Tubetalk: Your Youtube How-to Guide

Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostpluginWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Join our Discord! https://www.vidiq.com/discordWatch the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/yCh-mgr-i0IHave you ever nodded along when someone mentioned "B-roll" or "CTR," secretly hoping nobody would discover you had no idea what they meant? You're not alone. The world of YouTube creation comes with its own language—a special vocabulary that can feel like an exclusive club for those in the know.In this comprehensive guide, Travis and Jen break down the essential YouTube terminology that every creator needs to understand, from basic filming concepts to advanced analytics metrics. They start with the fundamentals: A-roll (your main footage), B-roll (supplementary visual elements), jump cuts (editing without transitions), and cold opens (starting videos in the middle of action). With each term, they provide clear examples and practical applications th

Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostpluginWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Join our Discord! https://www.vidiq.com/discordWatch the video version here:  https://youtu.be/rEHLufg0jicDiving into the often-misunderstood world of YouTube analytics, we unpack what "regular viewers" actually means and why seeing them choose not to watch certain videos might be part of your strategic plan rather than a problem. That notification telling you "more regular viewers aren't watching" could actually signal you're successfully reaching new audiences—exactly what some content is designed to do.One listener's experience perfectly illustrates how seemingly small details can dramatically impact performance. After adding descriptions to dormant YouTube shorts, they immediately saw growth spike. This powerful reminder about metadata's importance reveals how YouTube's algorithm sometimes needs our help to understand what our content is

Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostpluginWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Join our Discord! https://www.vidiq.com/discordLooking for a job?  Email Hafu [email protected] the video version here: https://youtu.be/8XMqY_vXyy4Hafu Go shares his eight-year journey from making lip-sync videos as a kid to becoming a successful YouTube creator with videos that garner millions of views. His unique perspective on the step-ladder nature of YouTube growth provides valuable insight for creators at all levels.• Began YouTube career making videos in his mom's house, spending 50+ hours editing videos that initially received just 200 views• Committed to pushing through for at least one year, which helped him overcome the temptation to quit when growth was slow• Documented his experience studying at "the Harvard of China" (Tsinghua University) which helped transition his content• Describes pivoting from college vlogs to Shaolin monk training as a &quo

Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostpluginWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Join our Discord! https://www.vidiq.com/discordWatch the video version here: https://youtu.be/8XMqY_vXyy4Matt Koval shares his unique journey from early YouTube creator to becoming YouTube's first Creator Liaison, offering rare insights into the platform's evolution and internal decision-making processes. He reveals how his $47 creator course caught YouTube's attention and led to a decade-long career developing creator education programs including the original YouTube Playbook.• Started as a comedy creator in 2008 alongside early YouTube stars like Hank Green and Shane Dawson• Hired by YouTube in 2012 after creating what may have been the first-ever YouTube strategy course• Helped develop fundamental creator resources including the original YouTube Playbook• Eventually became YouTube's official Creator Liaison after years of unofficially humanizing platform announcem

Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostpluginWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Join our Discord! https://www.vidiq.com/discordWatch the video version here: https://youtu.be/8XMqY_vXyy4We debunk the myth that YouTube intentionally gatekeeps content and explore what true success means for different creators at various stages.• YouTube has no business incentive to suppress creators' content after allowing free uploads• Initial video performance followed by sudden drops is normal algorithm testing, not punishment• Success metrics should be personalized to your specific channel goals beyond just views• Small channels (under 1,000 subscribers) shouldn't obsess over analytics with limited sample sizes • Measuring improvements in creative skills is valuable progress for newer creators• Comparing yourself to established creators often overlooks their years of behind-the-scenes work• The unpredictable nature of YouTube is part of what makes it challenging and rewa

Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostpluginWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Join our Discord! https://www.vidiq.com/discordWatch the video version here: https://youtu.be/8XMqY_vXyy4Every creator faces those moments where momentum stalls, inspiration fades, and we question our place in the vast YouTube landscape. In this heartfelt discussion, Travis and Rob tackle the psychological side of content creation that often goes unmentioned beneath the surface-level metrics and strategies.When a viewer asks about niching down their history animation channel, the conversation reveals something deeper than just topic selection—it highlights the delicate balance between creative passion and audience-building. Rob shares a personal insight: "I will consume anything about World War II, but have far less interest in the French Revolution." This simple preference demonstrates why creators must find the intersection between what excites them and what builds a consist

Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostpluginWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Join our Discord! https://www.vidiq.com/discordWatch the video version here: https://youtu.be/8XMqY_vXyy4Step behind the curtain with Travis and Jen as they abandon their usual YouTube strategy talk for a refreshingly candid conversation about the human side of content creation. This community-focused episode delivers unexpected insights into what makes creators tick when the cameras aren't rolling.Candy taste tests kick off the conversation, leading to the surprising discovery that Dollar Tree's Cow Tails dramatically outperform name-brand Gushers. From there, we dive into the creators we secretly wish we could befriend, with Travis sharing fascinating stories of meeting major YouTubers in their homes and what they're really like behind the scenes.The conversation takes fascinating turns as we reveal our strangest YouTube rabbit holes (did you know there's a proper

Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostpluginWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Join our Discord! https://www.vidiq.com/discordWatch the video version here: https://youtu.be/Bd4M0RuAUdATravis and Jen break new ground with their second-ever Discord community episode featuring video questions and live creator Q&A. The episode showcases real creator challenges and provides actionable solutions for improving retention, finding the right audience, and maintaining perspective on YouTube success.• First-ever viewer-submitted video questions with impressive production quality• Strategies for improving retention and keeping viewers watching until the end• Tips for reducing the steep viewer drop-off in the first 30 seconds• Balancing cross-platform promotion without diluting content effectiveness• Managing negative feedback when creating politically-charged content• Reframing "small" view counts as significant achievements (50 views = 50 real people)• Finding t

Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/3yvoc7rJoin Discord: https://www.vidiq.com/discordWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQAudience engagement metrics on YouTube aren't always what they seem, and retention graphs can be misleading if viewed in isolation. We explore why "good" retention varies drastically based on content length, traffic sources, and viewer behavior across different platforms.• TikTok has reportedly surpassed Twitch to become the second most streamed platform after YouTube• Retention graphs look different depending on video length, with shorts typically exceeding 100% while long-form content rarely does• High-view videos often have lower retention percentages than creators expect• Search traffic typically has shorter view duration than browse or suggested traffic• Breaking down retention by traffic source and subscriber status reveals more useful insights than aggregate data• Y

Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/3yvoc7rJoin Discord: https://www.vidiq.com/discordWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQBuilding a loyal, interactive YouTube community is crucial for channel growth, even if you're just starting out. Community-building creates deeper connections with your audience, establishes your channel's identity, and turns casual viewers into dedicated fans.• Distinguish between search-based content (answering specific questions) and browse-based content (designed to be discovered on homepages)• Approach your channel with confidence - "fake it till you make it" by acting like thousands are watching• Remember that your content isn't for everyone, but can be for anybody who shares your interests• Create community-specific content like live streams that focus on interaction rather than discovery• Respond thoughtfully to comments and foster conversations between v

Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/3yvoc7rWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQJoin Discord: https://www.vidiq.com/discordThe age-old YouTube dilemma: should you create timeless evergreen content or chase the adrenaline rush of trending topics? Today, we're breaking down exactly how to balance these approaches for maximum channel growth.Evergreen content delivers steady, reliable views that continue performing years after publication. These videos solve persistent problems and offer lasting value to viewers discovering them at any point. But they require significant investment in research, production quality, and thoughtful storytelling. The payoff? A foundation of content that works for you 24/7, attracting viewers while you sleep.Trending content operates differently - delivering an exhilarating spike of views in a compressed timeframe. When you nail a trend, the immediate gratification is undeniable

Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/3yvoc7rWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQJoin Discord: https://www.vidiq.com/discordEver wonder why you can freely use popular music in Shorts but not in long-form videos? The mystery gets solved in this eye-opening episode where Travis and Dan break down YouTube's complex music licensing deals. Rather than YouTube plotting to annoy viewers with ads, they reveal how streaming economics actually work—the platform has already been paid by advertisers, but when viewers block ads, it's creators who lose out on revenue.This conversation takes several fascinating turns, from exploring whether turning passions into content kills the joy (spoiler: it sometimes does), to sharing a listener success story proving that patience pays off. One creator watched their video flatline for 100 days before suddenly gaining 1,800+ views when the algorithm finally discovered it. Thi

Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/boostpluginWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Join our Discord! https://www.vidiq.com/discordHave you ever wondered why that "random" video YouTube recommended turned out to be exactly what you wanted to watch? The answer lies in a fundamental misunderstanding most creators have about how the platform actually works.The YouTube algorithm doesn't push your videos out to viewers—viewers pull videos that interest them based on their watch history and behavior patterns. This single insight completely transforms how smart creators should approach content strategy in 2024. As we discuss in this episode, YouTube has evolved dramatically since its early days when metadata, keywords, and tags were critical ranking factors. Today, the platform operates on a sophisticated system that predicts with uncanny accuracy what content will resonate with specific viewers.Watch history is the most powerful factor in YouTube's recomm

Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/3yvoc7rWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQJoin Discord: https://www.vidiq.com/discordThe mysterious world behind having a successful YouTube channel isn't always what it seems. As Travis and Jen reunite after their in-studio recording sessions, they dive deep into the psychological realities that come with growing as a creator.Jen opens up about her new role producing content for the main channel, sharing a surprisingly vulnerable moment about re-recording videos multiple times because they didn't feel authentic to her voice. This sparks a fascinating conversation about creative identity and how easily creators can lose themselves trying to match what they think content "should" be rather than what feels natural.The duo tackles a question about channel impersonators, revealing the dark side of YouTube success when scammers create fake accounts to expl

Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/3yvoc7rWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQJoin Discord: https://www.vidiq.com/discordWe dive deep into the complexities of YouTube growth, from networking with larger creators to understanding the platform's evolution as "the new television." Travis shares his personal success stories of collaborating with million-subscriber channels by making participation easy and relevant.• Discord community becoming an essential lifeline for creators who need to connect with like-minded individuals• Sponsorship opportunities exist for all niches - even cooking channels can secure relevant brand deals• How to network with larger creators by bringing clear value and making collaboration effortless• YouTube positioning itself as "the new television" doesn't mean abandonment of shorts• Subscriber plateaus are completely normal, even after initial growth• Fin

Send us a textWatch this episode on YouTube! https://youtu.be/s_a-5QOvlnkGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/3yvoc7rWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Join our Discord community at vidiq.com/discord to connect with fellow creators and participate in future live recordings.Ever wondered how to keep growing your YouTube channel when faced with seemingly impossible challenges? From seasonal content slumps to promoting topics nobody's searching for, this episode delivers actionable strategies that transform obstacles into opportunities.When a physics tutorial creator asked how to maintain momentum during summer breaks when students aren't studying, we explored creative ways to pivot content while staying on-brand. By connecting physics concepts to fun summer activities and experimenting with short-form content, educational creators can turn the "off-season" into a period of creative growth and audience expansion.For the indie horror film enthusiast struggling to ge

Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/3yvoc7rWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQJoin our Discord community at vidiq.com/discord to connect with fellow creators and participate in future live recordings.Travis and Jenn broadcast a special live episode from the vidIQ Discord community, fielding questions from members and delivering candid advice about transitioning to more conversational, authentic YouTube content.• Creators often lack confidence in their unscripted abilities, believing they're not interesting enough without heavy editing• Bullet points can provide structure while allowing room for natural, engaging conversation• Recording yourself unscripted and watching it back often reveals you're more engaging than you realize• Pattern interrupts like changing camera angles or locations can maintain viewer interest without requiring complex edits• Cold outreach for brand deals should focus on rel

Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/3yvoc7rWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQEver wondered if running Google Ads will actually help your small YouTube channel grow? In this eye-opening episode of Tube Talk, Travis and Jenn deliver the hard truth: paid promotion often brings the wrong audience and can hurt more than help. "Please stop running your ads," Jenn asserts, explaining why organic growth consistently outperforms paid traffic for sustainable channel success.The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Jenn reveals her pre-publishing ritual - she needs to "feel right" about releasing a video, sometimes closing her laptop multiple times until the universe aligns. This sparked a deeper discussion about the psychology behind content creation and how many creators likely have their own unique rituals. As Travis puts it, "Publishing a video is a sport," and like athletes,

Send us a textWe explore the revolutionary shift happening in YouTube content creation with special guest Benji Travis, filmed in-person for the first time ever in Benji's studio. Today's conversation unveils how "dead" vlogs are now dominating on the platform through an unexpected return to authenticity.• The surprising power of unedited, 30+ minute videos gaining millions of views• Why YouTube's dominance as a TV platform is creating massive opportunities for creators• How the algorithm is now finding perfect audiences for small creators without promotion• The "Three T's" framework for successful modern vlogging: Theme, Topic/Takeaway, and Telling stories• Why highly-produced content is becoming less effective as viewers seek more authentic experiences• Creating content specifically for the "couch viewer" instead of mobile optimization• How this shift represents a space with high demand but low competition• The revelation that YouTube's advanced AI is m

Send us a textGet the vidIQ plugin for FREE: https://vidiq.ink/3yvoc7rWant a 1 on 1 coach? https://vidiq.ink/theboost1on1Check out the video version here: https://youtu.be/0HPucaCMwrQCheck out Trisha!  https://www.trishahershberger.com/Trisha Hershberger, a 12-year veteran in the content creation world, takes us behind the curtain of what it truly means to build a sustainable career around your passions. Moving from theater training to digital storytelling, Trisha has carved out a unique space for herself discussing technology, video games, tabletop gaming, and broader fandom culture across multiple platforms.What separates her journey from many others is her steadfast commitment to content diversity despite algorithm pressures to niche down. "If you're going to have longevity as a creator, you can't just do one thing all the time," Trisha explains. "You'll get sick of it, run out of content ideas, and be creatively less fulfilled." This philosophy has allowed her to weather