As I write this, Casey Neistat has 12.5 million subscribers on YouTube, over 3.1 billion whole views, and 1,000 movies uploaded. Just about everybody within the YouTube world is aware of his title. He hustled like loopy, posted a ton of content material, and grew his now-huge following. And he mentioned it nearly ruined his life. So right here’s what indie musicians can be taught from Neistat.
Consistency Is Key
Neistat acquired quite a lot of consideration by posting every day vlogs. He began in March 2015 and posted each day for 800 days in a row.
What’s loopy is, through the every day vlogs, he was additionally constructing an organization that he finally bought to CNN for $25 million.
And now have a look at him. He can just about retire off of that sale plus his YouTube advert income.
One of many keys to his success is his consistency. He caught with it. He frequently created, edited, and posted movies. He by no means stop constructing his enterprise.
And he’s nonetheless going, posting movies frequently (however not as often).
As indie musicians, we have to be taught from this. Those that don’t stop will attain their targets.
Burnout Is Actual
How did Neistat construct a multi-million greenback firm whereas additionally posting every day vlogs? He had a “loopy individual” schedule, self-admittedly.
Within the above video, he shares what his every day schedule was like through the every day vlogs. He labored 10 hours a day and slept 4 hours an evening.
“That is, like, a reasonably grueling schedule,” he says.
And it nearly ruined his life.
“To me, burnout was one thing that occurred to weak folks,” he instructed Philip DeFranco.
However he mentioned he finally grew to become “as burned out as anybody might ever be.” He mentioned he was “offended on a regular basis,” he hadn’t socialized, he hadn’t talked to his spouse, and he hadn’t been current.
“All I used to be desirous about on a regular basis was my work, 24/7,” he mentioned. “…800 episodes into the vlog, it had destroyed me.”
I feel the lesson right here is apparent.
Whereas it’s vital to work arduous and good towards your targets, burnout is actual. It could possibly occur to anybody, particularly indie artists pursuing a profession in music. You’re most likely a one-person staff, so you could have loads in your plate.
However please, be taught from Neistat: you’ll destroy your self for those who’re not cautious. And years of your life might cross you by.
So arrange a schedule that means that you can make progress however nonetheless means that you can sleep a full 7-8 hours an evening, have pals, and be current together with your family members.
Your Catalog Will Carry You
As of this writing, Neistat has uploaded 1,000 YouTube movies. Which means the common view depend on a video is over 3 million.
Having such a deep effectively of content material means folks have extra of his movies to eat. In the event that they love the primary video they see, they’re extra more likely to preserve watching.
Whereas, if he solely had 100 movies at this level, every video must common 31 million views to have the three.1 billion views he at present has.
Let’s apply this to folks streaming your music…
The extra songs you launch, the much less work every tune has to do with the intention to attain your total streaming targets.
When you have only one tune out, that ain’t going to chop it. However when you have 100 songs out, every tune gained’t have to get as many streams so that you can attain your targets.
Proceed to launch music. Construct your catalog. It’s the factor that may carry your music profession.
Longevity Leads To Success
Neistat began his YouTube channel in 2010. That’s 13 years in the past!
He didn’t begin his every day vlogs till 2015. He didn’t promote his multi-million greenback firm till 2018. And he had been a filmmaker lengthy earlier than he began YouTube.
My level is, longevity is a key think about reaching your targets as a musician.
Those that don’t stop find yourself profitable – profitable as in reaching the music profession they need.
Neistat saved at it. And now he’s a millionaire who most likely doesn’t have to work ever once more.
Will you be a millionaire musician? In all probability not. However you get the image.
Keep constant, don’t burn out, proceed to construct your catalog, and don’t stop. You’ll get there.