[0:00] Stop browsing
[0:01] VTubing servers,
[0:02] subreddits,
[0:03] and online communities for the answer.
[0:05] These places are
[0:06] stunting
[0:07] your
[0:07] growth.
[0:08] You see, I've been gaining more traction after learning these tips
[0:11] from creators outside of VTubing.
[0:13] So today,
[0:13] I'm going to clear up misconception about growth,
[0:16] teach you the basics of content creation,
[0:18] and create a tangible direction for your VTubing career.
[0:20] We will mostly cover VTubing on YouTube
[0:23] and information in this video can be applied to other social medias.
[0:26] Let's get started.
(Like and subscribe to support the channel!)
[0:27] First thing first,
[0:28] stop blaming luck
[0:30] for your slow growth.
[0:31] I see this so often where people ask for advice
[0:33] and it's followed by
[0:35] "The algorithm hates me."
[0:36] "The algorithm sucks."
[0:38] "The algorithm won't push my video"
[0:39] Yada yada yada
[0:40] Zip it.
[0:41] Zip it zip it zip it. I don't want to hear it.
[0:42] The problem is that
[0:44] these creators give up agency of their own success to outside factors.
[0:48] The only thing that holds anyone back
[0:50] is a gap in knowledge about content that people actually want to watch.
[0:53] According to YouTube Liason,
[0:56] the official link between the platform and creators,
[0:59] YouTube has gotten really good at recommending videos to the right audience.
[1:02] In the past, videos were pushed out based on likes, view counts, and comments
[1:06] which led to random clickbait video going viral.
[1:09] Nowadays,
[1:10] these aren't the most important factor in recommending a video.
[1:13] Our home feed shows big and small videos because two major factors matter now:
[1:17] Watch time and satisfaction.
[1:20] When a viewer watches a video all the way through,
[1:22] it tells the algorithm that the video is real interesting.
[1:24] What if you watch a video out of curiosity
[1:26] and end up disliking it?
[1:28] Well that video goes through more checks.
[1:30] Are they returning viewers?
[1:31] Are your videos keeping people on the platform longer?
[1:34] Occasionally, you'll see surveys like this on screen as well. . .
[1:37] though I've been informed that this feature is not universal.
[1:40] This is all set up in a way so that the audience can feel good about what they watch
[1:43] and in turn associate good things with the platform.
[1:46] When I uploaded my first video on this channel, I thought it was a flop.
[1:50] For about 45 days, nothing really happened.
[1:52] But during that time, YouTube was quietly testing it with different audiences.
[1:56] All of a sudden, it started pouring in the views.
[1:58] Don't lose hope if your content doesn't take off right away.
[2:01] Sometimes, it just needs a bit more testing to get the right viewers.
[2:04] In the end, the algorithm isn't some mysterious beast.
[2:07] It's really all about your audience.
[2:09] If you shift your focus from trying to please the algorithm
[2:12] to actually engaging with your audience,
[2:14] you'll have a much better chance at success.
[2:16] Remember,
[2:17] the algorithm is a just a reflection of how well your content resonate with the people watching it.
[2:23] Let's talk about different types of video format on YouTube.
[2:26] The truth is
[2:28] YouTube livestreams are the awkward middle child between videos and shorts.
[2:31] Livestreaming was originally created to compete with Twitch,
[2:34] but as time went on
[2:36] TikTok became a bigger threat to the platform.
[2:39] Like many of you, I started streaming because that's what all the big VTubers are doing.
[2:44] When it comes to choosing among livestreams, shorts, and videos
[2:47] it's better to focus on 2 of the 3 media
[2:49] *especially* if you're an indie VTuber.
[2:51] Try out each one to see what you like or dislike.
[2:53] This way you can avoid burnout and really focus on making quality content.
[2:59] This is the most important part of the video.
[3:01] I spent countless hours researching what content goes viral
[3:04] and honestly, it's not that complicated.
[3:07] It's all about packaging your interest in a way that's appeal to others.
[3:11] YouTube is moving towards valuing quality videos more.
[3:14] You don't need to crank out five videos a week,
[3:16] you could just make one good video every few weeks.
[3:18] Doesn't that sound better?
[3:20] One of the coolest channel I've come across is called Lines in Motion.
[3:24] They've only made about 30 videos in four years
[3:26] and they usually post a new video every three months.
[3:29] Even though they don't upload often,
[3:31] each video is packed with great info and amazing editing
[3:35] that leaves you feeling...
[3:36] satisfied.
[3:37] In the bigger picture, you probably won't be the next Lines in Motion right away.
[3:41] Their video shows mastery of skills that many of us are still learning (myself included).
[3:45] Instead of trying to make five videos a week or one video every six months,
[3:49] find a rhythm where you can create a few videos every 30 days.
[3:53] That way, you'll get better with each upload while staying consistent with the feedback.
[3:57] As an indie VTuber, you're just one person.
[4:00] Channels that put out a lot of long form videos alongside streams or shorts
[4:04] usually have a team behind them.
[4:06] I often see new VTubers mistakenly try to copy the release schedule of bigger VTubers.
[4:12] It's just not possible.
[4:13] So what makes content "quality"?
[4:16] The key to quality content is less about  your editing skills,
[4:19] and moreso understanding that your audience wants something that
[4:22] fulfills a need or brings value to their lilfe.
[4:25] Here are some common categories that help channel grow
[4:28] while providing value to these viewers.
[4:30] Entertainment.
[4:31] This is the most common category for VTubers.
[4:34] It requires a good level of charisma and humor to attract viewers.
[4:37] If you're good at storytelling, you can also excel in this route too.
[4:40] Education.
[4:42] If you have a subject or topic you're interested in teaching others,
[4:45] like art, science, or even something niche,
[4:47] this type of video is recommended.
[4:49] Transformative.
[4:50] This type of video changes someone's outlook or idea about something.
[4:54] Common examples are video essays often focusing on topics like
[4:58] motivation, relationships, health, or relatability.
[5:02] This is often why fanart and song covers tend to do better than original content.
[5:07] The idea that it takes on a new form of what you're already familiar with.
[5:12] These are rather broad category, and I will cover some more later on in the video,
[5:15] but these are going to be what you'll find a lot of videos to fall under.
[5:19] When you're deciding between niche and variety,
[5:22] think of it like a sliding scale.
[5:24] Focusing on niche can bring in more views,
[5:27] while variety gives you more freedom.
[5:29] Most creators burnout by sticking to one type of content,
[5:33] and other creators get frustrated when they try too many things and don't see growth.
[5:37] Instead of going to either extremes,
[5:39] you need to  find a balance that lets you grow,
[5:41] but gives you enough flexibility to change your content when you want to.
[5:45] Many years ago, I was looking for a tutorial for a note taking program called "Obsidian."
[5:50] This one video I came across had more than 100,000 views.
[5:54] It had information I needed when suddenly. . .
[5:57] there was a VTuber on screen!
[5:59] John Mavrick is an example of a VTuber
[6:01] that niched himself quite well around a single note taking app.
[6:05] Each of his video has pretty significant views
[6:07] with his top video having 400,000 views all together.
[6:10] Many VTubers are NOT going to be John Maverick,
[6:13] but it is a potential path for some.
[6:15] More likely than not, you're going to be someone like S.S. Isa.
[6:19] She has song covers, ASMR, memes, variety. . .you name it.
[6:23] The best scenario is when you become the main reason people watch your content.
[6:28] When YOU become the niche they're interested in.
[6:30] Variety is a valid means of growth,
[6:32] but you have to grow INTO the brand and personality for it.
[6:34] That's just the truth.
[6:36] That doesn't mean you have to be extroverted or loud--
[6:38] It's just entertaining.
[6:40] Navigating the balance between sticking to a niche
[6:42] and branching out can be tricky.
[6:44] Think of your content growth as moving both up and out
[6:47] Let's say you start by making videos about Genshin Impact guides.
[6:51] You can grow a lot by focusing on just that,
[6:53] but if you start feeling bored you might want to branch out a bit.
[6:57] Instead of guides, you could just make videos about Genshin lore,
[7:00] maybe make videos on analysis,
[7:02] damage showcases, or updates.
[7:03] However, if you're thinking about completely switching gears,
[7:07] like moving from Genshin to Valorant,
[7:10] that could be risky.
[7:11] Your current audience might not be interested in Valorant,
[7:14] and it'll take time to build a new audience.
[7:16] As you shift your focus,
[7:17] you'll likely still keep some of the original audience while attracting new viewers.
[7:21] This is the sort of difficulty you'll start to encounter as you grow larger in size.
[7:26] Have you ever wondered how some YouTube videos keep bringing in views
[7:29] months or even years after they're posted?
[7:32] Creating evergreen content is the key to building a YouTube channel that grows on autopilot.
[7:37] They're a type of video that stays useful and interesting no matter when people watch it.
[7:42] So rather than focusing on explosive, viral videos
[7:45] Creating content that steadily grows is more consistent and achievable for many of us.
[7:50] To create videos that stay relevant,
[7:52] focus on topics that have long term relevancy.
[7:55] This are going to be tutorials,
[7:57] educational materials,
[7:58] song covers,
[8:00] video essays,
[8:01] ASMR sleep aids,
[8:02] exercise videos. . .
[8:04] just to name a few.
[8:05] By sticking to video topics that don't change very much,
[8:08] your videos will continue to be useful to viewers long into the future.
[8:11] The opposite of evergreen content is trends.
[8:14] These are going to be memes, flavor of the month games, news, or updates.
[8:18] There are VTubers who can grow and take advantage of these trends,
[8:21] but the timeframe for their relevancy is going to be a lot smaller.
[8:24] So, they're sort of forced to push content more often.
[8:27] Although I encourage creating evergreen content,
[8:29] you can also mix evergreen content with current trends for even better results.
[8:33] This approach can attract more viewers,
[8:35] while still providing timeless value on some of your other videos
[8:38] creating a feedback loop for all your channel.
[8:42] With all things considered,
[8:44] content creation can be overwhelming for first time creators.
[8:47] To give a bit more direction for your channel,
[8:49] I suggest grabbing a pen and paper for the last part of the video.
[8:53] At the top of the page,
[8:54] Write down no more than five inspirations for your channel.
[8:57] I wholeheartedly believe that if you want to succeed as a VTuber,
[9:01] at least one of them has to be a non-VTuber.
[9:05] The best VTubers come from those who innovate outside of VTubing
[9:08] rather than following the formula to a T.
[9:10] Next to your inspiration,
[9:12] write down your "unfair advantages"--
[9:15] The kind of skills or knowledge that you uniquely possess over most people.
[9:19] To those of you who don't think they have anything,
[9:21] You most definitely do.
[9:22] Image you're at your grocery store.
[9:24] You 100% do have the skills and knowledge
[9:27] on something over 90% of people there don't have.
[9:30] You can add things you're obsessed with like specific games, tv shows, or genre of music (among other things).
[9:35] These are going to be the foundation for your channel.
[9:38] If you like a particular game,
[9:40] think about expanding beyond pure gameplay footage.
[9:43] Try to really thing about creative ways to repackage your video.
[9:46] If, for example, you wrote down League of Legends,
[9:48] maybe you can make tutorials,
[9:50] challenge videos,
[9:51] breakdown guides,
[9:52] commentate over the history of League of Legends,
[9:55] maybe interviews too.
[9:57] Lastly,
[9:58] create a one year plan for yourself.
[10:01] You can toss a random number for your sub count, but...
[10:04] that doesn't really matter as much as the next part of it.
[10:07] Write goals that are achievable and based on factors you can control.
[10:12] If you don't feel like you can make merch within the next year
[10:14] because you lack the art skills, funds, or knowledge, then disregard it.
[10:17] HOWEVER.
[10:19] If you're willing to be the kind of person that is
[10:21] willing to learn or build the skills or get funding for it--
[10:24] then write it down.
[10:26] One of the most consistent thing about my one year plan so far
[10:29] has been putting forth unique and interesting streams.
[10:32] I'm just a regular VTuber much like you.
[10:34] Heck, I put together a Hot Ones Interview with myself
[10:37] using google image and photoshop.
[10:39] Nothing too crazy.
[10:41] These three questions will help guide your vision in your VTubing journey.
[10:44] When you get lost or don't know what to do,
[10:47] look to these ideas as a source of inspiration.
[10:50] At the core of content creation,
[10:52] Things. Take. Time.
[10:54] If you're truly starting out for the first time,
[10:56] try many things and learn lots of things.
[10:59] To succeed on YouTube,
[11:00] you have to take these concepts and prepare to learn and improve your video making skills as well.
[11:05] This is only the start.
[11:07] If you need help making your VTuber model, check out these videos here for more information.
[11:11] Feel free to support me by subscribing to my channel
[11:13] or checking out my livestreams here on YouTube.
[11:16] Your support means a lot.