My YouTube channel is about to celebrate its 12th anniversary on YouTube and I wanted to share some insights and experiences on where things go from here. Despite many old-time YouTubers like me quitting the platform, I’m here to stay, even though the landscape has changed significantly. It’s getting tougher for tech creators, but the work is still fun and rewarding. See more in my latest video.
I first want to extend my thanks to all of you who support my work. Whether you watch my videos, donate through various platforms, or participate in live streams, your support is invaluable. The YouTube algorithm makes it harder to reach subscribers, so I appreciate those who actively seek out my content.
Consumer habits have shifted drastically over the last decade or so. Products like Blu-ray players, music players, and even computers are purchased less frequently as the convenience of streaming services multifunctional devices like smartphones dominate. This trend affects my channel’s content and viewership as consumers are looking to purchase less individual devices. The competition for reviews is fierce, especially for products consumers do want to buy like smartphones, making it challenging to attract a broad audience and the revenue streams that come with it.
The tech industry also faces struggles trying to broaden the gadget marketplace. For instance, despite selling 20 million Quest headsets, Meta finds that users don’t engage with them regularly. Now manufacturers are focused on AI, but the hardware is just not there to do any kind of meaningful work.
Looking ahead, I plan to continue producing content while adapting to these changes. So far this year I gained 8,700 new subscribers, bringing the total close to 360,000. Despite a decline in viewership post-pandemic, my revenue remains lower but relatively stable, thanks in part to diverse income sources like YouTube, Amazon, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
I’m exploring new avenues to keep the content fresh. I’ve partnered with NASASpaceflight.com’s YouTube channel for space-related content, given its low viewership on my channel.
I’m also experimenting with platforms like Flip for shorter product reviews. Those videos are landing on my extras channel, rebranded as Lon’s Gadget Picks, as I continue to try and find a good model for that secondary outlet.
I’m also considering launching a new channel focused on video production, a niche that doesn’t perform well on my main channel. Live streaming is another area I plan to expand, leveraging platforms like Amazon for additional content distribution.
To manage the overflow of tech gadgets, I’m selling items through my store and live auctions & giveaways on Whatnot (affiliate link). Additionally, my email lists offer weekly and daily updates, keeping subscribers informed about new content and store additions.
Twelve years on YouTube have been a remarkable experience, full of learning and adaptation. If you’re curious, this video of a Lazer Tag device from 2012 is what I consider my first official Lon.TV video.
I’m committed to keep going full time as long as its sustainable. Even if a course change is needed rest assured I’ll still be sharing my content on this platform for many years to come.