It’s a grind! That’s what I’ve heard and I’m experiencing just that in getting my YouTube channel back on track. Over a decade ago, I orphaned it, sort to speak and am finally picking it back up. Going to be retiring in the next couple of years so why not focus on my music and have a couple of years to get it going before that happens.
YouTube Shorts Are My Main Source of Content
I have found with my long form videos, I don’t get as many views and in turn, not as many subscribers. My short attention span needs a bit more stimulation and YouTube shorts gives it to me. I’ve created a series of shorts called “QuickLicks” which is me ripping a fast lick in 10 seconds or less. I have found that no matter how good I think the guitar lick is, the shorter the better for retention and subs. This method keeps me engaged and I treat it like a video game to where when I get a sub, it’s like leveling up so I’m always motivated. As of this writing, I have 106 subscriptions on my channel. For context I had 12 4 months ago so I feel like I’ve made some decent progress.
I need to make more long form content to really build my channel
YouTube shorts are good but in no way sustainable. There are only so many guitar licks I can come up with and the well is running dry. PLus to monetize, you have to have over 3 Million views (90 day span) to qualify after you get to a certain level of subs. At about 900/1000 views each short, on average, that’s nearly impossible. So I’m working on the long form videos; mostly covers and some arrangements. I have to buckle down and start recording them.
Why start a Youtube Channel?
Every musician wants there stuff heard, right? I’m no different but I also started it because it holds me accountable to where I’m practicing regularly and learning new stuff every day. Being in a band and working on my channel have been the best tools in my progression as a guitarist. I’m literally leveling up and having a great time at it! So if you’ve come this far in reading this post, please take the time to check my YouTube channel out and subscribe. I can use all the support I can get.
https://www.youtube.com/@realmac5150
