I just got back from Berlin last night, where I stood on stage as a speaker for the first time as a content creator, sharing my thoughts on how creators are becoming the new media empires.

Now I’m trying to wrap my head around the last few days as it’s also the one year anniversary for the Orbit YouTube channel.

Being recognized as a voice in this space is just one of many unexpected outcomes of the first year in Orbit.
A Journey that began with just a simple idea and a single video.

💛 Valentin

One year ago on September 25th 2023 the studio tour with David went live.
Marking the launch of the Orbit channel to the world.

Saying that this changed my life is a both a cliché but also an understatement.

Committing to this project has opened doors I didn’t even knew existed and I finally found the thing I want to do forever.

Aside from tangible outcomes the biggest reward I’ve seen in the last few weeks is that I get to read comments that say exactly what I hoped they would.

But why and how did I start this project in the first place?

I had been soaking up every bit of educational content around being a creator for 2 years at that point. Being heavily involved in Matt D’Avella’s community and moderating the Colin and Samir subreddit.
There I kept seeing one comment pop up over and over:
“Can you interview smaller creators?” 
People wanted to hear from someone they could actually relate to—not just the big names.

It was a call to hear from more relatable people. Someone the viewer can actually identify with.

With my background it just seemed natural to at least give this idea a shot. To start a show that highlights and connects content creators who could be your best friend.

To test this idea I called up David Ritt who had just moved to Vienna and built a great looking home recording studio. Which made it an easy first choice for a test. Knowing I could always go back re-shoot or add something to the video.

With that footage in hand I started editing and cut this very first trailer to invite a few other people on the show and convince some companies to support this project.

And over the course of 9 months The Launch Crew Season took shape.
One year later

David: 
Is still working a part time job while using YouTube and tiktok as creative outlet for his music

Tom: 
Launched the Creators for Climate channel this year and is getting recognized in the space for it.

Justin:
Continues his growth on Insta and regularly does brand collaborations.

Wojtek:
Has actually quit YouTube and re-focused his attention to exploring spirituality in the real world.

Aidan, who acted as a host:
Is still making YouTube videos and just started the Curious Club Podcast

As you can see Orbit started with just an idea and a single conversation, and it’s grown into something far bigger. So I hope you take this as a sign that every journey starts with a single step and if you follow a clear direction unexpected opportunities will come to you.

Now, I’d love to hear from you—what’s an idea you’ve been sitting on, waiting to create?

Sidenote

Cleo Abram launched a podcast this week and to me it gives a clear sign where YouTube channels are headed. If you don’t know, Cleo is a journalist who had grew her channel to almost 4 million subscribers in two years with optimistic explainer videos.

Previously creators would have individual channels for Videos and Podcasts. But she launched the podcast on her already successful channel where all her other content lives.

To me that shows that YouTube is evolving to a place where all your content lives on one channel regardless of format.

🇫🇷 🗼🥐

If you are in Paris next week and have a bit of time on Wednesday hit me up.
I’ll be there for the day and would love to connect.