📺 YouTube Channels: Million Dollar Channels, A/B Testing, Selling Merch

In this Trends.vc Report, we talk about YouTube Shorts, using AI to make content faster, multi-channel networks, A/B testing and more.

🔍 Problem

We want content that fits our needs and interests.

💡 Solution

YouTube channels cater to our need for new and engaging content.

🏁 Players

YouTube Channels

• Minute Physics • Teaches physics.
• MKBHD • Tech reviews of consumer electronics.
• No Code MBA • Tutorials on how to use no-code tools.
• Sidemen • Challenges, sketches and gaming commentaries.
• Xyla Foxlin • DIY videos, builds on woodwork and engineering.
• Traversy Media • Tutorials on web development and programming.
• Andrew Huang • Song challenges and tutorials on music production.
• Amelia Dimoldenberg • Interviews with celebrities using comedy and humor.

Tools for YouTube Channels

• Powtoon • Create videos with animated characters, templates, backgrounds, audio and more.
• TubeBuddy • Optimize your channel to get more views and subs.
• Descript • Write, record, transcribe, edit and share your videos.
• vidIQ • Boost your YouTube views and subscribers.
• Synthesia • Make AI-powered virtual avatars.
• OpusClip • Turn long videos into viral clips.

🛠 How to Build YouTube Channels

• Niche down to lower competition.

• Matt Parker mixes stand-up comedy with math.
• Bryan Johnson shares content on reverse aging.
• Babish Culinary Universe recreates iconic dishes from films and TV shows.

• Build in public to earn trust and build awareness.

• Casey Neistat vlogged his daily life, including the process of making his videos.
• Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) shares behind-the-scenes on making tech reviews.
• Peter McKinnon shares how he makes videos, takes photos and gives helpful tips.

• Use AI to make content faster. Use ChatGPT to write video scripts. Use AI image generators to make visuals.

• AI Hustlewise shows how to make viral talking AI avatars.
• Phil Pallen shows how to make an AI avatar using Synthesia.
• Revenue Rebels shows how to make explainer videos using AI-generated scripts, voices and visuals.

🌱 How to Grow YouTube Channels

• Make YouTube Shorts. They are easier to create and yield better return on effort.

• Blogilates' videos get \~350,000 views. Her Shorts get up to 163,000,000 views.
• Jenny Hoyos’ videos get \~150,000 views. Her Shorts get up to 60,000,000 views.
• Comics Explained’s videos get up to \~120,000 views. Their Shorts get up to 1,100,000 views.

• Split-test your YouTube videos to see what works. This can help you optimize your channel and boost engagement.

• Evan Carmichael uses TubeBuddy to split-test his video titles and thumbnails.
• Sean Cannell shows how A/B testing thumbnails got his channel to 1,500,000 views.
• Kevin Espiritu A/B tested titles for this Epic Gardening video to boost his click rates by 38%.

• Cross-promote your YouTube channel on social media. Use discovery platforms to reach a wider audience.

• Casey Neistat is active on Instagram and Twitter.
• Beta Squad promotes its channel on Instagram and TikTok.
• Jon Youshaei shares YouTube clips on his Instagram and TikTok.

💰 How to Monetize YouTube Channels

• Sell merch to diversify your income. Let your true fans support you and get branded goods from their favorite creator.

• Binging with Babish sells a range of cookware.
• James Charles sells makeup palettes and brushes.
• Dude Perfect sells clothing, toys and more.

• Sell products aligned with your channel. Offer tangible value to your fans.

• Doug DeMuro auctions cars.
• Nomad Capitalist sells tax planning and citizenship services.
• Epic Gardening sells gardening supplies, seeds and other gardening products.

• Offer channel memberships. Give more value to your true fans.

• YaBoyRoshi offers members exclusive content, live polls and merch.
• CGP Grey offers exclusive videos, deleted scenes and wallpapers.
• Dead Meat offers channel memberships with exclusive bonus content and commentary tracks.

🔮 Predictions

• YouTubers will build multi-million e-commerce businesses.

• KSI and Logan Paul started Prime, an energy drink with $1,200,000,000+ in sales.
• Doug DeMuro started Cars\&Bids, a car auction marketplace with $230,000,000+ in sales.
• Kevin Espiritu bought Botanical Interests, a company that sells high-quality seeds with $30,000,000+ in sales.

• YouTubers will use generative AI to create scripts, characters, animations, audio and scenes.

• Kevin Parry uses Runway to edit his videos and sound.
• Alec Wilcock shows how to use ChatGPT to write video scripts.
• Premier Gal shows how to use LaLaLai and other tools to edit videos and sound.

• YouTube channels will grow into multi-channel networks that cover many topics.

• The Game Theorists grew from video games to cover food, film and fashion.
• MrBeast grew from extreme videos to gaming, reaction videos, shorts and philanthropy.

😠 Haters

“The YouTube algorithm is unpredictable."
While this is true, there are ways to stack the odds in your favor. Experiment with content, see what works and stick to it. Great content will eventually get a boost from the algorithm.

“It’s hard to compete with popular YouTubers.”
Share your personal experiences and inject your personality.

“I want to start making content on YouTube, but I don’t know what to talk about.”
What are you passionate about? What do you know a lot about? Share stories based on your experience even if you’re not an expert on a topic. Show your progress learning a skill or a topic. People want authenticity more than ever.

🔗 Links

1. A Doctor Turned YouTuber with 4.8M Subscribers • The thread behind this report.
2. Building a Report on YouTube Channels • The tweet behind the report.
3. The Ultimate Guide to YouTube Monetization • Monetization and growth strategies.
4. How to Grow A YouTube Channel • Beginner’s guide on how to grow a YouTube channel.

📁 Related Reports

• Personal Brands • YouTubers are personal brands with huge influence and following.
• Faceless YouTube Channels • Faceless YouTube channels lower key person risk.
• The Creator Economy • YouTube channels make a big part of the creator economy.
• AI-Generated Content • AI-generated content speeds up video creation.
• Short-Form Videos • Short-form videos are a great way to grow on YouTube.

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