In today’s newsletter:

☑️ 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting YouTube

☑️ How To Add Multiple Thumbnails To Your Videos

☑️ Start An Animation Channel In Less Than 60 Mins

💥 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting YouTube

Starting a YouTube channel is an exciting journey, but it’s also full of lessons you can only learn through experience. After creating countless videos, here are the five key insights I wish I had known from the start.

[These would have grown my channel x50]

1. The Power of Consistency

Consistency isn’t just about pleasing the algorithm; it’s about creating a sustainable routine that fits your lifestyle. I made the mistake of burning out by trying to produce 100 videos in 100 days. While I managed 87, I eventually slowed down and lost momentum. To avoid this, aim for 1–2 videos per week—a pace you can maintain long-term. This way, you keep your audience engaged without overwhelming yourself.

2. Create in Batches

Batching is a game-changer. By focusing on one task at a time—whether it’s scripting, recording, or editing—you can get into a flow state and produce higher quality work. Plus, it alleviates the pressure of publishing and helps you stay ahead of schedule. When you batch content, you free up more time for creativity and relaxation.

3. Maximize Your Time

We all get 24 hours in a day, but some of us have more responsibilities than others. Use tools and apps to streamline your workflow and importantly make the most of your limited time. Even in just a few spare minutes—like during a lunch break or waiting for your kids—you can accomplish small tasks that add up over time, like researching or brainstorming ideas.

4. Lean Into What Works

When something clicks with your audience, double down on it. I learned this the hard way. Instead of capitalizing on what was working, I shifted focus, losing potential growth. If one of your videos takes off, create more content around that topic. This approach can accelerate your channel’s growth and establish you as an authority in that niche.

5. Just Do You

While it’s essential to understand best practices and strategies, don’t lose sight of what excites you. It’s easy to get caught up in what you should do, but true fulfilment comes from creating content you love. Experiment, take risks, and make sure your channel reflects your passions. If you enjoy the process, your audience will too.

Want to read the slightly wordier version of this? Follow me on Medium

▶️ How To Add Multiple Thumbnails To Your Videos

A few people have asked where the option is to add multiple thumbnails with the new YouTube “Test & Compare” feature. Watch this quick video to find out. Don’t forget to tickle that like button ;)

I created a course a few year back. All still relevant today. If you don’t want to be on camera, yet you want to educate the world with your topic of choice (like Practical Psychology, Paddy Galloway, Swedish Investor and more), then maybe consider an animation channel.

Even if you do want to be on camera but you want an effective way to add some b-roll and explain concepts, check it out.

Everything you need to learn to master this skill (beginner friendly) you can find here.

👋 Let’s Connect

I hope you have enjoyed this newsletter, if you would like to see more of my content then you can find me here:

If you enjoyed reading this then consider sharing it - it would mean the world to me :)

Keep creating, speak soon, Jon.