Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth S1: #27 - How To Keep A YouTube Channel Alive for Almost 15 Years w/ Ryan Higa

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Smosh Mouth, hosts Shayne Topp (short), Amanda Lehan-Canto (tall), and guest Ryan Higa delve deep into the intricacies of maintaining a successful YouTube channel over nearly 15 years. Ryan, a pioneering YouTuber known for his channel NigaHiga, shares invaluable insights, personal anecdotes, and strategies that have contributed to his longevity on the platform.

Challenges of Sustaining a Long-Term YouTube Channel

Ryan opens up about the immense competition on YouTube and the hurdles creators face in maintaining visibility. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration in today's saturated environment.

Ryan Higa [01:39]: "If I were to like restart, like, everything, I know for a fact that nobody would see it without some kind of collab or some kind of help. There's just too much out there."

Ryan reflects on how YouTube's evolving landscape has made it increasingly difficult for individual creators to thrive without external support or partnerships.

Comparing Creative Approaches: Ryan vs. Ian

The discussion shifts to the different creative methodologies employed by Ryan and co-host Ian Hecox. While Ian favors collaboration and relinquishing some creative control to keep the content fresh and dynamic, Ryan prefers maintaining full creative authority to preserve his unique voice.

Ryan Higa [24:46]: "I have help for the writing stuff? Yeah, I do other writing."

Ian Hecox [23:22]: "I feel like Ryan and I have done so. We've sort of, like, gone down different paths."

This contrast highlights how personal preference in content creation strategies can impact a channel's sustainability and adaptability.

Evolution of YouTube and Algorithm Changes

Ryan and Ian discuss the significant shifts in YouTube’s algorithms and policies, particularly the so-called "Adpocalypse," which has altered monetization and content visibility. They lament the platform’s move towards more corporate, TV-like content, making it harder for unique, individual creators to stand out.

Ryan Higa [28:20]: "What I mean is that I didn't... I was not open to changing that."

Ian Hecox [28:27]: "Currently YouTube is the most lucrative place for, for social media people to be."

They explore how these changes necessitate adaptations in content strategy, often favoring quantity over quality to appease the algorithm.

Personal Anecdotes and Living in LA vs. Vegas

Ryan shares his personal experiences living in Las Vegas and his struggles with the city's heat and crowds, contrasting it with his upbringing in the more laid-back environment of Hawaii.

Ryan Higa [06:34]: "But like it's been the same or less. I feel like every summer."

Ian adds his own stories, including dealing with unexpected local wildlife and the challenges of maintaining privacy in a bustling city.

Privacy and Personal Life Management

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around how Ryan and Ian manage their personal lives in the public eye. Ryan reveals his preference for keeping personal relationships private to protect both himself and his loved ones from unwanted attention.

Ryan Higa [55:18]: "I would say yes, because I don't have to worry about that."

Ian Hecox [56:22]: "Cause I feel like you and I are kind of on the same page in regards to privacy."

Their strategies include minimal public sharing and setting clear boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance amidst their online personas.

Dealing with Burnout and Content Creation Stress

Ryan candidly discusses his experiences with burnout, emphasizing the mental toll of constantly striving to outdo previous work in a platform driven by view counts and engagement metrics.

Ryan Higa [64:13]: "Yeah. And it was. The thing is, I didn't mind the burnout, like, for a long time because it was exhausting and I felt that."

Ian Hecox [66:12]: "You need to just trust in the content you're making."

They highlight the importance of prioritizing mental health and finding sustainable content creation practices over chasing algorithmic favor.

Adpocalypse and Content Moderation

The hosts touch upon the impact of YouTube's stringent content policies and demonetization issues, sharing experiences of how these changes have forced them to adapt their content to remain advertiser-friendly.

Ryan Higa [17:00]: "But it's really just creating a soup that's getting dirty."

Ian Hecox [71:16]: "But YouTube is obviously, they're pressed with this problem of."

They discuss maintaining quality and adhering to guidelines while still striving to produce engaging and authentic content.

Future Projects and Ventures

Ryan introduces his latest venture, an energy drink named "Ninja Milk," detailing the challenges and triumphs of launching a product outside the typical YouTube content sphere.

Ryan Higa [74:38]: "I created an energy drink called Ninja Milk."

Mari Takahashi [75:39]: "It's delicious."

This segment showcases Ryan's entrepreneurial side and how successful creators can diversify their brand beyond digital content.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Towards the end of the episode, Ryan and Ian reflect on the future of YouTube and their own content strategies. They emphasize the importance of staying true to one's creative vision and adapting to the platform's changes without compromising personal integrity.

Ryan Higa [67:44]: "I wouldn't have discovered that if I kept doing it."

Ian Hecox [73:28]: "YouTube is a wonderful tool, and I feel very grateful."

They reiterate the value of YouTube as a platform for creative expression while acknowledging its limitations and the need for continuous adaptation.

Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with lighthearted banter about future collaborations and maintaining personal connections, leaving listeners with a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among seasoned YouTubers.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Ryan Higa [01:39]: "If I were to like restart, like, everything, I know for a fact that nobody would see it without some kind of collab or some kind of help. There's just too much out there."

• Ryan Higa [24:46]: "I have help for the writing stuff? Yeah, I do other writing."

• Ian Hecox [23:22]: "I feel like Ryan and I have done so. We've sort of, like, gone down different paths."

• Ryan Higa [28:20]: "What I mean is that I didn't... I was not open to changing that."

• Ian Hecox [28:27]: "Currently YouTube is the most lucrative place for, for social media people to be."

• Ryan Higa [55:18]: "I would say yes, because I don't have to worry about that."

• Ryan Higa [64:13]: "Yeah. And it was. The thing is, I didn't mind the burnout, like, for a long time because it was exhausting and I felt that."

• Ryan Higa [74:38]: "I created an energy drink called Ninja Milk."

These highlights encapsulate the core themes of the episode, offering listeners a glimpse into the sustainability strategies of top YouTubers and the evolving dynamics of content creation on digital platforms.