While pursuing a YouTube channel can be an exciting and rewarding venture for many individuals, I believe it’s essential to acknowledge that there are valid reasons why creating a YouTube channel may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some reasons why some individuals might consider it a bad idea:
1. Privacy concerns: Launching a YouTube channel means putting yourself out there on a public platform, which may lead to privacy concerns. From sharing personal details to receiving comments or messages from strangers, there can be risks associated with potentially exposing your personal life to a wide audience. It’s important to consider how comfortable you are with sharing certain aspects of your life and whether you can maintain your privacy boundaries while building an online presence.
2. Criticism and negativity: The internet can sometimes be a space where people feel emboldened to express negative opinions or engage in cyberbullying. Starting a YouTube channel means opening yourself up to both positive feedback and criticism, and it’s important to have a strong mindset to handle potential negativity. It can be challenging to receive hate comments or deal with trolls, so it’s crucial to assess whether you have the emotional resilience to navigate such situations effectively.
3. Time and commitment: As I mentioned earlier, maintaining a successful YouTube channel requires a significant investment of time and effort. From coming up with ideas to scripting, filming, and editing videos, it can be a demanding process even where you make videos that don’t require your face. Additionally, promoting your channel, engaging with viewers, and handling administrative tasks can take up even more time. If you already have a full plate or if you’re looking for a low-commitment hobby, starting a YouTube channel might not be the best fit.
4. Competitiveness: YouTube is a highly saturated platform with millions of creators vying for attention and views. Building an audience and growing your channel takes a lot of dedication and hard work. It’s essential to be aware that success on YouTube is not guaranteed and that it can take time to build a significant following. If the prospect of intense competition and the potential for slow growth discourages you, it might be wise to explore other avenues to express your creativity and passion.
5. Lack of Control: The brutal truth is that you have no control over any social media account you own. This is because the account/channel can be taken down at any moment for any reason. I once created a YouTube channel and posted a short of rainfall on leaves, it was taken down minutes later by YouTube for breaking community standard. I captioned the video #raindrop #rainfallonleaves #raininforest, could that be the problem? I don’t know. I deleted that channel same day, I may create another one in the future though. In 2020, Facebook disabled any account I created, more than ten. As soon as the account was up, it’d be gone before I was done fixing profile image. These experiences can come from any social media platform, you have no control over it, you may lose your channel or a content there which you have put in a lot of time to make. Another issue is demonetization. This is why YouTubers don’t post everything they want to, and censor unnecessary words. This is why they quickly take down videos that upset people. All for fear of demonetization. This all comes down to lack of control. If it were to be your blog, the worst that can happen is losing Google AdSense, but for someone like me who doesn’t use Google AdSense, how will that be a threat? As long as you don’t copy anyone, then you’re good. It was on my first blog about 7 or 10 years ago that I wanted to use Google AdSense, so I created an AdSense account, but gave up on the blog. I’ve long forgotten everything about the Google AdSense account and wouldn’t be using it as a method of monetization on dilju.com as I have more ideas on moneymaking methods now. Moreover, I cringe when a website is clogged with ads and you can’t navigate with peace of mind, I wouldn’t want same for mine, it’ll be a little hypocritical. But I’ll be using more of affiliate programs and other methods that will not jeopardize a clean, smooth and tidy website user experience. The only disadvantage I’ve experienced so far owning my own website/platform is the fact that I have to pay for domain name and website, which of course isn’t a big problem as I use truehost which is quite affordable, easy to navigate and effective (you can buy a cloud hosting plan on truehost by clicking here). I didn’t pay for web design because I do my designs myself (even on my extinct blogs). As for social media, I use Facebook and Instagram too because I’ve always liked them and they a good source of traffic (YouTube is as well). I might consider a YouTube channel in the future though, it’s still not a bad idea despite all the points raised above, any of those things can happen on any platform you don’t own, not just on YouTube alone. You can try keeping copies of each video you make just in case anything happens, for example, losing that content or your channel getting deleted for maximum violations of their standard.
Read Next: Dirty tricks some YouTube channels play to gain more views and make more money.
Ultimately, whether creating a YouTube channel is a good or bad idea depends on individual circumstances, goals, and personal preferences. It’s important to carefully weigh the potential drawbacks against the benefits and make an informed decision that aligns with your interests and priorities.
How to overcome the negative sides and hurdles of YouTube
Overcoming the negative sides and hurdles of YouTube can require some resilience and perseverance. Here are a few tips that might help you navigate and overcome challenges:
1. Develop a strong mindset: It’s important to remember that not everyone will love or appreciate your content, and that’s okay. Cultivate a positive mindset and focus on finding joy in creating content rather than seeking validation from others. Remind yourself of your passion and why you started in the first place.
2. Surround yourself with positivity: Engage with a supportive community of fellow creators who can provide advice, encouragement, and constructive feedback. Seek out like-minded individuals who share your interests and values, and participate in forums or social media groups where you can connect and learn from others’ experiences.
3. Handle criticism wisely: Rather than letting negative comments or criticism bring you down, learn to filter constructive feedback from baseless hate. Constructive criticism can provide valuable insights for growth and improvement, so separate the feedback that can help you evolve from the opinions that serve no purpose except to discourage you.
4. Set boundaries: Protect your privacy and mental well-being by setting boundaries regarding the personal information you share online. Decide what aspects of your life you’re comfortable sharing and be mindful of your digital footprint. Remember that your well-being is more important than appeasing an audience.
5. Develop time management skills: Balancing YouTube with other responsibilities can be challenging. Set clear goals and establish a schedule that allows you to focus on creating content without neglecting other areas of your life. Prioritize self-care and ensure you are not sacrificing your physical or mental health for the sake of YouTube.
6. Stay motivated and consistent: Consistency is key to growing a YouTube channel. Set realistic goals for yourself and create a content schedule you can stick to. Maintain your motivation by finding inspiration from other creators, seeking out new ideas, and periodically evaluating your progress to celebrate milestones achieved along the way.
7. Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities: It’s natural to encounter setbacks and hurdles on your YouTube journey. Instead of letting them discourage you, use these moments as learning opportunities. Reflect on what went wrong and how you can improve. Develop resilience and remember that failures are stepping stones to eventual success.
Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Stay true to yourself, adapt and grow along the way, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating content and sharing your passions with the world.
Other platforms to embrace if YouTube is not for you
If YouTube is not the right platform for you or if you’re looking for alternatives to share your passions and talents, there are several other platforms you can explore. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Blogging: Start a blog to share your thoughts, experiences, and expertise on a specific subject. You can create written content, share photos, and even include videos if you like. Blogging allows for more long-form and in-depth discussions, and you can connect with a community of like-minded individuals.
2. Podcasting: If you enjoy speaking and engaging in conversations, consider starting a podcast. This platform allows you to share your thoughts and stories through audio format. You can invite guests, discuss various topics, and build a dedicated audience around your podcast.
3. Social media platforms: Utilize platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or TikTok to share your creativity, expertise, and passion. These platforms offer diverse formats, such as posting photos, short videos, written content, or even live streaming. Find the platform that aligns with your content style and engage with your audience in a more immediate and interactive way.
4. Online writing platforms: Consider platforms like Medium or Wattpad, where you can publish and share your written work. These platforms provide an opportunity to connect with readers all over the world, receive feedback, and build a following around your writing.
5. Online communities and forums: Join online communities and forums specific to your interests or expertise. Engage in discussions, answer questions, and share your insights with others. This allows you to connect with like-minded individuals and establish yourself as a helpful expert in your field.
6. Local events and workshops: Explore opportunities in your local community to host or participate in events related to your interests or talents. These could include workshops, seminars, or meetups where you can connect with people who share your passions.
Remember, it’s important to choose a platform that aligns with your interests, strengths, and goals. Don’t be afraid to try out different options and experiment until you find the best medium to showcase your talents and connect with your desired audience.
