Okay guys... I want to know what you wish you knew before you started KZfaq?!

I started in 2011. I now have 2 large blogs and two big KZfaq channels (eod is my person channel). It took 3 years to build a six figure blog and 2 years to build a 3k a month youtube channel and 5 years of flat out failure before that.

Having a channel is way harder than I imagined. Some days, when I see my numbers, I just don't care to create. It makes me feel that if no one is watching, then why should I even bother? BUT, I keep grinding and working because this is something that makes me happy to do. It's nice to see a video like this because you are correct, some people just don't get how much energy goes into doing this. Everyone reading this: I wish you the best on your channel and hope you have nothing but growth. You can do this, just don't give up!

To all the random person who will like this "May God give you Success"

Ahaha that beginning of the video 😂 It takes really hard work and dedication, for those who read this: keep working hard , you will be amazed with the results after 1 year 💪🏽

Great stuff! I've only been doing KZfaq for 6 months, but I've found it important to not just focus on the growth of your CHANNEL, but also your own growth as a CREATOR! You can see how you've grown just by watching your first videos. Things like: (1) Am I more comfortable talking to the camera?, (2) How have my edits improved?, (3) Would I even watch my own videos? While there are many strategies about the KZfaq algorithm, most of it is out of our control. But what's definitely in our control is the never-ending process of improving our content whether through better story-telling and making our videos more watchable. As long as we have fun with that process, everything else will fall into place.

The hardest part of starting a KZfaq channel and it actually starting to become successful is it is addictive. Every free waking moment I have when I am not looking after my two small children, cleaning my house, running my beauty/aesthetics business and helping others, I am creating content for my Channel. I have burnt out more times than I can count and the back end of KZfaq is not glamorous at all. But when I get a comment from a subscriber saying I have helped them sleep or they really love my content it makes it all worth while :) I know you feel the same Cathrin, You are an absolute role model and very much paving the way to how a KZfaq channel should look. Honesty and grace is few and far between these days but you have it by the shed load. Much love to you, thank you for being an inspiration to me x

Who else has thought about giving up sooo many times and is scared of wasting their time but there is a little voice inside of them that says: *you can do it, don’t give up* 🥺🥺🥺❤️ I’m trying..

Well!, here are 5 things you should consider before starting a KZfaq channel: 1. KZfaq is a huge website. There are millions of youtubers out there. That means, millions and millions of videos are uploaded on KZfaq. And your videos will be among those millions of videos. So, there is a huge competition out there. Before you decide to be a youtuber, keep in your mind that you're gonna face a really tough competition out there. 2. If you are looking for a GET RICH QUICK thing, then KZfaq might not be the best option for you. As I have already mentioned that there's a huge competition out there, it will take time for your videos to be noticed. In fact, first few months might be a difficult time for you as your videos could remain unnoticed. So, before you think about becoming a full time youtuber, prepare yourself to be patient enough. 3. Although you have to face a huge competition and it could take a substantial period of time, you can definitely beat the afore-mentioned obstacles by being unique. By being unique, it doesn't mean that your contents should have something nobody has ever talked about. Instead, the way you present your ideas should be unique from other youtubers. You can make your thumbnails unique, your titles distinguished from those of other channels' videos and you can also make your boring contents interesting by presenting your ideas in a funny way. Overall, the idea is that the viewers should find something really different in your contents. So, think about what is so unique about you before you jump into making videos. 4. Number 4 is a bit different from the previous points, in the sense that it deals with one of the rules in KZfaq, that is the copyright issue. You must be familiar with the policy of KZfaq. I don't mean that you should read all the terms & conditions of KZfaq. But copyright issue is a very crucial thing you should know about if you are thinking of becoming a youtuber. You cannot upload any video you like. The videos you upload must have your original contents or else you might get reported for stealing others' contents. Well, talking about copyright, you must basically know about 2 types of copyright issues: 1. copyright claim and 2. copyright strike. If you make videos of cover songs, you might get copyright claim from the owner of the original song. But that is not so harmful for your channel in most cases. However, if you get copyright strike, it can result in the termination of your channel. That means your channel will get shut down, even if you have millions of views and subscribers. So, you MUST have some knowledge about copyright issues before starting to make videos for your channel. 5. You're gonna have a tough time being a youtuber if you have the tendency of getting annoyed easily. When your videos start getting noticed, you'll get both positive and negative responses. You'll of course feel delighted to read the positive comments. But the tragedy is that you won't always get positive comments. You might get extremely harsh comments time and again. And you must be very cautious about dealing with those HATE comments. You can't reply to every single hate comment. And more importantly, your replies to those hate comments won't do any good to your channel. The best way to deal with all of them is to IGNORE them and move ahead. So, if you are actually serious about becoming a youtuber, you MUST mentally prepare yourself for those hate comments. So, those were the 5 things you should consider before beginning your journey as a youtuber.

Hope you're doing ok. I can tell you're dealing with something, so I just wanted to say thank you for pushing through and making a video for us this week.

Who ever is reading this. I BELIEVE if you’re here that you will be successful. I’m on my third try of doing YT and believe me, taking the time to learn from videos like these really helps you feel progress. I hope you get channel growth 💕💕

youtube definitely can mess around with your mental health--its rough, but you just have to remember to keep your head up. Thanks Cathrin

Good luck to everyone other small KZfaqr and May we all be as great as Cathrin some day! 🥰

“It can so easily knock you down ... don’t check your analytics every day.” I needed to hear that today.

Your videos always ground me. It’s so easy to get caught up and feel like you’re not getting anywhere but your voice reminds me that it takes time. And that the work has to be done. Good luck everyone!

Cathrin PLEASE be kind to yourself. Your mental health and wellbeing come first. I have had many breaking points and been highly inconsistent on youtube, but I had to put my business second. Success is happiness. I'm sending you so much love xx

I’ve watched hours upon hours of editing, filming, intors, equipment, and the algorithm... it’s so much to take in and remember I’m gonna be a failure and it’s okay because I can admit that lol best of luck to anyone who is going to start their channel!!

Who is here not just to comment but to grow and support one another. I wish you all become a successful KZfaqr one day. God bless!

I am just starting out and it has already been a journey to get more views and subscribers. I hope whoever is reading this, the best of luck in growing your channel! You got this!

That beginning got me...its so true. The work we put into our content and at times feels like its all in vain. Be patient, have perseverance and embrace your failures!! 💜💜

Who else is starting a channel during quarantine?

Seeing cathrin getting thousands of subs every week is really inspiring for someone who subbed at 2k. Your tips is really helping me right now grow my channel

Love how open and authentic you are about being a KZfaqr and showing that it's not all sunshine and rainbows!

Great video & honesty! As of two or three months ago I began consistently posting every Tuesday. I like having this schedule but I don't love that every week's video isn't going to be amazing. I mean, I like to do video that takes a lot of time and weeks to prepare as those videos are super helpful for the viewer. Then, I fear other videos are sort of filler videos but hopefully they're still either useful or interesting in some ways. I have had one period of time where I was really somewhat discouraged because I feel like I've been improving my content & it's been so time-consuming, yet not getting a ton of views. But, I am still here and still going. Hope youtube will pick my stuff up more. For anyone reading this, just stick with it and continually improve! Also, if this might spark some interest - I have a family member who has a channel as well. You shouldn't think of YT as a get rick quick scheme. But, if YT does pickup a video and it goes viral -the possibilities are endless. My family member did a video - Top 10 Uses for blank...type of video and it was not well shot or well done and it took off. He was making $800 a day for maybe a month. Now he still makes residual money from it at $800 a month. Though you should never plan on that happening, anything is possible. Any video could get picked up. Most don't make that much - but it depends on the topic of your video - but I just wanted to share that anyway. Don't give up!

I'm literally brand new to KZfaq (within the last month of actually creating videos) and I DO have a lot of fun filming, editing, etc, but I think it's important to acknowledge that the weight of the world can turn even a fun hobby that is a distraction to feeling like a chore just because you feel out of it on a given day. I typically also have a "filming day" that is worked into my schedule but it does seem the last week or so it's just a little harder to get started. I guess the thing I wish I knew is that even when this is a fun hobby, there are days where it still feels like work and that's okay! If anyone else is reading this, hang in there :)

I think it’s also hard when you find small channels that the algorithm loves and blows their channel immediately. I’m so sad because life happened and I couldn’t upload

Your videos are like my weekly therapy! ahahah Thank you for always giving positive advice and valuable knowledge !

Just started watching you within the past couple weeks or so and I love how authentic you are. Keep doing what you're doing! ❤️

100% agree! I've put a ton of work into my channel over the past year on top of my regular job and family, and I'm only getting started. Becoming an overnight success is like winning the lottery and 99.99% of channels will need to do the work to have any sort of return. I got some good advice early on - Start a channel if you love it and are passionate about it, not for an easy payoff because that doesn't exist. Thanks for sharing your honesty and transparency with your views. All the best in your continued success!

Commitment and understanding that it’s a marathon. Don’t compare yourself with KZfaq Megastars ✨.

The first 50sec are so relatable! It’s especially hard after not recording anything for over a month. 😅 keep up the hard work Cathrin! ☺️💜

Watching this while recovering from surgery. The hussle never ends 😂 Thank you so much for keeping me company and for all your advice! You inspire so many of us ❤️

Love your constant honesty and transparency about your KZfaq journey! “Non-negotiable” that hit me and I plan on trying to have that same mindset with KZfaq 👏🏾

I appreciate all the tips you give on your channel and your honest opinions!! KZfaq is hard. I love making videos even though it’s tough to record with two toddlers but I love it. Love how real you are! 👍🏼💕

BEST ADVICE EVER! Thank you! "Don't check your analytics everyday!" is the best advice I've gotten so far. Analytics can take its toll on you for sure, and has been discouraging for me. Thank you for your much needed input!

Before starting KZfaq, I never realised just how difficult it was to grow a channel! Yes there are a lucky few who happen to have a video that goes viral and that helps to put their channel on the map but unfortunately that is not the case for all of us! I am struggling with burn out at the moment!! Thank you so much for sharing this honest and transparent video and I love that you explained that it took you years to get to where you are now as I often feel embarrassed because despite my consistency and persistence over these few years, I am still no where near to where I would love to be! At least I know that it isn’t easy for everyone BUT it may still happen eventually.. xx

You have no idea how helpful this was! Because it reminds all of us to be patient, consistent and keep working hard!

I was watching your video and identifying myself with everything you said! I'm trying to stay consistent with 3 videos a week while working full time and managing the rest of my personal life and IT-IS-HARD! But I keep thinking that when I get to where I wanna be I'll thank myself!

Very real. I'm a month in and on the first day filming I couldn't even get a sentence out without having to start over. Who knew it would take over an hour to make a video that turned out to be 2 mins long. I didn't know editing would take me two plus days because I had to refilm because the audio was off. I ended up posting a video that I wasn't happy with because I knew if I didn't do it, I'd never do it. Good luck everyone!

Geez, I started tearing up watching this as I went through my analytics & trying to find better keywords to optimize my SEO. It is so hard to build something from scratch literally and metaphorically. I started watching your videos a few months ago when I started considering creating KZfaq videos, & you’re SOOO inspirational. I really appreciate your honesty & care for what you do. I feel like regular people think creating content is easy & it’s not “hard work”. Those ppl are so wrong. ❤️💪🏻👷‍♀️Thank you!

LOVE THIS!!! 🌟 It shows the real side to things. I love you showing the hard work and struggling side of things. It shows us small channels that the grind will be worth it! 😃

Lol! I love how you show what it's like before starting a video! It is a lot of work. Most people don't know the struggle. I probably do 100 different takes for my endings! I need to create a blooper reel sometime lol!!

Dear Cathrin, I've been watching (and sometimes binge watching) your videos since April this year. I just wanted to say that you inspired me in starting my KZfaq channel where I share poetry in my two native languages (Italian and Russian) and I already have the feeling that some days (or even weeks!) are tough to deal with. I would like to send you virtually my moral support and I really hope that you will keep on going and making more amazing and helpful content. Thank you for what you do! And for all of you guys out there trying to start, grow and develop: we can do it! Some positive vibes for you all!

"consistency is harder when no one is clapping for you" thank you so much cathrin!! i'm not going to lie, i have been trying to get my youtube channel to get some sort of interaction/traction since april when i started it and there have been times where i just feel completely discouraged because i am putting a lot of work into something that's not being recognized. i always think of your videos and it really motivates me to keep going and serves me as a reminder of why i started it which is that i truly love the process of content creation wether someone watches it or not. again, thank you!

The thought of being a KZfaqr is always amazing, kind of like being an entrepreneur. The thought of making money by making videos is super cool until you post that first video and it gets 1 view. Thank you for making this, an amazing reminder to stay humble and keep going.

Oh my god! The one thing that Cath said about how youtubers have to freakin be all jolly whenever a camera starts rolling hit me hard!It dosen't matter what ish you're going thru, you have to get it all together or atleast pretend like it in front of a camera...being a youtuber is a Job y'all, if you make videos, be proud!

I'm doing a lot of groundwork to start my own channel. I'm about to start filming and I know it's not going to be what I want it to be for a long time. And that's okay. It's good to see someone talking about it realistically so that I don't give myself false hope and expect 3 or 5 year results after just 6 months of work. Thank you for being real.

My favorite part of this video is when you said "my uploading schedule is non negotiable". I just created a posting schedule for my own channel to make sure I'm uploading consistently and this is what I'm gonna hold myself to. Thanks for this video, I love your channel.

I love how honest and transparent Cathrin is. KZfaq is hard work and you definitely need to be dedicated to do this!

Another good one for us new KZfaqrs🤗! Thank you Cathrin 🥰!!!

Thanks for the great vid Cathrin! Good luck to everyone starting out, i wish you all great success!

I’m so happy you made this video Bc it shows the true side of things. It can be fun and exciting but also can get stressful and hard sometimes. Thank you for your videos and for being you! I so proud of you for pushing through it, hope you have a great day !

First - THANK YOU for this video - I love catching up with you each week because you talk real expectations - and that just helps me to keep my head down and move forward. so - thank you!

Oh Manning, I felt this video. KZfaq is hard, this is not a glamorous career but gosh dang it I would be lying if I said I didn’t love it. When there is love for what you do, the work is hard but it’s worth it. Like you sat and filmed this video over 10x you could have been like “eh I’ll just post this” but you worked your butt off to put out a valuable video 😎 ... thank you! For anyone else seeing this comment, please don’t let the “ hard work” stop you. YOU GOT THIS!!! You can and will be a successful!!!

This is one of my fav videos of yours, because of how real and raw you are. I know you’re always “real,” but I mean I can see your emotion and how you pushed through/persevered and made something great! So relatable and I appreciate it :)

Damn, the opening to this video is so relatable. I've had my channel a few months and there are times that I try to start filming and it's just not happening. I'm too into my head, or I think what's the point? Are people going to watch or even like it... But I snap out of it and remember I'm doing this bc I love it and it's something I've always wanted to do. Thank you for always keeping it real.

This is real talk. The same is needed for any career. Great discussion.

It just seems like Cathrin knows what I am thinking about! I recently started my own channel and this video definitely helped me put some thing in perspective. Who else has started a channel recently?

That beginning hit home haha...Love your advice and your videos! Learned so much from you and it's so inspiring watching the growth you've had, thanks for making these!

Love this Cathrin!!! Needed this!! Thank you!

Much more to being a KZfaqr than meets the eye! Awesome video

Just started new channel! Thank you, Cathrin, for sharing information 💖😊

Thanks for sharing Cathrin! I've been at this for years and it's not easy. You've really been an inspiration and I hope one day I can get to where you're at. 😊 Thanks for always keeping it real!

Making money on youtube is exactly like every other business... Years of putting in hard, thankless work and seeing nothing in return until it reaches critical mass. Then when the snowball starts rolling, it picks up speed fast. Loving your content... Thank you

Nice work. It’s important to see some of the hardships of being a KZfaqr. I’ve only been making videos for about seven months. Thankfully, I’ve started to grow fairly quickly, but it’s definitely one of the most rewarding “jobs” I’ve ever had. Changing peoples lives. I’ve been a classroom teacher for 20 years. Imagine how hard it is to put on a “happy face” with you have a live audience staring back at you.

Your videos are very informational, I think it is okay to not be so hard on yourself sometimes. Stay positive 😎🙌

All of this is too true! I started in April, so I've had 5 full months of uploads. Even with my relatively quick growth (thanks to your channel, Cathrin!), I've had rough, rough times getting a video up some weeks. Thats only a few months in... I can't imagine a few years, or if my channel hadn't started growing from the start. I'll hit low points, and you're dead-on accurate - I'll still need to put in the effort during those times, and not give up. Thank you for the constant reminders that we have to keep putting in the work. You are super motivational!

This is so relatable! Thank you for being transparent as always, your videos inspire me to keep going! Appreciate you so much! ❤️

I love when you show all the outtakes because I'm exactly the same and it gives me hope seeing how well put together and confident you always seem, but in reality we all do 1000 takes and make mistakes. Lately I feel like you're really sharing a lot more honestly about your journey, struggles etc (I mean, you've always been 100% honest but lately I just feel it more). P.S You rocked it on the Think Media live, I was so excited to see you there and with Vanessa Lau too. You guys both are awesome!

THIS VIDEO IS REALLY IMPORTANT!! WE GOTTA BE REALISTIC BECAUSE THIS ISN'T A DISNEY FANTASY... IT'S A WORK THAT WE GOTTA DO DAY BY DAY FREE AT THE FIRST TIME BUT *NOTHING THAT LAST IT'S EASY TO CATCH*

Cath, THANK YOU for being so real. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all of your videos!

KZfaq is such a fun way to express yourself and sometimes I do feel like quitting but I’m so glad I’ve stuck it out this long. I’ve had my channel for almost a year and it’s been a struggle for sure but it’s been something I genuinely love doing. 💕

This is exactly what people need to hear. KZfaq isn't a walk in the park...it requires sometimes grueling dedication to get a video out consistently and growing is hard. Thank you for sharing with all of us, Cathrin!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I'm going to check it out! I know as we are pursuing our dreams of creating a successful KZfaq channel there are real opportunity costs to consider. I.E. in the beginning, you aren't making any money - and you are just pursuing a passion, so there is an opportunity cost and sacrifice with spending your time on an activity that initially won't pay the bills. All in pursuit of a future goal. BUT if you have an entrepreneurial spirit and are passionate IT IS WORTH IT. So if you're reading this. YOU CAN DO IT. Like Cathrin says, there is a learning curve, but we will all get there.

Same to you today i recorded my voice 11 times and discarded and finally succeded never give up its your time if its were easy everyone would do it just stay a little bit more you will see the fruits

The grind is real. This all resonated with me. I haven't missed an upload since 9/26/18 and I upload twice a week so this all resonated. I'm finally having my biggest growth ever these last two months and I really think your channel has helped me do that! Thanks Cathirin.

Consistency is so important 🤗 I am in a small group of new youtubers that support each other but some are not consistent and it kills their views and growth and they ask me how I consistently get subscribers but it’s because I put out three videos a week. Period.

To the person reading this.... . . . . . . . you are soo worth it!

Yup. Just finished watching your video all the way through. It is a lot of work but I’ve always known it would be the most rewarding once you achieve it. Life’s hard in general but what’s harder is not going for what you truly want. Another great video Cathrin! You’re one of my inspirations! ❤️

This video is everything. I've been on KZfaq for over ten years now, and I still struggle with all of this stuff every single day. Being a KZfaqr is hard dang work!

I'm totally gonna stop checking my analytics everyday... Gosh😭

I don't know if you'll see my comment cathrin but I'm literally going through a breaking point right now is like I've been working so hard and instead of going forward I'm going backwards sigh.. But this video was really helpful especially the behind the scenes lol swear you're a gift from God ❤️ always 🇯🇲

Started my channel just a few weeks ago. I've been watching your videos nonstop cause you give so much information. I just wanted to THANK YOU for doing such an amazing job.

I love those videos where you show a glimpse of the behind the scenes. It makes it so much more relatable to see that's normal. We are all humans... thank you for always being so honest.

I'm checking my analytics EVERY day since I started my channel and damn I should really stop doing that :D You're totally right. It can really drive you crazy sometimes!

If you're seeing this, keep going! Don't think about how long it will take, think about if you started years ago! 😬😁

Yesterday I posted a video that I was SO proud of... I put so much time, effort and creativity into it, I worked on that video instead of my uni work because I was just so happy with it... And it has totally flopped. Usually if the numbers are bad I just move on and try to learn from the experience, but now I'm literally in my bed crying because I was just THAT PROUD with that video. When people say that it's hard work and a difficult journey, they aren't kidding...

I totally agree with what you're saying in this video. The struggles are real, but we all have to keep working at each video to make the next video better. Keep up the good job! Thank you for sharing! 😃❤️

thank you cathrin! this is exactly what i need to hear! trying to get my first hundred subscribers by the end of the month. wish me luck!

Cathrin is the most transparent and honest KZfaqr I have ever seen or heard on KZfaq. 🖐️🙋

So true! Thank you for being so honest, you inspire a lot of youtubers 😊❤️

Always the best tips out there! Thanks, Cathrin!

You've made my channel to grow, keep up cathrine I'm happy for u

Yes it is vary hard to grow your channel but I look at it like investments it takes Tim to build. On the plus side we love making videos and are only getting better with editing. Thanks for the videos

I don't know why but I just can't get enough of your videos. They are never long enough. I could listen to you talk all day. I know you mentioned having physical products but I think you should totally start a podcast

Thank you for being so honest about your struggles, and bad days. So relatable... Yet you KEEP pressing on, and THAT is the real inspiration.

Best of luck to everyone making their channel in 2020! ♥️

Ahhhhhhh. I needed this today.

A lot of people think you just get in front of the camera and film some videos, so how hard can that be? Let me tell you! My videos take forever to film and cost MONEY! I do not have the luxury of just sitting and talking to the camera. People come to my channel to see me decorate, or make diy projects, etc. It all cost money! I know that I have to spend money to make money! Right now I try to put out two videos a week to continue grow, and yes it's HARD! It's a constant grind to keep moving from video to video, but hopefully one day it will pay off! 100% agree with you that dedication is the key!

I found your videos before I created this youtube channel. I had no idea about this path but you inspired me to start.💞I’ve been here for 3 months and I can say that it’s hard work and dedication. Thank you for all your tips.