You should start a vlog channel. Here’s why.

Get a 30 day free trial of Epidemic Sound 👉🏻 share.epidemicsound.com/Katie... | Some creators might claim that "vlogging is dead" and that there are better methods for growing a KZbin channel. However I really do believe that you don’t need to make another boring, hyper-niche, educational channel on KZbin in order to grow - people are growing with fun, lifestyle, vlog format content. You just need to know how to do it right - which is what I’m going to talk about in this video.
🗺 Sign up for The Instagram Road Map 👉🏻 www.theinstagramroadmap.com ✨
📕 TABLE OF CONTENTS 📕
00:00 is vlogging dead?!
01:17 the KZbin “growth” plan that doesn’t work
02:13 here’s why that doesn’t work
04:16 vlogs are relational, not transactional
05:05 you can’t just make a cold pivot
06:10 how to vlog the right way
07:03 don’t make your vlog like this
07:41 THIS is how you need to edit your vlogs
09:23 music is a very important part of story telling - thanks, Epidemic Sound!
11:00 but title and thumbnail are important, too
13:37 your channel needs to be consistent
Wanna work with me? Check out my creative agency www.creatorlymedia.com
Follow us on Instagram for social media strategy tips daily! ➡️ / creatorlymedia
// WATCH THESE NEXT
⭐️ The Secret to More Likes on Instagram? [MY EXPERIMENT] geni.us/ESbAr
⭐️ Everything you need to know about TikTok: geni.us/nJWXLTq
⭐️ Don't start a podcast without watching this series: geni.us/Wplo
// FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM
/ katiesteckly
// SOME OF MY FAVES:
*some of these are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase on the site after clicking these links, I could earn a commission. thanks for supporting the channel!
🎧 where I get music for my videos: www.katiesteckly.com/artlist
💻 how I edit my videos: www.katiesteckly.com/adobe
📱how I grow my channel with Pinterest www.katiesteckly.com/tailwind
// GEAR
Vlog Camera: geni.us/dFXAVn
Big Camera: geni.us/ktsonyzve10
Lens: geni.us/Gw6rjif
Microphone: geni.us/00oT8aQ
Tripod: geni.us/kvmFbH
// ABOUT ME
Hey, I'm Katie! I make videos about social media strategy and content creation. In addition to being a KZbinr, I also run a small digital creative agency that produces content for all kinds of creators! We edit podcasts, produce KZbin channels, develop online branding and Instagram strategies and more! If you want our help or just want to learn more, check out www.creatorlymedia.com
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[@sabrinavibes]

Idk if I missed it but will you link your vlog channel!

[@katie]

thank you for asking! it's kzbin.info :)

[@codyviolett1445]

I was going to ask this as well why not add it to your description? I’m sure people would follow

[@ROSADIANA-DSB]

I love just watching a regular day without a story or conflict. There’s still an audience for it also🎉

[@takusletters]

Love this

[@AMARINS]

Yes! I love getting to know people through their vlogs :)

[@YuliyaKozhevnikov]

Ooh yes me too!!

[@mommadiaries6732]

Same! I love watching silent daily vlogs too. I think I only came to know that these silent vlogs exist 2yrs ago? And I thought it's awesome! It's seriously calming to watch how regular people go about their day, knowing that you have similar struggles, similar food sometimes, similar chores haha anyway, it's one of my favorite things to do after a day of mom duties if that makes sense 😆

[@ItzamarySalazar]

Thank you! I have been debating whether or not to continue my vlog channel :) but this gives me hope ♥️

[@hycicle]

I tend to think what draws the audience in is the lesson learned through the personal transformation in a story. The lesson is usually relatable and the transformation of the storyteller, whether physical, mental, or spiritual often inspires a desire for change in the audience.

[@RyanandMelissaPage]

THANK YOU for this!! It feels like the only advice on how to grow on KZbin is being an educator/providing value through educational videos and we love vlogging! We're still learning how to tell stories through our videos, but this video was so encouraging to keep going! Thank you!

[@maggie.rainwater]

I totally agree! And I just subscribed to check out your vlogs!

[@re-humanize]

RIGHT!!!

[@mommadiaries6732]

Omg true! I learn as I keep making videos. It's true what they say, dont let perfect stop you, just do it! ❤️

[@joymae]

I think having a healthy balance of both evergreen content and relatable/vlog content is the best route

[@KyInRealLife]

Ugh this video is right on time! I was becoming discouraged with my KZbin journey & feeling like maybe vlogging isn't what I should do, but quite honestly it is what I want to do the most. Transactional vs relational was really well put. I love to relate to others & find ways to relate to others, so it just feels best. I love your videos always, and LOVE your vlogs as well. Thank you times a million for this video!

[@FrancescaLeann]

Stay encourage! I hope you continue to grow and flourish

[@Naimonaye]

Aww! I just started my channel and I can lowkey relate to this, just subscribed babe! Here to support💘🫶🏽

[@rajroyofficial]

same here. i almost shifted all my vlogs from this channel to another. how stupid is that. will slowly get them back here again. lol

[@blkhawtie]

Gonna subscribe now 🧡 keep pushing cause im tryna get like you and put out my first video!

[@oldaccounta]

Thank you for this video! Such a refreshing perspective on the topic of “KZbin Growth”. Keep up your amazing videos!

[@simplifiedtravels]

As someone who started a travel vlogging channel, I LOVE this. I am struggling on many levels but one of my problems is Im not good at the story telling. I get so caught up in the enjoyable aspect of travelling that I forget to actually get the important stuff on video or I dont talk enough about things. My s**t looks like its just me on vacation. Thank you for the tips. Now if you could just show me how to balance enjoying the destination AND worrying about the filming.

[@Clearly.Crystal]

I turned my family channel into a vlog channel and I love doing it even if I’m only getting 2 views a day. It gives me something to do and actually knowing I need to put out content keeps me busy.

[@AmeliaAnne]

Finally a video that talks about vlogs as a way to grow! I absolutely love vlogging it brings me closer to my audience and allows me to look back at memories and my own growth. Great tips!

[@MyJewishMommyLife]

What I think is really misleading for niche creators is people rarely unsubscribe, unlike Instagram where an irrelevant post might make us unfollow, on KZbin we just choose not to watch and the algorithm doesn’t feed it to us again so KZbinrs don’t even realize how much their subscribers really don’t want these videos that they didn’t sign up for.

[@Penguinandpear]

We do because yt breaks down who views the videos. You can see various data points that highlight how interested a subscription base is interacting or watching.

[@LeAnnaWithACapitalA]

I saved this vlog to give it my full attention later and I am so glad I did! This came to me on my homepage. I hadn't searched for anything similar to it, no other vlogs suggested were like it, I've actually never seen you before. And you said EXACTLY what I needed to hear! I had been feeling lost when it came to my channel and you hit so many points on the head - I took notes and am rethinking everything! THANK YOU!

[@angeliedee]

I love you even more for putting my thoughts into words! I've been seeing SOO MANY niched youtubers lately completely stopped or just started a whole different channel because now they've found themselves in this box they have put themselves in.... and I don't want to put myself in that position

[@alex-wittman]

The "storification" tips are GOLD, Katie! I love love LOVE when you make YT ed vids, so value-packed!

[@peacefulhideaway]

This video was SO encouraging! I've seen so many videos talking about how vlogging is kind of over. Thank you for giving us motivation, tips and your usual positivity! ❤🤗

[@DivaandtheDivine]

Thank you for this! I’m doing Vlogtober and have been really discouraged with my channel growth lately (I ended up being pretty niche and I am not doing that specific niche anymore). This video was super helpful and quite comforting. Thanks for giving me hope!

[@jaymoussamann]

Currently 6 minutes in and thank you so much for making this. I've felt so stuck with feeling the only way is 'educational' 'tutorial' videos. I did that in the past and I grew a channel but I got so bored. I just want to be me. Still trying to find my way but your emphasis on telling the story is such a great reminder. It means it's harder work but I think it will be worth it. And also, if you're telling good stories, you're also making content for yourself too. To watch back, keep as special memories etc., Lovely lovely video xx

[@forevergwladys]

Love how you differentiated between transactional vs. relational. It makes so much sense. Thank you, Katie 😘

[@YukiTV.]

Katie! You read my mind, vlogs are what I search for because at the end of the day, I want to see the lives of the people behind the camera. I’d love to see you do more vlogs!! Looking forward to more of your personal videos💘

[@avneet2.0]

Love that you have such a positive outlook on vlogs! The flight example was very helpful btw! :)

[@takusletters]

Thank you for this. I started my vlog channel a month ago and this kept my spark of hope going. I’ll take your advice to heart and keep moving forward :) ❤

[@MomDateWithSashaJay]

Thank you for this, I loved the info! I have been doing youtube on and off since 2012. Once I changed my niche from "talking head" topics to a "Relatable mom vlog" channel my views, subs, ctr, and watch time went up significantly. I just tried it to try it not really thinking anything of it but this is the most engagement I have ever had on my channel, and I love vlogging.

[@PaperCraneOfHope]

Oh I love this! I’m trying to switch up my channel too… from talking educational, to sharing life lessons as I learn to grow a veggie garden! (Only done one video so far like this haha)

[@herfieldnotes]

So wonderfully inspiring and timely. Thanks so much Katie! Totally need this push.

[@monicasicoe]

OMG Katie! I love you even more after this video. Every time I was searching for how to grow on KZbin videos, everyone was giving me that educational/educative channel recipe, the transaction type video like you explained today. When I am just a woman with a message and some experiences to share. I soooo needed to hear this today! I agree that a good story matters but not all the content here on KZbin should be niched, educating content. We are not all educators. As much as I appreciate your educative content, I like how you express yourself, I like you as a creator so I can't wait to go check your vlog channel. Hugs from Transylvania!

[@PaperCraneOfHope]

Your comment resonates with me! I don’t feel like I’m much of a teacher … but I have a lot of wisdom and inspiration I want to share! Plus editing videos that aren’t just sitting down and teaching, is sooo much more fun.

[@monicasicoe]

@@PaperCraneOfHope I agree. I love getting creative, my videos are art, I don’t see why they should have a niche and be educational. Hugs from Transylvania

[@SamAltieri]

I feel the same!! I tried the educational thing and it felt soooo flat. I just wanted to share stories and this feels SO GOOD to do.

[@monicasicoe]

@@SamAltieri I am happy I am not the only one 🤗

[@ItsStephOkay]

thank you for making this video ! i've noticed that it's so easy to push away any intuitive storytelling drive and fall into the trap of focusing on seo optimization instead, especially when you mix in all of the fears involved with starting a new channel and doing it "perfectly." definitely needed these tips and reminders

[@maggie.rainwater]

I love vlogging! It’s such a fun creative outlet for me. It’s great to hear this perspective :) I want to do some educational content also but continue the vlogs for sure. I’ve actually received a really cool compliment from a colleague in my industry - she said that my vlogs gave people a behind the scenes look into the work that I do without it feeling salesy… I really liked that perspective. Thanks for this video!

[@LVFreefight]

I really needed this! I'm pivoting my super niche education channel to do more vlogging 💗

[@ourforsurelife3334]

Saving this video!!! Love how you laid it all out! As a super small channel, who posts about homemaking, these help me so much. My niche is so small and not really something that draws people in. So I am looking at how to bring other things in, to make my super small niche better.

[@SimplyCynthia606]

This really made me think more about where I'm going with my channel. I fell for the niche thing and now I feel stuck. I really want to start doing vlogs, but the transition is where I get stuck. Thank you for this!

[@UnbrandedLifestyle]

Ya I hear you. I wonder if it depends on whether you intend tu turn KZbin into a business or just for pleasure? Seems like Katie's vlog channel doesn't get much views and she's using this channel mostly for profit. I could be wrong but vlogging is not dead just not as profitable maybe?

[@tadecaylor]

really happy i came across this video, super helpful thanks!

[@Alexandrathompsonhiii]

I really love your videos!! You’re on my homepage now, and every thumbnail and title makes me want to watch!! Tysm!!

[@latoyalewis]

You’ve been my go-to for some time now and I love your transparency about your journey ❤

[@CoverGirlLauryn]

Thank you for your video . From the beginning of starting my channel I always wanted to feel like my channel was relational . I want to feel like my subscribers are internet friends . I noticed that’s how I feel like with my favorite KZbinrs . Great tips !

[@TheCreatorsAttorney]

Thank you so much for your content. You provide so much value and I’m always so excited when you have a new video up. As I’m growing my baby channel teaching people about Hollywood lol and being a working mom as well as how everything is not perfect-I come to you for such great advice on how to grow my channel. Thank you!!!❤

[@dianabaranga7126]

This was incredibly insightful, thank you Katie! It also takes away some of my anxiety in terms of finding a 'niche' before I actually start creating content. I really like what you said about storytelling and starting with the expectation that you are documenting a journey.

[@outdoormuse]

I just recently found your channel, and I gotta say, I love your alternative points of view and how well you describe and defend them. Super unique and I love it! Thanks for sharing :)

[@alexander.starbuck]

Reall, really well put together! Helps (and motivates!) a bunch so thank you for taking the time to create and share this one! 🤗

[@studio.biankicks]

I totally agree! I feel like most of the people I see myself watching and subscribing to are people that have a similar lifestyle to me, have the lifestyle I aspire, or practice the values and interests that I also do. So like I may not be directly interested in cocktails but if the KZbinr that I follow that does journaling or film photography mentions it, it can be something I can potentially be interested in too! Creating a super niche type of content, you actually limit yourself to what you can create since this sets some sort of expectation from both new and old subscribers. Guilty of thinking this way. But content creators need to understand that it's not so much about a game of demographics and targeting, it's "lifestyle targeting". Love love ur stuff, Katie!!!

[@doseofroxanneyt]

This was so encouraging!! Thank you Katie

[@bakerbrewz]

Thank you for the inspiration to continue vlogging! I definitely felt like so much out there is pushing away from the relational value that can be accessed so readily on KZbin, and that’s what I fell in love with myself and one of the reasons I wanted to start my own channel. It’s a fantastic way to connect with like minded people and share in a journey of growth, discovery, adventure and so much more.

[@nicomagsalin]

Just the vid I needed. Been thinking back and forth about my vlog. Thanks!

[@tonyraya]

This was great! Thank you for your insight and encouragement!

[@chishafolotiya3240]

Thanks, Katie. This has really helped me. I have a channel about our farms here in Zambia, and I was out at one of our farms yesterday and shot some footage about an important task that we have to do each year. I found the workers in the middle of doing it and immediately started to shoot some footage. There was a lot happening all over the place, and I had to shoot fast and furious. Get the action, do some talking head to give the background, get some more action, do some more talking head. And all the while having the basic outline of the story in my head. Today, as I start to edit, your video has helped me think about how to shape the video into even more of a story. One challenge is that I will need to add in a bit of narration to link the story better. But I always worry about the audio quality on voiceover done in the studio being different to what we get out in the field as I'm walking around. Anyway, maybe I'm overthinking it and most viewers might not really notice the difference, especially with all the action going on.

[@christinaobo]

this was super helpful!!! I just started a book tube channel but am hoping to pivot to more vlog-like content soon, and I found these tips extremely valuable. it is quite hard to come up with that story angle.... but not impossible

[@ANDACTION-og4eb]

Omg that video was so ugh!! Thank you for thisss, you are so right 💗

[@Mayameshonn]

Thank you for your honesty!! Heck thank you for the video period!!!

[@anansue]

I am soo happy I have stumbled upon this video. I DID search for "Are vlogs dead", intending to find someone who says no because these "experts" on KZbin saying that vlogs are dead does not only make me cringe but is not correct. I watch so many vlogs; I got into YT because of the different vlogs I started following. It was also a time when I was taking a break from IG. In the past, I was only coming here when I needed a quick "how to" video on something, but vlogs made me see the beauty of connection with other people around the world, their stories, etc. There's also this incredibly high bar nowadays for vlogging, but on the other hand, I see the most homemade, and yes, sometimes it could be better quality, but they have millions of views. I always wondered how the "experts" justify that. I follow people who started on zero three years ago and now have more than 500k to 1m subs simply from vlogging (and good SEO, obviously). Those think media titles are clickbait-y to me because they address the people wanting to start a (sometimes scammy) business from home. Still, most of us want to explore our creativity, share our stories and build new parasocial relationships. I'm so happy Katie made this video and called this out.

[@RoamAwayFromHome]

This is a great video! We are growing our vlog-style videos and transitioning away from search focused, so KZbin really knew where to land me!

[@ourforsurelife3334]

I love your vlogs, and am so happy when you share them!

[@Marijanel]

This is so good! Thank you! You’re right about the transactional channels!

[@Leanzz.J]

This video was honestly very encouraging!

[@iambellevie]

Thanks Katie! Love your vibe and tips!! Xoox

[@SheAndHers]

I've newly been watching your videos and can't seem to stop! Thanks for sharing all these tips. Helps a lot and keeps me hopeful!

[@LifeOfManpreet]

One of the only videos on KZbin that doesn’t discourage people on vlogging and actually talks about vlogging properly! Thanks! ❤ subscribed and now off to watching more videos. Your channel is a great find ❤❤

[@OutLoudJB]

First time watching your videos (you popped up on my home page) and, girl you rock! Love your personality and flow of information!! Long-live the VLOG!! Cheers Katie😊

[@colabottlebaby]

this is such great insight. loving your channel!

[@lifebysoli]

Thank you so much! I always see your videos and I learn a lot from them. Thank you!

[@jessicaguevarapilates]

This video is amazing! All the other vloggers suggest SEO/ niche and that creates “transactional search”. I’ve definitely noticed a decline in my Tik Tok, but I realized now after watching this video it’s because I much rather focus on storytelling & sharing my adventures then stuffing a milling SEO hashtags. ❤. Thank you.

[@kikimp66]

saw this on the home page & watched the whole thing. loved it!

[@rajroyofficial]

Just the video i was searching for. esp loved the transactional part. keep up the good work. subscribed you

[@KerryBlue72]

You are EXCELLENT at what you do!! Thanks so much!!🙌🏼🫶🏼😍

[@FinnsLife554]

Thank you! I’m trying to grow as a vlogger and was so worried it wasn’t possible!!!

[@KellyRossouw]

I watch more vlogs than other content, i recently started my own vlog channel (after going full time on this channel) It allows me to connect deeper to my super core audience and that is literally the only reason I have it

[@amayesingfamily]

Absolutely love your channel thanks for sharing❤❤

[@SummerSayre]

I've actually had huge success starting a vlog channel... I love what you mentioned about transactional channels... totally fine but I LOVE my community!

[@eemoneali]

Thank you so much for this video !! You broke this down perfectly. ❤👏🏽

[@DiariesOfMarla]

Thank you for this. You did amazing job at explaining this 👏🏽

[@OurTinyAdventure]

Great video! AND one of the few I've seen that actually provides an example of how to incorporate STORY! The story arc example in the travel vlog was brilliant and really helpful. Thanks!

[@simonereilly8656]

Love your content! Definitely a huge help for me to move forward ❤

[@Maryiqb]

I'm so glad I came across this video. Vlogs are so fun to watch! That's literally what I most watch on KZbin. I don't personally have a huge following on social media and this channel is only like 4-5 days old, but I really love making "vlog" type content! I call it "Video Diaries" Also they are great to look back on!

[@neekolehtee]

Thank you for this! You've inspired this scaredy cat to just go for it and start. I held back for the longest time because I was so concerned with having a niche and being confined to one thing. Also, a travel vlogger AND Outlander fan?! I feel like we would be best friends! 🥰

[@MeganGraham]

I get so much great info out of each and every one of your videos. Thank you so much for making them:)

[@CourtneyMermaid]

Super intriguing video. I would love for you to dive further into the vlogging process in terms of the WHILE you are vlogging aspect. Like how do you vlog and worry about what the “conflict” or point of interest is going to be? Or is this something you focus on while editing? I’ve been really experimenting with my vlogs and trying to get in a rhythm, but this is still something that stumps me. Would love to hear your thoughts!

[@JustSheik]

VLOGGING IS NOT DEAD. Yesss~ Thanks for sharing!

[@barbara-ramos]

Whenever I watch these advice videos about how to grow I feel a lot of pressure to make educational content, but them I think about what I watch. I love vlogs and just inspirational videos to help me keep making art in these alone times, and sometimes a good virtual company is just as valuable

[@JoanaCarina]

I loved your advice & subscribed because of your bubbly personality ❤️ excited to see your vlogs!

[@Yoyoadventure]

Thank you for this! That’s exactly what I always wanted to do, now I am gonna do it !

[@UnbrandedLifestyle]

This is a gold nugget of a video! You covered the other side of KZbin perfectly because no one is talking about starting a non-educational video

[@UnbrandedLifestyle]

I mean channel not video lol

[@jaymeannperez]

Love that you made this video. I was kinda sad about that video that vlogging is dead. It made me uninspired for quite a while. But, I love vlogging, coz that’s how I express myself better. I love story telling. These I think are far better approach if you want to be successful on this platform. We gotta love what we’re doing and not just pretending to be an expert on something that we aren’t just for the views. We do what we know we’re good and comfortable at. 😊

[@pedrozatravel]

This is great information, thank you for the advice. I am working more on the story.

[@erikaromee]

thank you for this vid, i've been so unmotivated lately with my youtube channel because everyone insists that vlogging/youtube isn't "in" anymore. but i'm going to keep posting because this makes me happy!

[@erinisom2]

this video is so perfect with simple yet very effect tips!! thank you 🥰💜

[@happyhauntslibrary]

As always, so dang helpful! 💜

[@lammiyuh]

I’ll take this as a sign to keep going ❤️❤️ thank you for this 🙏🏾❤️

[@CamisPlaylist]

what an amazing video!!! ty girly

[@SourabhAil]

Thank you so much. This video is very helpful. Thanks a lot 🙏. I will definitely use these tips in my upcoming vlogs.

[@MatthiasLenardt]

Oh Katie, you mentioned 'Outlander'... sorry, I can't hide it: I played the title song in various styles. Sorry for mentioning this here: you'll find them in playlist: 'Playing music just for fun' if you are interested. I love this song so much. Much love 💕 Matthias👋

[@kelsss]

I really appreciate your content!! entertaining, inspiring, and informative:)

[@FrancescaLeann]

I really appreciate this video! I think this is so important to disscuss. It's hard to grow as a vlog channel but I appreciate the process and your tips and comments

[@geniuspeng]

Thank you for making this video!! I was feeling discouraged about making vlogs even though it’s one of my favorite types of videos to watch, but your insight was encouraging and insightful. I will definitely continue making vlogs and working to improve my storytelling technique throughout. 😊

[@kautsar_ta]

Just started my vlog channel. Thank you for the tips 😊

[@anniinavivian]

Honestly, I would watch all your content here, both vlogs and the content creator and business tips :) I enjoy all of it, but I do understand how separating the two “audiences” or genres works well with the algorithm, views and business growth etc :) Always fun to watch your videos!

[@brittanystorey9460]

Thanks, I’ve always wanted to learn how to vlog! It sounds like fun!

[@CandidKaushik2507]

Wow. Literary I was just going through many topics for finding niche for my channel after going through an umpteen number of channels advising for finding a niche, i was about to leave this platform. Thank you for saving my youtube career. I'll definitely try now. Well. You got one subscriber today lady. Thanks for helping me with a refreshing video where I can now say that I DON'T HAVE TO BE A MASTER OF SOMETHING TO EXIST ON KZbin. I CAN BE A JACK OF ALL TRADES and still can persist on KZbin. Thank you once more for such an enlightening video. 🔥🔥🎉

[@khuzemasaifee4087]

Your content is all GOLD!

[@JessicaDessus]

You’re so good at this I admit I’m here for this type of contact from you.. love it

[@HeyJessicaJoyce]

This video was recommended to me on my home page 👍🏽👍🏽 great video!

[@uniquegracetv]

Glad to have find this video thank you ☺️

[@miftahghafar]

This video is in my homepage !! This helps so much thanks!! 💖💖

[@annawilliamson2986]

Ok - officially love your honest vibes and chill presentation and super helpful information 😊 You've inspired me to possibly get back into KZbin :)

[@whatisabiyahdoing]

This is such good advice thank you!!!👏🏽