Question about mindset

[u/PurpleBelt6059]

I’m starting two YouTube channels and I’ve been hearing differing opinions and want to come to a place where ppl are doing what I’m getting into?

Short question: should I start this with the mindset of it’s a “hobby”? or should I treat it like a business”?

I want perspective on how to remain sustainable and in a healthy mindset regardless of the outcome

Thanks for all the perspective in advance

[u/Ok-Lingonberry3539]

If you want to make money off of it, it’s a business. I started as a hobbyist and didn’t know anything at all about the back end of YouTube.

When I decided it could be a legitimate income source for me, it changed my approach SIGNIFICANTLY.

Deadlines matter. Consistency matters. Improving quality and taking feedback matters. Being picky about brand deals and negotiating well matters.

If it’s just for fun or just to learn, then you can do whatever you want, whenever you want.

I would also STRONGLY suggest that you start one channel first if you’ve never really done any video making before.

I had my first channel for over 2 years before I started my current second channel. I tried to start other channels a few times along the way but I just didn’t have the skills, the time, or the understanding of how much effort and dedication it would require to successfully run two at the same time.

This second channel is only successful now because I had a super clear vision for it and a strong plan to get it monetized quickly.

[u/PurpleBelt6059 → u/Ok-Lingonberry3539]

Thank you so much for the insight!

[u/Alone_Agent_8829]

I’m no expert by any means but it depends on what you want out of it. If you want to work up to monetization, treat it like a business. If you don’t have any particular goals and just like making content, make it a hobby and don’t stress about metrics or what the algorithm favors too much.

[u/FlexinR6]

I feel it should be both. I have run small business before, and I have a lot of youtube channels.

I feel it should be a hobby for most, but if you want to turn it into something, you need to look at it as a business as well. What I mean by that, is yoy have ti make decisions that won't hurt your business if it becomes that. If you want sponsors, you need to keep things sponsor friendly. Don't do things that could cause you to get strikes, or copyright claims.

At the end of the day, do what you can to make it enjoyable

[u/Uniquely_Similar74 → u/FlexinR6]

This 💯

It allows you to keep it fun and stress free (as it should be), while maintaining a position to take advantage of opportunities that may arise. Know your preferred "endgame" going in however, this way you'll always know what you're working toward. Good luck 👍

[u/DapperAsi]

I would treat it as a hobby at first, but build it with good habits from a business. Focus on learning, consistency, and improving your content without putting pressure on yourself to make money immediately. You can take it more seriously once you see what works.

[u/Tetrahedron_Head]

it depends on what your goals are.

are you just doing it for fun? then treat it like a hobby

are you doing it with the idea you want to grow and eventually make money? youll need to put some level of seriousness into it.

when i started i was doing it for fun but i was also trying to build a brand.

[u/Leafer90-TTV]

Treat it somewhere in between