Ever wonder how some YouTubers go viral overnight while others struggle to gain traction? Nate Wealth is one of those creators who skyrocketed to success. His first video? Viral. His growth? Explosive.
So, what’s his secret? I got the chance to dive deep with Nate in an exclusive interview, and the insights he shared are absolute gold. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your channel, this one’s for you.
YouTube Is a Game-Changer for Businesses
Nate is clear: YouTube has transformed the marketing landscape in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Long-form video content allows creators and businesses to deliver value and entertainment like no other platform. Think about it—YouTube lets you connect with people across the globe, instantly, through engaging content. It’s not just about quick, snackable clips like TikTok or Instagram Reels. YouTube gives you room to tell a story, provide deep insights, and genuinely connect with your audience.
For businesses? It’s a lead-generating machine. The ability to reach millions of viewers with one video—and nurture them through valuable content—puts YouTube miles ahead of traditional marketing methods.
Why Long-Form Content Is King
One of the most interesting points Nate shared is the shift toward longer videos. In 2024, almost half of YouTube’s viewership is happening on TVs. That’s right—people are watching YouTube like it’s Netflix or Hulu. And when people watch on TV, they watch longer.
So, what does this mean for you? If you’re a creator or business owner, consider stretching your content a bit. Nate emphasizes that it’s not just about cranking out long videos for the sake of it—longer videos allow you to pack in more value. And more value means more engaged viewers. Quick tip from Nate: To engage these TV viewers, include QR codes in your videos to make calls-to-action easier to access.
Monetization—Why YouTube Wins Every Time
Here’s where YouTube really shines. The platform offers the best monetization opportunities out there. Advertisers love long-form content, which means creators on YouTube are paid more than those on other platforms. Plus, viewers tend to stick around longer on YouTube than they do on TikTok or Instagram, which equals more ad revenue.
But that’s not all. Nate highlights the importance of diversifying your income streams. On top of ad revenue, creators can rake in cash through brand deals and affiliate marketing. Even if you’re just starting out, you don’t need 100,000 subscribers to go full-time. With a solid strategy, you can land brand deals with as few as 10,000 subscribers and start monetizing your content right away.
The 5 Biggest Lessons for YouTube Success
Nate didn’t just find success by accident—he’s learned some hard lessons along the way. Here are his top five tips for anyone looking to make it big on YouTube:
- Content is King: You can have the best editing and thumbnails in the world, but if your content isn’t great, none of that matters. Focus on your video ideas and delivering real value.
- You Don’t Need 100K Subs to Go Full-Time: Forget the idea that you need a massive following to make money. With 10,000 subscribers and a good strategy, you can land sponsorships and turn YouTube into a full-time gig.
- Invest in Good Audio: Audio quality is more important than video quality. You don’t need a $1,000 microphone—just something that’s clear and crisp. Nate says you should be able to listen to your video like it’s a podcast.
- A Camera Is Optional: Don’t have a fancy camera? No problem. Modern iPhones work just fine, and if you want to go faceless, that’s cool too. Just make sure your audio is top-notch.
- Consistency is Key: You can’t learn how to succeed on YouTube by just watching tutorials or reading blogs. You’ve got to post, post, and post some more. The more you create, the better you’ll get.
YouTube is the Future of Entertainment (and Business!)
Nate is adamant—YouTube isn’t just the future of entertainment, it’s the future of business too. With 45% of YouTube’s audience watching on TV, the platform is giving traditional media a run for its money. For businesses, the opportunities are endless. You can grow an audience, nurture leads, and convert viewers into paying customers, all from one platform. There’s no excuse not to be on YouTube.
Nate drives home the point that no matter your business size, YouTube should be part of your strategy. And if you don’t have time? Outsource it. There are resources everywhere to help you get started—just take action.
In true Nate style, the takeaways from this interview are loaded with value. Whether you’re a creator or a business owner, there’s no denying that YouTube is a platform you need to master in 2024. So, what are you waiting for? Start creating.
Theory of YouTube 