The HARSH Reality of Surviving Off YouTube Channel

[@Loigis]

Good information sir

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you 😊

[@Candleflower42]

I’m female, 71, and occasionally watch and I think you have a really good personality for this Mark. You’re authentic, practical, down to earth, knowledgeable and nice. That is needed or at least helps for your type of content.

[@Candleflower42]

@ yes that too.

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you for watching and for your kind words. It's great to know a nice lady like you watches my channel 😀

[@metalmike570]

I think she's hitting on you , Mark.

[@Candleflower42]

@@metalmike570 haha.

[@222jojo]

People don't realize how much WORK is involved dealing with scheduled new content uploads, answering comments, and having your BRAND all setup. Plus, do you want to retire and have a life? It takes a lot of time to manage and operate a PROFITABLE KZbin channel.

[@RelaxingOceanSoundsUSA]

Goodness..so true. Lot of work😊

[@DoorCam-l7y]

I do so I don't....

[@ZoKitchen]

Agreed. It’s easy to start a channel but running & growing it is the hardest part.

[@amossnowdaharleyman9179]

I've had my YT channel for a few years now. Never planned on it generating income and it hasn't. I started it and continue it to keep track of things for myself. That others watch my stuff is just a bonus. I'm at 788 subs and appreciate each and every one of them.

[@CreateWithPennies]

That's the real way to do it.

[@Hogiewan1]

I started one as a bet with one of my kids and did a hundred or so videos until the cough cough hit and had to divorce. Main reason I did it is so he can listen to me having fun when I’m gone

[@EarlMac555]

What is your channel name? I will subscribe

[@amossnowdaharleyman9179]

@@EarlMac555 amossnowdaharleyman

[@izregistered]

Great info. You’ll be sorely missed.

[@Barolo818]

RIP Mark

[@Jeff_Coble]

It's also incredibly helpful to have an easy going personality with the innate ability to talk and articulate thoughts in brief clearly understood phrasing. Which you demonstrate so well in this segment.

[@azretro6547]

It's not 4000 watched hours in a single month to get monetized. It's 4000 watched hours in a 365 day period. Just to clarify for people trying to get monetized.

[@primalpassion]

yup. I'm on a mission to get monetized. started my channel about 3 months ago, mainly doing barefoot shoe reviews, and its starting to grow day by day.

[@john9675]

​@@primalpassionits finding its feet

[@everymanhasastory]

I didn't know that. Thanks 😊

[@primalpassion]

@@john9675 lol! I love it!

[@MyLifeThai371]

@@primalpassion I hope your channel continues to get traction!

[@Brockman-d3e]

There are thousands of channels all doing the same things, going to the same places and covering the same topics. It would definitely be hard to stand out from the crowd now.

[@metalmike570]

I noticed more graveyard topic KZbinrs lately, I like Lamont At Large.

[@MyLifeThai371]

Especially in the Philippines. The Philippines is the most saturated youtube market.

[@trevor5526]

I'm getting really p_ssed off with the ads now. Spoils the experience.

[@spurlworld]

Get youtube premium, doesn't cost much, and no adds! I love it!

[@BoninBrighton]

Yes I can ignore 95% but the ear wax ad is disgustingly yuk!

[@loosegoose2466]

​@spurlworld Agreed...but then you still get these folks who run a scripted promotion in the middle, which really makes me mad considering I paid not to see advertising

[@BoninBrighton]

@@loosegoose2466 that’s not an ad its sponsorship but yes equally annoying I just skip past that stuff…

[@spurlworld]

@loosegoose2466 I haven't seen them yet

[@kimglarbo7005]

Rip and condolences 🙏🌹💞😢

[@CreateWithPennies]

Great video. It's so much work to create a life that is supported by creating KZbin content. People sometimes tell me I'm "living the dream" but it is a lot more work than most think. It's competitive and even after doing it for years you still fail and miss and struggle. Thanks for keeping it real and making this video so people understand the reality!

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you for watching and for sharing your experience 😊

[@jatinderdevgun9093]

I like hearing you talk Sir, in your sincere direct honest manner..Great channel

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you very much 😊

[@kevinheard8364]

This was a great video! Very pleased with your channel & your videos. Your "oldster-and-getting-older" was very very impactful; and I am sincerely appreciative of it. Thank you so much & Merry Christmas

[@harrycarley]

They were interesting videos. It was nice of you to share your experiences. RIP.

[@zoebinns7927]

Hi Mark. Hope all is good with the family. My wife is Filipina and we started storing our family videos during Covid and grew her channel kind of by accident. Four years later and 300 or so videos later it has become part of our routine in keeping our memories. My point is monetization for her is a bi-product of wanting to keep our memories for our kids to see when I am long gone (I am 62 and she is 33). Making it all about money is a hard slog. Make it fun and part of your routine and then you can never be disappointed if earnings are up or down. Stay healthy my friend Andrew

[@WilliamClover-h3k]

🙏 RIP MARK 🙏 You inspired me. I have watched hours and hours of your videos over the last 10 days you have reached and touched so many people. Will from Alaska... Condolences to Jen and kids 😥

[@leroyybrown]

You found a format that is successful because most people can’t do it. You’re able to interview anyone and also you get them comfortable so they talk. You have to get them comfortable, get their trust. Most people can’t do it “consistently”.

[@CurtisMoe]

The format is 10% of his success. His consistency is the other 90%.

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment 😀

[@bobpugh7970]

I have to tell you the interview with the 86 yo man really moved me. I have been watching you & other successful KZbinrs for last couple of years. In am 73 & been planning to migrate to one of the SE Asia countries the last couple of years. I have been to several of the countries, no Philippians yet but have a long time friend who moved there 8 years ago. He married a younger woman, had two kids, & loves it in his Province. I am really kind of sold on Cambodia presently to live but will see. I was so impressed with a man that age & I believe he was from Alabama, which I am also. I have lived in Santa Barbara California the last 47 years but it's time to get out of US. I hope you can have more elderly men who have made the journey out of USA. You had a 75 yo a few months ago as well. Hopefully some updates on these two will come in the future!

[@M_vintage-f5b]

Mark, great video again. You have an edge, yr a very good speaker snd comfortable in front of the microphone. You probably could of been a boss jock spinning records in 60s, 70s, good voice and delivery

[@everymanhasastory]

Wow! Thank you so much. Your comment made my day

[@kerryfoster1]

Yes I did look at KZbin to monetize but I can make more doing gardening in no time at all - and get paid immediately. More trouble than it's worth. PLUS some of these high subscriber channels are TOTAL RUBBISH 😮😮😮

[@TomandAmyinthePI]

I believe it's 4000 watch hours in the last 12 months not in one month but you are correct it is very difficult to get monetized now

[@everymanhasastory]

You're correct its 4000 in a year I was under the impression it was in a month when I got monetized

[@les8518]

Thank Mark. Great insight and advice. Not hat I am going start this. I just enjoy watching and listening to your video's. And I thank you very much I just a New Zealander who retired to Thailand 15 yeas ago.

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment 😀

[@FilipinaAndTheForeigner]

We can confirm, after two years, nothing 😁 👍 🌟 💰

[@FilipinaAndTheForeigner]

@Sir_Sway we just love making videos so thanks for the encouragement, we will 🌟 👍

[@jazzpianoman01]

Good information; best to treat KZbin as a side gig and if it grows then fine. Better have many income streams to fall back on

[@everymanhasastory]

Agreed 👍

[@sarawakstudio1111]

Thanks for sharing your insight. Much appreciated 👍

[@donyboy73]

You've built up a good channel Mark. The bottom line is, KZbin is hard work. Greetings from Canada!

[@crisprtalk6963]

One of my fav YT channels is a car repair guy in a small town in NY called Avoca. He is brilliant, funny and just has a great channel. He has about 920K subs and is rapidly approaching 1M subs. South Main Auto!

[@everymanhasastory]

I'll check it out. Thank you for watching ☺️

[@ferney2936]

on your reco, I went over to see his channel & it's ace-really interesting. I just had to hit the back button many times to come back here & thank you. That guy's fault finding skills are impressive. I'm British so I don't always understand what he's trying to say but I'm catching up quick

[@TropicalTodd]

There are only a handful of expats I watch regularly. Most are boring , inarticulate, or seeking drama/trashing other KZbinrs

[@wowwowwow185]

Every man and his dog is doing it now

[@metalmike570]

Well not exactly every man.

[@FEgoestoPI]

Thanks for explaining the monetizion (sp?). I never have understood how that worked. My channel is just for fun but good to have that info.

[@richardroy6179]

I started a few channels back in the day, but its a lot of work and only made a few videos each time. One was a controversial, but non-political, the other was Philippines based. Google looks for reasons to demonitize or close your channel for anything controversial. As for the Philippines, there aren't half a dozen now, there are hundreds... I'm not good at just talking into the camera like Mark, Calvin, etc... So editing becomes way too much work. Hats off to those folks making a living at youtube.

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you for watching and for sharing your experience 😊

[@HomesteadEngineering]

I once spent over 100hrs making a single KZbin video and it got something like 75 views. On the other hand, I once just walked around my pantry talking about all the stuff I store up, posted it in 30 minutes and it got over 1M views. You just never know...

[@everymanhasastory]

That's incredible! You're right yiu never know what will go viral

[@georgeplaxton3067]

hubby and you now in heaven mark hubby is always watch ur vlog now u vlog there together lol sorry for ur lost jen , just be strong i knoiw what u feel

[@Jimmy_Duff]

Been watching a long time Mark, so happy for you. Here’s to hoping you crack 100,000 soon. Thanks for the ride. Peace Ps. I subscribe to utube for no commercials, I like the videos. Do you earn anything, if I don’t watch any commercials?

[@everymanhasastory]

Yes. Skip them. Not a problem

[@tommythomas6553]

20 or more years for Mark in the Philippines to enjoy 👏👏👏

[@everymanhasastory]

From your lips to God's ears

[@robertreynolds580]

YT isn't easy...treat it as a business if you want success. Good if you find a niche, but most important is content...has to be consistently good. Plenty of free help out there...prepare your first step, then keep at it.

[@everymanhasastory]

I agree with you 💯 Thank you for watching ☺️

[@maidonthemoon8946]

well said

[@stevesilver7437]

It helps that Philly in the Philippines is taking a break. His subscribers can go watch someone else’s 😮😊

[@FranklynFe]

👍 Excellent video, always wondered about the nuts and bolts of KZbin videos and the monetizing part of it

[@j.r.r.2185]

Don't forget the Commnication factor, if someone isn't a good communicator like yourself, they won't get any views no matter the topic, IMHO 🙂

[@everymanhasastory]

A good point.

[@MyLifeThai371]

The youtube niche that is really paying is the people that have access to dead bodies. I remember a person who called into the Dave Ramsey show and talked about that they make at least $150,000 a year, because they are one of the few people that have access to dead bodies and the medical students pay quite a bit for access.

[@satysunk]

Great video. Thanks

[@somedayistodayrv]

A big Universe out there with KZbin. Thanks for the insights and take care out there.

[@somedayistodayrv]

Thanks.

[@ricksdestinationcebu]

The vloggers have shown me I domt wanna vlog..Dont need all the stress and drama you folks deal with..

[@murfeusa1]

Nice one Mark - very helpful to newbies.

[@Bunnysan2000]

Very enlightening!

[@stevegunn9971]

Very good, thanks!

[@soundslight7754]

Excellent information and guidance, thanks for sharing Mark. I think sticking with covered call options is safer bet

[@everymanhasastory]

Probably but beyond my ability

[@soundslight7754]

@@everymanhasastory You're doing fine, I meant about my own lack of ability

[@ChuckFasst]

KZbin monetized one Auto repair vid I made way back when Google acquired it. A short while later they authorized me to monetize the rest of my hundred or so vids. I hit my stride about 10 years later doing Motorsports vids. Was thinking I was going full-time, then The KZbin crawler cut me down. That backed me right down to just an occasional KZbinr. With diminishing AdSense return each year. This year, KZbin demonetized my channel for inactivity. I'm not too happy about that either! 🤬 They can still run ads against my hundreds of vids. Only now, they keep all the revenue and don't give me any... Does that seem right?

[@Steelhorsecowboy]

Your technology is working as well as any that I have seen. I would have never guessed that you were using such basic equipment. I watch your channel because I am about your age and your interests are in concert with mine. I am in the US and have no plans of leaving but daydream about living in paradise with an agreeable woman in a peaceful household. I have been married for 45 years to a woman that I love, but who is hooked on consumerism, nagging, and all the crap Western women do. Watching your channel has a feel like just hanging with the guys and shooting the breeze.

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you so much for watching and for taking the time to share your thoughts 😊

[@Americandreaminthephilippines]

We have a little channel but it’s just for fun and for my family to follow along .. no way do I want to spend my retirement working !

[@joeldchenoweth]

thanks... I'm pretty sure you can't rely on a youtube income exclusively...I'm sure it helps but in the end I don't think people know the reality of the bottom line....lots of work for little $

[@EastJavaExpat]

Good video, Mark!

[@everymanhasastory]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@DonFonzarelli-uq9yx]

I saw a youtube channel dude just feeds turtles at a drainage pond and he had 100k subs or something like that

[@everymanhasastory]

I've seen that channel. I love turtles Too

[@RetiredLovingIt]

KZbin is a lot of work! It took us almost 3 years to get monetized. Still don’t make much $. People want a get rich quick program and KZbin is not it. We are doing it as a retirement hobby and loving it!

[@quinnbill]

Well done--very informative.

[@everymanhasastory]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@SaltyDraws]

Great video! Bravo!

[@kevinjordan5773]

Once again Mark,good sound sincere information.

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you 😊

[@alanazizi9306]

Thank you Mark for your insight. Just wondering if you can share your advice & experience about: 1 - the cost of raising an infant in Philippine? 2 - Is vaccination frequency for infants in Philippine every month & has to be paid by the parent( NO free government vaccination plan)?

[@everymanhasastory]

There is a free vaccine program for children. The cost of raising children here is a fraction of what it would be in America. That's why the Philippine's is full of children

[@alanazizi9306]

@@everymanhasastory Thank you Mark for your response! Can you give me an estimate of cost of raising an infant, based on your own experience!

[@philomenamagill700]

Love your talks Mark

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you 😊

[@tropicshade]

I use Epidemic Sound exclusively for music in my videos and have never been dinged for a copyright! Last time I counted, there were over 132 Expat vloggers in the Philippines climbing all over each other. Good Luck! 🌴😎

[@davidpitchford6510]

Yes; but many women survive off of YourTube.

[@alexcarter8807]

I would not even attempt it. I'm in Silicon Valley and internet is super slow here unless I'm willing to pay big bucks for the same connect speed they have in places like Albania. Secondly, from what I've picked up, the videos take hours and hours to edit. Lastly, KZbin is extremely fickle and they can cut you off at any time for any reason.

[@rickharold7884]

Did you ever do any self advertising via youtube to promote any videos? Love the channel thx !

[@everymanhasastory]

Just on Facebook and LinkedIn shared my videos on these platforms

[@RelaxingOceanSoundsUSA]

It is definitely a long journey...but worthwhile ❤😊

[@Tropicaya]

RIP big bro. Regular guy mentioned you

[@StephenOshea]

great video

[@jeffreyholst]

Another great video thank you

[@primalpassion]

Great content man! 41 yo guy here and this has been my question for the past 6 months: can i move to the PH and live off of YT income. and I do think I can, but it takes time to build the channel, and get monetized. But I also believe in having multiple income streams in case you have a bad month or lose one of your jobs. Just started my TY channel and I'm committed to getting this thing monetized and see where it takes me. I'd like to be setup and ready to move to the PH within the next 4 years. Cheers from the US!

[@everymanhasastory]

That's a good plan. Best of luck

[@davidkelley1555]

This was a good commentary about U tubing.

[@everymanhasastory]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@Caddyrolling614]

4000 watch hours a month or a year?

[@pepelapew-k5z]

Google spit out the answer in 15 seconds that you need 4000 hours in the past 12 months. This from KZbin directly. 1,000 subscribers Either: 4,000 public watch hours on long form videos in the last 365 days 10 million public Shorts views in the last 90 days

[@everymanhasastory]

In one month

[@loosegoose2466]

Interesting. Thanks

[@Airraidcd]

Soon enough KZbin won’t pay as much to the content creators. They will charge more to the ad companies and pay less to the KZbinr. Capitalist at its best.

[@metalmike570]

I noticed that some KZbinrs are also on Patreon. And on Patreon their subscribers pay something to be in that channel. Those influencers (Video makers) make more there.

[@wowwowwow185]

The trouble thay can shut you down so quickly it's not easy hard work

[@M_vintage-f5b]

True, no guarantee on anything in life I see this as being a side income.

[@JohnTCAUSA7450]

Great advice! I cannot get your email address to work? My question is how do you get your channel discovered? I subscribe to many channels for good info entertainment and making comments and getting some responses. Thanks, John

[@everymanhasastory]

[e-mail]

[@PhilippinesFarmLife]

The best way to earn from KZbin is uploading a honest product review of something you actually use and linking to the products affiliate program. I am NOT monetized BUT I still earn commissions From affiliates like LAZADA & SHOPEE. I am NOT getting rich but it is surprising $$ bonus

[@everymanhasastory]

Interesting. Thanks for the information.

[@ukulelebutterfly]

Great and Interesting Video. Thanks! I do You Tube just to leave a piece of me behind when I exit the earth. I wouldn't want to depend on this for a living. I don't trust the algorithm. Are those numbers real? Congratulations on your success! ✌️ ~ 🦋

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you 😊

[@iamwesterncanadian570]

Your subscriber going up pretty quick. You might have a 100,000 subs yet.

[@thelowprofile9767]

How do you file your income tax if you are always in the Philippines? Do you go back to the US just to file your income tax?

[@everymanhasastory]

On the IRS's website easy

[@YoLoBong-xs3to]

I do my over the phone with H&R Block back in Florida. Pay any fees with my credit card.

[@thelowprofile9767]

@@YoLoBong-xs3to So you give them a call from Philippines? Just wanted to clarify. I've been always curious how you guys do it. Thanks for answering.

[@YoLoBong-xs3to]

@@thelowprofile9767 So I had my last 1099 sent to my cousin and she took a picture and email it to me. I emailed it to H&R Block. Along with all my deductions. They prepared it and I paid them my fee with my credit card. I had been using them my last 7 years in Florida before moving here. I have Magic Jack so I have a Florida #. Get one it was $150 for 5 years. Before you come here get GCash and Wise. I couldn't once I was here because my bank and card is in US. Western Union will not work and even PayPal, although they did cut me a break.

[@albathoughtsofficial]

H&R Expat Tax Service... If your tax situation is a little complicated and you need expert advice... Their rates are reasonable

[@fuzznakano]

rip mark. im glad we can still watch you. mjr. tokyo.

[@jetd9716]

You doing well on KZbin, your almost in the 100K crowd. WOW! Congrats! I would like to start one, I am in Bohol but I have too much stuff on my hands. LOL

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you 😊

[@teriscott685]

Don't you have social security,KZbin does not pay squat

[@everymanhasastory]

Yes. At my level KZbin pays a lot. Don't even spend my SS

[@metalmike570]

KZbin can easliy pay more than social security if he gets like 3000 views a video. I see this one he got almost 10,000 views.

[@brucesmith9144]

Have seen channels lose monetization, dealing with finicky YT on copyright ©️ issues, getting prodded into livestreams, coming up with interesting content. If you don’t, the algorithm won’t promote the channel or people leave. After working over 40 years, I don’t want to be a serf any longer. Other things people with successful channels do is have another way for subscribers to fund you outside of YT (ie: Patreon, store front, sponsorship with Amazon). This is full time work.

[@billyhorton5779]

I come from an era where the only thing available was Lonely Planet guidebooks. Have been to Madagascar twice, traveled around both Kenya and Tanzania, Thailand, been to Dubai to many times to count. Nowadays, there is always a youtuber going to the most "dangerous country or neighborhood." Having lived and worked all over the Middle East, including Afghanistan I find this so disrespectful to the locals! As people are the same all over the world, everybody is simply trying to make it from one day to the next! While the KZbinr gets to stay at the best hotel with running hot water, AC, internet for the local it is from sunup to sundown 365 job day if he wants to eat. KZbin presents a sterile version of the grinding poverty people are born into and will never escape!

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you for watching and for taking the time to share your thoughts 😊

[@Official_Wise]

Well done 💪

[@Glenn-in-the-Philippines]

Like 1 day ago you had 12k viewers. Every Man Has a Story has 84.1k subscribers.👌

[@AMERICAFIRST54]

Do you pay taxes on KZbin income?

[@everymanhasastory]

Absolutely 1099 I file on the IRS website

[@gotchaplumber]

Interesting?

[@johngarceau541]

Got to sell the personality

[@emptynest2travel]

good information

[@douglasmichel1000]

Baby Mae walks around with a camera while completely aimless. I don't know how she would handle You Tube changing policy as to whom is eligible for earnings . Using a You Tube channel for a career just does not seem like a job with much of a future. One quarter of poor performance for Google stock will send all of this crashing down. Best of luck Mark.

[@AdvisorDanny]

Hello first time to your channel and I really enjoyed your video on KZbinrs in the Philippines- I will be in the Philippines next month and would welcome the opportunity to meet and do a KZbin interview together

[@everymanhasastory]

Great. Email me when you get here. [e-mail]

[@PeterC245]

Mark , I travel a lot to Thailand and Cambodia , I have no interest in setting up a U Tube channel , and happy for it

[@bratzdol]

Sounds like KZbin business success not much different from other online business - identify a tiny underserved niche.

[@emptynest2travel]

Yeah, we would starve trying to survive off of you tube. LOL Doing it for fun. If we end up doing alright with it, fine. If not, so be it too.

[@kjc728]

There is one thing that Vloggers need to me scared of and that's AI technology. It's getting bigger and over the next few years most videos will be done by AI. Never rely on YT as a source of income because its not guaranteed. Do not think you can leave your job in the west and live a nice life earning from YT you will end up on the streets with no way of getting back home.

[@tonywatson5704]

Added difficulty now is that KZbin viewership has flatlined since the Pandemic ended. Best strategy is to aim to make your new channel a hobby. If it takes off that’s a bonus. Thanks for laying out the reality Mark.

[@everymanhasastory]

Thank you 😊 But I am Mark Paul's channel is Old Dog new tricks

[@tonywatson5704]

@ Ooops….

[@rolandmueller7218]

If I ever move to the Philippines, I don’t want to depend on youtube. I have a musical youtube channel, but I do it for fun, not for income that I depend on.

[@everymanhasastory]

I hope you get monetized and make lots of money. Thanks for watching

[@stevehoward8014]

If your so duh to try and live off your KZbin channel then buyer beware.