I'd like to offer thoughtful reviews of your channels

[TMBH]

I would love to have a review since I've recently revamped my channel and started creating new content for viewers.

Love to hear what you think. Appreciate it

Dear Voice Nerd,

I’m quite sure I’ve never opened a letter or note with that salutation before, so you’ve already given me a unique life experience with your channel. I’ve watched your stuff, observed some patterns, and I have some thoughts.

- I really like your idea. The concept of goofing around with impressions and developing your voice acting skills while doing a YouTube channel is solid.

- You’ve got some talent and you’re improving with time. It’s always good to see that the arrow is pointed in the right direction.

- Your branding and channel art is fine. There’s nothing dazzling and nothing that hurts you. Your thumbnails are effective and a strength of your channel.

- You seem to be drifting away from your bread and butter. The voice thing is unique and you are good at it, but lately you’ve been doing more games and reaction videos and less voice. I suspect you’ve moved away from the voice stuff because they maybe haven’t received the best reaction from viewers, but I don’t think that’s the fault of the format; I think it’s the fault of the quality. The voice thing is a good idea that, if executed better, would be a unique draw for your audience. I’m going to offer several suggestions below for how to improve on that good idea and show off your talent better.

- The voice videos are flawed, but I’m confident you can make them work. However, the reaction videos just aren’t much fun. There’s little reason for any viewer to watch them because you don’t say much, don't visually react much, and because the production quality is low. Maybe this is something you could do well, but why? Any idiot can record themselves watching a video and not saying anything, but you have something you can do that others can’t, and going away from the voice stuff in favor of dime a dozen stuff isn’t playing to your strengths.

- I respect your willingness to dabble in different YouTube genres. There’s value in that, and doing so will help you refine what you’re going for, what your viewers like, and what you’re best at. Experimenting is good, but don’t neglect your bread and butter (which is voice acting).

- Like any impressionist/voice actor, some of your material is stronger than others. At times I found myself willing to go along with what you were going for, but at other times I felt myself recoiling and feeling social discomfort as I watched. I’d considered not telling you this in the interest of niceness, but this is a review and the goal is to improve. I thought a lot about why I was very turned off at times and I have a few reasons I’ve come up with. Fortunately all these things are very addressable. I’ll start with what didn’t work for me and then I’ll offer a corresponding list of constructive suggestions.

What didn’t work, and why it seemed not to work.

1. You seem nervous most of the time you’re on camera. Sometimes you seem really nervous. That makes the viewer feel like failure is coming even if it doesn’t. It sets an uneasy tone that looms over the video and overshadows the good stuff.

2. I think this point is related, but it often felt like you were doing impressions in a room that was close enough to other people that you had cause to fear being found out. Many of your videos literally feel like you’re trying to be discreet and quiet in the same way that teenagers talk quietly into the phone with a girlfriend or boyfriend when they don’t want anyone to hear what they’re saying. When this happens it murders your vibe.

3. Because of whatever is going on in point number two, your impressions too often sound quiet, timid, and lifeless. That’s a pity, because you’re talented and, if I listen closely enough, I can hear that you have the ability to really nail this stuff.

4. I suspect this flaw is a result of personal nervousness, trying to record videos in a place where you are apprehensive about being discovered or overheard, an unwillingness to completely sell out when voice acting, and very crappy recording equipment.


- Okay, I said all of the reasons I think many of your videos don’t work are completely addressable. If you were tough enough to hang with me through that part (which I’m sure wasn’t a ton of fun for you to read), I think you’ll really appreciate the next part.


How to correct those problems.

1. To address what comes off as nervousness I’d recommend the following. First, let that camera roll for a long time and keep trying fresh takes. You’ll find yourself loosening up with time and you’ll have plenty to choose from in editing. Second, improve your gear and make yourself look and sound better. When you really like the results of what you’re recording, it’s easier to feel more confident. Third, try making a video here and there that you decide in advance you aren’t going to put in front of anyone you know. Make it for strangers only, then release it in a way that bypasses your own circle, and see what comes out.

2. You can fix problem number two easily. Frame yourself well, look into the camera, and speak loudly and clearly even if you don’t feel like it. If your environment makes you feel like you can’t do that, then record somewhere else or wait until you’ve got the space and privacy you prefer to record. The poor framing is hurting you more than you think because it accentuates the nervous vibe that sometimes comes through in your videos. On the flip side, framing yourself with confidence and at the right eye level will convey more confidence and likability to your viewers. Here’s a video that will help you think this through further.

3. As I hinted at in constructive suggestion number two, you simply need to speak up. You’re a voice guy. You’re channel is named for that talent. You’re good at voices. That’s your golden ticket, yet you don’t feature your voice or show it off for all it’s worth. If you want this channel to gain traction, you need to sound louder, clearer, and more confident. I repeat, you are good at this! You have talent! But you make viewers work to see it. Most won’t be willing to put in the effort to appreciate what you can do. You need to make it clearer and easier for them.

4. My favorite impression video is your Pixar edition. The impersonations are pretty good, you look like you’re having fun, and you seem more confident than usual. You’re going all in on your voice work and that made it more fun. That said, it still looks and sounds bad. Better equipment isn’t outrageously expensive, and even a modest upgrade (less than $200) will revolutionize the quality of your videos. If you’d like some specific suggestions on gear, I’d be happy to share what I know (though there are a ton of people on these forums who are much more knowledgeable and talented than I am in these arenas).

I can tell you’re throwing serious effort and creativity into your channel. Some of your stuff has worked and some of it doesn’t. You’ve got a skill that is endearing and fun, and I think you’re at your best when you’re loose and relaxed and letting your personality be on display as you voice act and do impressions. That’s a unique talent that will draw an audience if you’re willing to reframe how you package the content. You can make simple adjustments that will vastly improve your quality and personal presentation, and I think that if you do so you’ll notice more interest from your viewers.

Please don’t be discouraged by my criticisms; I mean them in a spirit of collegiality and encouragement. You’re likable and easy to root for. I wish you only the best moving forward.

Take care,

Matt

 

[Voice_Nerd_91]

Dear Voice Nerd,

I’m quite sure I’ve never opened a letter or note with that salutation before, so you’ve already given me a unique life experience with your channel. I’ve watched your stuff, observed some patterns, and I have some thoughts.

- I really like your idea. The concept of goofing around with impressions and developing your voice acting skills while doing a YouTube channel is solid.

- You’ve got some talent and you’re improving with time. It’s always good to see that the arrow is pointed in the right direction.

- Your branding and channel art is fine. There’s nothing dazzling and nothing that hurts you. Your thumbnails are effective and a strength of your channel.

- You seem to be drifting away from your bread and butter. The voice thing is unique and you are good at it, but lately you’ve been doing more games and reaction videos and less voice. I suspect you’ve moved away from the voice stuff because they maybe haven’t received the best reaction from viewers, but I don’t think that’s the fault of the format; I think it’s the fault of the quality. The voice thing is a good idea that, if executed better, would be a unique draw for your audience. I’m going to offer several suggestions below for how to improve on that good idea and show off your talent better.

- The voice videos are flawed, but I’m confident you can make them work. However, the reaction videos just aren’t much fun. There’s little reason for any viewer to watch them because you don’t say much, don't visually react much, and because the production quality is low. Maybe this is something you could do well, but why? Any idiot can record themselves watching a video and not saying anything, but you have something you can do that others can’t, and going away from the voice stuff in favor of dime a dozen stuff isn’t playing to your strengths.

- I respect your willingness to dabble in different YouTube genres. There’s value in that, and doing so will help you refine what you’re going for, what your viewers like, and what you’re best at. Experimenting is good, but don’t neglect your bread and butter (which is voice acting).

- Like any impressionist/voice actor, some of your material is stronger than others. At times I found myself willing to go along with what you were going for, but at other times I felt myself recoiling and feeling social discomfort as I watched. I’d considered not telling you this in the interest of niceness, but this is a review and the goal is to improve. I thought a lot about why I was very turned off at times and I have a few reasons I’ve come up with. Fortunately all these things are very addressable. I’ll start with what didn’t work for me and then I’ll offer a corresponding list of constructive suggestions.

What didn’t work, and why it seemed not to work.

1. You seem nervous most of the time you’re on camera. Sometimes you seem really nervous. That makes the viewer feel like failure is coming even if it doesn’t. It sets an uneasy tone that looms over the video and overshadows the good stuff.

2. I think this point is related, but it often felt like you were doing impressions in a room that was close enough to other people that you had cause to fear being found out. Many of your videos literally feel like you’re trying to be discreet and quiet in the same way that teenagers talk quietly into the phone with a girlfriend or boyfriend when they don’t want anyone to hear what they’re saying. When this happens it murders your vibe.

3. Because of whatever is going on in point number two, your impressions too often sound quiet, timid, and lifeless. That’s a pity, because you’re talented and, if I listen closely enough, I can hear that you have the ability to really nail this stuff.

4. I suspect this flaw is a result of personal nervousness, trying to record videos in a place where you are apprehensive about being discovered or overheard, an unwillingness to completely sell out when voice acting, and very crappy recording equipment.


- Okay, I said all of the reasons I think many of your videos don’t work are completely addressable. If you were tough enough to hang with me through that part (which I’m sure wasn’t a ton of fun for you to read), I think you’ll really appreciate the next part.


How to correct those problems.

1. To address what comes off as nervousness I’d recommend the following. First, let that camera roll for a long time and keep trying fresh takes. You’ll find yourself loosening up with time and you’ll have plenty to choose from in editing. Second, improve your gear and make yourself look and sound better. When you really like the results of what you’re recording, it’s easier to feel more confident. Third, try making a video here and there that you decide in advance you aren’t going to put in front of anyone you know. Make it for strangers only, then release it in a way that bypasses your own circle, and see what comes out.

2. You can fix problem number two easily. Frame yourself well, look into the camera, and speak loudly and clearly even if you don’t feel like it. If your environment makes you feel like you can’t do that, then record somewhere else or wait until you’ve got the space and privacy you prefer to record. The poor framing is hurting you more than you think because it accentuates the nervous vibe that sometimes comes through in your videos. On the flip side, framing yourself with confidence and at the right eye level will convey more confidence and likability to your viewers. Here’s a video that will help you think this through further.

3. As I hinted at in constructive suggestion number two, you simply need to speak up. You’re a voice guy. You’re channel is named for that talent. You’re good at voices. That’s your golden ticket, yet you don’t feature your voice or show it off for all it’s worth. If you want this channel to gain traction, you need to sound louder, clearer, and more confident. I repeat, you are good at this! You have talent! But you make viewers work to see it. Most won’t be willing to put in the effort to appreciate what you can do. You need to make it clearer and easier for them.

4. My favorite impression video is your Pixar edition. The impersonations are pretty good, you look like you’re having fun, and you seem more confident than usual. You’re going all in on your voice work and that made it more fun. That said, it still looks and sounds bad. Better equipment isn’t outrageously expensive, and even a modest upgrade (less than $200) will revolutionize the quality of your videos. If you’d like some specific suggestions on gear, I’d be happy to share what I know (though there are a ton of people on these forums who are much more knowledgeable and talented than I am in these arenas).

I can tell you’re throwing serious effort and creativity into your channel. Some of your stuff has worked and some of it doesn’t. You’ve got a skill that is endearing and fun, and I think you’re at your best when you’re loose and relaxed and letting your personality be on display as you voice act and do impressions. That’s a unique talent that will draw an audience if you’re willing to reframe how you package the content. You can make simple adjustments that will vastly improve your quality and personal presentation, and I think that if you do so you’ll notice more interest from your viewers.

Please don’t be discouraged by my criticisms; I mean them in a spirit of collegiality and encouragement. You’re likable and easy to root for. I wish you only the best moving forward.

Take care,

Matt

Well I have nothing to say but endless thank you's for your thoughts. I take each and every praise and criticism with deep thought and consideration. I truly appreciate you taking time out of your day to review my channel. Thank you.

Also I am on a tight budget, hence the reason for low production quality, but I am interested in any suggestions you have for that "modest upgrade ($200 or less) you spoke of.

Again, thank you for your help. [DOUBLEPOST=1429542335,1429541925][/DOUBLEPOST]

Dear Voice Nerd,

I’m quite sure I’ve never opened a letter or note with that salutation before, so you’ve already given me a unique life experience with your channel. I’ve watched your stuff, observed some patterns, and I have some thoughts.

- I really like your idea. The concept of goofing around with impressions and developing your voice acting skills while doing a YouTube channel is solid.

- You’ve got some talent and you’re improving with time. It’s always good to see that the arrow is pointed in the right direction.

- Your branding and channel art is fine. There’s nothing dazzling and nothing that hurts you. Your thumbnails are effective and a strength of your channel.

- You seem to be drifting away from your bread and butter. The voice thing is unique and you are good at it, but lately you’ve been doing more games and reaction videos and less voice. I suspect you’ve moved away from the voice stuff because they maybe haven’t received the best reaction from viewers, but I don’t think that’s the fault of the format; I think it’s the fault of the quality. The voice thing is a good idea that, if executed better, would be a unique draw for your audience. I’m going to offer several suggestions below for how to improve on that good idea and show off your talent better.

- The voice videos are flawed, but I’m confident you can make them work. However, the reaction videos just aren’t much fun. There’s little reason for any viewer to watch them because you don’t say much, don't visually react much, and because the production quality is low. Maybe this is something you could do well, but why? Any idiot can record themselves watching a video and not saying anything, but you have something you can do that others can’t, and going away from the voice stuff in favor of dime a dozen stuff isn’t playing to your strengths.

- I respect your willingness to dabble in different YouTube genres. There’s value in that, and doing so will help you refine what you’re going for, what your viewers like, and what you’re best at. Experimenting is good, but don’t neglect your bread and butter (which is voice acting).

- Like any impressionist/voice actor, some of your material is stronger than others. At times I found myself willing to go along with what you were going for, but at other times I felt myself recoiling and feeling social discomfort as I watched. I’d considered not telling you this in the interest of niceness, but this is a review and the goal is to improve. I thought a lot about why I was very turned off at times and I have a few reasons I’ve come up with. Fortunately all these things are very addressable. I’ll start with what didn’t work for me and then I’ll offer a corresponding list of constructive suggestions.

What didn’t work, and why it seemed not to work.

1. You seem nervous most of the time you’re on camera. Sometimes you seem really nervous. That makes the viewer feel like failure is coming even if it doesn’t. It sets an uneasy tone that looms over the video and overshadows the good stuff.

2. I think this point is related, but it often felt like you were doing impressions in a room that was close enough to other people that you had cause to fear being found out. Many of your videos literally feel like you’re trying to be discreet and quiet in the same way that teenagers talk quietly into the phone with a girlfriend or boyfriend when they don’t want anyone to hear what they’re saying. When this happens it murders your vibe.

3. Because of whatever is going on in point number two, your impressions too often sound quiet, timid, and lifeless. That’s a pity, because you’re talented and, if I listen closely enough, I can hear that you have the ability to really nail this stuff.

4. I suspect this flaw is a result of personal nervousness, trying to record videos in a place where you are apprehensive about being discovered or overheard, an unwillingness to completely sell out when voice acting, and very crappy recording equipment.


- Okay, I said all of the reasons I think many of your videos don’t work are completely addressable. If you were tough enough to hang with me through that part (which I’m sure wasn’t a ton of fun for you to read), I think you’ll really appreciate the next part.


How to correct those problems.

1. To address what comes off as nervousness I’d recommend the following. First, let that camera roll for a long time and keep trying fresh takes. You’ll find yourself loosening up with time and you’ll have plenty to choose from in editing. Second, improve your gear and make yourself look and sound better. When you really like the results of what you’re recording, it’s easier to feel more confident. Third, try making a video here and there that you decide in advance you aren’t going to put in front of anyone you know. Make it for strangers only, then release it in a way that bypasses your own circle, and see what comes out.

2. You can fix problem number two easily. Frame yourself well, look into the camera, and speak loudly and clearly even if you don’t feel like it. If your environment makes you feel like you can’t do that, then record somewhere else or wait until you’ve got the space and privacy you prefer to record. The poor framing is hurting you more than you think because it accentuates the nervous vibe that sometimes comes through in your videos. On the flip side, framing yourself with confidence and at the right eye level will convey more confidence and likability to your viewers. Here’s a video that will help you think this through further.

3. As I hinted at in constructive suggestion number two, you simply need to speak up. You’re a voice guy. You’re channel is named for that talent. You’re good at voices. That’s your golden ticket, yet you don’t feature your voice or show it off for all it’s worth. If you want this channel to gain traction, you need to sound louder, clearer, and more confident. I repeat, you are good at this! You have talent! But you make viewers work to see it. Most won’t be willing to put in the effort to appreciate what you can do. You need to make it clearer and easier for them.

4. My favorite impression video is your Pixar edition. The impersonations are pretty good, you look like you’re having fun, and you seem more confident than usual. You’re going all in on your voice work and that made it more fun. That said, it still looks and sounds bad. Better equipment isn’t outrageously expensive, and even a modest upgrade (less than $200) will revolutionize the quality of your videos. If you’d like some specific suggestions on gear, I’d be happy to share what I know (though there are a ton of people on these forums who are much more knowledgeable and talented than I am in these arenas).

I can tell you’re throwing serious effort and creativity into your channel. Some of your stuff has worked and some of it doesn’t. You’ve got a skill that is endearing and fun, and I think you’re at your best when you’re loose and relaxed and letting your personality be on display as you voice act and do impressions. That’s a unique talent that will draw an audience if you’re willing to reframe how you package the content. You can make simple adjustments that will vastly improve your quality and personal presentation, and I think that if you do so you’ll notice more interest from your viewers.

Please don’t be discouraged by my criticisms; I mean them in a spirit of collegiality and encouragement. You’re likable and easy to root for. I wish you only the best moving forward.

Take care,

Matt

I would also like to make one statement if I could, just to give ya some perspective on my Impressions, the reason I do 2 videos on the weekends only is because I am have a specific niche for doing voices that most impressionsts don't do. It also takes time for me to perfect those voices once I know I can do a certain character or person. Anyways that's something to let ya know. But I take everything you said.

 

[NWoo10]

Wow, I love how detailed your reviews are!
If you have the time I would love to hear any/all opinions you have for my channel and how I can get better! I just started a couple of weeks ago so now would be a good time to start building the foundation of my channel.
Thanks and hope to hear from you!

 

[AngelSnes]

I'd love to add my name to the list if that's okay! The constructive feedback you give is amazing!

 

[Ashley Davies]

Hi man, If you have time, what do you think of my channel?
Thanks

 

[Heels To High Tops]

We're all trying to get better at what we're doing, and I know how much I appreciate it when anyone takes the time to meaningfully interact with my Ten Minute Bible Hour channel or with my short films. I'm no expert at anything, but I'd be willing to look at what you're doing and offer some honest, friendly, for-what-they're-worth thoughts.

I would love to get feedback from you. I'm slightly nervous to ask . . . okay, I'm shaking in my boots. I do want to get better though, so I would appreciate your advice if you have time.

 

[LostTrigger]

If your not to busy could you check out my channel?

 

[TMBH]

Hi! I would appreciate it if you were to review and reply to my channel including everything from graphics to content quality! Thank you very much!

Hi Galvin Lee,

I’ve seen and appreciated your posts around the forums and I’ve been looking forward to getting a good look at your channel. You’ve got a lot of good stuff going on and I enjoyed getting to know you through your videos. Reviewing someone else’s creative work is a privilege that I take seriously and any constructive feedback I throw out is meant as an encouragement in a spirit of collaboration among allies who are all trying to improve at the same craft. Here are some thoughts:

- On a very practical opening note, I want to compliment you on how much your delivery has improved. You did a good job on your opening video for the musical format, but you’ve very quickly developed more confidence and clarity. Your English is crisp and precise and I very much respect the fact that you can do this sort of thing with great competence in multiple tongues. Nice work.

- Reviewing your channel is a bit tricky because there are two very different things going on with it. It looks like you garnered a lot of views in your first couple of months from videos I don’t understand at all. Because of the language barrier I can’t tell what contribution you made to those videos – I assume you’re offering some sort of commentary or humor track over the top of existing content, but since I don’t know I’ll just pass on offering any thoughts on anything you published prior to becoming a music channel.

- So, treating your channel as a guitar and ukulele review and instruction channel only, I have to say I like what you’ve got going so far. Here’s what I like about the music channel format.

o I like that you started with the super simple stuff. If I were to pick up a ukulele, my first question would be, “How do I tune this thing?” You wisely lead with that. My second question would be, “This feels weird, how do I strum it?” You also addressed that right up front. That’s very intuitive and cues your audience that you’re putting thought into their process of learning and not just showing off your skills.

o I like the chord charts you use when playing a song. I’m a long time rock guitarist, but I’ve never picked up a ukulele. For me it was very easy to follow the graphics and pointers.

o You’ve got a nice voice and you seem to understand the instrument well enough to help viewers get started. Which is impressive since you’ve only been playing since 2012.

o Your Ed Sheeran cover sounds very nice. That’s not the easiest picking progression and you sound good on it. You’ve developed some nice skill on those hammers and pulls.

o The look of the videos is fine and your thumbnails and descriptions do what they’re supposed to.

o What you have posted is useful, sometimes fun, and a good start.

- Here are some of the things I see as areas for improvement. Obviously this is all a work in progress for you as you’ve only been doing the music thing for a little more than a month, so I expect you’ll iron most of this out even without me pointing it out.

o You’re still very guarded in your presentation. We’ll have more fun if you’re having fun, and, at times, you seem pretty tight. Keep nurturing your ability to interact with the camera in fun but natural ways and it will enhance everything about what you’re doing. I thought you came off best in the instructional video on the Sam Smith song.

o I know you’re new and you might have some better audio equipment in the mail already, but I’ll say it anyways: You’re a music channel, and because of that you really need to improve the quality of your audio.

o I think you’re generally in tune, but your equipment catches everything in that hollow room and can make it seem like you have tuning issues from time to time. Everything about your presentation will benefit from better sound.

o When you’re recording your own stuff jump cuts are inevitable, but you can edit more tightly to make those jumps less glaring and disruptive.

o It might be worth-while to combine your how-to-play guides with performances of those same songs in the early going. Show us how to do it bit by bit, and then show us how you do it in a single, uninterrupted performance.

o Finally, your current content ratio gives me pause. So far you’ve got one gear review, two set-up to play videos, one intro video, one full cover, one partial cover, one song instructional video (your strongest content), one thank you for watching video that thanks people for lots of views that don’t have anything to do with your current content or format, and one video where you ask people for money. To me this is the most glaring issue with your channel right now. I think you jumped the gun on the Patreon account, and that you need to hit your viewers with a bunch of good, useful content quickly in the coming weeks. Your channel shows promise, and you’re definitely talented and have something to offer your audience, but you haven’t hit your stride yet and you’ve already asked for money. I’d encourage you to consider putting the Patreon stuff on the back burner and instead focus on lots of good, brand-building content that will develop a connection and set of expectations with your viewers. I think they’ll want to support you, but the enthusiasm for that will be much higher when you’ve given them more.

You’re smart, you’re good at music, you’re ambitious, you know how to interact with people and you’re going to succeed at this. You’ve got a solid crop of subscribers already and you have a lot to offer your viewers. I think your content strategy has been a little flawed in the early going, but that’s okay. I think you’re at your best when you show us how to play a song and then offer us your take on it as an artist. You’re off to a good start and I wish you the best of luck with your channel.

Take care,

Matt[DOUBLEPOST=1429648941,1429647771][/DOUBLEPOST]

I would love to get feedback from you. I'm slightly nervous to ask . . . okay, I'm shaking in my boots. I do want to get better though, so I would appreciate your advice if you have time.

I'd be happy to review your channel! And don't be nervous, we're all in this together and I'm interested in providing gentle honesty and encouragement. I'll treat you and your channel with respect -- I promise.

 

[MiketheDbacker26]

I'd love a review as well! Pretty cool to see you stick to this for so long!

I've been away from YouTube for a while, so if you could review my older videos and tell me what needs improvement, I'd love to try to apply them and make my channel better for when I am ready to make my return!

 

[Galvin Lee]

Hi Galvin Lee,

I’ve seen and appreciated your posts around the forums and I’ve been looking forward to getting a good look at your channel. You’ve got a lot of good stuff going on and I enjoyed getting to know you through your videos. Reviewing someone else’s creative work is a privilege that I take seriously and any constructive feedback I throw out is meant as an encouragement in a spirit of collaboration among allies who are all trying to improve at the same craft. Here are some thoughts:

- On a very practical opening note, I want to compliment you on how much your delivery has improved. You did a good job on your opening video for the musical format, but you’ve very quickly developed more confidence and clarity. Your English is crisp and precise and I very much respect the fact that you can do this sort of thing with great competence in multiple tongues. Nice work.

- Reviewing your channel is a bit tricky because there are two very different things going on with it. It looks like you garnered a lot of views in your first couple of months from videos I don’t understand at all. Because of the language barrier I can’t tell what contribution you made to those videos – I assume you’re offering some sort of commentary or humor track over the top of existing content, but since I don’t know I’ll just pass on offering any thoughts on anything you published prior to becoming a music channel.

- So, treating your channel as a guitar and ukulele review and instruction channel only, I have to say I like what you’ve got going so far. Here’s what I like about the music channel format.

o I like that you started with the super simple stuff. If I were to pick up a ukulele, my first question would be, “How do I tune this thing?” You wisely lead with that. My second question would be, “This feels weird, how do I strum it?” You also addressed that right up front. That’s very intuitive and cues your audience that you’re putting thought into their process of learning and not just showing off your skills.

o I like the chord charts you use when playing a song. I’m a long time rock guitarist, but I’ve never picked up a ukulele. For me it was very easy to follow the graphics and pointers.

o You’ve got a nice voice and you seem to understand the instrument well enough to help viewers get started. Which is impressive since you’ve only been playing since 2012.

o Your Ed Sheeran cover sounds very nice. That’s not the easiest picking progression and you sound good on it. You’ve developed some nice skill on those hammers and pulls.

o The look of the videos is fine and your thumbnails and descriptions do what they’re supposed to.

o What you have posted is useful, sometimes fun, and a good start.

- Here are some of the things I see as areas for improvement. Obviously this is all a work in progress for you as you’ve only been doing the music thing for a little more than a month, so I expect you’ll iron most of this out even without me pointing it out.

o You’re still very guarded in your presentation. We’ll have more fun if you’re having fun, and, at times, you seem pretty tight. Keep nurturing your ability to interact with the camera in fun but natural ways and it will enhance everything about what you’re doing. I thought you came off best in the instructional video on the Sam Smith song.

o I know you’re new and you might have some better audio equipment in the mail already, but I’ll say it anyways: You’re a music channel, and because of that you really need to improve the quality of your audio.

o I think you’re generally in tune, but your equipment catches everything in that hollow room and can make it seem like you have tuning issues from time to time. Everything about your presentation will benefit from better sound.

o When you’re recording your own stuff jump cuts are inevitable, but you can edit more tightly to make those jumps less glaring and disruptive.

o It might be worth-while to combine your how-to-play guides with performances of those same songs in the early going. Show us how to do it bit by bit, and then show us how you do it in a single, uninterrupted performance.

o Finally, your current content ratio gives me pause. So far you’ve got one gear review, two set-up to play videos, one intro video, one full cover, one partial cover, one song instructional video (your strongest content), one thank you for watching video that thanks people for lots of views that don’t have anything to do with your current content or format, and one video where you ask people for money. To me this is the most glaring issue with your channel right now. I think you jumped the gun on the Patreon account, and that you need to hit your viewers with a bunch of good, useful content quickly in the coming weeks. Your channel shows promise, and you’re definitely talented and have something to offer your audience, but you haven’t hit your stride yet and you’ve already asked for money. I’d encourage you to consider putting the Patreon stuff on the back burner and instead focus on lots of good, brand-building content that will develop a connection and set of expectations with your viewers. I think they’ll want to support you, but the enthusiasm for that will be much higher when you’ve given them more.

You’re smart, you’re good at music, you’re ambitious, you know how to interact with people and you’re going to succeed at this. You’ve got a solid crop of subscribers already and you have a lot to offer your viewers. I think your content strategy has been a little flawed in the early going, but that’s okay. I think you’re at your best when you show us how to play a song and then offer us your take on it as an artist. You’re off to a good start and I wish you the best of luck with your channel.

Take care,

Matt

THIS IS A VERY, VERY DETAILED REVIEW! Thanks dude! Yes, I'm sorting out things on my channel so about the content ratio yes, it'll be fixed in no time! One more thing - I just spent a lot of my cash to buy some recording equipment so the next video I'm uploading should be crisp and clear. I've also subscribed and checked out your YouTube channel to thank you for spending time to review my channel! Oh, and the videos that I uploaded in the earlier months are bloopers of TV shows, but then I'm like I can play the guitar, I know the ukulele, why not record and put it up on YouTube, so I kind of shifted my channel towards the music route now.

Once again, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!

Cheers,
Galvin