Slow Start...

[Eric O'Neill]

Hey guys,

I've had a bit of a slow start on YouTube. I make original music and music videos and have been posting on a regular schedule (every other Friday) for about 6 months. I don't expect to have thousands of subs, but 14 seems a bit low to me. I've created an obvious look for my channel, tagged appropriately, put thought into my thumbnails, promoted, and done almost everything I've been told. Can someone point out what I'm doing wrong (even if its my expectations)?

Won't bother linking the channel as its obviously below.

 

[Riddikore]

Hey @Eric O'Neill !! I imagine music is a hard avenue to break into on youtube and I wouldn't even know where to begin to give you pointers regarding make a name yourself in that regard. However I did check out your channel and have some observations.

• A blues-rock channel on a social site full of rock and pop. I'd think that might give you an edge but alas I supposed someone would have to search for blues rock or get referred to your video by someone else.
• Continue the topic of "what's hot" on YT, your black and white theme gives you that old-timey feel. I like it and feel it goes well with what you're trying to accomplish. But again, the majority of people may think you're some oldies channel.
• You mentioned you worked on your thumbnails but again they are black and white and also lack and text or excitement. Again I know it probably depends on the emotion you're trying to convey in your song and video, but I'm just speaking in general.
• You mentioned that you've promoted so that's good. I would also recommend (if you don't already) watching/commenting on other people's videos. It's not a slam dunk. But many times if you're a regular commentor and/or have something insightful to say it gets more views to your channel without you even asking.
• If you're active on social media I'd say post regular updates in between the 2 weeks that you release videos just so you don't fall off people's radars. Pictures, sound snippets, behind the scenes stuff would be cool

Good luck with your music career! I hope you stick with YT and keep pushing forward!

 

[Eric O'Neill]

@Riddikore Thanks for the insightful feedback! You have some good points.
- I realize that it isn't necessarily a booming market, but it isn't necessarily something that I would change to get views. I take artistic integrity pretty seriously so that has to be what it is.
- The black and white may again not be the smartest idea for attracting new especially younger audiences. I think its a bit of a trade off with that one. It doesn't bring in an abundance of people, but it does create a stronger and more unique aesthetic. If my channel was bigger, it would be easier to recognize because of that look. Do you think it is a good idea to make that trade off in the beginning? It may not be worth it, but I could use another opinion.
-Thumbnails could probably be be better than they are. You think text on them would be a good idea for a music video? Or should a thumbnail for a music video follow a different pattern? Maybe a unique shot from the video or a photo from the set taken specifically for the thumbnail?
- Good call, Ill start doing that. Should I stick to commenting on videos in my genre?
- In theme with my "old timey feel", Ive never been into social media. That being said, I've realized the importance of it for my career as a musician and have recently been building a Google + and Twitter network. At the moment, that strategy consists of mainly going to the Blues Rock sections and following people there, hoping for a follow back. I know in the YT world, this does not build a loyal fan base and have avoided doing so. Would it be equally detrimental on Twitter or do those rules not apply there?

Thanks again for taking the time to help me with this, I appreciate the input.

 

[Riddikore]

Do you think it is a good idea to make that trade off in the beginning? It may not be worth it, but I could use another opinion.

I'm all for uniqueness and being true to your creativity, design and vision. If no one is paying you to work for them (as in you don't work for a company with investors, yada yada yada) then you have all the control. I'd stick with the B&W if that's where your channel would end up in the long run anyway.

You think text on them would be a good idea for a music video? Or should a thumbnail for a music video follow a different pattern? Maybe a unique shot from the video or a photo from the set taken specifically for the thumbnail?

I've seen other artist include the name of the song in their thumbnail. However, a quick search on Youtube does reveal a lot of music videos that just contain screenshots. My gut says that's probably due more to their already large fanbase. But if your thumbnail image is captivating enough, that'll do that trick too.

Should I stick to commenting on videos in my genre?

You can, but as I've learned people have many tastes. For instance I have my gaming channel but I'm subscribed to/have subscribers that are vloggers or travel oriented. You just never know who will get back to you. But I always find time to watching growing gaming channels in the same position as me. So I'd recommend doing that same for the music. The whole treat others they way you'd want to be treated deal, even if it doesn't result in anything.

That being said, I've realized the importance of it for my career as a musician and have recently been building a Google + and Twitter network.

I'm not a social media guru myself BUT I do have them and update them regularly. And I am more lenient on who I follow on Twitter (i.e. gaming channel follows me, I'll follow them) Again always having in the back of my mind that you never know who or when someone will look. And it's free. Well, only thing it costs is your time.