Keep Calm + Edit On?

YouTube...Worries Me

Jan 30, 2025

As my YouTube channel slowly—but surely?—approaches 15K subscribers, I re-read the blog I wrote to celebrate 10K subscribers. I compared my experience to riding a rollercoaster. This was back in August.

Since then, the rollercoaster has slowly—but steadily—slowed down. Here’s what the past 365 days look like inside YouTube Studio, in terms of daily views:

Over the last 90 days, my rollercoaster ride has kind of stalled. I don’t think I’m alone. I’ve noticed some of my favorite content creators getting fewer views and subscribers too. I can’t be the only one concerned…and frustrated. Right?

Since the previous 90 days, views are down by over a third. New subscribers are off by almost half. Watch time and revenue are off by at least a quarter. And let’s just say the previous 90 days weren’t what they once were. How low can this trend go?

My theory? My forced “breaks” from YouTube last year—4 weeks for 3 ridiculous “Community Guidelines” strikes cost me momentum, money, and more.

But it is what it is. To my knowledge, there is no CPR For YouTube Dummies book to help make sense of all the platform’s nonsense. So I guess I’m just left to blow and suck hot air. At least it’s (mostly) oxygen, right?

There are several linings though…on and off YouTube:

YouTube = My “average view duration” is up significantly. And comments have been especially generous, kind, and thoughtful lately. Yay!
Bluesky = My new “official” social media platform is growing like a weed. In less than a week, I have more than doubled my followers there. What’s the secret to my—relative—success? Sharing photos and videos that could get my Substack demonetized (by the credit card processor) and/or my YouTube channel removed (by YouTube).
Substack = Saving the best for last, my blog posts and original videos are getting stable, steady, and sustainable traffic. Also, subscribers are growing daily. While I won’t likely meet my goal of 2K by February 1st, I’m thrilled to have 1800+ of you now part of the Collide Press Crew.

I’m beyond grateful for everyone who’s shown support—whether through paid Substack subscriptions, Ko-Fi tips, or purchases from my Shops. Thank YOU!

Honestly, if not for the generosity and kindness of my subscribers and patrons, I'd be searching for a "real" job instead of celebrating, collecting, creating, and curating art, history, photography, and video. The struggle may be real, but it’s also mighty real—and possible—thanks to many of you.

Lastly, I’m open to suggestions. If you have suggestions or thoughts about what you would like to see more of, I would love to hear them…drop me an email.

In the meantime, I’m going to do my best to keep calm and edit on.

Have a great day, y’all!
Clint 🌈✌️