Content is important, but the best channels have great characters. The relationships between you, JD, your brother and dad put your channel at the top.

All that being said, your most redeeming quality is your personality, and the fact that I feel like it's not a " show or act" and that is I ever met you face to face your going to be the person that I believe you are. Lots of people try to paint themselves as someone they are not with hopes of winning others over but you Dalton are just a cool dude like me and my buddies chilling in the garage having a few beers and making life enjoyable. That's how I perceive you and why I like this channel.

You described the youtube algorithm better with a sharpie and a box than any of the big time sponsored "how to be an influencer" youtube gurus I've ever seen. Would definitely watch more videos from you on this topic 👍Your main channel is one of my favourite channels to watch, right up there with JYD

Dalton I came for the information because I like cars, and I stayed for the content and personality, watching you interact with your son and your Bro make it entertaining

As a professional KZfaq Watcher, I wish you the best and a quick success for your channel. Let me go trough some comments while I watch: - yes, you're right. Audio is even more important than video quality, and lapel mics are cheap and can work on smartphones too. Btw what you're using is called a "dead cat". - personality is super important. You're funny, mistakes are funny and puts you closer to the average Joe. -keep it short and intense. Use a technique called "voiceover" to compact things up. - I'm an avid fan of gun channels: small tiny objects that may be boring to explain in detail: See how Ian McCollum was able to make them interesting. Some people really develop an attachment for people they think humanely deserve recognition, look at Sleeperdude's family. Of course you need to keep your eyes open.

I am drawn towards youtubers who engage with their fan base, be it at meet and greets at events or just simply replying to comments. Content producers who appear to be good, wholesome down to earth folks (with bonus points for work ethic, knowledge of their subjects and laughter) tend to keep me coming back for more. But let's be honest - your 'ace in the hole' is your loud Hawaiian shirts. That's what keeps viewers coming back to the Pole Barn lol

Dalton, this was a very good and interesting video! Great gift of you to share those tips with your viewers. I have to say, I think you are hitting the right spot with a lot of people with your content. Relatable no frills builds that a jack-of-all trade person can undertake. In your case, your cool, no stress, get her done personality are really something that keeps me coming for more. You also an awesome dad for JD, love seeing you both on camera! Ohh and your serious/sarcasm ratio and delivery are really on point!! I wish you all the success you deserve you fine human gentleman!

I’m 19 and pretty much do the same stuff that you do and have thought about doing KZfaq for a while but never got around to it yet. I wish I had recorded what I’ve done so far because no one believes your capabilities when you are young, but I do have pictures. I already own a 72 mustang coupe with a 302 and a t5 5 speed I swapped in that I’m almost done restoring, a 78 f250 300 4 speed 4x4 that I am restoring and plan to make my regular daily driver, an 85 6.9 idi 4 speed 4wd, a 69 f250 with a 3 on the tree and 390 out of a 60s thunderbird police interceptor, and a 2000 mustang I got for super cheap that needed the same motor that t5 5 speed car had which was a 97 mustang. I’ve already done like 5 differential rebuilds, 3 motor rebuilds, 2 manual rebuilds, a transfer case rebuild, 3 steering box rebuilds, a diesel injection pump rebuild for that 6.9 idi, and how to learned how to repaint interior panels and vehicles, and I learned about and worked on front and rear suspension all off of KZfaq and service manuals. I hope to learn upholstery soon. You have taught me a lot about body work (and what you can get away with doing) and I thank you for that. I also use bondo on my floor pans, but I do weld the entire perimeter of patches. If we weren’t here to give these vehicles a second chance, the car would’ve been scrapped, or would still be sitting, so there’s no point in worrying about making it perfect. Uncle Tony’s garage and your channel are probably two of the best for learning what you can get away with on a budget while still doing it right. I’ll be sure to use my short strand body filler when I need to fill a hole I don’t feel like welding lol. I love your “it’s probably not safe but I’m gonna do it anyways” mentality. I think I would name my channel No Garage Garage. I would like to leave a link for my google photos collection for the 72 mustang and the 78 f250 but KZfaq will auto delete my comment if I leave a link. I put them in my channel description if you would like to view my projects.

I did this roller coaster ride back when YT was a baby...and I did ok. I did something that many folks were interested in knowing about, Chinese electronics. At the time this was a new thing, with just a small handful of folks importing cheap MP4 players and the like. I really enjoyed doing it....then the copyright gremlins came and took down nearly every single video I did, and I had hundreds by that point. I simply gave up, it wasn't worth dealing with the likes of Warner Bros, etc...they are the reason so many really good creators left this platform back then. It's SO much easier these days, with copyright free music services and the like, but I'm still not interested in doing this anymore. I'm glad you're teaching folks about this, it's a very worthwhile thing to do. If you've got something to teach/say/explain, this is your place. Good luck to you all!

When I first watched your channel your personality is what drew me in initially just like Puddin and Chad over at This and That Garage.

Thank you for the live you posted on using filmora. I wanted to start a channel for some time but didn't know where to start. Your video gave me the confidence to try it. The first video was definitely a opportunity to learn from. I missed opportunities to talk to the camera, I just went to work without explaining what i was doing. We ended up having corrupted files on the second video so i had to reshoot some parts and piece it together. Things started to flow a lot better in the third video. It definitely requires effort, but it will be worth it. Im editing the fourth video now and the struggle bus ran us over. Our "ran when parked" engine for the project seens to have some hidden secrets. But that is ok, im editing that video now and it is far more entertaining than the previous videos. Thank you for putting these videos together. I think a how to video series on starting on KZfaq would be awesome. I wonder how many channels you would inspire. Thank you again for your help, in the last month and a half we are at 34k views and over 300 subscribers.

I would be interested to see more about filming and editing. I often wonder if the stuff I’m already doing would interest people.

....yeah, i am gonna use all caps on my descriptions. and plus thanks mr. dalton, you are very kind to point out the foibles of society and algorhythms.

I really enjoyed this. I’d love to see a little more behind the scenes, how you set up shots etc. I’m also curious as to what your full time job is, I’ve not managed to catch it if it’s been mentioned before. Keep up the fab videos and informative content

I just started my KZfaq channel a few weeks ago and honestly I’ve never seen a youtuber that I watch regularly make a video like this. This is super cool and helpful. I watched the 4x4 Chevy Sport video on Junkyard Digs and I’ve been watching since. Pretty cool to see this channel grow.

You are correct in your information Dalton, there is a man who lives near me, he is an Antiques dealer who started on KZfaq because it was the only free way to advertise his small business about 9 years ago. he now has over 500,000 subscribers. he is personable, well spoken, and works like a man possessed. Keep doing what you enjoy, it shows. Cheers..

I am at the beginning of my channel with only 2 episodes and everything you said is legit. Your channel actually inspired me to try it. All I need is a personality! P.S. You and JD taking the Holy Goat through the car wash was YT gold. So funny!

You are just a dude on the other side of my screen with honest advice who does what I do. I respect that.👍

Personality does help and you got it in spades. Love your humor and sarcasm. Very informative too.

I did 3 KZfaq shorts 2 months ago just to see how many views they would get and they averaged about 1500 per short. With nearly 4500 views I got like 15 subscribers. This is great content to remind me to stick to my day job, it pays a lot more!!!!

Great tips n tricks vid. Love the main channel, found your vids thru junkyards digs. shout outs may not work but crossover/collaborations seem too. Keep up the great work. Small request, more vids with your brother.

Great that you are helping folks!

A good summation and insight for those who may want to give it a go. I personally do not have the motivation nor the time to commit to building a channel so I have a lot of respect for those that do, and that persevere with trying to gain that foothold. One thing I have noticed is your editing techniques have improved since teaming up with Kevin from JYD, you were on the right path beforehand but if he has shared some techniques then they've definitely paid off. Long-winded post I know, but I want to say well done on what you've achieved, and you have my respect. If I ever make it to your corner of the world I'll buy you a beer. 🇦🇺

You left off wardrobe. You could do a show on that shirt. Where did you get it? It’s off the hook. You also left off my favorite Poleism, to know how to half ass something, you must know how to whole ass it first. Dalton you have inspired me to try my hand at body work. Keep up the good work, JD is also a bonus

What brought my attention to make me subscribe to you is. You are definitely being urself. And u don’t give two craps what people think. There are so many people out there trying to do it. Most the ones I see are fake trying to be and talk like VCG

I look forward to watching you put up a new shop like I've seen so many KZfaqrs do.

I love the shirt. Great info too "I dont even have a roof thats water tight" I feel ya brother.. as i sit here eating in my wrecker with thr roof dripping on my knee.... Gotta reseal the chicken lights.

Dalton you come across as a real nice guy,i have never had any interest in cars at all but just watching your channel keeps me hooked , your personality speaks for itself and the bond you have with your son and brother is a joy to watch keep up the great work all the best from Birmingham UK

I'm not interested in creating a car youtube channel, so here's a comment in the name of "engagement". I did make a couple videos with music on them, but it's not something I want badly enough to be successful at. I'm glad to see you getting the success you've had though, and hope you get more.

I would like to make videos for 2 reasons: 1). Get feedback 2). Show folks that someone with no or limited experience can tackle somewhat complex problems. I am a retiree with no automotive experience but I have purchased a mega squirt EFI kit for my aircooled VW. I plan to try to install it on video in periodic short blocks give folks time to critique my work/make changes based on feedback and move on to next portion of the install. Not sure how I would break video down yet still working on it.

Still taking all your advice to heart sir when it comes to my channel! Love watching your channels grow. Thank you!

meeting people has been one of the coolest parts of building a youtube channel

I think it's cool you took the time to explain a little bit of the mystery behind the KZfaqs. My favorite bit of advice is no one knows who you are and no one cares! Keep up the good work my friend

That's probably the best explanation of the YT algorithm I've ever heard. Well done.

And it takes more work than most people think. You have to feed the beast

Been at this since 2018… It was slow going and finally things took off a little. I appreciate you taking the time to put this together.

Awesome covering the “trade secrets!” A lot of folks want to know how soon the money flows and I am not asking you about yours, none of my business. I have 3312 subs and I make about $49 a month off of revenue. Shorts pay 9 cents per 1000 views. And long form pays about $12 per 1000 views for me. It takes eyeballs to drive the money flow. Tags are also important. Creators, be encouraged and be great. Thank you Dalton for sharing.

I like your channel because you seem like a real person, unpretentious and just honest.

I really like this second channel, allows more of a inside the day to day life

Hiya I started watching your channel as soon as I saw the holey goat. I started a channel a little over a year ago and im at around 80k subscribers, i have literally zero idea what im doing, but i love cars and hopefully it shows. Thanks so much for the insight.

I now know everything I need to know about starting my own KZfaq channel,...I'm never starting a KZfaq channel! So keep on doing what you do.

I am relatively new to KZfaq as a Content Provider and am having a good time doing it. Recently retired from my 9-5 job but still don't have the time to devote as much attention to it as I would like. I also don't really have many folks in my circle who would enjoy being on the videos I produce. I currently have about 354 subscribers and I'm happy for every one of them. I will probably never reach the amount of subscribers like you are say Vice Grip Garage has but I'm pretty ok with that. Thanks for this video. It does help explain the algorithms for getting seen. Thanks Again! John

Thanks for the video and tips, after watching yours and a couple other channels I'm contemplating uploading videos on my old high school Jeep that I recently recovered after looking for it for 12 years when I start the build. Not planning on becoming some kind of KZfaq personality, just think it would be interesting to document the story on how it was found and what I end up doing with it.

Great video Dalton, honestly there’s a lot that makes a great channel. A big key factor is being relatable to your audience, some people forget that and their channel suffers because of it. Keep up the great work.

Great video. I just don't have THAT personality. But I love wrenching. I've always had an idea how I could possibly change up videos without the personality, but never really pursued it. Life's busy enough.

I am not starting a channel nor do I want to but you are one of my favorite KZfaqrs and I enjoy your content. Wish you all the success and I’m here to take in all the videos!

Very interesting. Keep doing what you are doing. Love you and your channel. Thanks Dalton

I’m not really a car guy, don’t know anything about anything but saw you and junkyard dog on demos abandoned resort, checked out several videos each and got hooked, both fun personalities, funny and authentic.

You know you've hit the big time when you get your own laser pecker sponsorship.

My life isn't interesting enough, and even if I did manage to become popular, I'd be worried about the crazies coming out of the woodwork. Congrats on your success.

yeaaaa i made it all the way threw & really kept my atenttion span the hole time !!!!!!!!!!!! great job...... learn ' d some thing else new as well it took u 2 yrs., ( give or take a bit ) that's even after the starting of the 2nd channel as well !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Actually this did help me understand I tend to talk a lot at the beginning of my videos so that may be the main reason I have barely grown in 3 years so thank you I will use this info and hopefully grow bigger you are the man sir and I hope to get to meet you one day

My son and I watch your videos together because of the great relationship you have with JD. It’s great seeing other father-son duos out there making stuff happen. Thank you

That's a decent set of advice for beginners. Patience and assistance are super important.

I still use a GoPro. I edit with Movavi. I struggle with talking when I’m working on stuff. Also struggle with finding time to film and edit. Full time job, wife, 3 kids and enough side work to be a full time job (I’m an auto mechanic “professionally”) It’s definitely fun to learn and share what I’m working on. Almost to 2k subscribers so I must be doing something interesting. 🤷‍♂️

Thanks for an informative video Dalton! You definitely have one of the best personalities on KZfaq!

After playing the YT game for a couple years, I gotta say this is the most spot on vidya of how to play the game. Good vidya fella!

I'm still trying to get up the nerve to actually try working on one of my cars, let alone film it. It's like I'm too broke to risk it, and something always comes up, then its slmost like imposter syndrome sets in. What the hell do I think I know? It's a quagmire for sure. You inspire me to do it anyway and I appreciate it!

Hello from Maryland I like your videos I wish there were more videos keep up the good work 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍

We've had our channel since January 2022. There is definitely a lot up and downs. We've really enjoyed putting out videos. We watch your regular channel. We found you from Junkyard Digs. This video was helpful thank you

I will say that seeing you on junkyard digs wasthe first time I ever heard of you. That kind of exposure helps people get to know the "new guy." I have followed you since then.

Nice video, Dalton. I found your channel through Off The Ranch. I am not into cars, or fixing cars (did that enough out of necessity when I was a young little bugger), but I watch your videos because YOU are entertaining. And I get a real kick out of JD,. Your son is a little sweetheart. I'm sure you're very proud of him, and he has a great mentor in you. I started my channel nearly 2 years ago and I have just over 1k subs (it's a crochet/yarn channel ), but I have a lot of fun doing it., so I'm gonna just keep plugging along. Anothre reason I like your channel is because you're another Missourian. I'm across the sate in the StL area. Anyway, I picked up a couple tips, so thank you. Later gator, peace out ~ Kim

Please show us behind the scenes of the filming process - I've always been curious to know how much extra work and time goes into filming whatever your doing compared to just doing the work itself, especially while trying to keep people engaged.

Been trying for 4 years and the struggle is real. Thanks for the encouragement brother.

😊I don’t know your first name, and I’ve watched the channel. I did NEED to hear this message! I😊 am a recent amputee. I lost a leg about a year ago due to terrible bone infections. I’m grateful for the info and think I’ll give ‘er a shot. Again thanks for the help and info.. Dean.

GREAT video! I gave up on youtube for a while (also having a baby and wife going back to school doesn't lend itself to car builds) but you're right on the money. Another note I'd add: If you're doing long term builds, don't be afraid to chop up videos into smaller pieces. The video of you replacing a window regulator might reach more people than doing something "cool." Also, for those big builds, do a "summary" video at the end. Condense all the videos you've made into one 20-50 minute summary of all the work you did. Those historically do really well and help drive people to more specific videos.

Thanks for sharing the insight on this! Love your content!

Thank you! I know it won't help but yeah, we want to see MORE about EVERYTHING :)

I subscribed to you simply because of your reaction to your buddy saying "you have muffins that's plural, muffins spelled backwards is sniffum" you looked at the camera with genuine amusement and confusion and said "sniffum!"... that right there told me you would be worth watching... now I'm hooked 😂

Even with your lack of experience with computers before making videos, you have very good editing skills and cinematography skills. Keep it up, I always look forward to watching your videos!

You've come a long way Bud.... Nice job on everything you're doing !!!

I would definitely like more info/advice on this subject! 🇺🇲💯✌

I love how you describe the algorithm with what looks like a target. You're explaining how to hit your target market with a picture of what appears to be a target. ingenious !!!!

Hey that was a great video, and I'd like to say how much it makes sense from a guy that just discovered your videos recently. You described the process accurately in my pov. I was specifically attracted to the vids on the black c10 cause I have one myself. I also am in the autobody/mech trade. It only makes sense that our phones would prescribe things we want to see or learn about and it's spirals out from there. I could certainly do this in my shop too, but I am much more shy to the dedication it takes...that's why I appreciate guys like you that are willing to go for it anyway! Your content and skill is really great and fun to watch exactly what it's supposed to be for us viewers. Thx!

Thanks, this was something I've been waiting for...some information on this subject! 🇺🇲💯✌

This video is just what I needed! Me and a mate have been shooting some footage etc over the last couple of years. We had a years break (roughly) due to my daughter being in the hospital for 8 months! But the last couple of weeks ive been trying to get some more bits recorded to make into a video but the biggest problem i have is talking to myself 😂. This video is going to be a massive help with our journey into the You tube world! Thanks Dalton 💪

Really great video! Thank you for the advice. And much respect for the time put in that no one sees and the effort. I took notes and I appreciate you sharing this.

This is important information and new techniques that should get my channel going. I mean I did a ton of work already on my 2000 Chevy suburban except on the motor which right now I'm gathering parts to build a stage 1 cammed 5.3 engine build for it. I know most people do these cam swaps on tahoes and the pickup trucks only for the most part but I should reach a lot of people who have the 5.3 LS. The trans and everything else has been redone already so I should do a video on what parts came in already and which ones I'm still waiting on. I am going to LS Fest East in KY and autocross racing the suburban at Lime Rock Park in CT so I got some content to make then as well before I start tearing it apart and the rebuilding process begins. I try to mix up the content between racing, offroading, etc. With the tips you gave on how to title the video, what description to write, move around in the videos will definitely help me. So far I'm at 108 subs currently and I want to expand for sure. Giving us more tips and tricks I feel like should be a norm. Not many people help out one another.

It would be amazing to see more content like this, thank you Dalton

That is one magnificent shirt, best one yet.

Fantastic video Dalton! Very good advice and extremely accurate from my experience, it’s a long learning curve to be sure. The best part of the of the whole adventure to date has been all the great people I have met!

What got me hooked on your channel is all the C10 videos. Got a 79 5.3 swap myself.

I appreciate how honest this was. The mental game to stay motivated when the next video doesn't do as well as the last one is a tough one.

Great advice sir and I really enjoy your content. I started watching these videos from Junkyard Digs and then found Vice Grip Garage and Dylan McCool. Then you came along. Good stuff!

Great video Dalton, I actually didn’t really have a clue on how the algorithm worked and I think it’s great that you took the time to kind of shows us behind-the-scenes of how to get started. Love all your videos oh man, keep it up.

And that’s why Pole barn garage is one of the fastest growing Automotive, KZfaq channels out there and one of my favorites. Keep up the great work Dalton. can’t wait for the next video.

Great information video

Thanks for the info Dalton. The only thing i could possibly add is... BE YOURSELF! No persona( unless its for a joke or fun skit ) No acting ( unless its for a joke or fun skit ) Be honest and be real. People are tired of fake crap. Authenticity is the currency of the future.

Thanks for the advice I appreciate it!! Keep up the great video’s

You had some great ideas. My channel finally has 552 subs. I'm working constantly to find more things to make content and trying my best to make better content. It is a struggle indeed, but I know I'll get there. Thanks for the help brother!

thanks for the info!! I've been on the fence about starting my youtube journey but you answered all my questions .great job and love your channel man!!!

Great video Dalton, I really appreciate the information and insight here. I would love to see more about your filming and editing process.

Dalton I look forward to your videos and view as soon as you post new ones. Your humor and easy going nature and mechanical knowledge is why I watch. Really enjoy when you have JD involved he is a very nice young man. Keep up the great work I’ll be waiting for your next one!

Its been said in these comments already, but your personality is a huge part of your success within your channel. The way you explain things in terms that the common person can relate to and understand, along with the fact that your doing these projects in a garage, working a full time job, raising a child and including him in your journey, is not unlike what most of us are doing. I do have a question though, not that I have started a channel, but I'm sure that some who are looking to are wondering. Do you seek your sponsors or do they make contact with you along your journey? Keep up the great stuff. I truly enjoy watching and learn a lot from your material, along with JYD, Dylan and VG.

thanks for breaking this down a little better, helped me understand the process even more than what I had figured. I have plenty of projects and want to start putting them out on youtube as I work on them once I get some more life goals settled...I had been doing TikTok for a long time and surprisingly got a little base there but they are quick videos and crap just for the hell of it. This is another motivating push for me, thanks Dalton!

Thanks for the advice, Dalton! I didn't realize how much "keeping the camera moving" makes a difference.

Great video. I've been trying for 2 years, and I just recently got the coveted monetization! Barely, but I made it. You're absolutely right about how much work it is. Each job is 3 times as long when you video it. It sure is fun, though. Keep up the good stuff. I really enjoy and relate to your channel.

I'd be all for you giving us a run down on thumbnail/editing/whatever else you'd like to bestow upon us. Appreciate your humble attitude & work you put in. Sincerely A car/hvac guy and fellow self tapper advocate.

*Nice summary, I think being genuine and straight with viewers goes a long way in earning trust from viewers and subbers, it's all a very long-term game*

Great advice Dalton. Thanks for breaking the Algorithm down to something easy to understand. For someone that struggles to get KZfaq to work for them with currently 72 subscribers. I would be interested in more you tube advice personally. Also dig the car content. 👍