MKBHD: The Story To 16 Million & The World Of YouTube

If you want to start or grow a channel, check out my Part-Time KZbinr Academy here: go.aliabdaal.com/MKBHD
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In this episode I chat to Marques Brownlee also known as MKBHD, one of the largest and most respected tech KZbinr’s in the world with over 16 million subscribers. In the conversation we discuss the creator economy, the evolution of his business and how he’s stayed consistent and relevant on the platform over the past 10 years. Enjoy!
00:00 Intro
01:23 Staying consistent on KZbin over the last 10 years
3:30 The lifespan of a creator
07:05 Your process for making KZbin videos
9:07 What is the MKBHD business model?
13:55 Approaching the relationship between money and lifestyle
18:30 What’s your opinion on quality vs quantity?
19:42 What does the org chart look like?
22:47 The octopus analogy
24:16 Are you still editing yourself?
14:49 What’s been the biggest challenge of having a team?
25:45 How does your business operate?
30:03 Why a robot studio?
33:04 How did covid impact your business?
45:01 How much do you care about analytics?
48:00 What’s your relationship with goals?
50:33 Your dream video studio
53:27 Do you worry about the longevity of creators?
55:02 How are you thinking about shorts?
01:01:00 Should we use clickbait titles for growth?
01:05:48 How do you deal with hate?
01:09:29 Starting your podcast, Waveform
01:11:59 The studio and your team
01:17:44 Angel Investing
01:19:41 Personal goals
🔗 CONNECT WITH MARQUES
🎥 KZbin Channel - @mkbhd
🎬 The Studio - @TheStudio
🎙 WVFRM Podcast - @Waveform
🐦 Twitter - / mkbhd
📸 Instagram - / mkbhd
💻 Website - mkbhd.com/
🔗 CONNECT WITH ALI
🎥 KZbin Channel - / aliabdaal
🐦 Twitter - / aliabdaal
📸 Instagram - / aliabdaal
💻 Website - aliabdaal.com
👥 Linkedin - / ali-abdaal
📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED
iJustine’s Channel - / ijustine
PewDiePie - / @pewdiepie
📄SHOW NOTES & TRANSCRIPT
Visit the website for the transcript and highlights from the conversation - aliabdaal.com/podcast/
🎙 ABOUT THE PODCAST
Deep Dive is the podcast that delves into the minds of entrepreneurs, creators and other inspiring people to uncover the philosophies, strategies and tools that help us live happier, healthier and more productive lives.
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👨‍💻 SPONSORED BY SHOPIFY
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👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH
You can also Tweet @AliAbdaal with any feedback, ideas or thoughts about the lessons you've learnt from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in 🙏
PS: Some of the links in this description are affiliate links that I get a kickback from 😜

[@DeepDivewithAliAbdaal]

Go to www.shortform.com/deepdive to get 20% off the annual premium subscription. To give Shopify a try, go to shopify.com/aliabdaal.

[@BASKETBALL_UNI]

Repent and receive life from Christ and be saved in Jesus mighty name amen.

[@MrChingssk]

}} l{love 😍 88 plot

[@deborahadepoju4492]

Marques is such a humble young man. He is confident in what he does and very knowledgeable as well.

[@SuccessWithSam]

These are one of those podcast episodes that you need popcorn🍿 notepad 🗒 and a comfortable chair 🪑… so you can sit back and take in all the gems 💎… thanks Ali!

[@hursh6525]

Hell yeah!

[@riseandgrind2682]

Amazing. Just heard this one too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmiYZahuftipp6c

[@sumiranmaiskar]

Yessir, agree!

[@moliena]

Totally agree!!

[@simonvutov7575]

@@hursh6525 was about to type HELL YEAH

[@DrAmarachiIjeoma]

How did I just watch a 1hr 20 mins video till the end! MKBHD's mindset towards work, career, goals and life in general is something I can very much relate to. It's nice listening to someone who has gotten to this point in his career with a mindset you can relate to. Love love loved this interview. Thanks Ali, for asking all the right and important questions.

[@stark.nikhil]

I wish I could have the kind of clarity MKBHD have in his mind. He seems kinda guy you talk when you feeling low and he will instantly make you feel good. Amazing episode. Ali is such an amazing host as well. First time watching a video on this channel and...it was worth the time spent.

[@HectorSaulify]

I got this feeling that this was more like a consulting session for Ali and his business than an actual interview of MKBHD... Nothing wrong with it I guess.

[@j.singer8461]

Marques is so intelligent - and wise too! I've been watching his channel for years. Incredible to sit hear and listen to him explain how he thinks things through. Very interesting and rational decision making process.

[@alisonzhang6162]

Something I’ve definitely appreciated about MKBHD- sponsors are far and few and definitely makes for a very focused channel. I love his videos for all consumer tech, so to the point and nothing distracting from the products

[@geekbabe100]

I like long form content , MKBHD helps me decide which pieces of tech I want to pick up. I love that he doesn’t post clickbait ❤

[@johnzhibai]

Mkbhd landed on an evergreen unburnoutable content + his charisma ,boom immortality

[@JustOrgil]

I feel lucky to live in a time where content like this are freely available 💯🔥🙏🏻

[@PokhrajRoy.]

MKBHD is just the best! He’s so cool! I loved his ‘Retro Tech’ series.

[@InspiredEvolution]

45:00 Doing Ali's PTYA Course Right now and came to this interview for some inspo - Marques sharing his process about First-Person Feel and How He Has Dot Points for what he wants to speak to in his veideo on his phone in his lap, Speaks to a Couple of them, then rinses and repeates - was my Greatest Takeaway here. Super helpful to gain this insight to Marques' process. Thank you so much Ali for a great Interview of someone who's content I love ! Thanks Marques :)

[@EdoardoTrullo]

I enjoyed each single seconds of this talk. You're both such inspiring creators!

[@ArindamBM]

Was looking forward to this from a long time. 2 of my fav creators together. Thanks Ali from making this happen 👍🏼👍🏼

[@icornflex]

Watched the whole podcast and I can say i learned a lot. Thank you both for the video

[@sumiranmaiskar]

This was so awesome! I love both of you, and have really enjoyed both of your channels for years now (event with your channel, I suspect it's been over two years since I started watching your videos now) and it's epic to see this conversation between two of the coolest people on KZbin in my (and several others') opinion! Great episode, Ali!

[@zarrinnahid448]

His way of thinking and approaching things is what I really like and appreciate about him. He is soo good :)

[@Bysisa]

I'm looking forward to this Collab. Can't wait!!!!!!

[@waleed9695]

This is going to be your most watched podcast video! Was waiting for this

[@fatemehrostamin6562]

Thanks Ali, it was awesome. The best episode ever.

[@suzanmaepe9778]

Wow this guy, he is so grounded and so down to earth. I honestly loved this conversation

[@paulspalette]

Really great interview - good to see his thought process. One of the most consistent in the game!

[@WilliamStrealy]

Thank you for this great interview!

[@DrZainMD]

Yo!! It’s so awesome to see y’all together! Awesome video man!

[@sbunchukov]

Amazing interview! Lots of genuine emotions and stories. So engaging!

[@soundscape26]

This was a great watch, thanks!

[@balasubramanianm.6207]

I think, this is one of the best Interview in the youtubers field. Thanks for both of them's efforts and contributions, all the best.

[@chinmaybehare]

Excellent video. I didn't know I was waiting for this video. Loved it.

[@marsgizmo]

Wonderful and inspiring podcast! 👏

[@KellyLira]

Thanks Ali and Marques for a great interview! I don’t watch Tech KZbin, but I’ve always admired Marques’ success. This interview made me appreciate him as a creator and a person even more!

[@Xcellons]

Wow, just wonderful. I have to stop and come back finish it. I just every question, and every answer. You guys are amazing.

[@dianankhoma3136]

The crossover I definitely needed!

[@soulimansherwan3926]

Two legend at the same time is a lot, thanks Ali and Marques

[@narudesigns]

As soon as I saw the thumbnail, I couldn't hesitate. Amazing content!

[@Bysisa]

My favourite timeline throughout this Collab was when Marquess respond on video analytics and retention curves. "How do you know if someone is a good basketball player" ....... designing a player from head to toe.... You're just killing it.

[@choixe]

Great interview ... i admire both of them. So this one is very special

[@vanessawilfrose]

The collab I never knew I needed 🤩🤩

[@CalicoCooperFan]

This was a solid interview. I completely appreciate the transparency.

[@GeorgeVlasyev]

Wow! Thank you guys so much! Such an insightful conversation! 🔥

[@nosychap]

This may be the most informative MKBHD video of all times. Ty.

[@the.quarter.life.crisis]

Loved listening to these Ali! Amazing work.

[@JoseGarcia-vr8mx]

This was an amazing interview. Thank you so much for putting it together for us 🙏

[@MyTimeToReinvent]

Great interview Ali, learnt so much about how MKBHD moves. A creative at heart.

[@supbrice]

This is really amazing and informative ❤️🔥🙏🏾

[@jobkiruhi259]

Great conversation. I enjoyed every minute of it.

[@Khordmaster]

This was extraordinary. One of the best podcasts I’ve listened to! Eventually I wanna have both of these two amazing talents on MY show. I’ll make it happen! Also what mic is MKBHD using there? Sounds so crisp! Lol

[@thequule]

Amazing podcast I really enjoyed every minute of the video, MKBHD is an amazing creator.

[@eseukey2057]

This was a good interview with Marques - I really liked the Q and A.

[@Luna-bn7ls]

53:40 this is why he's very successful. he's very open minded, passionate and knowledgeable

[@Officialenamoredmedia]

I’m glad I came across this video and your channel. Y’all should do a piece on creators just starting out too. That would be interesting. The money struggles, time constraints, just generally trying to figure everything out etc!

[@NellesTube]

So good. Thank you Ali 💫

[@sallymcmullin]

Wonderful conversation. You two provided clarity and validation on things I felt/feel as a creator. Love the genuineness! I also love the mindset of creating content that you would want to watch. That reminds me of Ralph Lauren saying he makes things thinking of him as the customer (paraphrased). Excellent conversation!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@thapelomatlwa9072]

This was awesome. One more subscriber added👏🏾

[@rose_clips]

In the years that I watch him, he always make videos that interests him and not because other successful people did it. He never really copy others. Good man, Marques.

[@oxygen76]

Two of the best KZbinrs ever together, Thanks Ali for the podcast 👌

[@juanbz]

Greata chat between the two of you. Thanks. Definitely food for though

[@nadeshkwakye]

Thank you so much for this video

[@itsjamesrush]

Ohhhhh I’m excited for this one!!!!

[@pradeepielts]

This is a wonderful podcast. Thank you Dr Ali and MKBHD for your valuable time and efforts. You guys are really inspirational!

[@fortniteistrash1150]

Are duo I never thought would happen but needed

[@ARFFWorld]

This is best YT creator content I have seen in a long time. 💎 after 💎 in this. Thank you

[@BSPoK]

MKBHD is so levelheaded and grounded it’s almost unreal! 😳.. aside from that great talk. I wish him to keep on being “happy”..

[@MannyWalks]

Such a wonderful & interesting interview 🔥

[@brm5682]

I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR LIKE SOOOO LONG 😂

[@cesar1404]

Weeeey!! Que chingon!!! Soy fan de los dos desde hace un chingo 😭😭😭

[@sa-hilll]

Awesome vid mate, I've learned alot!

[@peacefulkamalesh]

one of the most awaited Conversations

[@AfzalHussein]

Great conversation!

[@DupleixMbodah]

Always nice listening to MKBHD

[@elle8099]

never clicked so fast on a video. such a great interview. mkbhd is inspiring. 👏🏽

[@nazirmudasser1672]

same here 😄

[@razabadass]

Just reached this episode with Marques and first impressions wise I feel that this one could feel super for me so fingers crossed! Raza :)

[@mcmaschio]

First Arun , Sahil and mow Marques😍 This podcast is becoming a Godsend for us creators 🔥💯

[@travispoker]

one of the best content creators!

[@MAKPRESENTS]

Great podcast Ali Abdaal, MKBHD seems so down to earth and honest.

[@axlent123]

An absolutely great podcast! So much great info that I have never heard before! A great perspective! Plus, I really have not been familiar with Marcus at all, it was great to get to know him! I’m gonna have to go check out his channel! I know, I know, I’ve must’ve been under a rock for the last decade, lol!

[@MrZara]

GREAT interview!! I've also made a video about Marques, his story his incredible and very inspirational, keep it up ali!

[@GlobalStevie]

Epic interview. MKBHD is zen master of KZbin!

[@william.the.writer]

This is an episode worth repeating

[@bsant7]

I am truly baffled as to how this video doesn't have tens of thousands of views right now

[@MoaazAhmad]

Great interview, you asked a lot of great questions! I liked how you had watched a lot of his previous interviews and were prepared to ask the "deep" questions, although it's not your first time doing that, so no surprise. Did the interview help you make your decision on the studio vs small place, or how to think about the KZbin career? Would be interesting to know how the various interviews you've done have helped you in making changes. Cheers!

[@santoshdeshmukh3372]

Valuable podcast 💝✌️

[@KyleProhaska]

Great stuff. Subbed.

[@chandlerzerowong4359]

This shows 2 typical mindsets or values nowadays, Business (or benefit) driven VS Genuine Love (or tryna making good stuffs). Basically all your questions to Marques is about business, analytics, money. While his responses prove why he's honored all around the world. Because he loves and believes in what his doing, one example shows your differences more accurate, sometimes the best player in a team is not who gets the best analytics. This is a business drivener would never able to think of and think about.

[@skyabdig4893]

KZbin and MKBHD is like compatible I was following him almost 10 years MKBHD i’ve nothing but respect 🙏

[@AlexMacGregor]

Great interview!

[@ebukadev8277]

The collab we didn't know we needed😫😫😭😭

[@PistachioShoe8]

Constructive Criticism: try and allow guest to speak his mind don’t try and relay everything to yourself which I guess is hard to do but prod the guest into another topic without making most of it centred around one’s self. As much as I love learning from You Ali I want to hear the guests ideas more so, as opposed to each question gets answered twice not only from the guest but yourself. Everything else was really well comprised and the podcasts have gotten better! Keep at it!

[@theNICEorg]

Yes! This IS Conscious Entrepreneurship, great interview and channel thank you! Dr Kate x

[@TOPEBIGGIE]

Mkbhd is such a inspiration to me

[@saiiiii8683]

I haven’t finished it yet but damn bruh, this is absolutely lit!!!🔥🔥🔥 ijustine next please!!!

[@xmwalters]

I have never commented on a video before that I can remember. I think that the way the community replies is perfect

[@Methenavigator]

So good!!!!!

[@manojroy6596]

Ohhh...this is really really cool. Inspiration!

[@judymjumbe3671]

Great podcast Ali

[@anonymous-zv1jh]

Holy grail collab

[@HDBnB1]

Wish you were able to him live! That episode would have worthy for a trip to his studio!

[@Moses_57]

loved listening this :D one funny point was that somehow MKBHD's voice and video quality was miles ahead of Ali's. but it makes sense too ...i just found it funny :)

[@Did_U_Know..]

Amazing This and Mrwhosetheboss’s interview are the best in my opinion! (I have said that and I will say it again!)

[@BiteSized_]

I'm so excited- my skillshare teacher is interviewing my Masterclass Teacher