What I Learned From Making A YouTube Video Every Day

Throughout October 2017, I participated in a challenge to make and post a YouTube video every business day. The challenge was organized by Tanya Alvarez of OwnersUp, a site that provides support and motivation to entrepreneurs, and video blogger Jen Morilla of  The Social Girl Traveler.

Prior to taking part in this challenge, I already had a YouTube channel (accessible by clicking here), but I only posted sporadically whenever an idea for a video popped into my head. The experience of having to post every day for the OwnersUp challenge really helped me up my game (pun intended).

Here are three takeaways from participating in the OwnersUp YouTube Challenge:

Takeaway No. 1: You Can Do More Than You Think

The demands of modern life make it seem next to impossible to get everything done on our overloaded to-do lists and still have time for a personal life. Before the YouTube Challenge, I never thought I could have squeezed in making and posting a new video each day.

But I decided to keep it short, sweet and simple. I made quick videos of three minutes or less with my iPhone, using iMovie to edit. Not exactly masterpieces, but it got the job done.

Takeaway No. 2: There's A Happy Medium Between Perfectionism And Doing The Bare Minimum

Participating in the YouTube Challenge showed me that I can produce quick, simple videos on the fly. But the challenge also helped me realize that I need to be more strategic with my YouTube channel.

Instead of randomly making videos on any topic that suits my fancy, I need to first research how much public interest there is in a given topic. In other words, I need to be more user-focused and less self-focused: how can I match my video ideas with what viewers want?

I also need to upgrade my channel art and graphics, profile photo, etc., to present a more polished, professional image. 

There is the danger of over-thinking and over-producing videos, as was pointed out by my friend and fellow OwnersUp YouTube Challenge participant Nina Froriep of Clockwise Productions. 

But I think the sweet spot may be posting one well-researched, well-produced video a week. I can also leave room to be flexible and produce spontaneous videos when inspiration strikes.

Takeaway No. 3: Don't Be A Passive Consumer

The biggest takeaway from the YouTube Challenge is not to be a passive video viewer. Before taking part in this challenge, I'd never "like" or comment on videos I watched. But I've learned that giving constructive feedback really helps those who take the time to produce content that I enjoy and find useful. 

Constructive feedback not only helps content creators attract new subscribers, but also gives them encouragement that people appreciate what they have to offer.

To view my video on this topic that I made for the OwnersUp YouTube Challenge, click here.