Summary of The $100 MBA Show Episode: MBA2255 Q&A Wednesday – Should I Create Videos for YouTube or Instagram to Grow My Travel Blog?

Release Date: March 1, 2023
Host: Omar Zenhom

In Episode MBA2255 of The $100 MBA Show, host Omar Zenhom addresses a pertinent question from Mike, a new travel blogger seeking advice on whether to focus his efforts on YouTube or Instagram to grow his online presence. Drawing from his extensive 20+ years of entrepreneurial experience, Omar provides a comprehensive analysis of both platforms, offering actionable insights to help Mike make an informed decision.

1. Introduction to Mike's Dilemma

Mike reached out to Omar with a straightforward yet challenging question:

"Should I create videos for YouTube or Instagram to grow my travel blog? I'm a new travel blogger and would love to grow my presence online and I want to focus on either YouTube or Instagram, not both because I just don't have the bandwidth to do both."
(00:50)

Omar acknowledges Mike's predicament, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right platform to maximize impact without overextending resources.

2. YouTube vs. Instagram: Fundamental Differences

Omar begins by distinguishing the core functionalities of YouTube and Instagram:

• YouTube as a Search Engine:
  “YouTube is really a powerful search engine. It’s the second largest search engine right after Google.”
  (04:15)
  YouTube's robust search capabilities make it ideal for content discoverability, especially for users actively seeking information.

• Instagram as a Social Network:
  “When you open up Instagram, you're kind of scrolling through your feed...”
  (05:00)
  Instagram thrives on social interactions, with content being delivered through feeds, stories, and reels, catering to more passive consumption.

3. Content Optimization and Reach

Omar delves into how each platform handles content:

• YouTube:

  • Long-Form Content: Optimized for videos 10 minutes or longer, aligning with the platform's algorithm favoring extended watch times.
    “Most videos on Instagram are just not that long... YouTube prefers videos being at least 10 minutes.”
    (02:00)
  • Search Optimization: High potential for steady growth through optimized content that ranks well in search results.
    “If you have a great video that's optimized well on a topic people are searching for, your video will show up on the list.”
    (04:30)

• Instagram:

  • Short-Form Content: Ideal for 1-3 minute videos, particularly reels and stories, catering to brief, engaging snippets.
    “Most videos on Instagram are just about 1 minute, 2 minute...”
    (02:10)
  • Casual Production: Allows for more spontaneous and less polished content, leveraging mobile-friendly formats.
    “Instagram can be a good option because you can just do it with your phone.”
    (07:45)

4. Production Quality and Effort

Omar compares the production demands of both platforms:

• YouTube:

  • Higher Production Value: Encourages well-produced, scripted videos akin to mini-films or in-depth tutorials.
    “The average video on YouTube has a higher production quality in general.”
    (06:20)
  • Effort and Dedication: Requires significant investment in time and resources to stand out in a crowded space.
    “It’s going to require more effort and more dedication.”
    (10:15)

• Instagram:

  • Lower Production Threshold: More forgiving of ad hoc and less polished content, suitable for creators preferring simplicity.
    “You can get away with a lot more for very little with Instagram.”
    (09:30)

5. Engagement and Interaction

Omar explores how audiences interact on each platform:

• YouTube:

  • Comment Section: Primary mode of engagement, fostering community discussions and feedback.
    “Most of the engagement that happens on YouTube is through the comment section.”
    (12:05)

• Instagram:

  • Multifaceted Interaction: Combines comments, likes, and direct messages, enabling more personalized and varied interactions.
    “People can direct message you if you have your DMs open and they follow you.”
    (11:50)

6. Monetization Opportunities

A significant differentiator highlighted by Omar is monetization:

• YouTube:

  • YouTube Partner Program: Allows creators to earn revenue through ads once they meet the criteria of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months.
    “YouTube is the superior platform on any channel. Better than Facebook, Instagram, Twitter... they are the king of monetization.”
    (13:10)
  • Residual Income: Evergreen content continues to generate income long after publication.
    “There are YouTubers out there that haven't published a video in years... they're still earning lots of money.”
    (14:00)

• Instagram:

  • Sponsorships and Native Content: Primary monetization through brand partnerships and sponsored posts.
    “With Instagram, your only real option is to have sponsors sponsor your content.”
    (13:50)

7. Omar’s Recommendation to Mike

After weighing the pros and cons, Omar advises Mike to prioritize YouTube for his travel blog:

“For a travel blogger like Mike, start with YouTube. YouTube is a great way for you to tell your story, to share your knowledge.”
(15:00)

He emphasizes YouTube's potential for building a dedicated audience through meaningful, long-form content and its superior monetization avenues. Omar also suggests niching down to carve out a unique space within the competitive landscape, whether it be budget travel, luxury experiences, adventure activities, or educational trips.

8. Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Omar wraps up the episode by reinforcing the importance of commitment and quality in content creation:

“Whatever you choose, YouTube, Instagram, or even podcasting or blogging... you still have to put in the work, put in the time and create the content.”
(16:30)

Key Takeaways:

• Platform Selection: Choose based on content style, production capacity, and long-term goals.
• Content Quality: Invest in creating high-quality, engaging content tailored to the chosen platform's strengths.
• Monetization Potential: YouTube offers more robust monetization options compared to Instagram.
• Audience Engagement: Understand how each platform facilitates interaction to build a loyal community.

Omar concludes by encouraging Mike to commit to one platform to maximize growth and effectiveness, assuring that quality content will always provide value across multiple channels.

Final Thoughts

This episode provides invaluable guidance for aspiring travel bloggers grappling with platform selection. Omar Zenhom's balanced analysis equips listeners with the knowledge to make strategic decisions that align with their resources and objectives, ultimately fostering sustainable online growth.

For more business insights and actionable lessons, visit The $100 MBA Show.