I love to travel too. I’m in the process of doing this full time for this channel and my other 2 channels (cooking and nursing). Plus my blog also. I have 3 college degrees and it’s kind of scary quitting what I have been doing for the past 23 years. I’m in my best space, mentally and physically when I’m creating content. I absolutely love your channel and I can’t wait to follow in your footsteps. I’m going on a NCL cruise next month but I will definitely book with your agency next time and heck maybe even go on one of your group cruises too. Thank you so much for this inspiring video. And oh my goodness! Congratulations on your travel agency! It’s so cool seeing someone who looks like me being so successful in business! You and Myron Golden are my inspirations now.

[@OurFamilyEscapades]

Thanks for sharing this video with us! I was just wondering what video editing software do you use? Do you yourself do the editing? How do you get paid by KZbin for your content? Another question, how did you get started in becoming a travel agent? Do you use a host agency? Thank you! #2024GOALS

[@jeffreysangel]

Hey Racquel, thank you for sharing. This information is so helpful. I have given up so many times. I have over 60 videos that i haven't edited. It is hard to motivate myself to get up and work at it. I always find myself just watching other videos. I plan to be more INTENTIONAL this coming year. Thank you again for your helpful tips.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Glad it was helpful! You can do it Angel. You have great content out there! Just keep on pushing it out!

[@DestineesDestinations]

Thanks for the video, I've just started and it's exciting but can be discouraging too. So this helps me put my mind back and get to it. You are great and love your channel! 😊❤

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

You got this!

[@JulieBee508]

AWESOME job on your success on You Tube! Thank you for sharing! My husband and I are huge fans of your channel!

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you!! 😊

[@Bigdreamadventures]

Content creating is a lot of work and I think most people give up in the first year. Congrats and keep moving forward and thanks for the tips.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

❤️❤️❤️ thank you!!!

[@CarnivalCruiseAddicts]

So much great insight. As a new channel - it's great to learn from others' experiences. You do such fabulous work with all your platforms!

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thanks so much!

[@michellemahoney6211]

Loved this video, it is very informative. Not just the influencer part, but the benefits of KZbin for growing a business. I love your style of videos. Thank you for the continuous great content 🙌🏾❤️

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

You're so welcome!

[@anthonyonthemove]

Excellent information. Your content is outstanding and will continue to reap major results. Keep it up and thank you for sharing.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@DConDemand]

This is valuable information. Thank you for sharing! #GOALS

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

No problem.

[@TrippingTexans]

Thanks so much for the transparency in insights into the crazy world of content creation!! On a hiatus at the moment and it will be like starting over when we start up again. But this was a good pick me up. Thanks.

[@funtimeswithraynanci4596]

Thank you for taking the time to share this video. Such an inspiration to us. Thank you for you’re transparency.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

You are so welcome!

[@KeepingUpWithTheGriffins]

This is an amazing video! We applaud your decision to leave your job and focus solely on your business and traveling. We hope to do the same with our business one day, you sure are an inspiration to us! We are going through the same thing you are with the different social media platforms and trying to keep up. The algorithm is tricky. Creator burnout is very real, you are doing a great job though! We have so much respect for you and all that you do!!!

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you so much! I admire you guys as well! You have a beautiful family and 2024 will be your best year yet! 🙏🏽

[@KeepingUpWithTheGriffins]

@@MHFamilyAdventures Awww thank you so much! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@carlajackson3261]

FABULOUS!!! Keep push.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Will do! Thank you! 💪🏽

[@carlajackson3261]

@@MHFamilyAdventures My pleasure.

[@candacen136]

I love this and am so glad you stepped out on faith, and we get to come along. Happy New Year to you all.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Happy New Year!!! Thank you!

[@SeeItWithC]

Facts about being an educator and taking on all that students and families bring. I remember I was on a date and said my kids and he was like oh how many children do you have?! LOL.... I cursed VERY loudly when I saw how much you made on your channel this year. AWESOME!!! And motivating!!! Thanks for always openly being a resource to our cruise creator community.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Absolutely! I loved all of my kids (and teachers) but a sista needed a break! Enjoying this journey! And it’s not a whole lot yet- but I see the potential over time!!! You’ll be right there at the top with me! I Just need to figure out this algorithm 🤣

[@onthegowithyolo]

That is awesome! I think you are doing a great job. Definitely will triple if not quadruple by the end of 2024. Content Creator goals to strive. Congrats and good luck.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Much appreciated!

[@dennishicks6382]

Congrats to you and thanks for sharing this awesome information. I have been thinking about trying creating content but you wanting to figure it all out.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you! You are most welcome!

[@StayWithKayCruising]

Thanks for all the info, for a New Content Creator it's so helpful!!

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

You are welcome!!! Best wishes on your journey!!!

[@cruiselady2012]

Thanks for sharing all your experiences and knowledge with us. I have a few questions I'll send you an message. Love ya

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

No problem at all! Feel free to hit me up!

[@BigBry65]

Continue doing what you’re doing. God has got you!

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

❤️🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽❤️ thank you!!!

[@soremekun]

I think Dad, the dog, and then Jo all peaked in during filming. Lol

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

🤣🤣🤣 yep. That’s the life of being a full time work from home mom and content creator lol. It was too much to do a retake so I just kept them in 😂

[@user-Carmen_Parker]

😃😃😃😃👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾👋🏾 good info. Congratulations on business

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you!!

[@MelissaC269]

Great video. How did you become a travel agent? I do travel hacking and get my cruises for "free." For example, I'm doing a Carnival cruise where I paid $200 for a deposit that is onboard credit, and then I paid Port fees and tip. I'm doing a Virgin Voyages cruise in the Mediterranean and that one, I just had to pay port fees. Tips were included in the "free." And I did not have to pay a deposit. Anyhow.... if I could do content on my trips and then talk about how I got them for free, I'd love to do that. But then there also seems to be an opportunity to pan travel in there. Maybe someone gets the free cruise but needs a hotel night the night before. Or maybe someone got the business class tickets travel hacking, but now needs to purchase the cruise. I'm just thinking that having the travel agent training, and being able to book these sort of things would be a good skill set. Also, as a cruising travel agent, are you able to book these free casino cruises and receive commission? If so, I would love to give you my business. For those two, I was offered directly through the cruiseline and I'm not sure how a travel agent fits into the picture. I'm also going to redeem a MyVegas certificate soon for $1000 off a NCL cruise closer to the end of this year. Thank you. Keep putting out this useful content. It's helped me know what to do in Bimini and Nassau. -Melissa

[@lfmckinley1077]

I have often wondered while hitting skip if the viewers watching ADS helps the vloggers

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

My understanding is that the length of time an ad is watched doesn’t matter. If the ad shows up for a sec, we still get ad revenue (at least that’s what I’ve heard)

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

And thank you so much for the holiday card and coffee card! I will be putting it to good use! ❤️

[@cruisebuddies7064]

Thank you for sharing. I’ve always wanted to do this but I just don’t have the patience and motivation lol. 13 cruises in one year and I can count on my hands the number of pics and videos I’ve posted 🤣

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

You are welcome!!! 13 cruises is AMAZING!!! You can definitely do it considering how much you cruise. Even if you just pull the camera out for an hour each day. Blessings to you!!!

[@nettie-jt]

I really appreciate all your hard work creating the videos you do. I think I'll let the organic-ness of my channel play out and see what happens. The holidays slowed me down some. 🤔your KZbin salary on top of my pension would be sweet...I better get back to editing. Thanks for sharing your life with us. Big Blessings for you and your family in 2024❤

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you so much! Yea definitely get back to editing and pushing out the content!!! The KZbin salary will grow over time!!! Best wishes to you!!

[@mrs.knecro7044]

It’s always so interesting to hear the behind the scenes stuff on content creation. Congratulations though on your business doing well! It’s great to hear. I talked to my husband about the Alaskan cruise we are a little on the fence just because of the price tag. I didn’t expect the Alaska cruises to be that much more expensive even this far out. Do you still get revenue for when people watch old videos? I do usually watch adds all the way though or at least a minute+ so the creators can get add revenue.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you so much! Yes we still earn revenue on old videos. And you don’t even have to watch the ads all the way through for us to earn! I totally understand about Alaska. It’s expensive regardless of when you book it since it’s a seasonal/bucket list cruise.

[@mrs.knecro7044]

@@MHFamilyAdventures that’s true I didn’t think about it being seasonal and a bucket list item for a lot of people.

[@CookingWithTheCatrons]

Trying to figure out the algorithm is the Bane of our existence! 😂

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Straight facts!!! 😆

[@soremekun]

14 cruises booked for 2024 so far!? And I thought I was the bees knees with 5 booked cruises.

[@loveboatcruising]

How do I become travel agent? How do I ask for sponsors? Looking to come out even with cruise fares matching money earned while generating more subscribers. Thank you😊

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

First research various host agencies. Determine whether you want to open your own or work under someone else. Train. Decide on a niche. And recruit clients. That’s it in a nutshell but obviously there is a lot more to it than I can share in writing here. I have a livestream on our channel about starting up my own travel agency. I’ll also be doing another livestream about it in 2 weeks. So stay tuned and you can ask questions during the livestream. Sponsors you will have to search for based on your niche. They look at your content, number of followers/subscribers, and if you could potentially help them get more business based on how you share their product or service. Some sponsors will seek you out. All of this requires alot of research, persistence, and patience- but you can do it!

[@AuntieNeenOnTheScene]

This was an awesome video. I am a new college professor and this has hindered my progress. I started KZbin with the best intentions, but I have the attention span of a gnat AND I am a control freak. I cant stand the delayed gratification. 😂 I have to know when and how much is dropping in my account weekly. It is slow to pick up, mostly because of me posting in spurts. Also, not knowing how to make catchy thumbnails and intros discourages me as well. Glad to see you being able to step away and take a break from your original career and do what makes you happy.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Congrats on becoming a college professor! I totally understand what you are saying. I’ve learned to let go and let the algorithm do whatever it’s going to do lol.

[@blktenor]

As a fellow educator, I am so happy to see you create and share. I heard that if we watch all the commercials in it’s entirety, and not skip them, you get paid for that. Is that true? If so, I’ll watch them in the entirety.

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you! As long as a second or two is watched, creators get paid. Thank you for bringing mindful of this ❤️

[@blktenor]

@@MHFamilyAdventures no problem!

[@JohnRichardson1983]

What tools do I need to become a Cruise content creator from scratch?

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

A recording device (start with your phone), a niche, editing software, KZbin, and patience. No need for fancy equipment or anything. I started on my iPhone.

[@JohnRichardson1983]

Thanks! @@MHFamilyAdventures

[@tinadecker7947]

Hi I am following you on Facebook and instagram now .

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

Thank you so much!

[@amandahoard5871]

I love your content! I’m considering becoming a travel agent! Do you recommend a particular host agency?

[@MHFamilyAdventures]

@@amandahoard5871 thank you! My host agency is KHM Travel Group and I love them. Definitely do your research and try to avoid some of the MLMs such as as Inteletravel where they tend to focus more on recruitment than sales. But definitely research as there are so many options out there. I’ll be doing a livestream in a couple of weeks to discuss this further.