🎉🎉 My One Year Experience as a YouTube {Coding} Content Creator
Tags: webdev, tutorial, career, showdev
Published: 2020-07-16 15:46:12

It has been about `one year` since I uploaded my first video tutorial on [my YouTube channel] (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe8uN9zoKksCb1hfw61myRw?sub_confirmation=10). 

It has been quite an experience and I just want to share with you my YouTube journey which might be supper helpful to any aspiring YouTube content creator. My funs might also wanna see this 😃

Check out my channel [here] (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe8uN9zoKksCb1hfw61myRw?sub_confirmation=10)

##Stats
Let me start by sharing my current YouTube channel stats:
> `2.18k subs`
> `45 videos upload`
> `50k+ total video views`
> `91.1% average likes 👍`
> `8.9% average dislikes 👎`
> `1,360 public watch hours`
> `$0.00 revenue earned`

I might talk more about the stats as we explore other areas.

##The Pros
Now that you know the stats, what are some of the pros I have experienced by having a YouTube channel?
* _I get to help others._ This is one of the main reasons I started my channel. To educate and mentor others in the field to fulfill their potential and deepen my knowledge. Even if I help at least one person, it's still a plus.
* _It deepens my knowledge._ For me to educate, I have to understand first. It's not just about educating, but educating in a simple way for others to understand. Trying to simplify difficult concepts makes me do more research and learn in the process.
* _Staying connected with other devs._ I get numerous engagements from comments and emails. I get to know what others are doing and focusing on. I do code reviews and answer questions that some are struggling with. This helps me to stay connected and have a feeling of belonging.
* _More opportunities come my way._ I receive emails (not many but it's a good start) about job opportunities, collaborations and sponsorship. This is cool right? 😉
* _I have gained extra skills._ You might think that the video creation process is easy but it is not. You need to have extra skills to spice things up. `Focus is a key` (talking while coding). `English` is not my first language and I have to improve on my communication skills each time I'm working on a new video. `Video editing` is needed to cut out long pauses. `Design skills` (video thumbnails need to be clickable) and much more.

##The Cons
Enough of the pros, what are the cons?

* _Creating for free._ YouTube reward creators through ad revenue. This was another reason why I started my channel. When starting out, there are requirements you need to meet for you to start earning from ads. You need to have gained at least `1k subs` and `4,000 public watch hours`. You have to create for free till you meet these requirements. It's not a bad thing though if your focus is to learn and help others. Just focus on the __quality of the content__ and you will finally get there.
* _You can not please everyone._ It doesn't matter how hard I work to bring a cool tutorial on the platform. I will still receive some dislikes and mean comments. Just focus on the positive and constructive critics.
* _Frustration._ When starting out, you will get a few video views or even `zero`. You will come back after a few hours and see that your own views are the ones adding up `++own`. But it gets better.
* _Lack of video production equipment._ Most of the time you won't have a fancy camera, mic, computer or whatever you need to produce a video when starting. I still record the audio with my phone. Donate a mic [here] (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=NZCBMP9V54G9J&source=url). The bottom line is, use what you have and you will upgrade with time.

##Struggles
I have already mentioned some of the struggles at the cons, but the main once are:
* _Video production process is not easy._ Trust me, hearing yourself talking will be awkward. It took me hours before uploading my first 20 mins video. I recorded it multiple times and repeated again and again. But it gets better with time.
* _Frustration._ Luck of views and subs might make you quit. Don't start creating for the wrong reasons. Focus on the content and create good thumbnails. Helping at least one person is a plus. Not helping anyone? You will still learn something in the process.
 
##Getting your content out there
The following are some of the platforms I use to share my content:
* _DEV._ This very platform that you are reading this article is a good place to start. Just follow the community rules and you will be fine.
* _Subreddits._ Join relevant subreddits. Share your content there and help others by answering questions or providing constructive criticism.
* _Facebook groups._ Join relevant Facebook groups and become part of the community.

These three have worked for me. There are many other ways you can try out.

_Disclaimer:_ Spamming will get you banned/blocked/ignored. Be mature and wise. Follow the rules, only share relevant and helpful content.

#Uses
Let me mention the software that I use for video production before winding up. All are _free_. 
* _Screen recording._ I find myself alternating between `OBS` and `Free Cam 8` 
* _Video Editing._ Here I use `Shotcut`. You can try `DaVinci Resolve`
* _Thumbnail Design._ I prefer `Inkscape`.

##Support my content
* Subscribe to my channel and  watch my content [here] (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe8uN9zoKksCb1hfw61myRw?sub_confirmation=10)
* Donate to my PayPal [here] (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=NZCBMP9V54G9J&source=url)

##Take Away
* If you want to start something, just start. At first it will be awkward or hard but it gets better with time.
* You don't need a fancy camera or laptop to start a YouTube Channel.
* Don't create for the wrong reasons. Focus on providing value and the rest will follow.
* Don't spam social platforms with your content. People can smell spam from a distant. You will be ignored.

Did I tell you to follow me on twitter? 🙃 Click [here] (https://twitter.com/ChaooCharles)

I'm not much of a writer but I think I really tried on this one. Leave a like 
😉

Remember to stay awesome always 💙