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5 THINGS I’VE LEARNT FROM BEING ON YOUTUBE

17/07/2015
the elle next door youtube

Despite only being “on Youtube” for a matter of weeks, I’ve actually been a part of the whole YouTube community for many years now. I discovered beauty and fashion vloggers around 6/7 years ago – way before there was even such a thing as “big vloggers”, or before YouTube had the potential to be a job – and absolutely delighted in coming home from school and chilling out to the likes of Laura (formerly Lollipop 26 on YT) and the Pixiwoo sisters.

Be right back, just mourning my youth and caking on some anti-wrinkle cream as I now feel sufficiently ancient.


I absolutely loved it, I loved watching their channels grow, the quality of video’s sky rocket and discovering new people to watch as the years went on, but reflecting back does kinda’ fill me with regret that I didn’t start my channel sooner. I am a firm believer in the fact that there is room for everybody in the blogging/vlogging world, however I do often torture myself over not starting out when my obsession began because who knows where I might have been now. (Probs not making video’s that only my Mum watches [insert “just kidding”/”no, but seriously” emoji’s here]).

But before I unleash every single violin in existence and indulge my pity party, this post is not about regrets, it’s about the things that I’ve discovered since being on YouTube – good and bad – and ultimately, a little fan girl over just how incredible YouTube really is.

Said discoveries.

You will judge yourself more harshly than ever before – I am my own worst critic in every possible way, so this YouTube discovery isn’t really the greatest. Seeing yourself on screen, in HD, in harsh – or non existent – lighting makes your flaws clear for all to see. Now, I was by no means oblivious to said flaws before YouTube but it is slightly terrifying to pick out the flaws staring back at you, and then realise you’re putting those out there for all to see. But you know what… As much as this should probably knock my confidence even more, it’s kinda just made me embrace the flaws. Kinda given me a “fuck it, they’re there and there’s nothing I can do about them” attitude and for that, I am truly grateful. Never did I think I would put my makeup free face on the Internet without a care in the world, but I have, so that’s a bit of a revelation in itself. #YouTubeFanGirlForevz
Your eyebrows/eyeliner flicks are never on fleek – Following on from the previous comment, I have come to the conclusion that my eyebrows and liner will never be on fleek. I have also come to the conclusion that hearing yourself say fleek out loud (even in a totally piss-taking way) will make you want to punch yourself in the face.
You will never ever please everyone – This is not a YouTube discovery; blogging and just… life, made me realise this, however I think YouTube just highlights this on a pretty major scale. The ability to “Like” or “Dislike” pisses me off bothers me slightly because here’s the thing… I would never even dream of disliking a video. If it was a horrible/hate video, I wouldn’t watch it. If I found it slightly boring/not my thing, I’d stop watching. Because what people may (which is even worse) or may not realise is that video’s take a hell of a lot of time, effort, and balls to put together, so a silly “dislike” can feel like the biggest kick in the teeth. I am not an overly sensitive person – #IceQueenProblems – but I can’t help but find it a tad demoralising. I am much better at laughing this off now, but to begin with I’d question my entire video “What did they hate?” “Should I have bleeped out the swear word?”. Conclusion = You will never please everyone, so swear as much as you like, say what you bloody well want and just make content that makes you happy.
Damn, I have really got my sassy pants on today, haven’t I? [insert sassy girl with hand in the air emoji here]
You will rediscover the joy of learning new skills – Making videos – be it for YouTube or not – takes skill. Creating the content, filming the video itself, editing the video, even learning how to upload it to YouTube… they’re all skills that you learn along the way and I absolutely love the fact that I’m learning new skills whilst also falling in love with a new hobby. I mean, it doesn’t really get much better than that, right? (Well, maybe doing all of these things and then someone offering to send you on holiday to New York whilst you’re at it too… 😉 )
Embrace the sense of achievement, feel proud! – One thing that I’m truly awful at is sitting back and recognising any achievements (got out of bed today, 100% should’ve thrown a party) I make. Now, I’m not saying that I’ve achieved things with my channel, jeez I really am just beginning, but after finally sucking it up, growing some balls and pressing upload after years of wanting to do it but being too much of a pussy to but never actually doing it, that in itself is something I feel proud of.
I don’t really know where this whole YouTube thing will lead, or whether it will lead anywhere at all (chances are it probably won’t) but what I do know is that 5 weeks ago I decided to film a video alongside my full time blogger post, and in those 5 weeks I have absolutely adored carrying on making videos and I am totally overwhelmed by the support so far. I set myself a goal to *attempt* to reach 100 subscribers by the end of the year, so the fact that I’m nearing 500 has totally blown me away.
Thank you for your support, thank you for indulging this long suppressed little hobby of mine… and thank you for seeing that I am a bit of a twat IRL and still carrying on reading this blog anyway 😉
As always, thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed this post!
xx

73 responses to “5 THINGS I’VE LEARNT FROM BEING ON YOUTUBE”

  1. Lucija says:

    Based on first three, you're a badass for throwing yourself out there. Evil comments seem like a daily lesson in "ignore the haters, you're fine the way you are".
    I'm not sure I'd ever do that. 😀

    Lucija
    http://coffeeandlux.com

  2. I think you're doing amazingly on Youtube Elle – you'll always be your harshest critic (I know exactly how you feel), but know from all of these lovely comments that you'll get on here, that you're doing great 🙂 xxx

    Sam // Samantha Betteridge

  3. Hanh says:

    Hey Elle, I really identified with this post. Like you I'm fairly new to Youtube and I decided I love making videos and instead of watching other Youtubers I just got myself out there. It was scary, I didn't know it would take so long to put together a 1 minute clip! Also the fact is I know fewer friendly faces on Youtube and it's harder to build a community (like my blog.)

    Oh my gosh hun I was distraught when I saw all these dislikes on my videos, I was like what the heck?! Why dislike, just stop watching if you don't like it! Anyway we can't get caught up on that side of things cos no everyone will like you or your videos but that's ok 🙂

    Maybe we can work on a collab idea one day? :p

    Hanh x | hanhabelle

    • Thank you so much for such a lovely message Hanh, it's so nice to know that this helped you and there are others in the same position. It's really tough isn't it but I really think SO worth it. Omg I'd love to, let's definitely try and plan/put something together. So much fun 🙂

      xx

  4. Kamogelo M says:

    When I was younger, I used to make little skits using my 8 megapixel digital camera then spend the whole weekend editing them on Movie Maker! Then I'd have a "Movie premiere" where I showed my latest "movie" to my parents… ahh so embarrassing! School got in the way, and I never really had time to properly learn skills such as editing and filming. Even though you just started out, it seems like you've been doing it for ages. I love watching your videos. And don't worry, you're eyebrows are always on fleek! *punches self in face* haha xx

    From 18 To Life

  5. Alina Bostan says:

    I feel the same as you, regret that I didn't start my blog years ago when I became obsessed with reading/watching beauty videos. But at least we're here now and fair play to you for starting Youtube, that's my next step but it's so difficult. I've tried filming twice now but still haven't figured out the right lighting/background & of course editing just cringe haha! You have done so well though and your videos are amazing, so you should definitely be proud x

    Beauty with charm | Zoeva Giveaway

    • Ah thank you so much lovely. I honestly think the hardest thing was just making the decision to actually do it, and once I took the pressure off myself and realised it didn't matter if I posted every week or not… I enjoy it so much now 🙂 Definitely start it, I'd love to watch your videos!

      xx

  6. I've recently gone off youtube (which is strange because I started out as a youtuber) But I find the entire community shallow, judgemental and full of hate. As you said it takes an incredible amount of time, effort and dedication to film, edit & upload videos on a regular basis and I feel like the return just isn't there.

    I find the blogging community so much more positive and fun and the bonus is you get to work with cool brands. I did enjoy watching your weekly vlog though. 🙂

    http://www.duchessoffashion.co.uk

  7. Lauren S says:

    500, girl thats amazing! I totally agree, I wish I'd started earlier or continued back in 2009 when I did the first time round, and I've gone makeup free because CBA sometimes hahah!

    Lauren x
    Britton Loves | Lifestyle Food Beauty

  8. Jordan says:

    I absolutely love your youtube and congrats on nearly hitting 500! I tried youtube for a bit and I really couldn't get into it even though people liked my videos! Think I'm the worst at editing haha!

    hellomissjordan.com xx

  9. Rubi Ani says:

    I tried doing Youtube a few years ago but it took up so much of my time I just stopped. I don't know how you manage it when you're already full time blogging. Making the videos was fun though, and learning how to edit them.
    Rubi | Instagram | The Den | http://www.the-den.blogspot.com

    • It is so, so time consuming and sometimes I feel like I'm going a little crazy haha but I'm quite relaxed about YT, if I post I post, if I don't, I don't. Try not to pressure myself too much 🙂

      xx

  10. BerryBloomXO says:

    I actually love your videos, Elle and I totally see where you're coming from! I have wanted to start a YouTube channel, learning new skills along the way and encourage the inner me with a HUGE passion for editing to come out in full force, but I don't know, I'm just not 'there' yet. I do feel like one day I will be 'there' and have the guts to be like 'YOUTUBE I AM NOW ON YOU', but until then, my ginormous passion for blogging remains.

    Like you said, I do believe there is always room for more in the blog/vlog community and it's great to see how positive most people are. Oh, and those that hit that dislike button – well, there are more that love you than hate you so THERE.

    Hope you have a lovely day! <3
    xoxo,

    BerryBloomXO.com | Beauty & Lifestyle Blog 
    also on BLOGLOVIN 

    • Oh I totally know how you feel and I do believe you should only start when you're ready. Blogging is definitely still my number 1 and always will be (which is a good thing as it's my job) 😉

      xx

  11. WOW! Kudos to your courage! 🙂

    With Love,
    Anna || Curly Scribbles

  12. bryony grace says:

    I think I've made about 3 Youtube channels and then deleted them all, only uploading a couple of video's on them but I just didn't feel confident enough yet. I love the Youtube community but I feel like blogging is more suited for me right now. Good on you though for doing YouTube, braver than i am! One day I'd like to start up a channel but I think I'll have to be 'ready' 🙂 http://coffeeatmidnight13.blogspot.co.uk/

  13. Lovely read, I will definitely watch your videos on youtube.

    http://www.susannahzabelle.com

  14. LBG says:

    You're so brave to try the videos! I loved the one in a previous post, will have to check out your YouTube, great post

    http://leftbankgirl.blogspot.com

  15. laura Syme says:

    Loved this! I agree with them all. It's so easy for you and other people to judge you. Your doing so well on YouTube though! Well done.

  16. this is such a great blog post! ive been blogging for 4 years and have now been on youtube for 1 year and totally understand all of these points. i find it a big change from blogging but would have to say i agree with you in that my fav part is learning something new, my youtube journey has been hard but also so much fun! anyway, love your channel, just subscribed 🙂

    ♥ Ellen #NZblogger
    SHOPSTYLECONQUER.COM
    Facebook + Instagram

    • Ah thank you so much Ellen. I absolutely love your channel and can't believe you've only had it for a year. It's such a big change isn't it but worth it I think 🙂

      xx

  17. Raquel says:

    You made some amazing points! I spend hours watching videos, but never got into making any of my own. I feel that writing works better for me and I don't want to take on an additional channel that I can't handle.
    Omnivogues

  18. Beauty Bloss says:

    I really enjoy your videos! You're so much more "real" than other vloggers out there. Swear all you like x
    The Beauty Bloss

  19. MeMe Books says:

    I give you a pat on the back Elle, because I could never be a youtuber, I hate myself in a photo, let alone on film, I think the blogging life if for me, I am a reader and a writer, and a amateur photographer, I stay behind the camera! Lol. Your youtube channel is great and I am proud to say I am a subscriber.

    Meme xx

    New Post:
    'A Month in the Life of….'
    http://thedayinthelifeofmexoxo.blogspot.co.uk/

  20. Great post Elle. I love watching beauty and fashion vloggers. I created about 3 channels few years ago to post my fashion and beauty vlogs but always decided not to do it and deleted the accounts.. I wish i would be more brave..
    Xx Sab / thechicflair.blogspot.com

  21. - Karen says:

    Eep, such an exciting journey! I wish you all the best lovely! 🙂

    Style Sunrise☀

    🙂
    x

  22. I feelt exactely the same as you did. I wantet to start blogging for so long and I am also thinking about starting my own channel..but there is so much hate out there..and secondly you are sharing so much of you and I am not sure about that too..

    I really enjoyed watching your videos so far(: keep going!! xx

    • Thanks so much lovely. With both vlogging and blogging, never feel obliged to show things you're uncomfortable to share. You don't have to be mega open to be successful 🙂

      xx

  23. These are things I've definitely started to learn since starting you tube! Especially things about never pleasing everyone.

    Check out my latest post <3
    http://www.abigailalicex.com

  24. Stephanie says:

    Great blog and I think it's great that you are trying YouTube . 🙂 you are doing great so far!

  25. Rachel-Beth says:

    Elle, I really enjoy your vids and I think that you're perfect for You Tube 🙂 Its for some of the reasons you mentioned that I don't do it myself- I am way to critical of myself and I'd take the 'dislikes' way to harshly. Congrats on getting to 500 subscribers already; that's amazing

    Rachel xx
    http://www.thedailyluxe.net

  26. Erica Kato says:

    Great blog! Will catch you on Youtube as well

    xo | The Fashion Forecast

  27. crafty-zone says:

    I really like your post, Ellie, you gave amazing tips, I think that the most important thing is to be pround of yourself and in my opinion youtube is amazing opportunity to learn something new or to discover new skills! 🙂

    http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/

  28. Anonymous says:

    I think you are so brave to do YouTube Ellie – such a daunting thing to put yourself out there!! I love your YT vid's and I think you are doing so well – such a natural in front of the camera. Don't worry about the thumbs downers – like you, I would never dream of hitting the thumb down, I would just stop watching! Keep up the good work – looking forward to your future vid's 🙂 x

    Brenda BusyBee

  29. The points you made are so true! I've been wanting to start a YouTube channel for ages but I'm too scared.. I think partly because of dislikes and trolls that will leave nasty comments.. I think it's silly how on blogs people always try to leave lovely comments and then on Youtube you can get comments from idiots :') But I'm no ice queen so I wouldn't cope haha! I tried filming last week and I couldn't stop staring at my double chin when I was playing it back :') I'll try again from above a bit and maybe it will be better XD
    Congratulations for how well your channel is doing! I really like watching your videos and I'm glad you've decided to carry on with it 🙂 xx

    • Thank you lovely. I honestly think if you want to do it, just do it. There will always be crappy comments in life so why not just go for it… I think you'd be amazing at it (… and definitely do not even have 1 bit of double chin haha)!

      xx

  30. Haha I love this! You are so brave for making a YouTube channel! I am terrified and hate watching myself talk! I am checking out your videos now!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

  31. I love blogging but I could never grow balls big enough to do youtube, I'm definitely more of a writer than a youtuber! Well done to you for taking the step and I'm more than certain that you will succeed!

    Anoushka Loves xx

  32. Danika Maia says:

    You're really brave for putting yourself on youtube! I am absolutely terrified of video blogging and don't think I could ever do it. Props to you girl!

    Danika Maia
    http://www.danikamaia.com
    BLOGLOVIN

  33. Rosy Flynn says:

    I have wanted to do youtube for ages but everytime I have a go it never works out *cry face* Ignore the dislike button, I'm sure people go out there to dislike stuff for the hell of it.

    Rosy | sparklesoflight76.blogspot.co.uk

  34. Georgia Jade says:

    So glad that you kept up with the videos! I'm just about finished getting my new filming set up done over here in brighton and I'm having filming withdrawals.. I miss it so much!

    and yes I had the sad realisation many moons ago that my brows will never be on fleek #sadtimes

    Georgia | The Weekend Attic – Personal Style, Beauty and Lifestyle

  35. Hi! Thanks for sending me your link on twitter! I really like your blog and this post 🙂 I've been thinking about creating videos on youtube but haven't had the courage to actually post anything on there. However, maybe I should just not be such a harsh critic on myself and just give it a try like you did! Anyways, thanks for sharing your opinions and giving us a bit of insight to youtube.

    ~Crissy
    http://www.whimsicalfawn.com

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