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After one year and three months of posting videos on a business and finance channel, I received my first YouTube paycheck. With just over 4,000 subscribers, the journey to monetization was not instantaneous. It took six months to reach 100 subscribers, 11 months to hit 500, and finally, 12 months to achieve 1,000 subscribers. The growth continued, and by 14 months, I had 4,000 subscribers. Many creators share their earnings but often overlook the time and financial investment required to reach that milestone.
Starting with minimal equipment, I recorded my first videos using just my phone, a $24 tripod, a $55 Rode VideoMicro microphone, and a $10 adapter. For lighting, I used a desk lamp with baking paper to diffuse the light. This basic setup lasted for the first four months, and I didn't invest in additional equipment until I had created 30 videos. My total initial investment was only $89, as I utilized free video editing software and Canva for thumbnails.
As my channel grew, I upgraded my production equipment. Currently, I use a Sony ZV-1 camera costing $937 and a Rode NTG5 microphone for home studio filming, which cost $578. I also purchased a second microphone for outdoor filming at $315. My lighting setup includes three Neewer 530 pro RGB light panels, totaling $485. Additionally, I invested in a tripod, SD card, external hard drives, and various cables, bringing my total equipment investment to $2,894.
In addition to equipment, I have ongoing service expenses. I subscribe to Epidemic Sound for music at $14 per month and pay $15 monthly for Canva's premium features. Previously, I spent $110 on cloud storage and $275 on video editing services from Fiverr, which I later discontinued. Currently, I edit my videos but have started working with an editor for short-form content, costing $85 for his services so far.
Overall, my total financial investment to reach my first YouTube paycheck amounts to $4,607. This includes expenses for services related to my blog, which I operated before starting the YouTube channel. While it is possible to grow a channel without such a high investment, I believe that quality production accelerates growth.
In terms of time, I have uploaded 103 videos, with each video requiring between 12 to 20 focused hours of work. This includes scripting, filming, editing, thumbnail creation, and uploading. This estimate does not account for brainstorming ideas or engaging with my audience through comments and messages.
For December 2021, my channel earned $1,655.59 from ad revenue, accumulating 139,000 views. This translates to $11.90 per thousand views, significantly higher than the average due to the niche focus on business and finance. While Social Blade provides estimates for ad revenue, actual earnings can vary widely, and only creators can accurately report their income.
Social Blade also predicts future growth for YouTube channels. Based on my current trajectory, it forecasts reaching 100,000 subscribers in just over a year and over a million subscribers in less than five years. However, I anticipate fluctuations in revenue, as seen with a drop to $310 in January 2022 due to the temporary removal of my best-performing video.
Beyond ad revenue, my channel generates income through affiliate links in video descriptions and paid consultations. Many viewers reach out for specific advice, prompting me to offer consultation calls to provide detailed responses efficiently.
In summary, my journey to receiving my first YouTube paycheck involved significant time and financial investment. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone looking to succeed on the platform. The experience has been rewarding, and I look forward to continuing to grow my channel.
Q: How long did it take to receive the first YouTube paycheck?
A: It took one year and three months of posting videos to receive my first YouTube paycheck.
Q: What was the initial investment in equipment?
A: The total initial investment was $89, which included a phone, a tripod, a microphone, and a desk lamp for lighting.
Q: What equipment do you currently use for filming?
A: I currently use a Sony ZV-1 camera, a Rode NTG5 microphone, a second microphone for outdoor filming, and three Neewer 530 pro RGB light panels, totaling an investment of $2,894.
Q: What are the ongoing service expenses associated with the channel?
A: Ongoing service expenses include $14 per month for Epidemic Sound, $15 for Canva's premium features, and $85 for editing short-form content.
Q: What is the total financial investment to reach the first paycheck?
A: The total financial investment to reach my first YouTube paycheck amounts to $4,607.
Q: How much time is invested in content creation?
A: I have uploaded 103 videos, with each video requiring between 12 to 20 focused hours of work.
Q: How much did the channel earn from YouTube ad revenue?
A: In December 2021, my channel earned $1,655.59 from ad revenue, accumulating 139,000 views.
Q: What are the future growth predictions for the channel?
A: Social Blade predicts reaching 100,000 subscribers in just over a year and over a million subscribers in less than five years.
Q: Are there additional revenue streams beyond ad revenue?
A: Yes, additional income is generated through affiliate links in video descriptions and paid consultations.
Q: What is the conclusion of your YouTube journey?
A: The journey involved significant time and financial investment, and understanding these factors is crucial for success on the platform.