For a very, very long time, I’ve often thought about creating a Youtube channel to show my modeling projects or talk/show about other various non-modeling topics, and also subscribe to some other people’s channels that I’ve found interesting.
But I have to wonder, Is it worth it?
I’m not looking for “Likes” or popularity, fame, money, or anything else of the sort.
And I’m kind of hesitant about people leaving negative comments and such.
Social media sure has connected the world over the last few decades. But there’s a lot of “ugliness” to go with it as well.
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I think it depends on your goal. I’ve subscribed to channels that suddenly gain an audience and try to create content on a regular basis to keep that audience and grow enough to make a living. A few months later, reality sets in. It’s a real grind to come up with something new and attention grabbing enough that the algorithm will keep you in the spotlight. Many content creators burn out, some in months, some after 5-10 years.
If you just want to say hey, “I’ve done a thing and want to show it off” and aren’t really concerned about viewership, then go for it. I’ve posted maybe 5 videos in nine years. I don’t really care if they ever get seen. I’m really proud of the music box but it’s so niche that I doubt anyone cares.
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I have a channel - because that’s what youtube calls it but I don’t promote it or only post specific content. I post videos on various subjects from guitar, models to cars and share. I’ve received nothing but positive feedback and good questions, though I’m not very active at all.
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You certainly have the skills and knowledge to create a channel. I for one enjoy your build logs and such on this forum. Committing to a channel usually means the pursuit of clicks with an eye toward monetization. It would increase your workload exponentially. I personally wouldn’t do it. It’s hard enough for me to keep my build logs here updated and fresh. Does this site have the ability to host video? Perhaps you could create a webpage for your videos, and just put a link in your avatar for the members here to click on and enjoy your work. That way would reduce the pressure to produce, but have your work visible to your target audience. Just my .02 cents.
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I used to be a Content Creator for World of Tanks, and regular YouTube uploads were par for the course (https://youtube.com/@worldoftankswithpr154)
I’ve thus far resisted the urge to make modelling content for YouTube, mostly due to a lack of control of my spare time and you really need a bench and lighting setup suitable for close-in filming. As much as I enjoy writing about the hobby, there is something particularly engaging about video content where you can see direct application of techniques rather than before and after photos.
I was never the best player in World of Tanks, but I didn’t have to be. You just need to be entertaining, informative and accessible. Don’t worry about the negative comments from a fraction of the Top-20% of modellers because the Bottom-80% will probably be grateful for the perspective and/or learning experience. No doubt you’ll see this reflected in your metrics, so the haters just get drowned out.
One thing to keep in mind with YouTube content is that the algorithm favours regular uploads. If you’re not uploading at least once a week to some sort of schedule, YouTube has a tendency to knock you out of the suggested feed of potential viewers (particularly those who haven’t subscribed yet). If you’re chasing the views or trying to maintain what you have, this can create pressure to create content for content’s sake and it will start to feel like work rather than an extension of your hobby.