Hi folks. In October 7th I posted here that I had pressed publish on my first “talking head” video and was so excited it had 125 views! I thought you’d like to know that today, just 5 weeks and 9 videos later, that video is at 19k views. That’s not a typo! I reached my monetisation goal last week having had another video reach over 100k views. I’m still reeling! Just 5 weeks ago I had 250 subs and about 60 watch time hours. Today I’m at almost 5k and over 8k. better still, engagement is high and very satisfying. Just to say this “overnight success” has taken years of plugging away with many wrong turns and expensive mistakes, but I wanted to post in here because I know how important it is to see that it’s possible with hard work and a lot of luck! I’m currently in New Zealand with my daughter and her newborn and I’m trying really hard not to be distracted. Exciting stuff! Thanks for all your support. All the best., Jo

https://www.loom.com/share/eda989479ca94b58a30a3996feb1a171 Share something you are currently struggling with below regarding YouTube and let’s help each other shine!

Tomorrow will mark exactly 2 months since I launched my YouTube channel. Today I reached 1000 subscribers. I have benefited from a lot of shares. And the engagement with those making comments in the videos has been heartwarming, and fulfilling. A big thank you to @Alexa Saarenoja and all of the other members of this group who have been such an encouragement to me. Your tips your advice your criticism has all been priceless. I’ve only got around 500 Watch hours so I’ve got a ways to go. But, I’ll get there. I know that for sure. "If you ain’t dead, you ain’t done." And I sure ain’t done. 👌

Has anyone ever done or considered doing a holiday giveaway to boost interest in your content? An item that would really suit your target audience? Does that seem ethical or too much like trying to buy subs? I’m not sure what the YouTube guidelines are for give aways but I was considering doing something like a Dutch oven to bring more interest and viewers, realizing that they may come and then go after the giveaway. What do you all think? Gray area or a good idea?

I have a short that is closing in on 8K views! That’s huge for me! I’m also at 96 subs…so close to my first hundred. I attribute a lot of my growth to the wisdom and support of this group. Thanks so much! I’ve attached the link in case you want to check it out. https://youtube.com/shorts/XvVapcGVI8o?si=OY_iGZzd9daFY1dp