The Future of This Channel: A Personal Update on Content Strategy
Reflecting on the creator journey leads to evolving perspectives. This update shares insights into the channel's past trajectory, current feelings about the established content strategy, and a significant decision regarding future video creation and channel strategy.
Reflections and Future Plans
Watch the video for a personal discussion on the channel's evolution, the desire for broader creative expression, and the potential launch of a second channel.
Channel Evolution and the "Killer" Formula
The channel initially focused on learning about YouTube and sharing those findings (YouTube education). Early experiments included tutorials and case studies.
A specific video ("Killer YouTube Intro") became highly successful, leading to a series of similar "killer" videos (thumbnails, etc.). This strategy of focusing on comprehensive, actionable, research-based content proved effective for YouTube growth and established a consistent viewer experience.
The Missing Piece: Personal Connection and Constraints
While the established format worked for growth, it created limitations. There was a growing desire to share more personal aspects of the creator journey, behind-the-scenes insights, or experiment with different video types that didn't fit the high-research, high-production mold.
A feeling of "hiding behind the research" emerged—a reluctance to share personal perspectives or use "I" frequently, prioritizing objective value delivery over personal expression. This created a sense that something was missing from the creative process.
Challenges of the YouTube Strategy Niche
Operating within the YouTube strategy space presents unique challenges:
- Meta-Pressure: It's easy to overanalyze every video based on strategy principles (validated topic, view potential, etc.).
- Optics Matter: Underperforming videos can attract criticism about the creator's expertise, creating pressure to only release potential "bangers."
- Viewer Whiplash: Mixing highly polished, researched videos with more casual, personal, or experimental content could disrupt the consistent viewer experience.
- Production Standards: Maintaining extremely high production quality for every video can be demanding and limit the types of content created.
The Decision: Launching a Second Channel
To address these challenges and create space for broader expression, the decision was made to start a second channel. This allows for a clearer distinction in content strategy:
- Main Channel: Reserved for well-researched, high-production videos on validated topics with high view potential (e.g., monthly uploads).
- Second Channel: A space for more experimental and personal content (e.g., 2+ uploads/month, lower production value), including:
- Behind-the-scenes / Build-in-public (strategy, analytics, sponsorships, hiring).
- "How I do things" tutorials (motion graphics, research, thumbnails).
- Commentary on broader YouTube trends.
- Format experimentation (testing ideas before potential main channel adoption).
Looking Ahead: Excitement and Nerves
Launching a second channel offers creative freedom but also brings nervousness about putting more personal content out there. The fear of judgment shifts from critiques of research to critiques of self.
However, it's viewed as an opportunity for growth, improving off-the-cuff speaking, and exercising different creative muscles.
Conclusion: Evolving the Creator Journey
This strategic shift reflects an evolution in the creator journey. By launching a second channel, the aim is to maintain the quality and focus that drives YouTube growth on the main channel while creating a dedicated space for personal connection, experimentation, and different forms of video creation. It's an attempt to balance strategic content strategy with personal creative fulfillment.