Title: Why I’ve Reduced the Number of Videos I Post on YouTube
Introduction:
For those of you who have been longtime fans of Woodworking for Mere Mortals, you may have noticed that I haven’t been posting as many videos on YouTube as I used to. Well, I wanted to take this opportunity to address your questions and provide some insights into what’s been happening behind the scenes.
The short answer is that I’ve been devoting a significant amount of time and effort into creating videos for my next online course, the Weekend Workshop. Throughout the entire summer, my shop has undergone a complete transformation, and I can’t wait to share a shop tour with you soon. However, there’s more to it than just that.
In the spirit of full transparency, I wanted to discuss in depth the reasons behind my decision to reduce the frequency of my YouTube uploads. If you’re interested in the nuts and bolts of YouTube, stick around. Otherwise, feel free to explore my next woodworking video.
But before we dive in, if you want to ensure you’re notified when I do upload a new video, you can subscribe to my channel or click the notification bell. There’s still something quaint and charming about the subscription model, after all. And for those curious minds, I have over eleven years’ worth of content that you can check out whenever you’d like.
Now, before I go any further, I’d like to touch on the concept of the “YouTuber life cycle curve.” Derek over at Veritasium made an excellent video in May that delves into this phenomenon. I highly recommend giving it a watch, especially if you’re a content creator. Essentially, nearly all YouTube channels experience a rise in popularity followed by a decline; it’s a universal truth.
If we were to compare YouTube to TV, most older channels, including mine, would have been cancelled long ago. People’s interests change, and they move on, leaving fewer viewers for creators. Unfortunately, YouTube’s recommendation algorithm favors watch time, and with fewer viewers, the platform is unlikely to recommend our videos.
For independent creators like myself, consistently churning out high-quality content on a weekly basis year-round is simply unsustainable. The woodworking and maker community on YouTube has boomed, resulting in intense competition and, inevitably, creator burnout. However, YouTube is indifferent to this burnout; its algorithm will shift attention to the next creator who regularly produces content, regardless of its quality.
This constant cycle of creator popularity peaking and then declining can be disheartening, especially as our skills as presenters, filmmakers, editors, and woodworkers continue to improve. Just as content creators hit their stride and produce excellent content, the YouTuber life cycle curve begins its descent.
In the following blog posts, I will further delve into the challenges faced by creators, the point of diminishing returns, and the larger implications of the YouTube ecosystem. So, if you’re interested in gaining a more in-depth understanding of the dynamics at play, stay tuned.
Below Table of Contents
- 1. The Reason Behind My Decreased YouTube Video Uploads
- 2. The Challenges of Sustaining Content Creation on YouTube
- 3. The Life Cycle of a YouTuber: Rising Popularity and Declining Interest
- 4. Balancing Quantity and Quality: The Struggles of Independent Creators on YouTube
- Q&A
- Final Notes
1. The Reason Behind My Decreased YouTube Video Uploads
Many of you longtime fans of Woodworking for Mere Mortals have been asking why I haven’t been posting as many videos on YouTube as I used to. Well, the short answer is because I’ve been focusing on creating lots and lots of videos for my next online course, The Weekend Workshop. In fact, I’ve been completely transforming my shop all summer long, and I can’t wait to give you a shop tour very soon. But there’s more to it than that, and I want to be transparent with you.
If you’re interested in the behind-the-scenes of YouTube, stick around. I want to talk about the Youtuber life cycle curve. There’s a fantastic video by Derek over at Veritasium that explains this phenomenon, and I highly recommend checking it out. Basically, almost all YouTube channels experience a rise in popularity followed by a decline. This is true for the majority of creators, including me. If you look at the channel history of any longtime creator, you’ll see how the numbers follow this curve. It’s like a TV show that eventually loses its audience and gets cancelled. As fewer people watch a creator’s videos, YouTube has no interest in recommending them. Their primary focus is on watch time.
For creators, quantity becomes crucial, especially for those who consistently produce quality content. The peak of a channel’s popularity usually occurs between four and seven years. In my case, I started on YouTube back in 2008, and my peak was around 2015-2016. During that time, I was churning out not just videos, but project videos on a weekly basis all year long. However, such a demanding schedule is unsustainable for independent creators. With the growing number of creators and competition, burnout is inevitable. Unfortunately, YouTube’s algorithm doesn’t care about burnout and simply moves on to the next creator who can produce content regularly.
It can be disheartening for creators when our skills as presenters, filmmakers, editors, and woodworkers continue to improve, but the YouTube life cycle curve is already heading downward. There’s a point of diminishing returns where producing more content doesn’t necessarily lead to more success. But despite the challenges, I remain committed to delivering high-quality woodworking content. If you want to get notified when I post my next video, try subscribing or clicking the notification bell below. And remember, there’s always over eleven years of content available for you to explore in the meantime.
Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for your continued support on this woodworking journey!
2. The Challenges of Sustaining Content Creation on YouTube
Many long-time fans of woodworking on YouTube have noticed a decrease in the number of videos being posted. The reason for this is because I have been busy creating a lot of videos for my next online course, the Weekend Workshop. I have been dedicating my entire summer to transforming my shop and I am excited to give you a shop tour very soon. However, there are more challenges to sustaining content creation on YouTube than just this.
One challenge that content creators often face is the natural life cycle curve of a YouTube channel. This phenomenon, as described by Derek at Veritasium, shows that nearly all YouTube channels experience a peak of popularity followed by a decline. While there are a few exceptions, this is generally true for all creators. Even channels that have been around for a long time, like mine, would have been cancelled if they were on television. People lose interest and move on, and with fewer viewers, YouTube is less likely to recommend the creator’s videos.
Another challenge for creators is the constant pressure to produce a large quantity of content. With the growing number of creators on YouTube, especially in the woodworking and DIY space, competition is fierce. In order to stay relevant, creators often feel the need to churn out videos on a regular basis, which is unsustainable in the long run. YouTube’s algorithm prioritizes watch time, so even if a creator’s content improves in quality, the platform may still favor creators who can consistently produce large quantities of content.
These challenges can be disheartening for creators, especially when their skills as presenters, filmmakers, editors, or woodworkers continue to improve. Just as creators hit their stride and their content quality improves, they may find themselves on the downward slope of the life cycle curve. The point of diminishing returns is reached, and it becomes difficult to maintain the same level of engagement and success. Despite these challenges, I am committed to continuing to create meaningful and engaging content for my loyal subscribers.
3. The Life Cycle of a YouTuber: Rising Popularity and Declining Interest
Many longtime fans of woodworking for mere mortals have been wondering why there are fewer videos being posted on YouTube. The answer is quite simple: the creator has been busy working on a new online course called the “Weekend Workshop.” The shop has been undergoing a complete transformation throughout the summer, and a shop tour will be shared soon. However, there is more to the decline in video uploads than just the course preparation.
In the interest of transparency, the creator wants to discuss the life cycle of a YouTuber. This phenomenon was well-described by Derek from Veritasium in a video released in May. The life cycle curve of a YouTube channel shows that most channels experience a rise in popularity followed by a decline, with only a few exceptions. This pattern holds true for almost all creators, including the channel in question.
For channels that have been around for a significant amount of time, such as this one, the numbers clearly demonstrate the decline in viewership as time goes on. In the world of television, many older channels, including this one, would have been canceled due to decreasing interest. YouTube’s algorithm prioritizes watch time, and as fewer people watch a creator’s videos, the platform has little incentive to recommend them. So, as a creator, it becomes crucial to consistently produce a minimum of quality content to maintain some level of visibility.
The peak of a channel’s popularity usually occurs between four and seven years after its inception. In this case, the peak was around 2015-2016 when the creator was posting project videos on a weekly basis throughout the year. However, such a high production rate is unsustainable, especially given the intense competition among creators today. Burnout becomes inevitable for independent creators, and unfortunately, YouTube’s algorithm simply moves on to the next creator who can provide a steady stream of content. Quality of content becomes less relevant as the life cycle curve starts to decline, which can be disheartening for creators who continuously improve their skills as presenters, filmmakers, editors, and woodworkers.
As the video transcript suggests, the overall interest and popularity of a YouTuber tend to decline over time. This decline can be disheartening for creators who put in tremendous effort to improve the quality of their content. However, understanding the life cycle curve of a YouTuber can bring a sense of perspective and help creators navigate the ever-changing landscape of online content creation.
4. Balancing Quantity and Quality: The Struggles of Independent Creators on YouTube
In today’s competitive landscape of YouTube, independent creators face the ongoing struggle of balancing quantity and quality in their content. As many longtime fans have noticed, creators often face challenges in consistently posting videos due to various factors.
One common reason for the decline in video production is the commitment of creators to other projects. Just like in the case of Woodworking for Mere Mortals, where the host has been busy creating numerous videos for an upcoming online course called The Weekend Workshop. This process requires significant time and effort, including the transformation of their workspace. However, it’s not just about working behind the scenes. In the spirit of transparency, creators aim to share their journey, including future plans, such as providing a shop tour.
While creators may be focused on producing high-quality content, they can’t escape the inevitable life cycle of a YouTube channel. This concept, known as the “youtuber life cycle curve,” has been extensively discussed by Derek at Veritasium. Almost all YouTube channels experience a peak in popularity, followed by a decline. Even long-standing channels would have been cancelled on TV due to the decline in viewership over time. With fewer viewers, the YouTube algorithm is less likely to recommend their content, making quantity an essential factor. Over time, burnout becomes a real concern for independent creators, given the vast competition and the pressure to continuously generate content.
While it may seem disheartening that quality improvements in presentation, film-making, editing, and woodworking often coincide with the decline of a channel’s popularity, creators continue to strive for excellence. However, there comes a point of diminishing returns, where the effort put into creating high-quality content no longer correlates with the algorithm’s interest. This challenging reality often leaves creators feeling frustrated and forced to navigate the delicate balance between producing enough content to maintain relevance and prioritizing the quality that enhances their craft.
Ultimately, independent creators on YouTube face the ongoing struggle of finding the right balance between quantity and quality. This delicate equilibrium requires them to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the platform while continuing to refine their content creation skills. As followers, we play a vital role in supporting these creators by subscribing, engaging, and appreciating their dedication to delivering quality content.
Q&A
Q: Why haven’t you been posting as many videos on YouTube as you used to?
A: The short answer is that I have been busy creating lots of videos for my next online course called the Weekend Workshop. I have been completely transforming my shop all summer long, and I am excited to give you a shop tour soon. However, there is more to it than just that, and I would like to be transparent about it.
Q: Will there be a shop tour coming up?
A: Yes, there will be a shop tour coming up soon. I have been working hard to transform my shop, and I can’t wait to show it to you.
Q: Why did you reduce the number of videos you post on YouTube?
A: The YouTube channel life cycle curve explains that almost all YouTube channels experience a peak of popularity and then gradually decline. This is true for most creators, including myself. As time goes on, people lose interest and move on to other channels. With fewer viewers, YouTube has no interest in recommending the creator’s videos. Quantity of content becomes more important for creators, and sustainability becomes a challenge. Competition among creators in the woodworking/maker arena is intense, and burnout is inevitable. Unfortunately, YouTube’s algorithm simply moves on to the next creator who consistently produces content. It can be disheartening for creators, especially when their skills as presenters, filmmakers, editors, and woodworkers continue to improve.
Q: Can I still subscribe to your channel to get notified of new videos?
A: Yes, you can subscribe to my channel to get notified when I post new videos. While YouTube’s algorithm might prioritize quantity of content, there is still value in the subscription model. Subscribers can also explore my over eleven years of content anytime they like.
Q: Is the quality of content irrelevant on YouTube?
A: While quantity of content may be more important for gaining traction on YouTube, the quality of content still matters. As creators improve their skills and produce higher quality videos, they may experience a diminishing return in terms of audience engagement, as the YouTube channel life cycle curve naturally starts to decline.
Final Notes
So there you have it, an explanation as to why I haven’t been posting as many videos on YouTube as I used to. The truth is, I’ve been busy creating lots and lots of videos for my next online course, the Weekend Workshop. I’ve been transforming my shop all summer long and I’m excited to give you a shop tour soon. But this is only part of the reason. I wanted to be fully transparent with you and share more about the YouTube creator life cycle curve.
If you’re interested in the nitty-gritty details of YouTube, stick around. Otherwise, feel free to check out my next woodworking video. And if you want to get notified when I post it, you can subscribe or click the notification bell below.
Now, let’s talk about this life cycle curve that Derek from Veritasium has brilliantly explained. It’s a phenomenon that almost all YouTube channels go through – they rise to a peak of popularity, and then decline. Think of it as the natural cycle of a creator’s journey on YouTube.
For most creators, including myself, our channels reach their peak somewhere between four and seven years. That was the case for me back in 2015-16 when I was consistently posting weekly project videos. However, this level of output is unsustainable for independent creators like myself.
With the growing number of creators on YouTube and the increasing competition, creator burnout becomes inevitable. And unfortunately, YouTube doesn’t care about burnout. Its algorithm simply moves on to the next creator who can churn out content on a regular basis. Quantity often outweighs quality in YouTube’s eyes.
This can be disheartening for creators, especially when our skills as presenters, filmmakers, and woodworkers continue to improve. Just as we hit our stride and produce better content, the YouTube life cycle curve starts its downward descent.
But here’s the thing – while YouTube might prioritize watch time and quantity, we, as creators, can focus on quality. We can continue to improve our craft, refine our skills, and create meaningful content for our dedicated fans.
So, as I navigate this curve and adapt to the changes, I appreciate your understanding and support. And remember, even though I’m not posting as many videos as I used to, I have over eleven years’ worth of content that you can check out anytime.
Thank you for being a part of this journey, and I look forward to sharing more woodworking and creative projects with you. Stay tuned for the shop tour and continue to join me in the world of woodworking for mere mortals.
With the rise of online media, many of us have been able to share our stories with the world, opening up new opportunities to express our creativity and passions. However, the demand that comes with being an online content creator can be overwhelming, and it can be difficult to maintain a consistent stream of content without burning out. Therefore, I’ve experienced first-hand why it’s important to take breaks from creating content, especially if it’s of high-quality.
I used to post videos to my online platforms daily, but the pressures that accompany over-posting became too much. I was struggling to put out content that I felt to be good enough, andevery video had to have something special about it. This meant that the video editing process was lengthy and extremely stressful, making it difficult for me to enjoy the creation process and find satisfaction in my work. I was working too hard on achieving the perfect video and was no longer enjoying the journey.
Another reason why I stopped posting as much is because I wanted to focus on my mental and physical health. Before Covid-19, I was often travelling to film projects on top of my regular office hours. But with more time spent in my local area, I was able to dedicate more time to self-care activities such as going for runs, reading books, and meditating regularly. This has been a catalyst for reigniting my passion for content creation, which not only has made me feel healthier but also has encouraged me to find new ways to share my stories with others.
I have realized that taking breaks from posting can be incredibly beneficial for one’s wellbeing. For me, it was an opportunity to refuel my creativity and to begin a new chapter in my content creation journey. Moving forward, I feel more excited than ever to share my work and to create stories with a sense of purpose.
Therefore, I hope that everyone, creator or not, finds a balance between work, leisure, and self-care. On the journey of pursuing our passions, it’s extremely important to take a step back and assess whether the workload is beneficial or detrimental to your mental and physical health. With this newfound perspective, I believe the answer of why I stopped posting as much as I used to is evident.