The Think Media Podcast Episode 389: How to Earn $44K from a Single YouTube Video (Strategy Explained)
Host: Sean Cannell
Guest: Jen Chapin
Release Date: February 13, 2025
1. Introduction
In Episode 389 of The Think Media Podcast, host Sean Cannell welcomes Jen Chapin, a healthcare consultant by day and a successful YouTuber by night. With over 138,000 subscribers, Jen has transformed her passion for helping working moms into a thriving YouTube channel that has generated over half a million dollars in revenue—all while maintaining a full-time career as a nurse.
2. Guest Profile: Jen Chapin
Jen Chapin, a dedicated healthcare consultant, leverages her expertise to create practical cooking and lifestyle content on YouTube. Her channel focuses on budget-friendly meal planning and lifestyle tips tailored for working parents, resonating with a broad audience of 25 to 65-year-old women who are primary household spenders. Her authenticity and strategic content planning have been pivotal in her YouTube success.
3. The $44K YouTube Video Strategy
Compilation Content Strategy:
Jen’s remarkable achievement of earning $44,000 from a single YouTube video was the result of a strategic compilation approach. Faced with time constraints to produce new content, Jen revisited her extensive library of previous videos, specifically those centered around budget meals. She meticulously edited these segments into a comprehensive, three-hour-long compilation.
Jen Chapin [03:12]:
“I went back through all of my old content because I thought to myself, well, I've been doing YouTube for a long time. I have a lot of videos on my channel... I was able to take a bunch of my old videos, kind of edit them, and chop them up into one big mega compilation of budget cooking.”
Editing Technique:
Using PowerDirector, Jen removed sponsored segments and streamlined the content to maintain coherence. She only filmed new intros and outros, keeping the edit minimal yet effective.
Jen Chapin [05:09]:
“I edited up a little bit because a lot of those previous videos that I had done were sponsored videos. So I wanted to kind of take the sponsored portion out.”
Importance of Video Length and RPM:
The extended length allowed for multiple ad placements, significantly boosting ad revenue. Coupled with an exceptionally high RPM (Revenue Per Thousand Views), this strategy maximized earnings from each view.
Jen Chapin [06:22]:
“Having the length of the video being longer allows YouTube to place all of those different ad spots in it.”
4. Understanding RPM and Maximizing Revenue
Defining RPM:
RPM stands for Revenue Per Mille (thousand) views. It represents the revenue a creator earns per thousand views, factoring in ad placements and viewer demographics.
Jen Chapin [08:21]:
“RPM is revenue per mil, I think M-I-L-L-E, which is per thousand views that you receive on your YouTube channel.”
Achieving High RPM:
Jen achieved an RPM of $27 in 2024, significantly higher than the US average of $2 to $5. This was attributed to her advertiser-friendly content, longer video duration, and targeting a demographic with high purchasing power.
Sean Cannell [09:47]:
“The average RPM in the US is around $2 to $5 per a thousand views... if you’re at $27, that’s extraordinary.”
Factors Contributing to High RPM:
- Advertiser-Friendly Content: Non-controversial, universal appeal.
- Demographics: Primarily 25 to 65-year-old women with significant spending power.
- Video Length: Enables multiple ad breaks.
Jen Chapin [09:47]:
“I really don’t post controversial things... together with having advertiser friendly content.”
5. Content Planning While Maintaining a Full-Time Job
Balancing a full-time career with content creation requires strategic time management. Jen utilizes her weekends and integrates filming into her daily routines, such as cooking for her family, making content creation seamless and stress-free.
Jen Chapin [17:09]:
“I would say that in the beginning... it's possible, you know, after your kids go to bed now... you’re sitting in your office now, you’re kind of in a different zone as you’re going to put the video together.”
Time Management Strategies:
- Dedicated Time Blocks: Allocating specific hours during weekends.
- Integrating Content into Daily Life: Filming routine activities without additional strain.
- Family Support: Sharing responsibilities with her husband to optimize productivity.
Jen Chapin [14:53]:
“I have a husband and we share pretty equally in the children's responsibilities.”
6. Building Comfort on Camera: Overcoming the Learning Curve
Jen emphasizes the importance of starting with voiceovers and gradually building on-camera confidence. Early content involved minimal on-screen presence, allowing her to focus on content quality without the pressure of performing.
Jen Chapin [21:05]:
“Voiceovers are your friend... one of my first videos that hit over a million views, I never showed my face on camera.”
Editing Techniques for Beginners:
- Voiceovers: Narrating over existing footage to maintain engagement.
- Speeding Up Footage: Making content more dynamic without extensive filming.
- Music Overlays: Enhancing video appeal without added complexity.
Jen Chapin [21:05]:
“I just took the sound off and I talked over it and I added a little bit of music.”
7. Delegating Editing and Scaling Content
As her channel grew, Jen recognized the need to outsource editing to maintain content frequency without compromising quality. Initially managing edits herself, she eventually hired professional services to handle the workload.
Jen Chapin [23:56]:
“I actually just last month hired an editing service... It did become a little bit cost prohibitive, and so I stepped away from that.”
Benefits of Hiring Editors:
- Increased Productivity: More time to focus on content creation.
- Enhanced Quality: Professional editors bring expertise and efficiency.
- Scalability: Ability to produce more content consistently.
Jen Chapin [25:17]:
“When you first start out on YouTube, I don't know how you feel, but I personally feel like you should learn to edit your own videos.”
8. Building a Holistic Online Business: Email Lists and Freebie Strategies
Jen prioritizes building an email list to diversify her audience reach and safeguard against unforeseen channel issues. Starting with Mailchimp and transitioning to Kajabi, she offers free printable recipes as incentives for email sign-ups.
Jen Chapin [28:28]:
“I think it’s really important to have diversity in terms of where your audience is.”
Email List Building Steps:
- Choose a Platform: Transitioned from Mailchimp to Kajabi for better integration.
- Create a Landing Page: Simple setup for easy sign-ups.
- Offer Free Value: Printable recipes as a freebie to encourage subscriptions.
Jen Chapin [30:33]:
“The number one question they have is, where can I find these recipes? Where can I print these recipes?”
Freebie Strategy:
- Visual Demonstrations: Showing the printable in videos to prompt downloads.
- Clear Call-to-Action: Directing viewers to the description box for easy access.
- Enhanced User Experience: Providing value beyond YouTube content.
Sean Cannell [32:36]:
“How you think about in terms of like articulating in your video and helping people make it all the way on to being subscribed.”
9. Mindset Shifts: Handling Negativity and Embracing Growth
Jen addresses the impact of negative comments, emphasizing the importance of focusing on positive feedback and understanding that online critics lack personal connection.
Jen Chapin [39:16]:
“Anyone that is interacting with your video... that means they watched at least part of the video. They’re putting views and money in your pocket.”
Strategies for Managing Negativity:
- Perspective Shift: Recognizing that negative comments don’t come from personal interactions.
- Focus on Positives: Valuing the majority of supportive feedback.
- Objective Analysis: Separating constructive criticism from baseless negativity.
Jen Chapin [40:21]:
“Everyone has an opinion, and that doesn’t mean it’s right. But a lot More positive than negative.”
10. Personal and Family Impact of YouTube Success
Success on YouTube has profoundly impacted Jen’s personal and professional life, enhancing her business acumen, confidence, and sense of community. Despite the financial stability, she chooses to maintain her full-time career to retain fulfillment and structure.
Jen Chapin [43:09]:
“I run a business, I have a business, I’m a CEO of a business... it's mind blowing.”
Impact on Family and Self:
- Financial Support: Funding her children's education and enabling family travel.
- Personal Growth: Increased confidence and business skills.
- Community Building: Cultivating an authentic and supportive viewer community.
Jen Chapin [44:54]:
“I really value authenticity and so I don’t ever sugarcoat anything.”
11. Inspirational Insights for Aspiring Creators
Jen encourages aspiring YouTubers to leverage their available time effectively, maintain persistence, and remain consistent despite challenges.
Jen Chapin [46:48]:
“Persistent enough and you are consistent enough and you want it bad enough, you will find time to do it even if it’s in those small pockets of time.”
Action Steps:
- Identify Available Time: Utilize early mornings, late evenings, or weekends.
- Integrate Content Creation: Make content part of daily routines.
- Stay Consistent: Regular uploads build momentum and audience trust.
Sean Cannell [46:48]:
“Think about what you can do... if you are persistent enough and you are consistent enough and you want it bad enough.”
12. Guest Promotion
Jen Chapin’s Platforms:
- YouTube Channel: Jen Chapin (C.H.A.P.I.N) - Focused on accessible, budget-friendly recipes and lifestyle tips.
- Instagram: @jenchapin - Additional content and engagement with followers.
- Free Resource: One Hour Freezer Fix e-cookbook available via the podcast’s show notes.
Jen Chapin [45:09]:
“If you are wanting to figure out how to get dinner on the table for your family in a way that is accessible and easy and a lot of times budget friendly, check out my channel.”
13. Conclusion
Episode 389 of The Think Media Podcast offers valuable insights into maximizing YouTube revenue through strategic content compilation, understanding and leveraging RPM, and maintaining a successful channel alongside a full-time job. Jen Chapin’s journey underscores the importance of passion, strategic planning, and resilience in building a profitable YouTube presence.
Listeners are encouraged to implement these strategies, focus on their authentic voice, and persistently pursue their YouTube goals even amidst challenges.
Sean Cannell [47:42]:
“If you are persistent enough and you are consistent enough and you want it bad enough, you will find time to do it even if it’s in those small pockets of time.”
Connect with Jen Chapin:
- YouTube: Jen Chapin
- Instagram: @jenchapin
- Free e-Cookbook: One Hour Freezer Fix - Available in the podcast’s show notes.
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