How I earn a living with a dead YouTube channel...

My videos used to get 50k to 100k views on average, occasionally surpassing a million on videos. Nowadays? I'm lucky to get 20k. YouTube was my main source of income for over 5 years, but with a 90% drop in revenue, I had to fill in the gaps.

socials

series i mention in this video

This video is sponsored by Wondershare Filmora :)

0:00 I'm broke
1:20 Switching things up
6:33 Video editing with Filmora
7:43 So... how do I make money?
8:15 Business expenses
11:38 Spending less
14:50 Selling my stuff
18:02 Making extra cash
26:50 Financial ruin
30:50 Overview

[amandahumphries]

Came for the herping, don't watch much anymore but enjoy popping in every once in a while to see what's up. Like catching up with a friend from high school when you visit your home town for the holidays lol

[sagehasatarantula]

Honestly I just love listening to you talk. Like react to videos, do these random rant videos, you’re just such a different kind of person

[lindak]

If I can make a recommendation - things like cooking, exercising, side hustles...etc ARE "getting a life" Those things can be really useful for people your age, and I'd suggest making videos on your experience with banking, finance (buying a house), starting a business, fixing things around the house, car repair, and things like that. I think there are many many people in their early 20's who've never been taught that stuff and they don't want a lecture from old people, they want someone like them telling them how they learned, the mistakes they made and the benefit to learning it. Videos like that would be cheap to make.

[Reppintimefitness]

Every time I talk about Herping
People think I'm talking about something else

[CoastalKite]

Sounds like the thing you're experiencing is growing up. Along for the ride. You'll be just fine Alex.
Tough times are natural and will come, but you'll be fine.

[rottenmutt_]

I'm really relived and happy to hear that you're not planning on abandoning us anytime soon ! I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with the channel :) best of luck

[hunterrokenbrodt]

I think it would be super interesting to see you on Caleb Hammer's financial audit series. Most of those guests have not made any effort to change and you clearly have.

[rileymeadows]

The transparency has been so interesting! Commenting because I was absolutely called out as a person who watches every video and never interacts. LMAO!

[FloppyBerd]

Been watching for years! Don't plan on stopping even with the closing of the reptile content

[BigelowInventions]

I think it's awesome that you're making big sacrifices to continue doing what makes you happy! I wish you the absolute best in your endeavors! You've got this!

[TheRimbaldine]

So personally I've been following you for years and I don't even have a reptile. I just like the sound of your voice, your content, you as a person. We live in a society where there is just so many streaming options and so little time... Your views may be dropping but that's not necessarily a reflection on your content's quality. Also, my mum always told me 'money wounds are not lethal". I hope things improve soon ❤

[friskaminomleczkojad]

Geniuenly, i think that your content doesnt really need a niche. It reminds me a bit of YouTube creators like atomic shrimp or someordinarygamers - they dont just do one specific type of content really, just life content. Sometimes It's just the algorithm struggling to figure you out, i feel like. Which sucks but i think your dedication will take you places, we just need some time and try new things. Good luck bro

[mechwarrior]

Keep bro's channel alive at all costs! Out of all the clout chasers, scammers, cringe factories, fake personalities, bro is a fucking gem.

[unseenhaze]

love your stuff man, always keep in mind most of your fans are just quietly supporting you, we don't always comment but we always love your stuff <3

[Bigglesman]

You are a very impressive person, genuinely. One of the most capable and versatile individuals I've ever seen in hobbies and work alike. It's actually amazing to see. You can do almost anything you set your mind to and you are willing to do the work. It's so funny to see you go from reptiles to wrapping a whole car to even house work😂.(You may think it's silly to think outdoor housework is impressive but you'd be surprised just how many people can't or don't know how to do it)
And on top of that, your genuine and sincere personality makes you very enjoyable to watch. No matter what the topic of the video will be I can always expect great humor and honesty. I suspect that's why people keep coming back and will continue to do so whatever you decide to post next.

[oneysays]

have no idea who you are. never seen a video of yours. this randomly came up on my recommended and i watched every second of it. your determination and ability to adapt is inspiring. keep doin your thing man. subbed 👍

[jshbbkns]

26:12 I leave a comment like once a year so I'm definitely one of those silent viewers. Just wanted to confirm that you indeed have a silent audience that enjoys your videos. Keep it up 💪.

[LetsLiveThriving]

I really appreciate your willingness to be open and vulnerable. Especially sharing the good times and the challenging times. The part of your video that really resonated with me was when you said you have started doing a lot of your own repairs and stuff like plumbing, electric, etc. I just installed brakes on my car today for the first time trying to avoid the crazy costs a local shop wanted. As exhausted as I am I feel so proud of myself and happy that I gained from the struggle. Sounds like you are gaining too. Stay Great dude. 🙏👍

[spencer]

Personality based channels are certainly a niche of their own. Adam Regusea might primarily do cooking, but he built his channel with a plethora of content. So did vlogbrothers and others.

[Zakis_wonderful_world]

You're amazing. I don't think many people would be able to talk about these things so openly, so huge props. Judging by how you're handling your situation, there is no doubt in my mind you'll bounce back and reach new peaks.