Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/3yvoc7rWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQJoin Discord: https://www.vidiq.com/discordWe dive deep into the complexities of YouTube growth, from networking with larger creators to understanding the platform's evolution as "the new television." Travis shares his personal success stories of collaborating with million-subscriber channels by making participation easy and relevant.• Discord community becoming an essential lifeline for creators who need to connect with like-minded individuals• Sponsorship opportunities exist for all niches - even cooking channels can secure relevant brand deals• How to network with larger creators by bringing clear value and making collaboration effortless• YouTube positioning itself as "the new television" doesn't mean abandonment of shorts• Subscriber plateaus are completely normal, even after initial growth• Finding community is crucial for weathering the emotional journey of content creationJoin our Discord community at vidiq.com/discord where you can connect with other creators and participate in our monthly live podcast recordings.
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45:49
Why Are Views So Hard To Get?
Send us a textWatch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/s_a-5QOvlnkGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/3yvoc7rWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Join our Discord community at vidiq.com/discord to connect with fellow creators and participate in future live recordings.Ever wondered how to keep growing your YouTube channel when faced with seemingly impossible challenges? From seasonal content slumps to promoting topics nobody's searching for, this episode delivers actionable strategies that transform obstacles into opportunities.When a physics tutorial creator asked how to maintain momentum during summer breaks when students aren't studying, we explored creative ways to pivot content while staying on-brand. By connecting physics concepts to fun summer activities and experimenting with short-form content, educational creators can turn the "off-season" into a period of creative growth and audience expansion.For the indie horror film enthusiast struggling to get views on movies nobody's heard of, we revealed powerful techniques to leverage the familiar as a bridge to the unknown. By creating comparative content ("If you like this popular movie, you'll love these indie gems") and tapping into streaming platform searches, niche creators can find their dedicated audience without compromising their passion.The most surprising segment tackles YouTube's dramatic change to view counting metrics. Creators woke up to a 30% increase in views overnight as YouTube aligned their counting method with TikTok's approach. While the numbers might look better, we discuss what this actually means for monetization, brand deals, and performance measurement.Throughout the episode, we challenge the self-doubt that plagues creators thinking "who cares about my content?" by demonstrating how specificity is actually your superpower. The narrower your focus, the more opportunities you'll find for collaborations, special access, and building a fiercely loyal community that mainstream creators can't match.Whether you're battling seasonal fluctuations, promoting niche topics, or trying to make sense of YouTube's latest metrics changes, this episode provides the mindset shift and tactical approaches to turn YouTube's mayhem and chaos into your competitive advantage.
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31:14
Answering Your Questions LIVE!
Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/3yvoc7rWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQJoin our Discord community at vidiq.com/discord to connect with fellow creators and participate in future live recordings.Travis and Jenn broadcast a special live episode from the vidIQ Discord community, fielding questions from members and delivering candid advice about transitioning to more conversational, authentic YouTube content.• Creators often lack confidence in their unscripted abilities, believing they're not interesting enough without heavy editing• Bullet points can provide structure while allowing room for natural, engaging conversation• Recording yourself unscripted and watching it back often reveals you're more engaging than you realize• Pattern interrupts like changing camera angles or locations can maintain viewer interest without requiring complex edits• Cold outreach for brand deals should focus on relationship-building rather than immediate conversion• When a video performs well, double down on similar content while momentum exists rather than overthinking• AI tools are evolving rapidly in content creation, requiring creators to adapt and find ways to use these tools effectively• For interview-based channels, creating compilation videos around specific themes can provide more value than individual interviewsJoin our Discord community at vidiq.com/discord to connect with fellow creators and participate in future live recordings.
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47:39
Why 50 Views Actually Matters: Celebrating Every YouTube Win
Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/3yvoc7rWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQEver wondered if running Google Ads will actually help your small YouTube channel grow? In this eye-opening episode of Tube Talk, Travis and Jenn deliver the hard truth: paid promotion often brings the wrong audience and can hurt more than help. "Please stop running your ads," Jenn asserts, explaining why organic growth consistently outperforms paid traffic for sustainable channel success.The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Jenn reveals her pre-publishing ritual - she needs to "feel right" about releasing a video, sometimes closing her laptop multiple times until the universe aligns. This sparked a deeper discussion about the psychology behind content creation and how many creators likely have their own unique rituals. As Travis puts it, "Publishing a video is a sport," and like athletes, creators develop routines that help them perform.One of the most powerful moments comes when Travis challenges our perception of success on YouTube. While many creators dismiss "low" view counts, he reminds us that having 50 people watch your video is equivalent to filling a room with interested listeners - something that would be considered remarkable in any other context. "We need to normalize the fact that almost any amount of views is really impressive," he explains, encouraging creators to celebrate every milestone along their journey.The hosts also tackle niche expansion strategies for gaming channels, recommending a gradual approach called "wedging" - slowly introducing new game content while maintaining your core focus. This method helps bring your existing audience along rather than shocking them with an abrupt change.Want to join the conversation? Check out our Discord community where Travis and Jenn will be recording future episodes with creators just like you. Download vidIQ for free at vidIQ.com and start optimizing your YouTube strategy today!
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46:12
Is Vlogging Making A Come Back? Featuring Benji Travis
Send us a textWe explore the revolutionary shift happening in YouTube content creation with special guest Benji Travis, filmed in-person for the first time ever in Benji's studio. Today's conversation unveils how "dead" vlogs are now dominating on the platform through an unexpected return to authenticity.• The surprising power of unedited, 30+ minute videos gaining millions of views• Why YouTube's dominance as a TV platform is creating massive opportunities for creators• How the algorithm is now finding perfect audiences for small creators without promotion• The "Three T's" framework for successful modern vlogging: Theme, Topic/Takeaway, and Telling stories• Why highly-produced content is becoming less effective as viewers seek more authentic experiences• Creating content specifically for the "couch viewer" instead of mobile optimization• How this shift represents a space with high demand but low competition• The revelation that YouTube's advanced AI is making success more accessible to new creatorsCheck out VloggingAcademy.com/checklist for Benji's complete guide to creating successful vlogs using his three T's framework.
TubeTalk tackles the questions that real YouTubers are asking. Each week we discuss how to make money on YouTube, how to get your videos discovered, how to level up your gaming channel, or even how the latest YouTube update is going to impact you and your channel. If you've ever asked yourself, "How do I grow on YouTube?" or "Where can I learn how to turn my channel into a business?" you've come to the right podcast! TubeTalk is a vidIQ production. To learn more about how we help YouTube creators big and small, visit https://vidIQ.com
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