Suzie Key Tima

Are you thinking about starting a YouTube channel but are held back by fear? You’re not alone. Many people have great ideas for content, but the thought of putting themselves out there, being vulnerable, and potentially facing criticism or rejection can be daunting.

That was me just a few months ago so I know a little bit about how it feels. I have wanted to start my own channel since 2022 and after years of procrastination, I finally took the plunge, and it’s been great. I have not gained tons of subscribers and I’m still learning how to speak to a camera, how to edit, and all the other things that go into making good content. But, I’m having fun with it and I’m so glad I surpassed this fear.

In this post, I’ll share my personal story of how I got over the fear of starting a YouTube channel and offer some practical tips to help you overcome your own fears and take the first step towards creating your own channel.

My Fear of Starting a YouTube Channel

For years, I had been wanting to start a YouTube channel dedicated to teaching. I had just graduated with my engineering degree, and I wanted to teach all the things I learned. I was investing more into my health and fitness, and I wanted to share that. I was learning new languages and I wanted to document my journey. I wanted a space that would allow me to connect with like-minded individuals, build my personal brand, and potentially generate income.

But every time I thought about taking the leap, I was held back by fear. What if my content wasn’t good enough? What if people didn’t like me or my teaching style? What if I failed? What if my friends discover my channel and think it’s lame? These fears were paralyzing, and I found myself making excuses and putting off the decision to start my channel. I told myself that I needed to perfect my script, invest in better equipment, or wait until I had more experience. But deep down, I knew that these were just excuses. The real reason I wasn’t starting my channel was because I was afraid of failure, rejection, and criticism.

How I Overcame My Fear

So, how did I finally overcome my fear and start my YouTube channel? Here are some key takeaways that helped me:

1. I Reframed My Thinking

Instead of focusing on the potential negative outcomes, I started to think about the benefits of starting a YouTube channel. I thought about the opportunity to share my knowledge, connect with others, and build my personal brand.

2. I Set Realistic Expectations

I realized that my channel wasn’t going to be perfect from day one. I wasn’t going to have thousands of subscribers or millions of views overnight. I set realistic expectations and focused on creating high-quality content that would resonate with my target audience. I have been creating videos for about a month now. I have a little over 10 videos on my channel and my only focus for the rest of the year is to get better at editing and speaking to the camera.

3. I Started Small

I didn’t invest in expensive equipment or try to create an elaborate set. I started with a simple setup and focused on creating content that was engaging, informative, and authentic.

4. I Focused on Providing Value

Instead of worrying about what others would think of me, I focused on providing value to my audience. I created content that would educate, inspire, and motivate my viewers.

5. I Took Action

Finally, I took action. I created my channel, uploaded my first video, and started promoting my content. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a start.

Tips to Help You Overcome Your Fear

If you’re struggling to start your own YouTube channel, here are some tips to help you overcome your fear:

1. Identify Your Why
Why do you want to start a YouTube channel? What’s your purpose? What do you hope to achieve? Identifying your why will help you stay motivated and focused.

2. Start Small
Don’t feel like you need to invest in expensive equipment or create a elaborate set. Start with a simple setup and focus on creating high-quality content.

3. Focus on Providing Value
Instead of worrying about what others will think of you, focus on providing value to your audience. Create content that educates, inspires, and motivates.

4. Take Action
Don’t wait for the perfect moment or until you feel ready. Take action and start creating content. You can always improve and refine your strategy as you go.

5. Be Authentic
Be yourself, and don’t try to be someone you’re not. Your audience will appreciate your authenticity and honesty.

Starting a YouTube channel can be intimidating, but it’s worth it. By reframing your thinking, setting realistic expectations, starting small, focusing on providing value, taking action, and being authentic, you can overcome your fear and start creating content that resonates with your audience. Remember, it’s not about being perfect; it’s about being consistent, providing value, and building a community around your channel.

So, what are you waiting for? Take the leap and start your YouTube channel today!