storytelling is easy. here's how

Storytelling on KZbin is so different than storytelling anywhere else. We can't approach storytelling as if we were writing a novel or a movie. Even though it's different, it can be SO SIMPLE. In this video we break it down for you.
Inspiration/examples taken from ‪@ColinandSamir‬ ‪@MrBeast‬ ‪@mkbhd‬
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#youtube #growonyoutube #contentcreator #storytelling #scriptwriting
Project 24 is our membership program that teaches you how to work toward replacing your current income with income from KZbin channels and websites in 24 months.
Project 24 is a product of Income School LLC. Results mentioned are not typical. The trademark “Project 24” refers to the goal of some people to create a successful business in 24 months, but is not a promise or guarantee of that success. Many online businesses fail because, like any business, it requires hard work, skill, and dedication. Before making business decisions, consult financial and legal professionals licensed in your jurisdiction.

[@ChannelMakers]

Dislike Counter: 54 (Updated June 2024) This one is a big one. Let us know what part stood out the most! :) Fun fact: The RGB light dying while taking about unplanned mistakes was completely unplanned.😂

[@selbermachenguru]

The first part, everyone keeps telling me I should write a script about my DIY process, BUT I am a spontaneous artist so I never know how the process will be. With your advice it all makes sense. THANK you!

[@AikenAdventures]

How many immediately came here to check for this comment?

[@nataliesweet-cw6cr]

Well we know who ONE of those dislikes is... Lol. For me, this was a good video, great reminder of leaving in the imperfections to make relatable

[@joyfultrails]

I review bike trails. Last weekend there was a horrible lack of maps and wayfinding signs on the trail I'd chosen. Had to ask strangers for directions twice. Almost missed riding across an iconic bridge. Found it with daylight running out. "The Quest for the Alcoa Pedestrian Bridge" became the story. And I didn't have to make up anything!

[@ChannelMakers]

Thanks for sharing your experience! A lot of times there is a story in what we're filming, but it's difficult to identify what those things are. - Nathan

[@WambuiMadeIt]

This is definitely inspiring. Wasn't going to make a video today - but now, I can't wait to film one. Makes me rethink my videos and how they can be more interesting. Going to re-watch this again. Thanks!🌸

[@ChannelMakers]

Woohoo! This is awesome! You've got this!

[@TheBradfords]

Same how I feel. I was kinda getting down on myself. I am trying too hard to make my content perfect and I cut all the crazy stuff. I'm going to try and stop doing that. I got to make some changes whatever I'm doing isn't working.

[@johnzoid74]

high quality stuff here- been a while since my notifs went off for you guys although I don’t think it was good to unlist all of Nate’s stuff. Primary audience was driven from his character- those viewers might be bummed. hard balance - either way good work on the vid.

[@ChannelMakers]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it! The decision to unlist the old videos was a difficult one. Painful for the viewers, and painful for us to lose a large library of content. That said, unlisting the old videos was part of Darrel Eves' Pivoting Strategy and it has made a big difference so far. We plan to share the results (positive and negative) to hopefully benefit anyone watching who wants to pivot their own channel.

[@hattie.waltermire]

I agree that overall story arc over several videos is one of the best tips. I've started putting little snippets or a split second screen shot of a little secret/Easter egg near the end of my videos. Most people probably don't even notice it, but I notice it. The Bucket List Family is really good at not announcing news right away but getting people excited to find out where they'll travel to next, etc.

[@ChannelMakers]

Great example! I'm a big bucket list family fan :) -Nathan

[@MikeShawTV]

I used to be a TV reporter. When I was the weatherguy I would do a couple feature stories a week. Part of what you explained describes my process back in the day perfectly. When you go out on your story you have an idea of what the story is, but it's not until you get there, do the interviews, start shooting, does the story emerge. My job was do a good job creatively so the viewer would get all the feels when they watched it later at the end of the news. I started a new weather channel @theweathermike and need to slow down and let my personality out more like I did back in the TV days. Really good job you guys!

[@ChannelMakers]

Love it!

[@MyMiniHomeWorkshop]

I don't script any of my videos but do think long and hard about what I want to say beforehand. I make machining videos and if I stuff up, break a threading tap or something, I leave that in, even highlight it at times. I have had viewers comment that they like that I leave that stuff in because it makes them feel better that they also do stupid stuff sometimes.

[@bossitlive]

Agree! Storytelling isn't just about a perfect script, it's letting things happen. That's why I like live videos more than recorded ones.😄

[@LifeChatsWithDiane]

I do storytelling in almost all my videos. Just haven't hit the mark with any of them. I'm real with my viewers, no editing raw content, and 1 take videos, so yes, from time to time, there are mistakes.

[@nataliesweet-cw6cr]

I watched some of your latest video. May I suggest staying your video with a gripping story? I don't know, might grab attention

[@AikenAdventures]

This is something that we have been expanding on in our own content. Oftentimes when things aren’t going as planned on our adventure day, I usually start trying to formulate in my mind how to steer the situation and because I’m focused on adjusting the plan, I didn’t think of shading those details, but we’ve been trying to learn how to share the process of resolving these situations.

[@thestandoutpodcast]

I love this, mainly the importance of connecting with your audience emotionally, it really resonated with me. Thank you for demystifying the art of storytelling.

[@ChannelMakers]

Yay! I'm glad! :) Emotional connection is so important! - Nathan

[@MagicMitch]

Very much enjoyed the "you're investigating" angle mentioned. Sometimes the stage can only be set to a certain degree, and you have to adapt and roll with however things unfold. 🌟😁👍🌟

[@ChannelMakers]

Great point! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@DiabeticGameGuy]

Thanks for sharing this. I haven't heard much about story telling before.

[@ChannelMakers]

You're welcome! :) -Nathan

[@AIKnowledge2Go]

Your teachings are a treasure trove of knowledge, captivating not only through the lessons themselves but also through your engaging presentation style. Phrases like "This might not make sense now, but trust me, it will soon" keep us hooked, eager to see the unfolding mystery. Will definitely use some of this in my production process.

[@OldBondoBilly]

I’m holding back a little on content because it seems to be the off season for my niche. It took me like 1300 subscribers to go from 217K to 218K. Did YT ramp up dumping inactive accounts or something? 😗😗

[@shoppingonchampagne]

This video is exactly what I needed to hear! I will be rewatching this video to get down better storytelling. THANK YOU! 🤩

[@back2thenature2]

Summary of Key Points: 1. Traditional storytelling elements like plot lines, story arcs, and character arcs learned in school don't necessarily translate well to storytelling on KZbin. 2. Starting the recording process early allows for capturing unexpected moments that can become integral to the story. 3. Adding variables or allowing for spontaneity in videos can enhance storytelling by creating opportunities for interesting content. 4. Embracing mistakes, failures, or unexpected events in videos can make the content more relatable and engaging. 5. Storytelling on KZbin involves investigating and identifying the best moments from recorded footage rather than constructing a narrative from scratch. 6. Reviewing footage helps in identifying high and low points, fast and slow moments, and other elements that contribute to the story. 7. Editing involves embellishing and dramatizing the right moments to enhance the storytelling aspect of the video. 8. Emphasizing certain parts of the story in the edit doesn't mean fabricating drama but rather choosing what to highlight for maximum impact. 9. Storytelling on KZbin is about bringing together the best pieces of the story to convey the experience to the audience. 10. The goal is to engage viewers by providing a glimpse into the creator's journey, capturing both the highs and lows in an artful manner.

[@Thatbullhim]

I’m sorry only watched the intro “Plot lines “ and “character arcs” Do work 😂😂😂 Just look at what MrBeast has been doing recently

[@ChannelMakers]

It's all good, it's just that 99% of us on KZbin aren't near the caliber of Mr. Beast :) Watch the rest, then tell us what you think. 👀

[@Thatbullhim]

@@ChannelMakers I finished the video. 🤔 I agree with most of your points but my point is the “old fashioned” storytelling works but must be adapted for KZbin Maybe MrBeast was the wrong example cuz ppl just think about the spectacle He’s focused on character development Person has problem, we see how it affects them, they change

[@ChannelMakers]

@@Thatbullhim That makes sense! I actually agree with you. When I watched a bunch of other vids about storytelling on YT, they didn't seem to craft their info for KZbinrs at all, it seems like they only focused on the "old fashioned" storytelling points. We hoped that our video would be a little more practical and applicable for people just getting started on YT.

[@RossetBespokeButlers]

@@ChannelMakers I am sorry but to me that is like saying Quentin Tarantino is not as good as Martin Scorsese so he might as well not bother with a story-line. I am happy to admit that I am obviously no MrBeast although to be honest I would rather be like Casey Neistat (I am also nothing like as good as him) but I will still do my best with my small channel to give my viewers the best value. I try to as much as possible use good story telling record my own b'roll and be authentic. I don't always manage it but that is my intention.

[@ChannelMakers]

@@RossetBespokeButlers That's not quite what I meant, but I get your point. That aside, I just took a peek at your channel and it looks like you're doing some good story telling! Very cool channel!

[@WavedancerWesterlyfulmar]

I did a series of “educational content “ for sailing. I did research, hand made charts and paper boat because I’m not technically proficient enough to do graphic stuff. I wrote a script on paper stuck to side of wardrobe so I could read it and sound like I know what I was talking about. Even with everything planned out I had to record & re-record SO MUCH. I get tongue tied when the record begins

[@KimHelm]

Reading comments such a varied response. Ppl get different things or nothing from all vids.

[@ChannelMakers]

It is so interesting!

[@grantchatter]

I’m sorry, but I couldn’t get past the recurring title slide with the same typo. It became the story arc for me.

[@ChannelMakers]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@TheInBetweenTales]

Great stuff guys! Our channel is primarily story-based, but I'm trying to find ways to mix in more of myself into our stories and topics, so my viewers can get to know me as a person more. It's not easy. lol

[@ChannelMakers]

It is hard to do but so worth it!

[@lys_is_me]

I'm a bit late but I'm bringing the last few CM videos. Such valuable information for content creators by far. I've been doing some social media management on Instagram, so I've had my hands full. 😊❤

[@ChannelMakers]

Welcome back! :) How are things on Instagram these days?

[@3amnightmares]

I clearly need to work on my storytelling. My retention stinks. My channel is faceless horror stories and true crime. Need to continue improving

[@ElnaWrites]

Great actionable tips for storytelling. My channel is a talking head educational channel but I try to add more personal ideas or video topics and lifestyle when I can. I feel that does add to my overall storytelling arch of my channel...I'm becoming less of a teacher and more of a person like my viewers.

[@ChannelMakers]

Getting out of "teaching mode" can be so hard. Good for you!

[@denalidtx]

I down-voted, and here's why. I've been researching this exact topic for months now. I'm not going to claim that I'm good at storytelling, but I've watched and read a lot of material about it. The single hardest part of storytelling for me is understanding what the story really is. You touched on this, especially with the parts about the stories that emerge from failure. You also mentioned the discussion about tech channels and their stories. All good, but how do you take a normal, successful activity and make it into a story? Or how do you move from "story-telling elements" to a complete narrative? Without that foundation, other techniques like varying the pace and tone won't help much. Based on that, I would say that your vid is a great place to start for folks who haven't quite figured out how storytelling works for their content. But you could go further and give more specific examples for developing a story in different genres, and that would take this discussion to the next level.

[@ChannelMakers]

Wow! Thanks for the great feedback!! I really appreciate your attention to detail! - Nathan

[@denalidtx]

@@ChannelMakers I'm glad y'all are talking about this, and I'd love to see a part 2. 😁

[@clusmanfamily1155]

A new channel that rolls with the variables really well is the mommy vlog by Meredith Bult. If anyone wants to see some examples.

[@LyonsDenFarm]

natural occurances will seperate ai made content from authentic creators. embrace mistakes, but don't glorify them. emphasis can be subtle and add loads of interest to the creation

[@ChannelMakers]

So true!

[@TheBradfords]

I defientyl try to make my stuff perfect and when it doesnt i dont post it. Thanks for this. Which all my content pretty much sucks right now Lol

[@ChannelMakers]

You've got this! -Nathan

[@TheBradfords]

@ChannelMakers eekk Nathan you wrote me back. I truly appreciate it and ALL the hours you put into teaching us. All the guys on channel makers and your channel tips!

[@ChannelMakers]

@@TheBradfords That's so nice of you! :) We really appreciate all feedback, but to hear that our videos are actually helping people really motivates us! :)

[@AncientCityCraftworks]

I must agree this is the best video on storytelling. I found the video useful but I had a hard time seeing where you were going with it. I struggled to find a cohesive message.

[@ChannelMakers]

Another commenter left this summary I thought was super helpful! Summary of main points: Traditional storytelling elements like plot lines, story arcs, and character arcs learned in school don't necessarily translate well to storytelling on KZbin. 2. Starting the recording process early allows for capturing unexpected moments that can become integral to the story. 3. Adding variables or allowing for spontaneity in videos can enhance storytelling by creating opportunities for interesting content. 4. Embracing mistakes, failures, or unexpected events in videos can make the content more relatable and engaging. 5. Storytelling on KZbin involves investigating and identifying the best moments from recorded footage rather than constructing a narrative from scratch. 6. Reviewing footage helps in identifying high and low points, fast and slow moments, and other elements that contribute to the story. 7. Editing involves embellishing and dramatizing the right moments to enhance the storytelling aspect of the video. 8. Emphasizing certain parts of the story in the edit doesn't mean fabricating drama but rather choosing what to highlight for maximum impact. 9. Storytelling on KZbin is about bringing together the best pieces of the story to convey the experience to the audience. 10. The goal is to engage viewers by providing a glimpse into the creator's journey, capturing both the highs and lows in an artful manner.

[@weeklyfascination]

Some of the best moments in my videos happened spontaneously when filming.

[@loanalacy4701]

Very helpful. QUESTION is that the New River Gorge bridge in WV in your background?

[@ChannelMakers]

I'm glad! To be honest, I'm not sure what bridge that is! :)

[@courtclimbs]

Pretty sure it is the NRG bridge, definitely looks like it

[@loanalacy4701]

Yes pretty sure as well! I grew up near there and my Dads property overlooks the Gorge not far from there! ♥️

[@DivyNisar2604]

0:34 Just Curious! when you said the line 'Just give it a like', the like & Dislike buttons on my desktop gave a small animation Can we also implement this on our videos?

[@ChannelMakers]

That is a new KZbin feature! It should work on your channel!

[@nataliesweet-cw6cr]

I like this new setup, do you guys work together off camera in same office also?

[@ChannelMakers]

Thanks! We are working out a few aspects, but like how it's coming together. And yes, we all work in the same office. Right now Julia and I are primary hosts on Channel Makers, and Cody edits most of our videos. I would say that is the core Channel Makers team at this point. There are other's here working on other channels, like Income School and Ricky's Project Doubletime, as well as websites we build for passive income. :) We kind of dabble in a lot of Internet Media marketing. :) - Nathan

[@urbanharvestdfw]

Ive recently started this for my videos

[@ChannelMakers]

Awesome! It has made such a big difference for us! Good luck!

[@urbanharvestdfw]

@@ChannelMakers so far it hasn't really panned out yet. I primarily did it because I wanted to set my gardening content apart from all the others

[@ChannelMakers]

@@urbanharvestdfw It's ok, I think there's usually some trial and error before you find the balance that works on your channel.

[@juansalterego]

I have started hitting record and just rolling with it and have captured great video ideas from unexpected places and some pretty viral shorts and tik toks on my podcast and couples pages.

[@ChannelMakers]

That's awesome!

[@PawFromTheBroons]

0:45 Step One should be proofreading, really. 😆

[@ChannelMakers]

Oops typo :)

[@PawFromTheBroons]

@@ChannelMakers They drive engagement. Cunningham's Law, people can't resist pointing out errors. It goes so far that some people advise putting a wrong date or something, to spur some comments.

[@ChannelMakers]

@@PawFromTheBroons You are totally right!

[@RickyKesler]

It’s possible we’ve done that on purpose before… It’s possible we’ve done that many times actually 😅 It’s also likely we’ve done it totally accidentally 😂 and it totally does drive engagement. Don’t be afraid to be imperfect! Love it!

[@PawFromTheBroons]

@@RickyKesler I've been living 24/7 inside a 56 years old French guy, I wouldn't know how not to be imperfect.

[@RossetBespokeButlers]

I respectfully disagree, I think you still need to create a 3 act narrative exactly as you should when writing a book or screenplay. Act 1) set the scene "I need to do X but what am I going to do, how am I going to do it?" Act 2) Confrontation, You are trying to do X but oh no Y has happend, what are you going to do now? Act 3) Climax and resolution. Maybe you managed X or maybe you did something totally different Let's call it Z. I agree that you do not need to stage it but it needs to come together in the edit.

[@ChannelMakers]

I appreciate your thoughtful response! Thank you! - Nathan

[@DanBelsky_Health_Money_Love]

Love❤ your video energy and entrepreneurial insights/Story. I would like to contact you in the near future to do a collab and see if we both can profit from this entrepreneurship. Thank you. 🙏Dan Belsky

[@ReapersHorror]

I don't see how this would apply to many faceless channels where the main focus is telling a fictional story. In some cases it is like a painting, highly polished and trying not to show flaws. I think that would be the complete opposite of the idea expressed in this video.

[@ChannelMakers]

True, if you're going for perfect this isn't the video for you. Fortunately there are many other videos on KZbin about storytelling for fiction writing.

[@JasonLestage]

@@ChannelMakersI would the the idea of highs and lows and authenticity would apply for faceless fictional story channels as well.

[@acalscupufff8744]

not the best video on story tellling but , very interesting and real

[@wtccreatives]

What is a Framwork? I am used to Frameworks when talking about structures. Raw, unedited videos seem to be gaining traction more now over highly edited videos.

[@JasonLestage]

I’m not sure it’s raw unedited videos that are gaining traction as much as it is authenticity. People want to see your real authentic self. Edits or no edits.

[@back2thenature2]

Next time try to give us examples please.

[@ChannelMakers]

Will do! - Nathan

[@DriftSanti]

I messed up. I hite like before watching the video😂

[@ChannelMakers]

Haha! Appreciate the support.

[@BriangjohnsonTv]

Good luck with your challenge! I hope this video kicks butt for you channel makers.

[@ChannelMakers]

Thanks Brian! Let's go!

[@willmontgomery8843]

I always like your vids when I watch. I couldn't on this one though 😶...didn't have an opinion, it makes sense, but I guess I am saying...show me don't tell me?

[@ChannelMakers]

Sorry we missed the mark for you! What type of channel do you have?

[@willmontgomery8843]

well,@@ChannelMakers it wasn't a thumb down either, so it didn't miss the mark. I slow, so an example of a serendipitous moment that tells a story over a redo example video would be cool? My channels, faceless, just starting personal finance (for the last 3 years) like I said, I slow!

[@CalamariPlaysStarfield]

Saying the sentence "story telling is easy" I think is subjective BECAUSE depending on your Niche it can differ, you can edit and add cool effects but if the story is bland and doesn't follow modern editing techniques, it's going to totally flop. For me specifically, I did Starfield videos but been taking a bit of a mental break, and taking a step back on my videos because I know they're ass, but so are my editing skills 😂

[@ChannelMakers]

I can see where you're coming from! And yes, it is subjective. I think the idea is that adding storytelling elements into your video doesn't have to be difficult or overwhelming no matter what type of channel you have. :) Good for you for taking the break you need. You've got this! -Nathan

[@TheBradfords]

Same

[@Formosus2001]

I think its the best video on authenticity but not on story telling- not the same thing.

[@ChannelMakers]

I could see that, thanks for the feedback! Sounds like we've still got some work to do! :) -Nathan

[@TheNettforce]

Thanks gang, but sorry Ed from film booth has best storytelling teaching on KZbin.

[@ChannelMakers]

We'll take it. :) Ed is an awesome teacher!

[@VirtualOliverP]

This is one of the worst vids I've seen. You guys are too vague and the examples given aren't compelling enough

[@ChannelMakers]

Were there any specific points and correlating examples you felt were especially vague?

[@VirtualOliverP]

@@ChannelMakers you both mentioned that you made videos for your own personal channels, but didn't tell us what kind of channel it was (though Nathan did mention that he had a 5 dollar resell challenge), and I don't see how little things like burps and dripping ceilings add to the storytelling, this should have been a step by step like one of your comments suggested

[@pleasebeseatedfortakeoff]

I agree 100% with you guys. Storytelling is not only about having a perfect script but letting things to happen. I’m a nomad photojournalist and I have a rough idea what kind of material I want to shoot in a certain place, but it often turns out totally different. It’s important for authenticity. This film isn’t my work, just my travel channel, but this is a perfect example when nothing goes as planned. I was supposed to show a way to our hostel but there was a huge construction site and we got lost. Finally entering the hostel my fiancé knocked down a big plant just in front of the hostel owner. It was so embarrassing but I didn’t cut it out, vice versa, I highlighted it. I could’ve filmed the whole thing again, but I didn’t bother as I think this was funnier and shows to my audience that we aren’t perfect. If you want to watch it, it’s here ➡️ kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXK2i2OigdCdrqssi=fwYM12_ggfursb7w

[@ChannelMakers]

What a great example!

[@pleasebeseatedfortakeoff]

@@ChannelMakers thank you so much 🙏