The Video Creatr Podcast Augie Johnston & Grant Ball

Many creators struggle to find a consistent method for growing their channels and making them thrive. However, there are some channels that have figured out a winning formula and are achieving remarkable success.
Grant and Augie discuss six YouTube channels that are thriving and provide valuable lessons for other creators. They highlight channels like Little Joel and Pineley, which have found success by focusing on reaction videos and creating content in a simple and clever way. They also discuss the growth of channels like Socialty Pro, The Alchemist, and Dan Coe, and the strategies they have used to build their audiences.
Show Highlights
01:26 Example of Little Joel's reaction channel and its success 
03:00 The effectiveness and polarizing nature of reaction channels 
06:33 Importance of building a personal brand and focusing on writing and personality 
07:59 Grant's preference for watching source videos over reactions 
09:21 Augie's experience with making reaction videos in the basketball world 
10:57 Pinely's channel and its more complex content 
10:57 Introducing the channel Pineley and discussing its content 
12:37 Secondary channel Evil Pinely and its purpose 
14:00 Discussing the benefits of linking videos between channels 
17:08 Socialty Pro and its creator Austin Armstrong 
18:08 The success of Austin Armstrong's YouTube Shorts 
21:08 Examining the rapid growth and monetization potential of YouTube Shorts 
21:52 Discussing the business model of a YouTuber with a social media marketing agency. 
23:03 YouTube's ad revenue for shorts is low and may not improve. 
27:28 Speculations on what YouTube's algorithm wants for shorts. 
29:55 Reviewing a channel focused on new-age spiritual topics. 
30:25 The success of the channel is attributed to good camera presence. 
31:32 The channel's aesthetic and eye-catching thumbnails contribute to its success. 33:01 The channel's niche topics resonate with its audience. 
34:58 YouTube channels making a career out of niche topics 
35:21 Highlighting the success of a channel with a backend 
36:13 Importance of dedicated fans over casual ones 
38:03 Comparing YouTube homepages and recommended content 
44:23 Importance of being different in a niche 
45:21 Consistency and patience in YouTube growth 
46:03 Importance of videos feeding into each other 
48:32 Keeping content on the same channel if it's related 
49:23 Consider starting separate channels if the content is too diverse 
50:18 Confusing the YouTube algorithm with mixed content 
51:06 Tie content together under an obvious umbrella or separate channels
Resources Mentioned
Subscribe to the Video Creatr Youtube channel
Check out Grant and Augie’s Channels below:
Grant Ball Treesicle
Augie Johnston Vidchops Baller Boot Camp
✅ If you want to take the burden of editing off your hands, head over to https://VidChops.com to add an expert video editor to your team in just a few clicks and you'll never have to edit again: https://VidChops.com

YouTube has become a prominent platform for content creators to share their videos with the world. However, many aspiring YouTubers find themselves struggling to gain traction and wonder if YouTube is even worth it anymore.
In this episode, Augie and Grant discuss whether YouTube is still worth it for content creators. They address the common belief that YouTube is oversaturated and explain that while there is more competition, there are also more viewers and opportunities. They emphasize the importance of differentiating oneself and being innovative in order to stand out on the platform.
Augie and Grant also discuss the challenges of growing on YouTube and offer strategies for starting out in a more challenging environment. They caution against chasing views and highlight the importance of personal development and authenticity. Despite the potential pitfalls, they conclude that YouTube is worth it due to its accessibility, potential for personal growth, and business opportunities.
Highlights
01:23 Is YouTube oversaturated 
03:12 More viewers and understanding of the algorithm 
06:20 Different strategies for growing on the platform 
08:10 Need for patience and work ethic in the current landscape 
10:02 Avoiding to copy successful YouTubers and being unique 
13:37 Why taking a polarizing stance can attract an audience 
17:30 Possible negative outcomes: no growth, public shaming, personal sacrifice 
20:09 Making poor decisions due to obsession with views can have severe consequences 
21:28 Mental health issues and emotional toll can be a result of being a YouTuber 
23:10 Negative impact on personal relationships and isolation 
25:57 Dangers of spending your entire life chasing YouTube success 
29:00 YouTube should start as a hobby, not a career 
30:13 YouTube is worth it because it is free to start 
31:42 YouTube helps with personal development and confidence building 
33:18 Personal development and confidence gained from YouTube 
35:06 Opportunities for self-development and networking 
36:05 YouTube traffic is powerful for business growth and relationship building 
37:06 YouTube is worth exploring for reaching audiences and building businesses 
37:46 Overcoming obstacles makes YouTube worth it
Resources Mentioned
Subscribe to the Video Creatr Youtube channel
Check out Grant and Augie’s Channels below:
Grant Ball Treesicle
Augie Johnston Vidchops Baller Boot Camp
✅ If you want to take the burden of editing off your hands, head over to https://VidChops.com to add an expert video editor to your team in just a few clicks and you'll never have to edit again: https://VidChops.com

As video creators, we often encounter a constant battle between appeasing the algorithm and staying true to our creative vision. We obsess over video length, niche selection, and viewer engagement, all in pursuing success on the platform. But in this quest for perfection, we often lose sight of what truly matters – taking action and creating content that aligns with our authentic selves.
In this episode, Grant and Augie discuss the importance of finding a balance between creating content that appeals to the YouTube algorithm and content that aligns with the viewers' desires. They emphasize the need to focus on making good videos that resonate with the target audience, rather than obsessing over algorithmic strategies. While they acknowledge the significance of the algorithm in gaining traction and growing a channel, they caution against sacrificing creative potential and authenticity for the sake of algorithmic success. They also share personal anecdotes and examples to illustrate the potential pitfalls of solely focusing on the algorithm or deviating too far from the content that initially attracted viewers.
Highlights
02:14 Importance of making good videos
03:00 Augie's experience with his basketball tutorial channel
05:03 Importance of getting videos up and sharing them around
06:13 Initial success of Treesicle came from making entertaining videos
10:44 Difference between appealing to a viewer and the algorithm 
12:02 Grant's approach to creating content on YouTube 
12:49 The challenge of balancing personal interests and viewer preferences 
14:48 Augie advises creators to focus on getting their videos published and building their skills 
15:44 The potential consequences of solely creating content for personal interests 
18:32 Grant explains how focusing too much on the algorithm can lead to losing inspiration 
19:27 Augie discusses the potential trade-offs between creative fulfillment and financial success 
20:08 Exploring new opportunities while maintaining a balance between creativity and business 
21:34 Grant reflects on his mistake of not creating a separate channel for a popular topic 
24:02 Switching topics can hurt channel growth and alienate the audience 
25:31 Why experimenting should happen in the beginning, not after growth 
26:36 Consider starting a second channel for different content styles 
28:51 Releasing different content styles can result in poor performance 
31:25 Following intuition is important in making decisions 
32:41 Releasing unrelated content on the main channel can alienate subscribers 
33:54 Pivoting a channel to a totally new topic is challenging 
34:12 Discussing the challenges of changing content direction on YouTube 
35:05 Exploring the possibility of reinventing a brand on YouTube 
37:56 Emphasizing the importance of evolving and changing video formats 
39:20 Encouraging creators to focus on improving watch time and understanding the algorithm 
40:15 Balancing intuition and business strategies as a YouTube creator
Resources Mentioned
Subscribe to the Video Creatr Youtube channel
Check out Grant and Augie’s Channels below:
Grant Ball Treesicle
Augie Johnston Vidchops Baller Boot Camp
✅ If you want to take the burden of editing off your hands, head over to https://VidChops.com to add an expert video editor to your team in just a few clicks and you'll never have to edit again: https://VidChops.com

YouTube has been making moves to embrace the podcasting trend, with the introduction of a dedicated podcast tab on the platform. This indicates that YouTube sees the value in video podcasts and is positioning itself as a competitor to other podcasting platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify. As YouTube continues to evolve, it's likely that video podcasts will become even more prominent on the platform.
In this episode, Augie and Grant discuss the benefits and challenges of starting a video podcast. They explain why video podcasts are becoming more popular on YouTube and how they can help you grow your audience. They also share tips on networking, repurposing content, and the importance of audio quality. While video podcasts can be easier to create than traditional YouTube videos, they require a different approach and strategy for success.

Highlights
02:01 YouTube's inclusion of podcasts and potential growth 
03:44 Ease of creating video podcasts compared to regular YouTube videos 
04:38 Importance of developing a voice and improving speaking skills 
05:45 Networking opportunities through guest appearances and collaborations 
07:15 Benefits of being a guest on other podcasts for promotion and SEO 
09:15 Educational value and learning from experts in various fields 
10:45 Expanding reach by publishing audio podcasts on various platforms
11:16 Importance of podcasts for building relationships and knowledge 
12:00 Value of conversational podcasts for deepening connection with the audience 
13:26 Importance of diehard fans for monetization and audience building 
14:32 Repurposing podcast content for shorts and clips on different platforms 
15:51 Joe Rogan's strategy of posting clips instead of full episodes 
17:22 Utilizing full episodes, clips, and shorts to cater to different audience segments 19:39 The challenge of long-form videos in the YouTube algorithm 
20:59 Fragmenting the audience by mixing different styles of content 
24:34 The importance of patience and long-term value in podcasting 
29:41 Recording software options for podcasting 
31:41 Importance of investing more in microphones than cameras 
35:45 Importance of less editing for conversational podcasts 
36:14 Benefits of using a DSLR or mirrorless camera 
36:53 Audio hosting and syndication 3
7:32 Editing the podcast for improved audio quality 
38:11 Importance of simple editing for podcasts 
39:00 Negative effects of excessive jump cuts
Resources Mentioned
Subscribe to the Video Creatr Youtube channel
Check out Grant and Augie’s Channels below:
Grant Ball Treesicle
Augie Johnston Vidchops Baller Boot Camp
✅ If you want to take the burden of editing off your hands, head over to https://VidChops.com to add an expert video editor to your team in just a few clicks and you'll never have to edit again: https://VidChops.com

In today's fast-paced world, balancing productivity with maintaining good mental health can be challenging. This is particularly true for content creators like YouTubers, who often experience the pressure to work continuously and achieve success.
In this episode, Grant Ball and Augie Johnston discuss the importance of maintaining mental health while being productive. They emphasize the need for efficiency in work and personal life and share tips on how to stay accountable and motivated. They also talk about the dangers of overworking and the importance of enjoying life and spending quality time with loved ones. Augie shares his experience with productivity tools and the benefits of tracking and setting goals. By understanding these key themes, we can strive for a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Finding a balance between productivity and mental health is crucial for content creators and individuals in general. By being efficient in our work, staying grounded, utilizing time management tools, and avoiding the pitfalls of hustle culture, we can strive for a more fulfilling and balanced life.
[01:30] Augie shares how he manages his mental health while running a business and coaching basketball 
[02:30] Why efficiency is the key to maintaining good mental health 
[03:51] Strategies for staying accountable and motivated 
[05:23] Augie's experience with a productivity coach and the benefits of accountability [07:01] The importance of prioritizing tasks and focusing on the most important one [09:47] The benefits of enjoying life and having legitimate recharge time 
[10:43] Augie discusses time management tools and their usefulness 
[13:00] Augie talks about the app UltiSelf and its features 
[16:17] Augie explains the importance of health, wealth, love, and happiness 
[18:01] Grant discusses the importance of staying grounded and mental health 
[20:47] Augie uses Logan Paul as an example of humility and audience connection [21:30] Importance of having a real life outside of YouTube 
[23:40] Creating more personal content on YouTube 
[26:09] The balance and consequences of hustle porn 
[31:42] The benefits of waking up early for work 
[34:37] Why David Goggins is an example of balancing hustle and recovery 
[38:14] Designing your life to achieve mental health and happiness 
[40:32] Building habits and routines for a better life 
[42:47] Importance of pushing oneself and being flexible
[43:03] Exercise as a way to lift spirits and feel productive
[43:06] Cleaning space to improve focus and clarity 
[44:18] Not relying solely on ad revenue and managing stress
Resources Mentioned
Subscribe to the Video Creatr Youtube channel
Check out Grant and Augie’s Channels below:
Grant Ball Treesicle
Augie Johnston Vidchops Baller Boot Camp
✅ If you want to take the burden of editing off your hands, head over to https://VidChops.com to add an expert video editor to your team in just a few clicks and you'll never have to edit again: https://VidChops.com

Myths are not only present in history classes but also in YouTube as well. Some of these myths directly affect how YouTubers produce content that’s why it’s essential to consider them. It's crucial to approach YouTube myths with a critical mindset and consider the unique dynamics of your channel.


In this episode, Augie Johnston and Grant Ball discuss various YouTube myths and provide their insights on topics such as using AI scripts, targeting search vs. suggested videos, the importance of video quality and quantity, scripting YouTube videos, uploading in 4K, choosing a camera brand, the impact of running ads on a channel, the role of swearing in videos, and the benefits and risks of controversy on YouTube.


YouTube is a dynamic platform, and what works for one creator may not work for another. Stay informed, adapt to changes, and focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your audience. By debunking common myths and staying true to your creative vision, you can navigate the YouTube landscape with confidence and achieve success.

Highlights
[02:07] Using AI scripts for YouTube video scripts
[06:14] Compensation for original artists when AI sources their work 
08:40] Targeting titles for search vs suggested videos
[10:46] Strategy for small channels to prioritize search initially
[11:33] Importance of targeting long tail keywords for small channels
[14:07] Quality vs. quantity debate on YouTube
[17:42] Mark Rober's once-a-month release schedule and exceptional quality
[19:47] Why three videos per week is an ideal upload schedule
[20:44] Scripting options: winging it, outline, or word-for-word script
[21:57] Bullet points allow for more natural camera presence
[22:19] Teleprompters can be helpful for nervous creators, but avoid robotic delivery [24:31] Uploading in 4k can make your video stand out
[27:38] Canon, Nikon, or Sony?
[30:11] Running ads on your channel can hurt your average view duration
[31:52] How creating a channel trailer can help bring traffic to your channel
[32:22] Running ads as separate videos may lower the average view duration
[33:07] YouTube might be able to differentiate between ads and organic videos
[34:01] Importance of upload schedule for video release timing
[34:22] Thumbnails still matter despite autoplay and short attention spans
[37:25] Niche down to target a specific audience for better engagement
[39:34] Swearing can hurt monetization and reach, be cautious with it
[43:58] Controversy can benefit if attention is gained and handled well
Resources Mentioned
Subscribe to the Video Creatr Youtube channel
Check out Grant and Augie’s Channels below:
Grant Ball Treesicle
Augie Johnston Vidchops Baller Boot Camp
✅ If you want to take the burden of editing off your hands, head over to https://VidChops.com to add an expert video editor to your team in just a few clicks and you'll never have to edit again: https://VidChops.com