Podcast Summary: YouTube Creators Hub
Episode: Comedy and Consistency: Mike and Joel's YouTube Journey To One MILLION Subscribers
Release Date: July 11, 2025
Host: Dusty Porter
Guests: Mike and Joelle
Current Subscribers: 996,000
Channel Focus: Relatable Couple Comedy
Introduction
In this engaging episode of the YouTube Creators Hub podcast, host Dusty Porter welcomes Mike and Joelle, the dynamic duo behind a thriving YouTube channel that specializes in relatable couple comedy. With nearly one million subscribers and over 1,200 videos, Mike and Joelle share their journey, strategies, and insights into building a successful online presence through humor and consistency.
Origin Story of the Channel
Dusty begins by exploring the beginnings of Mike and Joelle's YouTube journey.
Joelle:
"To be honest, it didn't actually start with YouTube. We started with other social platforms and then finally moved towards YouTube." [03:32]
Mike:
Mike recounts how the COVID lockdown in New Zealand led them to create humorous fitness content for their gym's social media pages. A pivotal moment came when Mike posted a funny video on Instagram that unexpectedly went viral, garnering over 100,000 views in 48 hours. This success spurred them to experiment with TikTok, where they experienced explosive growth, eventually leading them to focus more on YouTube after attending a New Zealand YouTube conference.
Growth Strategies
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the strategies that fueled their rapid growth on various platforms.
Mike:
"Consistency is the key... I post a video that I think is funny every day." [15:35]
Mike emphasizes the importance of consistency, especially with short-form content. By leveraging platforms like Instagram and TikTok, they were able to reach millions of views daily, which translated into substantial follower growth. Joelle adds that their content's relatability and humor make it highly shareable, fostering a sense of community among their audience.
Joelle:
"If you're not doing something, you won't know what you can achieve... we moved from a big city to a beach town, and it paid off." [34:53]
Their willingness to experiment and pivot based on what resonates with their audience has been crucial. For instance, transitioning from fitness content to comedy allowed them to tap into a broader and more engaged audience.
Monetization
Dusty delves into the various monetization avenues that Mike and Joelle have successfully navigated to sustain their full-time YouTube careers.
Mike:
"As far as YouTube goes, we are 100% AdSense... I find doing sponsored content really tough." [22:48]
Mike explains that their primary income comes from YouTube AdSense and Facebook ads, each contributing around 40% to their revenue. Additionally, Joelle generates income through her health coaching business, accounting for 10%, while influencer deals on Instagram make up the remaining 10%.
Dusty:
"Advertisers are willing to pay more for older demographics because they have more spending power." [21:45]
The duo benefits from a predominantly male audience over 50 on YouTube, which attracts higher-paying advertisers. This demographic insight has allowed them to optimize their content and monetization strategies effectively.
Community Engagement and Building
Building and maintaining a strong community is another key topic discussed.
Joelle:
"We respond to people in the comments and DMs... it builds a positive and engaged community." [26:36]
Mike and Joelle prioritize engaging with their audience by responding to comments and direct messages. Although managing this engagement has become challenging as their community grows, they recognize its importance in fostering loyalty and connection.
Mike:
"It's a balancing act between responding to comments and creating new content." [28:59]
They discuss the dilemma of allocating time between community engagement and content creation, ultimately prioritizing the latter to maintain their growth momentum.
Handling Negativity in the Digital Space
In an era rife with negativity and cancel culture, Mike and Joelle highlight the strength of maintaining a positive and humorous online presence.
Joelle:
"It's so nice to see something positive and funny in my day... we receive beautiful messages from people who find solace in our content." [30:11]
Their commitment to positivity not only differentiates them from many creators but also provides a much-needed respite for viewers seeking uplifting and humorous content.
Mike:
"We choose what we watch and how we live to maintain our positive mindset." [31:24]
By avoiding negative content and focusing on creating joyful experiences, they cultivate a community that prioritizes happiness and relatability.
Content Ideation and Creativity
The episode delves into the creative processes behind their content.
Mike:
"Sometimes I can look for a joke for two hours and come up empty, but then inspiration strikes at the most unexpected times." [32:18]
Mike discusses the challenges of consistently generating fresh jokes and ideas, often relying on passive inspiration from everyday moments or extensive research through various platforms and joke repositories.
Joelle:
"Mike was grumpy the other day because he was struggling to find jokes, but he bounced back quickly." [33:27]
Their ability to overcome creative blocks and continuously produce engaging content is a testament to their dedication and passion for comedy.
Advice for Aspiring YouTubers
Concluding the conversation, Mike and Joelle offer valuable advice for creators looking to grow their channels.
Joelle:
"Have a crack, go all in... you won't know what you can achieve if you don't really go all in." [34:53]
Joelle encourages creators to take risks and fully commit to their projects, emphasizing the importance of faith in oneself and the willingness to pivot when necessary.
Mike:
"I kept trying different things, and finally something just popped out... cranking it." [35:38]
Mike echoes this sentiment, highlighting that persistence and continuous experimentation are key to discovering what works. Their journey exemplifies the rewards of staying committed and adaptable in the ever-evolving landscape of online content creation.
Closing Remarks
Dusty expresses his admiration for Mike and Joelle, acknowledging their positive impact and the reasons behind their success. He encourages listeners to support their journey towards one million subscribers and reiterates the value of their content.
Dusty:
"Your content is positive, it's engaging, it's funny... you guys are the reason why I love YouTube and talking to creators." [37:06]
He wraps up the episode by praising their achievements and urging the audience to check out their channel, fostering a supportive community among YouTube creators.
Key Takeaways
- Consistency is Crucial: Regular content posting, especially with short-form videos, can significantly boost growth.
- Relatability and Humor: Creating content that resonates on a personal level fosters a loyal and engaged audience.
- Diversified Monetization: Relying on multiple revenue streams, including AdSense, social media ads, and personal businesses, ensures financial stability.
- Positive Community Building: Engaging authentically with the audience and maintaining a positive online presence can set creators apart in a crowded digital space.
- Persistent Creativity: Continuously experimenting and persevering through creative blocks are essential for sustained success.
Mike and Joelle's journey underscores the importance of humor, authenticity, and strategic consistency in building a successful YouTube channel. Their story serves as an inspiring blueprint for aspiring creators aiming to make their mark in the digital world.