5 Lessons I Learned After Uploading 800+ Videos on YouTube

Starting a YouTube channel can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if you’re diving into a unique niche like adventure travel or exploring with an amphibious vehicle.

When we began our YouTube journey in 2021, we had no strategy. We didn’t think about keywords, algorithms, or even the potential for monetization. Instead, we just grabbed a camera, hopped into our amphibious 4x4 vehicle, and started filming our adventures.

Fast forward three years and over 800 videos later, our channel has evolved into something much more than a hobby. It’s a platform where we share our passion for unique travel experiences, from crossing rivers in our amphibious car to camping off the beaten path.

Along the way, we’ve made mistakes, learned valuable lessons, and discovered strategies that we wish we had implemented from the start.

If you’re thinking of starting a YouTube channel or want to grow an existing one, here are five lessons that can help you create content that resonates with viewers and builds a loyal audience.

1. Research Your Niche (And Sub-Niches)

When we started our channel, we didn’t consider the importance of researching our niche. We just filmed what we loved doing—traveling and exploring with our unique vehicle. While this passion helped us create authentic content, it also meant we missed opportunities to reach a broader audience earlier on.

In hindsight, diving deeper into our niche could have helped us attract the right viewers faster. Adventure travel and amphibious vehicles are already unique topics, but we’ve since realized the power of exploring sub-niches like:

• Off-road camping – Sharing tips and tricks for setting up camp in remote locations.

• Family travel – Documenting how we manage trips with kids, including the challenges and joys.

• Van life meets water adventures – Highlighting how we combine elements of van life with our water-crossing adventures.

  
  

Why It Matters: Researching your niche not only helps you understand your audience but also reveals opportunities for creating highly specific content that stands out in a crowded platform.

2. Plan Content Ahead of Time

When we first started, our videos were spontaneous. While this added an element of authenticity, it often left us scrambling for ideas or missing out on trending topics. Planning content in advance has been a game-changer for us.

Now, we create a content calendar that aligns with our adventures. For instance, if we know we’ll be visiting remote waterways or testing our vehicle’s capabilities in a challenging environment, we plan videos around those themes. We also use tools like Google Trends and YouTube Analytics to identify what viewers are searching for in the adventure travel space.

Pro Tip: Consider planning a mix of content types, such as:

• How-to guides – E.g., “How to Prepare for Off-Road Camping with an Amphibious Vehicle.”

• Behind-the-scenes vlogs – Giving viewers a glimpse of your day-to-day adventures.

• Highlight reels – Showcasing the most exciting moments from your trips.

  
  

3. Don’t Overlook Cash Flow

Monetising a YouTube channel takes time, and it’s easy to underestimate the financial aspect of running one. From investing in equipment to funding our travels, we quickly realized that consistent cash flow was essential to sustain our channel.

One mistake we made early on was not exploring monetization options sooner. If I could go back, I’d focus on diversifying revenue streams, including:

• Ad revenue – Optimising videos for monetisation through YouTube’s Partner Program.

• Affiliate marketing – Partnering with brands related to adventure travel or outdoor gear.

• Merchandise – Creating products inspired by our adventures, such as T-shirts or stickers.

Why It Matters: Treating your YouTube channel like a business from the start ensures you’re prepared to scale and sustain your content creation efforts.

4. Embrace the Power of Storytelling

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is that storytelling trumps production quality. While having high-resolution footage and perfect audio is great, it’s the story behind your content that truly captivates viewers.

For example, when we documented a trip where our amphibious vehicle got stuck on a muddy riverbank, the video resonated with our audience not because of its technical perfection but because it was raw, real, and relatable.

When creating content, think about the narrative arc:

• Introduction – Set the scene and draw viewers in.

• Conflict/Challenge – Share obstacles or unexpected moments.

• Resolution – End with a satisfying conclusion or a teaser for your next adventure.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to show your personality. Whether you’re sharing a laugh over a mishap or reflecting on a breath taking sunset, these moments make your channel unique.

5. Use Tools to Simplify Your Workflow

Creating and managing a YouTube channel can be overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling filming, editing, and promotion. Thankfully, there are plenty of tools available to streamline the process:

• Keyword Research Tools – Use platforms like VidIQ to find the best keywords for your videos.

• Editing Software – Tools like Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve help you create polished videos.

• Content Schedulers – Plan and schedule your uploads in advance using tools like Trello or Notion.

  
  

By leveraging these tools, you’ll have more time to focus on the creative aspects of your channel.

How Unique Adventures Set You Apart

One of the reasons our channel has grown is because it offers something different. Amphibious vehicles are a niche topic, and combining that with adventure travel makes for a compelling hook.

If you’re starting a channel, think about what makes your content unique. Whether it’s exploring remote locations, showcasing innovative vehicles, or offering insider tips on off-road camping, lean into your niche and let your passion shine through.

Engagement Tip: Encourage viewers to share their own adventures in the comments. Building a community around shared interests fosters loyalty and keeps viewers coming back.

Final Thoughts: Start Where You Are

You don’t need expensive equipment or a massive budget to succeed on YouTube. Some of our most popular videos were filmed with just a smartphone while exploring breath taking landscapes.

The key is to start with what you have, focus on storytelling, and consistently provide value to your audience. Whether you’re diving into adventure travel, documenting family road trips, or exploring unique niches like amphibious vehicles, remember: the journey is just as important as the destination.

So grab your camera (or phone), plan your first video, and take the leap. Who knows? Your unique adventures might inspire someone else to start their own journey.