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Friday, September 5, 2014

FAQ: Tips for new YouTube channels


It's frequently asked question time again, already!

Q: "Do you have any tips for making a new or smaller YouTube channel a success?"
  • My top tips sound simple & obvious, but to me, they really are the most important things.  First & foremost, you have to enjoy it, yourself.  Don't try to only do what you think the most viewers want at that moment.  Make sure you stay true to who you are and what you like to do & share. A lot of people will hear that in your voice and appreciate that you're being genuine. 

    On a related note, be original.  More specifically, do something other than a plain white background!  When I started using that style in 2009/2010 on my three toy review channels, it was refreshing & extremely rare. Fast forward to today, though, and a huge portion of LEGO-related content on YouTube follows this exact setup, with search results returning groups of nearly identical thumbnails. Even I am tiring of the look.  If you want to boringly blend in, do more of the same.  If you want to be noticed, do something to stand out.  Something other than a plain white background.

    The secret to true, lasting success is not copying the video style, naming convention, and tag keywords of one of "the big guys."  While it's good to learn from other successful producers, if you try to pick who you think is best at it and emulate every last thing they do, you'll end up a copycat and many potential viewers will see right through you.  Try to carve out your own space and find a style that's uniquely yours.

    Now here's something I must tell you that you don't want to hear or believe.  When you start out, you will be bad.  Really bad.  Trust me.  When I first started LEGO reviews, I positively sucked at it.  I was inexperienced with the material. I was inconsistent in video structure. I rambled. I was boring.  Seriously!  This isn't being humble at all, this is being brutally honest. Go try to watch my a review of mine from really early in 2013, beginning to end.  It's not enjoyable.  What changed?  Everything did, but it happened very, very slowly.  I regularly self-critiqued, and gradually worked to correct things that I did not like.  Even to this very moment, I'm continually looking for (and implementing) ways to improve, and that statement holds true no matter when you happen to read this.

    Don't obsess over subscriber & view counts.  Focus on making your work the best it can be, and you will rightfully earn fans & viewership. If you enjoy what you're doing, believe in it, and continuously and intelligently work hard to improve while staying true to yourself and your viewers, you can create success.  

21 comments:

  1. Great stuff here! It seems these principles can also be applied to just about anything you do. Thanks for posting this!

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  2. Thanks for the advice. I have always wanted to publish some videos on youtube, and I am finally taking the plunge. I am focusing on making videos I can do with my children, or that my children will enjoy (Lego is a good fit). The videos are bad so far, but I am having fun making them and as you mention I hope to get better.

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  3. I love your videos! And this article has helped to! Do you think that you can help me and watch some of my videos on YouTube? Watch some of my favorite videos and some of my animations using the disney's vanelope from wreck it Ralph. But don't forget to like my favorite Lego animations! Like "The Rock" dactelcraft original and "my very first animation" which is actually my first! (I am dactelcraft) k thanks for the help with my YouTube channel by this article!

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  4. I kind of miss the long jang videos.......

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  5. That is very inspiring for a lot of people,including myself who does the same type of stuff as me. Thanks Jangbricks

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  6. Thanks for advice jangbricks, I have made over 100 videos now and as you say you must enjoy what you do, I do very much and I will continue to make films until I make a viral masterpiece, jhang ricks rules!

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  7. Thanks for the advice as now I realize that I have tried to record videogames, as this is what people like. I do enjoy playing VG but I find that recording them is not all the same thrill so I am thinking of not stopping VGS but just recording things that I like recording like LEGO. Thanks again jangbricks ps love your vids keep up the good work

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  8. Thanks, jangbricks. Great advice. Although I have one question. Can u take apart your Lego heads and make new minifigs. If you do, I am probably going 2 be the first one to view the video. Thanks!

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  9. I mean can you give me advice of making a good youtube account

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  10. Hello, did u have any issues (copyright) with Lego for using their trade name and products on your youtube video's?
    thank you.

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  11. Why are there comments, then a slightly different comment afterwards? Is it a bot or an inside joke or what?

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  12. OMG This is exactly what I wanted/needed to hear! Thank you so much Jang for all that you do and hopefully will continue doing. :)

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  13. I like jang bricks and i like roblox gamers like dennis and dantdm


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  14. Your so good at Lego!! I feel you would be great with Rc cars like traxxas, losi is my favorite company though look them up if u want there cool and they would match your type!!

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  15. Thanks for the tips jang but i only have white setup

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