My second video got 1 million views...here’s what I learnt (and what YT paid me)

Hi! Firstly, I’m so grateful to find this supportive community, and look forward to learning, connecting and sharing more here soon 😊

So eight years ago, I made a video that ended up going viral and hit a million views. It was a very simple five-minute guided meditation.

I took a break from YouTube and just started creating again this year, but thought I’d reflect on what I’d learnt so far and share what YT paid me for it.

1. Just go for it

When I recorded that meditation, I knew what I wanted to share but I didn’t write a script. I literally hit record on an old janky iPhone, freestyled, and uploaded it. There wasn’t even any editing involved (the audio quality is pretty bad but not one person mentioned it in the comments)!

Sometimes we overthink the process and get caught up in needing the best camera, the perfect setting, or a polished script. Yes these matter, but it’s the idea that matters most. You don’t need fancy gear to start or to make an impact. If I had waited until everything was perfect, that video probably never would have happened.

2. You don’t need your face (although it can help)

That video was faceless. I didn’t even have a moving video. It was just a thumbnail and static image! Face to camera can build more connection, but sometimes, the content can speak for itself. Funny enough when I do show my face I often get a lower CTR/watch time. If you’re not comfortable being on camera, you can still create something powerful without ever showing your face.

3. Make for humans, not the algorithm

So often, we get caught up chasing the algorithm, trying to “crack the code” or game the system. But at the end of the day, it’s people who control the algorithm. It’s humans watching, sharing, and engaging with your content. So, focus on making something authentic that genuinely connects with viewers first.

Finally, the title was Miracle Morning Meditation, at the time there was a popular book called the miracle morning and I assume I received some traffic from people searching for that too. Is there a way you can incorporate something similar in one of your upcoming videos to piggyback on traffic (which still pointing viewers to something valuable for them)?

In total that five-minute video has generated £6556 in ad revenue ($8560)

When I posted that video, I thought it was a one-off, but since then, I’ve had another faceless video reach nearly 800,000 views.

What lessons have you learnt from your most popular video?

Thanks for reading 🤍

(link to my channel in my bio)

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