YouTube & Rumble Conundrum
Way Harder Than I Thought
Before I rant, please follow the links to my YouTube and Rumble channel and subscribe, like, comment, and blah blah blah….
YouTube: Dean's Various Videos - YouTube
Rumble Videos: Dean's Various Videos (rumble.com)
Relaxing Water Sounds: Aurora Borealis Colors (rumble.com)
I never thought that after roughly 2 years of consistent posting to my YouTube channel, I would have so much trouble reaching monetization. I'm aware that it is exponentially harder if you are running a nameless/faceless channel; however, I've tried quite a few suggested niches that claim a "fast track" to attaining monetization. I'm not even trying to reach six figures a year, let alone, a month. Instead, I would like to bring in a modest amount of passive income a month (i.e. $500.00 -$1,000.00 monthly). I started out making ASMR videos and modeled my videos after the channels reached millions of views in a matter of days or weeks and had no success. I've posted videos on the most googled man on the planet (Andrew Tate), talented up-and-coming music artists that are starting to make some traction in the music industry, salacious videos of women kissing, joined the Jordan Vs. Lebron debate, among a myriad of other popular and unpopular topics and have not made much progress within that timeframe. It also does not help that YouTube plays Monday morning quarterback by “auditing our videos” and reducing the view count every single day which is completely and utterly frustrating.
Creators are often advised to find a niche and cater to a specific audience to increase the likelihood of success. However, my experience has shown that even adhering to popular and trending niches does not guarantee success. The over saturation of certain niches and the unpredictable nature of audience preferences make it challenging for aspiring creators to carve a niche for themselves. The dream of a modest monthly income through YouTube remains distant for many despite their best efforts. YouTube's algorithm is touted as a sophisticated system designed to reward engaging and quality content. However, the inconsistency in content evaluation is evident when channels with seemingly comparable content achieve vastly different results. While some creators effortlessly soar past the monetization threshold, others, like myself, find their efforts mired in obscurity. The lack of transparency in how the algorithm evaluates content leaves creators frustrated and disillusioned.
The prolonged struggle for YouTube monetization takes a toll not only on a creator's aspirations but also on their mental health. The constant quest for content that will resonate with the elusive algorithm and audience expectations becomes an exhausting endeavor. Creators invest countless hours researching, filming, and editing, only to be met with minimal views and stagnant subscriber counts. The psychological impact of witnessing others achieve success while facing perpetual setbacks is both demoralizing and disheartening. Moreover, the pressure to conform to trending topics and popular niches can stifle creativity. The initial joy and passion that fueled the journey of content creation begin to wane as creators find themselves caught in a cycle of conformity rather than authentic expression. The fear of irrelevance looms large, pushing creators to compromise on their unique voices and ideas in a bid to chase algorithmic approval. This compromises the very essence of creative freedom that platforms like YouTube should encourage.
I also find myself facing the same issues of amassing a following alongside views to jump start my quest to earn supplemental income. I just started my account with Rumble and respect the fact that their platform does not require you to have to reach a specific number of subscribers as well as views before applying into their partner program. I joined a number of social media websites such as Twitter, Quora, Reddit to attempt to add exposure to my channels and it’s currently moving at a snail’s pace. I do not have high expectations for the Rumble platform since they are still considered in the infancy stages of development and only have a small portion of accounts in comparison to big brother YouTube.
In conclusion, I guess this YouTube thing is not cut out for everyone. The struggle for YouTube monetization extends beyond the desire for financial gain; it encompasses the mental and creative well-being of creators. The current state of ambiguity and inconsistency in the platform's policies and algorithms creates a discouraging environment for aspiring creators. As the custodian of a vast and diverse creative community, YouTube must embrace a more transparent and supportive approach to ensure that the dream of monetization remains within reach for all, regardless of their channel size or content niche. Only through such measures can YouTube truly uphold its commitment to being a platform that empowers and celebrates the global community of content creators.
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