Is getting views skill or luck?

Hi Friend 👋

Yesterday I released the first video of Orbit’s 3rd season. This might not look that different from what’s been on the channel but for me it is the first episode fully implementing the direction of helping solo creators live a rich life.

Hope you enjoy it

Below is the actionable takeaway from it.

💛 Valentin

Turn Your Coals into Diamonds

Recently I sat down with Jenny Hoyos a creator who’s mastered the Shorts game, earned billions of views, and helped thousands of others do the same.

What stood out most wasn’t the numbers.
It was how she answered one question:

“When you started making videos seriously, did it click right away?”

A: “I’ve been making videos since I was eight. But when I decided to take it seriously, I spent months just learning. Once I really applied everything, I blew up within a month from 1,000 to 100,000 subs. And then... I just kept doing the system. Three months later, I hit a million.”

Once again, it reminded me:

Creativity gets you in the game.
Systems keep you there.

So what if going viral wasn’t up to luck or money, but a skill?

Below is Jenny’s exact system for reaching thousands (if not millions) with every single piece of content.

1. Know Exactly Who You’re Talking To

“The first thing you wanna do is identify your avatar.”

Because when you know WHO your videos are for it become much easier to decide WHAT to make.

My personal approach to this has always been to think of an actual person in my life who I care about and who is a fan of what I do.

2. Test the Angle, Not the Topic

You've heard of the "curiosity gap," but how do you actually find one?

“What does your avatar know and what do they want to know and then bridging those gaps.”

That’s your angle That’s what gets people to click and stick.

3. Hooks Are Everything

“My hook format is shock”

Making each person scrolling by say:
This can’t be real.

But you can also go for

• Surprise: 3 Apples you never heard of

• Delight: I turned apples into art

• Challenge: Can I grow an apple tree from a grocery store apple?

• Proof: I made $1,000 selling apples

4. Build Tension, Not Explanations

“Keep them engaged from the first second to the last frame”

Retention is everything. The longer someone watches, the more likely the algorithm is to share your video.

Here’s how to build that:

• Start with a compelling question

• Drop clues

• Deliver a payoff

And always ask:

Does this make them want to watch one more second?

If not? Cut it.

5. Let Success Define the Format

“Don’t seek the format”

Having a repeatable format is one thing that sets successful creators apart. Because it creates clear expectations for the viewer and yourself.

But don’t force a content series. Let one emerge. When an idea works repeat it with a twist. Capturing the same feeling.

6. Shorts ≠ Long Form

“Longform is a complete masterclass, shorts is a fun fact”

A great short doesn’t just clip a longform moment, it compliments it. Use Shorts to tease the why, not just the what.

Which of these points surprised you the most?

If you want to see Jenny break this down in real time, here’s the full episode.

My favorite content this week

I clicked on this video yesterday morning when it just crossed 5000 views. A day later it is well on it’s way to hit 100k views (if not more) and the comment section is full with comments praising the algorithm for recommending it to them.

From the packaging to the execution this is a brilliant example of how to keep viewers engaged from the first second to the last frame. And I can’t wait for another episode in this series.

What’s been in your home feed?

Let’s collaborate!

Do you have a newsletter or a podcast?
I’d love to feature one of your publication!
Just hit reply with one piece you’d like to share.

Let’s grow together. 🚀

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In case you missed it:

⬅️ Last week I shared how to create your first systems

➡️ Next week I’ll be live streaming my website redesign

Thank you for reading 💛