YouTube Mastermind: Ryan Trahan, Zach King, Michelle Khare, Cleo Abram, Ammar Kandil (Yes Theory)

Added: Aug 27, 2023

Zach King, who won his first Streamy in 2014, talks about how his career changed when Vine became popular. He explains that Vine's six-second limitation forced him to think differently and find his voice as a creator. He also discusses the importance of finding your thing and how it takes time and persistence. The conversation then shifts to the Yes Theory members, who share their experience of reaching one million subscribers on YouTube. Cleo Abram, in particular, talks about the milestone and the sense of credibility it brought her. However, she also acknowledges that it doesn't necessarily mean she has "made it" and that there is always more to strive for. The discussion then turns to the future and the creators' goals beyond YouTube. Ammar Kandil expresses his desire to win an Oscar, while Michelle Khare aims for an Emmy. They both emphasize that YouTube is a platform that allows them to communicate their ideas effectively and freely, but they see working with studios or streamers as a way to access larger budgets for bigger projects. The creators also discuss the challenges of compensating their teams and the importance of transparency and recognition. They talk about the need for standardized pay structures and minimum rates to elevate the pay across the board in the YouTube industry. They also touch on the topic of originality and plagiarism on YouTube. Ryan Trahan shares his process of generating ideas through a think tank and emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between originality and inspiration from other creators. They discuss the challenges of navigating the fine line between being inspired by others and outright copying their content. The conversation then delves into the current state of YouTube. They discuss the shift towards brand-focused content and the importance of having a clear brand and premise for a channel. They also talk about the algorithmic nature of YouTube and the challenge of finding success while still maintaining creative freedom. The creators reflect on their own journeys and the confidence they have gained over time. They discuss the importance of collaboration and learning from other creators. They also share their experiences of overcoming challenges and setbacks, highlighting the importance of perseverance and belief in oneself. The podcast continues with a discussion on the impact of money on the creative process. The creators acknowledge that financial considerations can complicate creativity, but they also emphasize the importance of staying true to their vision and valuing creative freedom above all else. The continues begins with a discussion about the challenges and rewards of being a content creator on YouTube. Ryan Trahan shares his journey of starting a YouTube channel and emphasizes the importance of finding a niche and being consistent with content. He believes that creating content that is authentic and true to oneself is crucial, rather than trying to fit into a specific mold. Zach King talks about the evolution of his content and the importance of storytelling in his videos. He believes that storytelling is a powerful tool that can connect people and evoke emotions. He also emphasizes the need to create content that is evergreen and will still be relevant and relatable in the future. Cleo Abram shares her experience as a first-year creator and the pressure she initially felt to conform to mainstream content on YouTube. However, she realized that she wanted to create positive and wholesome content that resonated with her own personality. She encourages others to be themselves and find their own unique voice. Ammar Kandil discusses the impact he hopes to leave on the next generation of creators. He wants to inspire others to try something different and have a different perspective on things. He believes that being yourself and creating positive content can be extremely liberating and successful. The conversation then shifts to the importance of visuals and storytelling in creating engaging content. Ryan Trahan introduces the concept of a key visual, which is a visual element that is essential to understanding the story. He believes that a good key visual is crucial in creating a successful video. Zach King emphasizes the importance of creating content that will still make sense and be viewable in the future. He believes that focusing on relatable human experiences and emotions is key to creating evergreen content. Cleo Abram discusses the impact she wants to have on her audience. She wants to inspire people to try something different and have a different perspective on things. She believes that creating content that is relatable and inspiring can make a positive impact on people's lives. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the impact the creators hope to leave on the next generation of creators. They all emphasize the importance of being true to oneself, creating content that is authentic and relatable, and inspiring others to try something different. They believe that being a content creator is a journey of self-discovery and serving a community that you care about.