What we can learn from failure

Happy February! We all managed to get through the first month of the year and I hope your goals are still top of mind and are starting to take shape. I’m still in a stage of development where there a lot of ideas that need further refinement. But more on this at the bottom of this email.

💛 Valentin

Nothing Is Ever Perfect

Sam Dawson is becoming a serious contender for the next person who inspires people to become YouTuber. He’s been popping up regularly in my recommendations and in his latest video he gives a beautiful insight to the creation cycle and the importance of failure.

We all strive to publish something that is perfect but there comes a point where you have to put it out. And as soon as you do, you know you should’ve done that extra little thing to make it better. The only way to remedy this problem is to learn from it and move on. Simple as that.

As creatives we are never fully satisfied with what we release to the world but with every piece of work we improve and so do our standards. Always striving for a little bit more and every moment of failure is an opportunity to grow.

The changing landscape of YouTube

David Ritt sent me a reel this week that claims the times of hyper sensationalized content is over in favor of much slower paced more authentic content. His simple question about it was: “Thoughts?”

Almost all of the breakout creators I’ve highlighted in this newsletter so far are producing videos in a much more digestible pace. This could be a reflection of what I personally prefer but it’s definitely not the first time I’ve come across this sentiment and I do think there is a shift towards more connection and experience over entertainment and flashy editing. Overall it really feels like YouTube is maturing as a platform in many ways - which also gives way to a much wider variety of formats and styles. Giving you the choice of watching shows that fit your mood.

Foraging Mussels

Talking about slower paced content - who would’ve thought a video about foraging mussels could reach half a million people? Not me.

So let’s analyze why this might’ve happened. First of all while the thumbnail is just a still from the video it sets up a great drama we are all familiar with. You’re eating at a table while an animal looks longingly at the food hoping to get a bite of it or maybe they’ll jump in and grab some … It captures a moment that makes you want to know: What happens next?
Secondly the title: Foraging Mussels / One of the most sustainable sources of animal based protein you can find captures your attention in more than one way. Most of us associate eating mussels with eating out and paying good money for it but foraging them means they would be free! Which taps into the general experience a lot of people are having - that buying food has become expensive. A problem that foraging might be a solution to. Lastly claiming that it’s the most sustainable source of animal protein hits everyone who like to eat meat but is incredibly aware of the environmental impact it has.

Plus the beginning of the video immediately puts the viewer by the water ready to forage mussels. Which confirms that this video delivers on all the promises made in the packaging.

All of that combined gives this video the reach to find a large general audience.

Fun stuff to click on

The History Squad answers: What happens if you do take an arrow to the knee?
Andy Hafell gives you tips on how to prompt ChatGPT better.
Alex creates a monster with the Beef Bourguignon Burger.
Videocamp hosts an Un-Conference in Vienna February 23 and I’ll be there.
Clickpilot is the best way to test your thumbnails*
Brooke Cormier shares her 3 worst experiences of her art career

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