New Ways to Grow #Issue 13

How did the Diary of a CEO podcast become the fastest-growing Podcast?

That is what Grace Andrews reveals in a Podcast Conversation with Callum McDonnell. She is the Marketing Director for The Diary of a CEO who understands that a brand is more than just a logo; it's about forging a genuine connection with the audience. The key takeaway for creators is the emphasis on testing thumbnails before an episode is even published – a crucial tactic for enhancing click-through rates.

For DOAC, the methodical testing involves running hundreds of combos of facial expressions and quotes as ads on Facebook. These small-budget campaigns not only help the team choose the most engaging packaging but also pull in fresh audiences to the channel.

While not everyone has the budget for such extensive testing, it shows the importance of finding consistent ways to test thumbnails. The conversation goes into depth on a few other topics and is genuinely worth watching if you are looking to build a conversation-based format.

Monetizing Motherhood and Dance

YouTube is updating its guidelines, now allowing creators to monetize "adult content." This isn't an endorsement for explicit material but rather an opportunity for predominantly female creators to showcase non-sexually graphic dance and breastfeeding content while earning ad revenue.

This shift enables creators to profit from videos featuring "non-sexually graphic dance" and breastfeeding, emphasizing a commitment to diversifying monetization opportunities.

So, what exactly constitutes "sensual dancing"? YouTube defines it as "non-sexually graphic dancing with rhythmic body movements, like twerking or grinding, and dance featuring fleeting minimal clothing."

Changes also extend to breastfeeding videos. Content where a child is present, even with a visible areola, can now earn ad revenue. Previously, monetization was only possible if no areola was visible. Moreover, breastfeeding thumbnails focusing on breasts without a visible areola are now eligible for ad revenue.

Given YouTube's status as the go-to platform for learning, it's a logical move for moms and dancers to share their expertise and earn income. This adjustment not only broadens the platform's content spectrum but also supports a diverse range of creators.

Tell People what not to buy

It's that time of the year when we are all ready to splurge on gifts, for others and ourselves, but Rick Bebbington has a different take. In a recent video, he passionately explains why photographers and creators might want to resist the urge to invest in new gear. Surprisingly, this insight has struck a chord, making it the most-viewed video on his channel, gaining over 150K views and doubling his subscriber count in just a week.

For me, this success hits differently because just two weeks ago Rick commented on the conversation with Wojtek, about quitting YouTube, saying: “… it's so tricky finding a balance on YT between what I want to make, and what people will watch. This kind of content clearly resonates with people, it's just such a shame that the stuff favored by the masses (and therefore the algorithm) takes priority. …”

It appears that, four years after posting his first video, Rick has found that elusive balance.

Fun stuff to click on

Matttie Haapoja is quitting YouTube at the end of the year.
Lost in Admiration shares micro habits that take minimal effort.
Eva zu Beck start house hunting in southern Poland.
Wojtek illustrates why we will never be free and why that’s ok.
Cleo Abram shoves a robot from Boston Dynamics

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