I'd love to hear your feedback on my channel, if/when you have a chance. Like Hana above, my main issue at the moment is finding my audience. I have no idea how to find the right viewers, and I have no idea how to put myself in the position for potential viewers to find me. I've been adjusting my video format with each upload, trying to find the right balance between informative and entertaining, while maintaining a quick pace and not losing anyone's attention.
Hi TV Junkie,
In the post where you asked me to share my thoughts, you mentioned that you were having trouble finding your audience and that you were doing a lot of tinkering to find the right formula. That was May 11th, and I’d say that since then you’ve figured some things out. When I started doing these reviews, my channel was pretty new and I had a lot more time, and then as my channel grew the gaps between reviews got bigger and bigger. The funny thing is that I pulled up your stuff in late summer, again around Halloween, and then again just now; each time intending to get a review written. So now that I’m finally getting around to it, I feel like I’ve been stalking you for six months and should have at least a couple of useful insights.
Stuff I like:
First of all, congrats on your top videos. You clearly put a lot of thought into how to construct those from the ground up and it’s paying off. You’re providing real value to your audience, and you’re composing material that people will be searching for. That’s so much smarter than just throwing stuff up for the sake of throwing stuff up. Additionally, I like that you’ve been willing to try different formats as you’ve gone along. It looks like certain approaches have resonated and others just haven’t clicked for your viewers, but there’s no way to know unless you put it out there right? Another thing I think is really working for you is that you’re actually knowledgeable about your subject matter. You don’t condescend to your audience, but most people who check you out will quickly realize that you know more about this than they do and that they have something to learn. Again you provide value and benefit, and that’s key for most genres of channels.
Light constructive criticism:
I notice that your big videos don’t seem to be converting visitors into subscribers and I have a few thoughts on why. First, and I have to go there, the production value when you’re on screen isn’t in keeping with the quality of the content. To put it another way, what you’re saying is of higher quality than how you’re presenting it and that’s disorienting for viewers. Simple 3-point lighting would improve your look on camera a TON. Right now the general impression of your image is dull. It just seem drab and shadowy and cheap, and the echoey mic doesn’t help. These subtle cues tell viewers to take you less seriously. This stuff can be addressed cheaply, and I think it would be a very worthwhile investment to bring your production quality up closer to the quality of your words and ideas.
This guy’s set up isn’t great, but it’s cheap and it’s an improvement.
Here’s some suggestions on good affordable audio.
If that last paragraph seemed patronizing I apologize. That maybe stuff you’re already thinking through and have fully under control moving forward. Your stuff is solid and I throw these ideas out because I think you should continue to succeed and grow, not because I want to nitpick.
With that disclaimer in mind I offer my next suggestion: Improved framing. Sometimes you appear at strange ratios and at displeasing places in the frame. The height of the lens in relation to your eyes sometimes makes you seem diminutive like in this video
Here’s a video that I think explains framing well:
Finally, I really like the words you say, but sometimes they seem pretty forced. I can tell you’re manuscripting right now, and that’s okay, but it feels pretty stiff at times. It works better when you’re doing voice over, but when you talk into the camera it can clang. You’re a good writer and I don’t think you should abandon the scripts entirely, but I’d love to see what you can do without one. You know your stuff inside and out, and I think you could create a more relatable, likable, relaxed feel by getting yourself into the loose warmed up zone and then editing for tightness after the fact. I for one like hearing a knowledgeable person talk about their craft, and I think you’d retain more viewers if the delivery was less stilted, and more of your personality. People sub if you’ve got A+ content, or if you build a connection with them by being human. I think you can get to a place where you’ve got both, and I think you’re well on your way to achieving the former.
You want to become the person whose opinion people can’t wait to hear, and I think the suggestions I’ve thrown out can help with that.
In summary, I like what you’re doing. Your channel provides more value than most I’ve reviewed, you’ve improved a ton, you’re a smart and strategic youtuber, and I’m glad you’re staying at it.
I really enjoyed watching your stuff and reviewing your channel.
Take care,
Matt
