5 Years Full Time on Youtube | What I learned (Tips, Revenue, What I love & Hate, Filmmaking)

Check out Artlist and Get an extra 2 months on your subscription: bit.ly/2R176qn
Gear used to make this video: Key light : geni.us/sZhBgw6
Stand : geni.us/w1snxV
Tube : geni.us/cNRA
SoftBox : geni.us/6VUOb
Camera : geni.us/HMEyJmJ
Lens : geni.us/xYys
Mist Filter: geni.us/hGAQ
Mic : geni.us/Nk1e4E
iPad : geni.us/mNnLF
iPad Stand : amzn.to/2YEyQnj
Monitor geni.us/8ol86
🎨 Footage graded with Filmconvert. Get 10%: www.filmconver...
📖 My Freelance Documentary & Travel Cinematography E-Books and Mentoring Sessions: oftwolands-sho...
🎵 Music from Artlist : bit.ly/2R176qn
(Subscribe now and get an extra 2 months on your subscription)
✏️Animation and titles from Motion Array : motionarray.co...
For more than 5 years now I have been running this filmmaking channel and I have just passed 50,000 subscribers which is crazy so thank you so much!
And I thought it was a good time to make a video where I can share my experience, tips as well as my personal opinion on doing this as a business.
I will touch on the things I love about KZbin and I will even share my ad sense revenue just to be completely transparent with you.
But I also will discuss what I Hate about KZbin, especially when it comes to filmmaking and I will be brutally honest.
Hopefully this gives you a little more info if you are already looking into starting your own channel or a bit of motivation and inspiration to do it!
Let me know what you think and if you have any questions :)
Cheers,
Flo
0:56 - My KZbin Channel
1:15 - Why did I start KZbin?
2:37 - 10 Tips for your channel
8:24 - A quick word from our sponsor
10:15 - What I love about KZbin
13:14 - What I hate about KZbin
19:04 - Final thoughts
#KZbin #filmmaking #blackmagic
____________________________________
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate and B&H affiliate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. When you use these links you are supporting my work and my channel. Thank you :) !!
____________________________________
____________________________________
🎥 GEAR I USE:
Cinematic 6K Kit : kit.co/OfTwoLa...
KZbin Kit : kit.co/OfTwoLa...
Cinematic Travel Filmmaking Kit : kit.co/OfTwoLa...
6K / 12K Video Editing Kit: kit.co/OfTwoLa...
Cinematic Documentary Filmmaking Kit : kit.co/OfTwoLa...
Compact Cinema Rig Kit : kit.co/OfTwoLa...
Aerial Cinematic Kit : kit.co/OfTwoLa...
Vintage Cinematic BMPCC4K Kit : kit.co/OfTwoLa...
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. When you use these links you are supporting my work and my channel. Thank you :) !!
____________________________________
🎵Where I get my MUSIC : bit.ly/2R176qn
(Subscribe now and get an extra 2 months on your subscription)
artlist.io/col...
🎨 Graded with FilmConvert.
Get 10% off : www.filmconver...
✏️Titles from Motion Array : motionarray.co...
____________________________________
SMALLRIG gear : tinyurl.com/yn...
WANDRD bags : shareasale.com...
____________________________________
____________________________________
📖 Freelance Documentary Filmmaking & Travel Cinematography E-Books & Mentoring Sessions : oftwolands-sho...
📺 To license footage go to : filmsupply.sjv...
🖼 PRINT SHOP : oftwolands-sho...
____________________________________
📷 INSTAGRAM : / oftwolands
🖥 WEBSITE : www.oftwolands...

[@OfTwoLands]

What are your thoughts about filmmaking on KZbin? And do you plan to or already have a channel? Thanks again for 50K and your ongoing support! Cheers, Flo

[@westwoodmanorfilms7779]

Flo, your cons listed really pointed out why you are one of the few on youtube, whose opinion I value. It does feel like you are authentic and honest in your videos. And it never feels like you are talking down to the audience or throwing hot takes just to obtain clicks. And I appreciate it. So thank you.

[@OfTwoLands]

☺️🙏 Thank you!!

[@collinausbury]

Really appreciate your honest candor on this subject. I've seen and been frustrated with similar things- ie. the clickbait and the camera reviews where the reviewer received the gear that same day. I've seen the same titles posted over and over again. And the most confusing (and equally, somewhat tempting) part is that these folks have massive followings. I've admired that you stay yourself, and you have for the last several years I've been following you. Sometimes we creators don't notice but we're being molded to create a certain way that "works". But as the internet and KZbin shows time and time again, it swings the other way. More reason to be yourself through and through. Thanks for all the value you've brought to us thus far. Congrats on that 50k!

[@OfTwoLands]

Thanks for taking the time to watch it and also for the kind feedback! It’s not always easy to navigate the KZbin space especially when it comes to filmmaking these days! Quality, valuable and genuine content should always come first but it’s rarely the case unfortunately.

[@chiggedycheckyoself]

And that’s why I love your channel. Calm, collected, great information, no fluff, no clickbait, beautiful b-roll, more in line with my own personality. Probably sounds weird but I like watching videos of people who are nice, authentic and honest. Thank you for your videos!

[@OfTwoLands]

Thank you for the kind feedback and for taking the time to watch it :)

[@jolyoncox]

Thank you, Flo. Congrats on 50K. Now eagerly awaiting your DZO Arles review! Thanks for all your beautiful work here on YT.

[@OfTwoLands]

Thanks mate! Working on the review as we speak and it should be live early July :)

[@collinausbury]

@@OfTwoLands I second this. Will look forward to this.

[@DesignedbyKirk]

Congratulations Flo! You’re a big reason to what got me into Blackmagic Cameras in the first place, like many. Will always enjoy watching your videos and work

[@OfTwoLands]

Thanks so much mate!! Means a lot coming from you ☺️👊

[@andrewg6031]

i love your videos. i'm going to be launching my own youtube channel in a few weeks using the blackmagic ff!

[@OfTwoLands]

Thank you and good luck!! Hopefully this videos helps :)

[@ShugoAkatsuka]

I always watch and support you from Japan.

[@OfTwoLands]

Much appreciated 🙏☺️

[@NatesFilmTutorials]

Congrats bro! It’s no easy task to remain consistent on this platform!

[@OfTwoLands]

Thank you 🙏 Sure isn’t 😅

[@darylswalker]

Love this video dude! I think I must have watched your Antarctica videos religiously when I was heading out there...The ending is spot on too. More honest, less click bait KZbinrs like yourself :)

[@OfTwoLands]

Thank you mate!! Can’t believe it’s been 4 years since that adventure haha 🇦🇶

[@pasegers]

great video ! about the clickbate youtubers , i start unsubscribe to almost all off them ( those that you describe 😉 ) , thank you !

[@OfTwoLands]

Thank you!! Yeah it gets a bit much sometimes with those silly thumbnails and titles 😅

[@pasegers]

@@OfTwoLands exactly !

[@TheCuriousOtters]

Flo, I just wanted to thank you both for your inspiring artistry (I discovered your channel through your wonderful documentaries about your grandfather) and your authenticity, which is one of the things I most value and encourage in others. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there, accept that you can't please everyone, and follow what you love. Thank you for inspiring by example!

[@OfTwoLands]

Thanks for the kind words and support!!

[@vanzetti7]

Love your channel mate - you have been a big help to me since your BMPCC OG video days. I love watching a lot of camera reviews - and it's amazing how many of them can't take a decent photo or video to save their life. I don't want to name names but a lot of the big ones are so technical but have 0 composition skills or any sense of design. It's so bizarre especially from people who have so much enthusiasm for the technology. I don't put you in this pool of course - I think you make beautiful work.

[@OfTwoLands]

Thank you mate!! I appreciate the kind words. And yeah haha, YT is a funny place. Unfortunately there are so many channels like those!

[@StartBuildingYourDreams]

It’s taken almost 4 years to reach 2K Subs. It’s not as easy as everyone thinks. Love the honesty in your videos. 50K is a huge achievement. I enjoy learning and making videos. I have gone through burnout periods too or just times where I haven’t been able to dedicate the time to production. It’s truly like having a second job that you really don’t get paid for, so like you said, you have to truly enjoy it. Great video!

[@OfTwoLands]

Congrats on 2K and thank you!! And yes, at the start it feels like a second job on top for sure. I feel lucky that I have been able to turn it into my main one :)

[@ZachChmael]

4 years to reach 1k 😅. Congrats on 50k flo! Have loved your channel since early days. The point about consistency in content is so key, have learned that the hard way

[@OfTwoLands]

Thank you and congrats on 1K 👊 It’s still 1000 people following your work mate!

[@aerofliteimagesnproduction1804]

Hi Flo... this is why i always watch also recommend your channel to everyone i talk to. Excellent info given with the experience that comes from use of the equipment... Congrats... Thanks for all the hard work, please keep it up...

[@OfTwoLands]

Thank you!! Really appreciate it 🙏

[@FireLiteCreations]

Congrats on your 50k subs! 🎉 I really like your personal values and approach to gear reviews. You are building your channel the honest way... the way it should be done!

[@OfTwoLands]

Thank you so much!!

[@dougfranckwolf]

Been with you since almost the start, and you deserve all the success you have achieved. Hope 100k comes twice as fast. Don't forget to enjoy the ride.

[@OfTwoLands]

Very kind of you to say, thank you!!

[@dollhausenx]

Yeah, right. I know that right now you're sipping champagne on your private jet that says Blackmagic Design on it as you fly across the globe to China where a team of factory workers getting 2 euros a day is cranking out your content. Taking a page out of Apple's handbook. Seriously, though, as a 10 year Blackmagic veteran I've been watching your content since the beginning and it's been cool to watch because you are the antithesis of everything that is bad about youtube. Your content is amazingly consistent and the quality is so high. There are a ton of reviewers out there where we really have no idea what they do other than review stuff. Most of what they post is snippets to show "dynamic range" or whatever. You actually post videos worth watching just for their own sake, that exist for what you artistically want to say and not just to show off gear. I started watching because of my interest in Blackmagic but I imagine that if you switched to Sony I wouldn't notice because of the talent that goes in to the work. And that's what matters. Thanks for the insights and transparencies into the youtube eco-system.

[@OfTwoLands]

Haha that first section made me laugh! Thank you for the kind feedback, I really appreciate it and it means a lot to me 🙏 It’s quite frustrating to see what’s happening in the filmmaking sphere on KZbin from some creators. We all have to play the KZbin game if we want to succeed but it feels more and more cringey and dishonest sadly. Private jet doesn’t sound bad though 😂

[@cinematools9621]

Congratulations on the success! I appreciate the honest and genuine approach in your videos. And you hit it on the nail with the general trends on KZbin. "This camera changes everything!!!" and "Why I'm switching from whatever to whatever" got super old pretty fast. I understand that those things work and people click on them but to me, it shows a lack of respect for the audience.

[@OfTwoLands]

Thank you!! Yeah, getting really bored and sick of these thumbnails!

[@pdboudreau]

Congratulations Flo! I've been a subscriber for years and all that time I wondered why you weren't a much larger channel than you are. Your content is amazing and your work is gorgeous!

[@OfTwoLands]

Thanks so much mate, means a lot 🙏 I really appreciate the support!

[@ansenvideoproduction]

You deserve well more than 50.000 followers! You've been sharing top quality content, among the best KZbin creators. 💪🏻👏🏻🎥♥️🙏🏻

[@OfTwoLands]

Thanks a lot for the kind words !! 🙏🏻

[@johnyasunaga]

Congratulations! Your comments are spot on. Keep doing what you do and the way you've been doing it.

[@OfTwoLands]

Thank you mate!! 🙏

[@JaysonBates-ElectrumFinancial]

I have followed you for a long time and love the work you do. )I also follow you on vimeo BTW) I love the honesty in this video and agree with you on all the click bait and stupid faces 🤮 Keep up the great work!

[@OfTwoLands]

Thanks for the support mate! And yeah some thumbnails on KZbin are just cringe 😅

[@nerminramadani786]

I am very rarely leave comments, but this video deserves it. As a filmmaker and colleague i appreciate your work and style. Keep going my dear friend.

[@OfTwoLands]

Thank you mate, I appreciate it 🙏

[@design_ref4215]

You are fantastic filmmaker. Please keep going :)

[@OfTwoLands]

@@design_ref4215 thanks so much 🙏

[@ashley.caldwelldp]

I love so much about this video! Have been following for quite a while and always love your videos. It's a great, genuine source of great info and is engaging and easy to watch. Keep up the great work and thanks for all that you do!

[@OfTwoLands]

Really happy to read this, thank you for the positive feedback and support :) !!

[@SpaceGhostNZ]

Great video! So you make 500 a month from yt adsense. Obviously thats not enough to live one, how much do you make from soonsors do you mind me asking?

[@OfTwoLands]

Thanks!! When it comes to sponsors it varies in terms of the type and time needed. I always make sure to charge at least 2 days of editing and for reviews I add a least 1 day of shooting. It all depends on the rates too. I prefer not to disclose actual amounts because they are still commercial projects but my answer should give you a ballpark :).

[@benlawford594]

Flo I love your work just the way you are never change! your honest and grounded advice and reviews is why I can trust your videos.

[@OfTwoLands]

Thanks so much for the kind words mate!!

[@waeldh]

Going right now to watch that first video 😈 congrats on your 50k. Your work is inspiring ❤❤❤

[@OfTwoLands]

Haha thank you 🙏☺️

[@calebgrahamfilms]

Cool to hear your story mate! I just started posting videos in the last few months, so enjoyed hearing how its been for you over 5 years. Congrats on the Subs and the body of work!

[@OfTwoLands]

Thank you!! And good luck too ☺️

[@jeremibren5565]

Congratulations 50k n more coming

[@OfTwoLands]

Thank you!!

[@theohgeephotochronicles9888]

As a supporter of this channel, this was the motivation that I needed.

[@OfTwoLands]

Thank you!!

[@TwangThang57]

Really appreciate you honesty and transparency !!

[@OfTwoLands]

Glad you do, thank you!!

[@TheContentShak]

Congrats on your 50+ subs! Your content is fantastic!

[@OfTwoLands]

Thank you ☺️🙏

[@urartcray]

I value your opinion because you are honest and a top level creator that inspire to get to one day. Thank you for your time

[@OfTwoLands]

Thank you for watching this one and for your support 🙏

[@sebastienbocle8626]

Salut ! Félicitations. À quand une vidéo en français ? ;)

[@OfTwoLands]

Merci 🙏 Haha pas pour le moment j’ai bien peur! L’anglais est beaucoup plus simple pour la majorité de mon audience, mes partenaires et moi même ☺️

[@madebyams]

Congrats on 50K, so proud of you 👏🏻😍 And that voiceover feature seems pretty neat by the way!

[@OfTwoLands]

Thanks so much ☺️😘🙏, couldn’t have done it without you! And yes, super handy!!

[@fletcheraerialsolutions]

Love the honesty! Keep doing you, look forward to more of your work!

[@OfTwoLands]

Thanks so much 🙏

[@curtdp]

As a non-English speaker, doing my own voiceovers is challenging. However, I find that my voiceovers are more natural with my mistakes and accent than using AI voices. As a viewer, I also appreciate the hard work of a creator more than listening to AI, as it builds more trust. AI voiceovers can work, especially for instructional content. However, a natural voiceover, even if not perfect, builds more engagement and trust.

[@curtdp]

But the final argument about testing tones and cadences is great! And congratulations with your achievement of 50K subscribers.

[@OfTwoLands]

Thank you mate!!

[@johnmilner0859]

As I have said before, your film making skills in my opinion are excellent. Watching this video, I was wondering how you view KZbin against Vimeo as I see you have a channel there too? The other thing I would be interested in your view on intrusive KZbin ads. I fully understand that it provides some income for your work which is absolutely right. Personally I don’t mind ads at the beginning or end but I noticed the last couple of films had sudden ads in the film itself, which in my view ruins the whole experience of watching such excellent work. What do you think?

[@OfTwoLands]

Thank you!! Basically I use KZbin for growth, partnerships and views. I keep Vimeo for portfolio and to have the best quality when needed like festivals and pitching. When it comes to ads sometimes you actually don't have a choice. For example I never choose to not put ads in the middle of my documentary or short film work, even travel. And when I do put ads through the video, I only use half or less than what YT recommends and make sure it is always on titles or between sections to keep the viewing experience as pleasant as possible. That being said, youtube sometimes can override that and add ads or even move them.

[@johnmilner0859]

@@OfTwoLands I thought KZbin might have a hand in it. 👍

[@HingLaw]

Congratulations for having reached a major milestone with your channel. In advertising, one rule, if not a golden rule, to follow is: Never accuse your customers/clients ... In KZbin, that may turn into: Never look down on your viewers. Generally, I steer away from videos bearing a title sounding the creator is holier than the other mortal souls. There are tremendous amount of neat, helpful contents around KZbin and the Net that we don't need to go along with those very pedantic ones. Another turn off may be a title bearing the word "epic" but that's another story. What we find here are contents bearing the sense of sincerity we can relate to. Thanks so much for all your efforts.

[@OfTwoLands]

Thanks for taking the time to watch it and the positive feedback!!

[@HingLaw]

@@OfTwoLands Well, I believe you put upfront quite a few thoughtful and useful ideas in video that we need to watch more than again, maybe, and again …

[@GaspardBettinger]

Bravo pour tout ton travail c’est mérité !

[@OfTwoLands]

Merci beaucoup 🙏☺️

[@pipspilot4099]

Congratulations 🎊 Brother 🫂

[@OfTwoLands]

Thanks 🙏🙏

[@GabrielJThomas]

I'm glad you have integrity and stay true to who you are. The pros and cons are all on point! I left behind a large channel and started over again which is daunting, but also exciting. I love the opportunity we have to create work and share it with an audience so that keeps me going. Great video and thanks for your honesty.

[@OfTwoLands]

Thanks for taking the time to watch it! KZbin isn’t easy but it’s worth it☺️ Starting fresh is tempting , was thinking of doing another channel just to get that initial feeling!

[@GabrielJThomas]

@@OfTwoLands of course, I always enjoy your work! Its definitely not easy that is for sure. If you decide to take on another channel, you at least have the advantage of understanding how KZbin works. Your experience on this platform is invaluable. I would subscribe for sure if you started a new one, you are one of the few authentic ones👊

[@MattheoParker]

Hi Flo. Congrats on the 50k subs and thank you for the valuable advice again, as always. I really learned a lot from you in the last months and I'm now feeling confident enough to start shooting and even starting a YT channel. At what point were you able to support yourself from YT and sponsors? And would you advise to pitch them early?

[@2ofusjust]

Good on you for saying your truth 👍

[@OfTwoLands]

🙏☺️

[@quinnim817]

Flo, as someone who loves photography, videography and especially gear, you are one of the authentic personalities on KZbin that I highly respect in terms of their opinion and thoughts. Keep doing what you are doing, I really appreciate your work and enjoy seeing your videos!

[@OfTwoLands]

Thanks so much for the kind words, means a lot 🙏🙏

[@HEMIRACineLenses]

Congrats!

[@OfTwoLands]

@@HEMIRACineLenses ☺️🙏

[@fabiomorich]

Great video with a lot of helpful advice. KZbin is challenging. I've been creating videos for my channel for the past four years, putting in a lot of effort and time. Despite having fewer than 3k subscribers, it doesn't matter. As you mentioned, as long as there is passion, honesty, and authenticity, something will happen. Consistency is really tough, but as you advised, don't put too much pressure on yourself and trust the process. In the end, you'll always learn something new, and that's the most valuable lesson. Thank you, Florent, your content is truly valuable, and CONGRATULATIONS for the 50 K 🎉

[@OfTwoLands]

I really appreciate you taking the time to comment and watch! KZbin is a tricky one but can be super fun as well. Congrats on your channel, keep it up!!

[@alexedwards1612]

Congrats on 50k mate. Have loved watching your channel grow and really enjoy the content you put out - both film making and travel. I was heavily influenced by your vids before I bought my 6K Pro a few years ago and never looked back. Looking forward to everything that comes next!

[@OfTwoLands]

Thank you mate, I really appreciate the kind words!! Happy filming :)

[@robdomeart]

This video is a rare gem. Congrats on 50k. Creating KZbin content is not a walk in the park, and aside from the time and money invested without any guaranteed results, sometimes you end up fighting with other factors outside of your control like your video not getting any impressions or engagement etc. which can also be disheartening at times. Love your content 🙂

[@OfTwoLands]

Thanks very much!! :) And yes, its not just about quality/useful content unfortunately, like most things these days I guess.

[@ExtremelySimplified]

Congratulations on 50K subscribers! I just like the vibes of your videos so much.

[@OfTwoLands]

Thanks so much for the kind words!! Happy to hear :)

[@martinekwall4671]

Great video. Great channel you have created!I like that you’re being yourself and straight to the point with aesthetics. I like your mix of filmmaking and gear reviews , it’s good for me. And I actually do like to hear where people are from with their accent. Please continue with your work. 👍😃🤗

[@OfTwoLands]

Thank you for taking the time to watch it and for the positive feedback :)

[@tarekstatico]

Out of everyone I follow, I look forward to your content the most, for many of the reasons you've highlighted here. And this is the only channel I ever write comments on because you actually read them. Happy to call you a friend and mentor. Thank you for all the great coaching calls, awesome videos and congratulations on 50k!

[@OfTwoLands]

Thanks so much for the kind words mate, really means a lot! You’re a perfect example when I talk about the community and meeting new people. Hope you’re well! Cheers 👊

[@adamsipione]

Appreciate all your hard work on the platform❤ Have been following you for a while and you seem like such a genuine dude.

[@OfTwoLands]

I appreciate the kind words man, thank you 🙏

[@kheankimhong]

😊😊😊😊❤❤❤

[@OfTwoLands]

☺️🙏