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My Honest Advice to Anyone Starting YouTube in 2025 - by Ali Abdaal

breakhabits.app team•10 min read

Here is a summary of the video.

Starting a YouTube channel can be an exciting yet daunting journey. In this article, I’ll share my honest advice for aspiring YouTubers in 2025, based on my experience as a seven-figure entrepreneur, bestselling author, and creator of the Part-Time YouTuber Academy. Whether you’re just starting or struggling to stay consistent, this guide will help you navigate the challenges and set realistic expectations for your YouTube journey.

1. Understanding Your Motivation

Before diving into YouTube, it’s crucial to understand your why. Your motivation will determine your approach and long-term success. Let’s break it down using the Motivation Matrix:

Quadrant 1: Money + Fun (The Dream Life)

  • What it is: You make a lot of money and have a lot of fun.
  • Reality: This is the destination, not the starting point. Most creators don’t begin here.

Quadrant 2: Money First (Business-First Approach)

  • What it is: Your primary motivation is money, and YouTube is a marketing tool for your existing business.
  • Who it’s for: Business owners with a product or service to sell.
  • Warning: If you don’t have a business or product, YouTube is a gamble. It’s hard to make money directly from YouTube without a clear monetization strategy.

Quadrant 3: Fun First (Creator-First Approach)

  • What it is: Your primary motivation is creative fulfillment, personal growth, and the joy of creating.
  • Who it’s for: Aspiring creators who want to share their passion, teach, or build a community.
  • Key takeaway: If you wouldn’t do YouTube without the promise of money, reconsider your approach. Success on YouTube requires intrinsic motivation.

Quadrant 4: No Money + No Fun

  • What it is: You’re not motivated by money or fun.
  • Reality: This approach is unsustainable. YouTube requires either passion or a clear business strategy.

2. The 7-Video Challenge

The biggest hurdle for most aspiring YouTubers is taking action. Overthinking and fear of failure often hold people back. Here’s how to overcome it:

What is the 7-Video Challenge?

  • Goal: Make your first 7 videos.
  • Why 7?: By the time you’ve made 7 videos, you’ll have a better understanding of the process and whether you enjoy it.
  • How to start: Use your phone, hit record, and start talking. Don’t overthink equipment or perfection.

Why it works:

  • Overcoming fear: The first few videos are the hardest. Once you’ve made 7, you’ll feel more confident.
  • Building momentum: Consistency is key. The challenge helps you establish a habit of creating content.

3. Setting Realistic Expectations

YouTube is a long-term game. Here’s what to expect:

The Journey Ahead

  • First year: Focus on learning and improving. Don’t expect immediate results.
  • Consistency: Success on YouTube requires consistent effort over months or even years.
  • Personal growth: Even if you don’t make money, you’ll gain valuable skills like public speaking, video editing, and overcoming imposter syndrome.

The 5 Cs of YouTube Success

  1. Courage: It takes courage to put yourself out there and deal with criticism.
  2. Consistency: Regular uploads are essential for growth.
  3. Clarity: Know your target audience and what value you provide.
  4. Content: Focus on creating high-quality, engaging videos.
  5. Cache: Build your reputation and authority in your niche.

4. Practical Tips for Staying Consistent

  • Enjoy the process: If you don’t enjoy making videos, it’s hard to stay consistent.
  • Set a schedule: Commit to uploading weekly or bi-weekly.
  • Focus on improvement: With each video, aim to improve one aspect, whether it’s editing, scripting, or presentation.

5. Final Thoughts

Starting a YouTube channel is a journey of personal and professional growth. Whether you’re motivated by money, passion, or both, the key is to take action and stay consistent. Remember, success on YouTube isn’t just about views or subscribers—it’s about the impact you make and the skills you develop along the way.

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Good luck on your YouTube journey! Remember, the best time to start is now. 🚀