What does it take to succeed on YouTube? Is there a magic formula, or does it all boil down to pure luck? After making 100 YouTube videos, I’ve come to a humbling realization: it’s not the journey I expected.
Starting out, I thought hitting 100 videos would mean a huge milestone of growth — massive subscriber counts, viral videos, and the recognition of creators like Mr. Beast. But the reality has been far more nuanced, and in this post, I want to share the truth about YouTube from a creator’s perspective after reaching the 100-video mark.
1. Lowering Expectations: No One Owes You Anything
When I first started, I imagined a world where my content would quickly catch fire. I expected to hit over 100,000 subscribers within a few months. I worked hard, I posted consistently, and I refreshed the analytics every minute, hoping to see a viral spike. But reality hit: YouTube doesn’t owe anyone success.
Despite all the hard work, things didn’t go as expected. I found myself questioning whether it was worth continuing. But here’s the truth — no one owes you views or subscribers. Even if you make great content, there’s no guarantee that it will reach a wide audience.
In fact, many creators face similar struggles. Some get lucky early, while others take years to find their rhythm. But instead of focusing on the numbers, I learned to shift my mindset toward what I could control. My goal became to improve with every video, regardless of how many views it received.
2. YouTube Is a Search Engine, Not a Social Media Platform
One of the most eye-opening realizations came when I understood that YouTube is primarily a search engine, not a social media platform. People don’t come to YouTube to engage with influencers or creators per se. They come to find answers to their problems.
When I first started making content, I thought that viewers would naturally fall in love with my passion. But it turns out, the key to growing an audience isn’t just passion — it’s solving a problem. By focusing on what people are searching for and tailoring my content to meet those needs, I saw a shift in my channel’s performance. Whether it’s productivity tips, managing ADHD, or achieving success as a busy professional, I learned that catering to the audience’s needs is the way forward.
3. The Reality of Enjoying the Process Over Fixating on Views and Money
YouTube is not a get-rich-quick platform. If you’re focused solely on views, subscribers, or turning this into a full-time job, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Early on, I obsessed over the numbers. I downloaded the YouTube Studio app and checked my stats obsessively. I was refreshing the page constantly, and it was draining me.
Eventually, I realized that growth on YouTube is about more than just numbers. It’s about enjoying the process. If your sole goal is to make money or go viral, you’ll likely burn out. The truth is, you need to create because you love it. When I shifted my focus to making videos that I genuinely enjoyed creating, I found a deeper satisfaction.
4. The YouTube Community: A Supportive Network of Creators
Another surprise on this journey has been the sense of community among creators. I initially feared that YouTube would be a lonely, competitive battlefield. But I quickly discovered a wealth of support from fellow creators. Whether it’s through forums like the r/NewTubers subreddit or through direct collaboration, I’ve met countless creators willing to share advice and critique my work.
The support from this community has been invaluable. There’s an unspoken camaraderie where creators are genuinely invested in each other’s success, and it’s a refreshing departure from the often isolating nature of content creation.
5. Patience and Persistence Are Key
Here’s the hardest truth I’ve learned: YouTube growth isn’t linear. It’s a slow and steady grind that doesn’t always show immediate results. Sure, some channels skyrocket overnight, but for the majority of us, it’s a long process.
Patience is essential. It’s like learning a new language or getting in shape: you might not see drastic changes right away, but over time, the results are undeniable.
After 100 videos, I haven’t gone viral. I’m still not fully monetized. But I keep going because I believe in the value of each video. Every video is a step forward, and each one builds upon the last. Persistence, resilience, and trust in the process are what keep me going.
Conclusion: Here’s to the Next 100 Videos
Making it to 100 videos hasn’t been the fast track to success I once imagined, but it has been an incredibly rewarding journey. I’ve learned that success on YouTube requires more than just uploading videos. It’s about understanding your audience, solving their problems, enjoying the creative process, and remaining patient when the growth doesn’t come instantly.
I’m grateful for the 1,000+ subscribers who’ve chosen to follow me, the comments of encouragement, and the incredible support from the YouTube community. Here’s to the next 100 videos — and to all the lessons and growth that will come with them. If you’re on your own YouTube journey, remember that it’s the persistence, not the instant gratification, that matters most.