🌸 why you should start a YouTube channel... 🌸

It has been nearly 4 years since I started YouTube. Not to say I am an expert (really I ain't, just a full-time worker who does her creative bits on the side); it is just interesting to see how far the channel has come from July 2022. I have 1000+ subscribers (which I gained in May last year) and although it is a great milestone, it can be overwhelming when you are not used to so many people viewing content. I mean, even now I feel overwhelmed as this is something to adjust to - that and ironically the same interests people in school made fun of me for are the ones I get the most viewers on if I make sense...

I always had the idea to start a channel in the back of my mind but never progressed until recently. My issue was mainly to do with self-doubt as-well as the perfectionist mentality kicking in. When I plan to do something, I often have questions in my head about whether ideas will work or the possibility of something going wrong (either that or I end up procrastinating which is something I am trying to avoid as I want 2026 to be the year I expand on content creation + taking potential business ideas forward - I procrastinated on doing Ko-fi/Etsy and now I have the shops, just need to gradually build stock and of course as I plan, things are coming to fruition - I need to stop rushing, take my time and trust the process. I keep saying trust the process a lot but yes, this is something essential).

My purpose of doing a YouTube channel wasn't about money (although it would be nice to turn it into a side hustle where I can earn through ads, donations etc - I am working on it; just not going to be a full-time YouTuber as I have to be realistic with finances) - it was about sharing my creativity with other people. That and posting about my special interests in games, tech (especially cute customs), art and also everyday parts of my life such as cooking or travelling. I have always enjoyed creating since childhood - I always drew (especially at school when I couldn't be bothered to listen to classes) and still do now. Also, I find that I have been experimenting with more art techniques over the years such as marbling and as of recently resin/decoden!

When starting, I didn't expect much. I started posting Tekken videos after finding out how to activate cheat codes on MAME and at one point, a video I made on leftover beta files (which wasn't meant to be recorded in the first place) received 10K views. I was shocked - thinking why would 10K+ watch this? Then, I started to expand on other interests. My most watched video is my Samsung Galaxy Folder 2 review (with shorts on my rare phones which come from South Korea/China) - since then I've had people requesting various things such as Tekken (or other obscure game playthroughs) or customization tutorials. People have asked about donations (which I recently opened although I want to be clear on what I intend to use them for - it is to invest in future projects such as publishing a book as I do have manuscripts in draft mode and also equipment for recording etc).

I've always been grateful to have many supporters - even though I have had 1K+ subscribers I don't want to change who I am. When making videos, I do edit to a degree but want to keep things experimental as this is the feel people get from my channel (honestly it is about yet again, trusting the process). In terms of content, I try to be clear on intentions (as I don't like to dupe people especially where memberships are concerned - I want to be realistic on what I can produce given that I work full-time).

So, why start a YouTube channel...?

Well, I'd say if you are a creative like me - a YouTube channel allows you to share your passions and connect with like-minded people. Of course, not everyone will like your content (I don't care much, I post about the things I like) but it's OK. Once you find a niche, just keep going ♡

You don't have to show your face on camera (although there are videos where you see me, it isn't all the time and I am not the best at explaining things because I get nervous very easily - hence why I have notes I make as an aid?) - only do so if you feel comfortable. I guess showing myself puts a bit of a face to the channel and I have slowly started to be OK with it.

I also love to experiment. You see, my channel is like me. Inconsistent. I think what I mean is, I have different styles and if you love art - having a YouTube channel gives you the opportunity to try different things. If you view my channel you'll notice that my style has changed over the years. You'll see that with others. Some people prefer visuals. Others prefer someone talking to a camera, like a friend on a video call. You try, figure it out.

I would advise not to focus on numbers. Sometimes it does get to you when certain videos do better than others but then again, it is natural. It is OK. It is also important to find a style which works. Figure out what your viewers like, even ask for feedback (I do it as I genuinely like finding out why people watch my channel, even now I don't get it). Also, I just don't like the idea of being overly flashy - it isn't me.

What to keep in mind... ♡

Another thing to mention is there are certain things to be aware of.

When it comes to my channel I don't share every aspect of my life. I don't go by my given name (for personal reasons), don't mention my exact location(s) especially where my work is concerned (given that my job does involve working with vulnerable individuals) and I don't overshare. Given that the Internet is accessible to many, it is important to be aware of what you post - I know in today's world people often put their real information on social media (I don't and I have my reasons). These above reasons are why you won't see certain videos like work or house tour (not happening EVER). I do care about my general safety, especially as these days people can find you.

I have posted about places I visit (mainly art galleries and such) but only do so when returning. I just don't need the hassle of people trying to form parasocial relationships as I am not interested.

So... this is my entire view on why you should start a YouTube channel. It is a short blog post but sweet (I guess).

What are you waiting for? Don't put it off! ♡