The Harsh Truth About YouTube Shorts New Creators Must Understand in
The Harsh Truth About YouTube Shorts New Creators Must
Hey there, I’m Fidelia, a newbie YouTuber who hit 10,000 subscribers and over 3 million views on YouTube Shorts in just 90 days. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, here’s the catch: I didn’t make a single cent. Not one. Today, I’m sharing my honest story—not to brag or complain, but to help other beginners avoid the mistakes I made. If you’re thinking about jumping into YouTube Shorts, stick around. This might save you time, energy, and a whole lot of frustration.
Chasing the YouTube Dream
It all started when I stumbled across an online course that promised the world: “Make thousands a month with YouTube Shorts using AI!” They claimed that by using AI tools to create short videos and posting consistently, I’d build a huge following and rake in steady cash. It sounded too good to pass up. So, I signed up, buzzing with excitement and convinced I was on the fast track to success.
My plan was straightforward: pump out 2-3 Shorts every day, mostly cute AI-generated animations about cats—the kind of content that seems to go viral easily. I didn’t spend a dime on ads or paid promotion; I just worked relentlessly. I learned how to use AI tools to create animations, edit videos, add effects, and optimize titles and hashtags. For three months, I poured hours into brainstorming, editing, and uploading. I barely took a break.
The result? I hit 10,000 subscribers and racked up over 3 million views. But when I checked YouTube Studio to turn on monetization, I got a reality check: I didn’t qualify. No YouTube revenue, no affiliate links, nothing. I’d worked my butt off, but my earnings were a big fat zero.
The Harsh Truth About YouTube Shorts New Creators Must
The Harsh Truth About YouTube Shorts
Where I Went Wrong
Looking back, I see the mistakes I made. Here are the things I wish someone had told me before I dove in headfirst:
1. Not Understanding YouTube’s Monetization Rules
YouTube has strict requirements for monetizing Shorts. One of them is that you need 10 million Shorts views in 90 days. I had 3 million—a solid number, but nowhere near enough. I didn’t do my homework and assumed that posting a ton of videos would automatically qualify me. That oversight cost me months of effort.
2. Overestimating Shorts Revenue
Here’s a truth you don’t hear often: Shorts don’t pay much. On average, you might earn $20 to $100 per million views. Even if I’d hit 10 million views, I’d probably have pocketed just enough for a nice dinner. Shorts aren’t the cash cow many courses make them out to be.
3. Getting Lost in the AI Animation Crowd
AI animation is a game-changer—it lets anyone create polished videos without advanced skills. But that’s also the problem. Thousands of creators are using the same tools, cranking out similar cat animations with the same styles and vibes. My videos? They blended in. They weren’t unique enough to stand out in YouTube’s algorithm, so despite some initial views, they eventually got buried in the flood of lookalike content.
The Harsh Truth About YouTube Shorts New Creators Must
4. Falling for the “Success Story” Trap
I binged on videos and posts about people crushing it with Shorts. Those success stories are inspiring, but they’re only half the picture. Nobody talks about the countless creators who fail, the months of unpaid work, or the times the algorithm ignores your videos. I bought into the “get rich quick” dream without preparing for the grind.
Lessons Learned and 3 Honest Tips
After 90 days, I learned more than I expected. If you’re just starting with YouTube Shorts, here are three practical tips from my experience:
The Harsh Truth About YouTube Shorts New Creators Must
1. Do Your Research First
Don’t jump in blind just because someone’s success story sounds amazing. Take time to understand how YouTube works, especially the monetization requirements. Check out real creator stories on Reddit, X, or forums like the YouTube Partner Program (YPP). These raw, unfiltered experiences will give you a clearer picture of what you’re signing up for.
2. Find Your Unique Niche
Chasing trends like cat animations might get you some views, but if you’re not passionate about it or can’t make it your own, you’ll burn out fast. Experiment with a few videos in different niches to see what clicks with you. Maybe you’re great at storytelling, tutorials, or even vlogging your daily life. Find what makes you stand out and lean into it.
3. Think Long-Term, Not Quick Wins
Shorts are a fantastic way to learn the ropes and build skills, but don’t bet everything on them. Treat YouTube as a marathon, not a sprint. Mix Shorts with longer videos, work on your personal brand, and explore other income streams like affiliate marketing, merch, or sponsorships. Building a sustainable channel takes time and patience.
The Harsh Truth About YouTube Shorts New Creators Must
My Next Chapter
Despite the setbacks, I don’t regret diving into Shorts. It taught me so much—how to edit videos, optimize content, and navigate YouTube’s algorithm. Now, I’m taking a slower, more intentional approach, focusing on creating content that feels authentic to me. I still make Shorts, but I’m also experimenting with longer videos, sharing my story, and connecting with my audience.
If you’re starting your YouTube journey, I hope my story sheds light on what lies ahead. It’s not an easy path, but with persistence and a willingness to learn from mistakes, you’ll go further than you think. Drop a comment below and share your own challenges or just say hi—I’d love to hear from you. I’m still figuring things out, and I’m excited to connect with others on the same path.
Thanks for reading! If this post helped you, feel free to share it or follow along for more real talk about the creator life.
👉 You can also check out my YouTube channel @youtube.com/channel/UCqYUu8HDiG2nsryPNbTqp1g?sub_confirmation where I continue to share honest lessons, tools I test, and real insights from the creator journey. If you’re starting out, I’d love to have you along.
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