Need Channel Growth

[kevin58]

I've had a little YouTube channel for several years now more for my own entertainment than anything. I am a retired radio DJ and part time actor in community theatre so I guess the channel is just another outlet for my need to perform.

It never dawned on me to monetize my channel since it is so small and meant just for fun but lately I have had to slow down due to health problems (I just had open heart surgery in late February of this year) and during my downtime I ran across someone who said that by monetizing my channel I could take some tax write offs on money spent to make a video. That alone would help me defray some costs since I spend a lot on brewing equipment, video equipment and ingredients with zero return ...other than beer.

I have enough subscribers but could use more. What I am severely lacking in is video views. I need 4,000 views so here is my ask... Please go through my channel and watch as many videos as possible. Once I am recovered enough from this surgery I want to get back to making videos. Hopefully by the end of summer. If I can get this monetization done I would be able to buy better lighting, a Go-Pro camera to add extra angles, upgrades to brewing equipment, and I even have plans for a complete and dedicated brewery build in the basement.

Any help is appreciated. If you watch and subscribe that would help and the more videos you watch would be enormous. Thank you.
Kevin

https://www.youtube.com/@Homebrew58

 

[sibelman]

I watched your Truman Porter video, because I made one a while back. My porter was meh. Your video was fun. Best of luck as you continue to heal up from surgery, Kevin.

 

[BongoYodeler]

I'll certainly check it out, thanks for the heads-up.

 

[Ramjet]

I'll check it out

 

[Deadalus]

Just a heads up/seek further advice I am not a tax accountant. If you are looking to convert a hobby to a small business, after a few years the IRS will be looking for some profits in some years. Otherwise it's still a hobby. I considered a small hobby related venture several years back. It's covered in one of the IRS publications. I still have to do my taxes, if I see the correct pub I'll post it.

I'll look you up if I get a chance and hope your recovery is going well!

 

[kevin58]

Just a heads up/seek further advice I am not a tax accountant. If you are looking to convert a hobby to a small business, after a few years the IRS will be looking for some profits in some years. Otherwise it's still a hobby. I considered a small hobby related venture several years back. It's covered in one of the IRS publications. I still have to do my taxes, if I see the correct pub I'll post it.

I'll look you up if I get a chance and hope your recovery is going well!

I've already consulted my tax preparer who says I should have no issues claiming expenses incurred while making videos for my channel. I would appreciate anything you have found in your research. Thank you.

 

[Deadalus]

I've seen it mentioned that the IRS looks for profits in 3 out of 5 years from the endeavor in order to claim deductions as business expenses. Otherwise, it's simply hobby income which gets reported as income but is not subject to self employment tax. So it's hobby income vs business income, but definitely discuss with your tax preparer.

 

[WouldBeBrewmaster]

Just subbed. I’ll give you a shout on my WouldBeBrewmaster FB & IG as well.

 

[Bobby_M]

Welcome to the club. Youtube really changed the way they do things and even though I was monetized since 2010 or so, they pulled the plug on me since I hadn't uploaded new content in a while. Even with 11,000 subscribers, I don't make a dime on my years of content.

A quick correction though... you need 4000 viewing HOURs not views.

 

[madscientist451]

I just subscribed. I’ve been listening to about 2 hrs of you tube every day for many years during my daily commute. Many channels produce a good income. You need to put out something weekly, or every 3-4 days to keep viewers interested. My favorites in the brewing category include the recipe and tasting notes at the end, 12 minutes or so is a good length to shoot for. We don’t need a full video presentation of grinding malt, boiling and hops additions, just mention those things quickly.

 

[Bobby_M]

Brewing is extremely niche. Even some of the biggest channels like Brusho and David Heath are in the 60K subs range. Compared to every other general interest sector, that's literally nothing.

 

[schuchdan]

I like brusho, but would like to see more hb4L for the entertainment. I always laugh watching his videos!!

 

[madscientist451]

Calculator that supposedly can predict income, there are probably others: https://influencermarketinghub.com/youtube-money-calculator/

Here are some analytics for the David Heath Homebrew channel:
https://socialblade.com/youtube/channel/UCb3HYxTpCaVDeulH1mZGW1Q

 

[kevin58]

Thank you @Bobby_M. I have a long way to go and it may be impossible with me not being able to make new videos at the moment. I'm trying though.

Thank you @madscientist451. Very useful information. I'm not concerned so much with the earnings right now as I am interested in the tax write offs. That alone would help defray operational costs.

 

[Bender_Braus_Brewing]

I hit the subscribe. (Would appreciate a subscribe back - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnPoUQxwDYjHqDOySvWiYWg)

Thanks! (I'm only at 165, so any followers would be greatly appreciated!)

 

[BongoYodeler]

I hit the subscribe. (Would appreciate a subscribe back - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnPoUQxwDYjHqDOySvWiYWg)

Thanks! (I'm only at 165, so any followers would be greatly appreciated!)

166

 

[505-Brewer]

Whats your game?. Education or Lifestyle ? I think you need to decide. Watching someone brew without either of those wont work.

 

[kevin58]

I hit the subscribe. (Would appreciate a subscribe back - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnPoUQxwDYjHqDOySvWiYWg)

Thanks! (I'm only at 165, so any followers would be greatly appreciated!)

Subscribed. Thank you.

 

[kevin58]

Whats your game?. Education or Lifestyle ? I think you need to decide. Watching someone brew without either of those wont work.

A little of both. When I started I used to tell viewers that I am not trying to teach anything just chronicle my brewing experience. I didn't feel knowledgeable enough to educate anyone. Even when I do stray into education its more in the spirit of sharing something new I just learned. I know a few things but I am not an authority on anything.

I am a performer by nature. DJ on the radio 6 days a week for 40 years. I act in community theatre in both musicals and dramas. This YouTube venture is just another way for me to do that. I love making beer and I like making videos. Creating an outline for each one, writing a script, arranging the shots, editing, etc. It is because I started the channel and did it for fun that I never considered monetizing. Until someone pointed out that I can write off my expenses incurred in making these videos that it made sense for me to give it a try.

Thank you for giving me something to think about. How would you suggest I fine tune my channel to achieve either an educational or lifestyle mission?

 

[Snuffy]

I would suggest 1. a massive beard 2. knuckle tats, and C. a hot girl in a tight t-shirt.

Then follow up with a theme song and merch.

 

[505-Brewer]

Seconded!

 

[kevin58]

I would suggest 1. a massive beard 2. knuckle tats, and C. a hot girl in a tight t-shirt.

Then follow up with a theme song and merch.

The beard is in the works as a result of having had open heart surgery recently. They put me on blood thinners and a nick while shaving could be trouble so... stop shaving.

I came this close to having (temporary) knuckle tats! I was cast in the lead role of a local play about inmates on death row and was going to draw prison tats on my hands and arms but then two days after I got cast in the role I learned I needed the heart surgery.

I'm still looking for the hot girl in the tight t-shirt.