Is YouTube worth it? My 10,000 Subscriber Retrospective.

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In this #devlog, I discuss what it was like growing my indie game dev YouTube channel to over 10,000 subscribers. I've learned a lot about video games and video creation over the past couple of years. Thanks for following my self-employment journey creating video games as a solo #indieDev.

[AIAdev]

congrats on 10k dude!

YT analytics are definitely a trap. Most of them are misleading without additional context.

I agree with you and think the trick is to just keep making videos you're passionate about. This is a marathon.

[CodeMonkeyUnity]

Congrats! 10 great lessons, onwards to 100k!

[XCountryFanatic]

Can't believe how time has just flown by! It's amazing to see how your channel has grown! Really like being able to peak behind the curtain! Keep it up Thomas!

[Ironroc]

I hit a very big momentum drop and motivation drop in my own channel, this video was super helpful to get back on track. Thanks!

[Oliver_Connell]

You're doing great Thomas. Great sound, great vid. Keep being you, that's why we all watch along. Congrats on the 10k

[DualWielded]

The point you make about comparing yourself is soooo true. Especially only comparing yourself to those who (in your eyes) do better than you, be it in sheer numbers or video quantity, quality, all that. That is such a massive trap.

Also, congrats on 10K!!!

[BitBeginnings]

Appreciate the 10 lessons learned. I'll definitely keep them in mind. Congrats on 10, 000

[tomwor]

High five man! Your videos had a unique quality from the start. I also have to say the cruise-ship video made me laugh, *because* of the horrible audio, I think it had a great humor to it.

[andygeers]

Thank you so much for this, Thomas! I love your attitude. Also I totally relate to that point about how the effort invested doesn't correlate in any way with the views - and always so sad how my favourite videos are the ones that get the fewest views!

[BenjaminGreenYT]

Crazy to see you hit this milestone man! I remember when you came out of the Master YouTube stuff with me in our little gaming pod, I didn't stick with it very well but props to you for staying consistent and improving 👍 have no doubt you'll continue to grow!

[adamprokop]

Great video! Thank you for all the content. As you say, authenticity is certainly one of the most appreciated aspects of video and you are definitely moving in the right direction in this area.

I also have a question. How hard was it to get sponsors? Did they start sending emails as you grew or did you have to take some initiative first?

[JoeTheis]

Congrats Thomas, you earned it! You've always been an inspiration to me and I appreciate the transparency you provide, scouting out the way ahead where I'll hopefully find myself in a year or two. Cheers! 🍻

[CitizenCoder]

This is one thing I realized with my podcast. It didnt matter how much "production" i put into one, nobody really cares. So i stopped spending so much time editing etc and just made them(mostly) warts and all(minus sound issues). I spend way less time in post production and more time doing what I like, having good conversations with people.

[LighthoofDryden]

AY congrats on 10K, and great vid in and of itself! The takeaway about effort not correlating with results really hits (my least-viewed video took the most work and research 🙃), as does the “analytics trap.” It’s so hard not to care when Studio is whispering sweet data points in your ear.

Always love your frankness, optimism, and insight.

(Also good title swap on this one)

[FrogKin]

Congrats to your 10k subs, but mor importantly to your great videos. People like you inspire me to keep going with the indie dev dream.

[PiyushDhone]

Congratulations, You are doing well just keep going
And as you post long videos so it is a good growth. You are good 👍

[isto_inc]

Very true. I plateau'd at 40k subs for a year and half. I gained 1000 subscribers in that time period. Just gotta stay on your grind

[GrahamOfLegend]

Congrats on 10k!! That's crazy! Goals 🙌🏽

[darenn-keller]

Thank you SO much for sharing this, Thomas! You posted this at exactly the moment I needed to see it. I’m also growing a channel, and I relate to everything you mentioned, especially points 2, 4, and 9. 😬 You should definitely be proud of those numbers; it’s no easy feat, and you’ve earned it! Man, you’ve inspired me so much that I want to jump straight into working on my next devlog. 💪Take care!

[AlmightysStudios]

10.000 subscribers🎉🎉!! Congrats man! I really enjoy your videos.