Back again
This website is now my publishing center, so I will blog here more frequently. My morning was all about strategizing for YouTube content and getting ready for my upcoming Japan trip.
I recently listened to a delightful podcast featuring some of my favourite personalities recounting their recent trip to Japan. Then it hit me: I only have about two and a half months left before heading back to Japan, and I can't wait!
Japan Content Strategy
My upcoming trip made me rethink what I post online, since I'm not just traveling anymore. Should I double down on creating videos about the tech I use and how I utilise it while travelling instead of travel vlogs? It's an exciting thought, but it also means rethinking my approach as I move forward. When I test the idea with people, they're not sure either.
Now that I'm posting twice a week, the schedule feels more manageable. However, it also means I need to produce six videos by December 17th. Today is December 10th, and if I want some time off between the 18th and the 30th, which I do, then I've got more work ahead. Currently, two of those videos are in production— one is about 70% complete, and the other is at 20%. The remaining videos are still in the scripting phase, just ideas coming together.
As I take this walk and gather my thoughts, I'm also considering other opportunities on the horizon. One such opportunity could be monumental for my channel and myself, but I'll have to keep it under wraps until it's more concrete. If it comes to fruition, it should be fantastic.
Posting YouTube Shorts Again?
Another thing on my mind is returning to creating Shorts. After discussions with colleagues and my coach, it seems YouTube has finally sorted out how Shorts relate to long-form content, which was a concern for me previously. Many channels that had spun off their Shorts onto separate side channels are now merging them back onto their main channels. This trend towards channel consolidation has made me rethink my plans to create a separate channel for VR content. For now, keeping everything in one place seems more practical and easier to manage regarding licensing and music.
I'm planning to approach Shorts differently this time. Instead of clipping segments from long-form videos, I'll create specific shorts tailored to solve particular problems or communicate specific messages. This method seems more efficient than trying to integrate short segments into longer videos.
My workflow for Shorts will probably involve using CapCut on my phone for ease and efficiency. This approach will allow me to record several shorts at once with little hassle. I'm re-evaluating how I capture and edit content. Perhaps less labour-intensive edits with more talking and fewer intense B-rolls could break the pattern effectively.
Editors. Again.
Considering these changes also means thinking about working with editors again. Previously, during the pandemic, I worked with an editor in the Philippines, but challenges like internet speed and reliability made the process cumbersome. Building a deep relationship with an editor or editing service is crucial for making this work well, but currently, I don't have the revenue for such investments.
It's a tricky balance—whether to invest first and hope revenue follows or wait for revenue before investing. A low-cost approach might be necessary initially, gradually building up from there.
Finally, I'm planning some live streams over the Christmas and New Year periods because I genuinely enjoy interacting with the community during these times of celebration.
I'll see you out there!