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The state of things... (Patreon)

Published:
2024-06-24 16:37:13
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2026-06
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Content

Feel free to discuss below or DM me. As always, I appreciate your support so much, especially your patience when I feel like I'm failing you.

I might delete this later. I'm not sure.

Comments

Jewel McComis

You could react to kpop group compilations (like funny moments), I love watching reactions to those

Finnalian

I have a lot more thoughts as a viewer, but I will just keep it to one for now. Of all the reactors I watch, I feel like you go to the most concerts by far, so I definitely think it's worth exploring that avenue a bit more. Making your concert-going experiences a larger part (larger than 0) of your channel. It could help separate you from the pack and would provide those experience to all the people that never get to experience that themselves. One more thing, I think consistency is a huge part of growing a viewer base and should be the main focus.

carlosdel271

I just sent you a dm. But again I’ll say you’re an amazing reactor, YouTuber, and most importantly human being ! :) We all appreciate you so much!

Kenneth

It’s difficult to fight against the YouTube algo. While I don’t have YouTube history or recommendation enable, I can’t tell what’s YT is recommending. Like you mentioned at the end that you went to many shows. May be switching up and talk about the show experience? It could be a time sensitive thing and this type of content may be out dated as soon as the tour is over. Sometimes I like to watch variety shows but recently I put them off.

Edward Lee

All depends.....if you're going into YT for subs and thats you're main/only goal then you seem to already know the answer (sensational titles, mainstream groups for the views, etc, cadence of video drops) and its just a matter of doing it. If you dont want to do those things, no point in figuring out why or comparing to others....i think deep down you know. YT algorithm is all about views and views are all about regular cadence and popularity of content (like actual popularity, so BTS/BP/Twice). I'm reminded of a video that alexotos the keyboard guy put up once about being a YT content creator and his main takeaway was "IT IS A JOB.....so treat it like a job". Main point......you HAVE to stick to a schedule and often times it sucks bc of all the work involved off camera needed before a video is able to be uploaded.

Edward Lee
>>141723618

but that's IF your goal is the monetary payback....then you have to be mindful of the algorithm. If it's just a hobby or something you love and you're posting what you want/when you want......kind of a having your cake and eating it to to expect the results that other YT content creators reap when theyre putting in MAJOR work to make sure the algorithm still picks them up

Javan Horn-jones

The vast majority of reactor channels out there, including (unfortunately) ones with many viewers, don't care for what they are watching/hearing. They make a video that is as long as the song is and that's it. People just want their internal bias confirmed by someone else and those short videos are a quick dopamine burst. However for any kind of longevity, for both the reactor's mental health and the channels, authenticity is key. Makes me cringe just thinking about getting in front of a camera to scream at something that I feel nothing for inside. In terms of declining viewers on your channel I think the main cause is saturation and also the state of the world when you started the channel compared to how it is today. Firstly the reactor space as well as the amount of groups currently going is at an amount that's causing people to only be able to focus on their favourites. Secondly when you started the channel the world was locked inside and K-pop had a massive spike in popularity. I think anyone starting a K-pop channel around this time hit upon a gold mine lmao. For what I would suggest going forward... stick to a few of your favs and concentrate your energy on creating content for them. Personally there are a few reactors my mind immediately goes to when I think of certain groups. Cultivate a mental connection with fandoms of certain groups to your channel. Obviously if reacting to a wide array of groups is what you love doing and don't wish to stop don't take this as a request to. Playing by the algorithms rules is a fast track to burn out, put your interests and needs first always. Sending you love brother! 💖

johanmoon

wow i feel like i have SO MUCH to say about this. as somebody who's been making videos since 2017 i feel so you much. i literally have too much to say i can't write it all and what works for me may not necessarily work for you but what has worked best for me is to never look at analytics at all and never go against my own principles like you said with titles and thumbnails. of course i also notice views but i REALLY try not to compare in a negative way. the algorythm is so hard to understand that i feel like it's just bad trying to, at least for me. as i said what works best for me is to always follow my passion so my reactions can be genuine and i feel that you do the same thing. i focus on my community and my gratitude towards them and as somebody who CONSTANTLY lurks in your community - you have an amazing one, as i'm sure you're aware of. what you're saying is not coming off as ungrateful at all, i totally understand how you feel, i have felt it too. i focus on the groups i love because that's what makes me happy. i think reactors like you and i have such a gift when it comes to being a youtuber that we really don't have to care about views and analytics in the same way, at least in my opinion. videos that get me a lot of views usually doesnt do shit for my patreon (aka my actual income) or for building my community. we have the privilege to get to focus on quality over quantity when it comes to views! more is not better at all, from my experience. since kpop is so saturated these days we HAVE TO limit ourselves as reactors i think. it's so easy to get overwhelmed because there's constantly so much content being released. i feel the pressure to react to everything 100% but i have learned that choosing what im genuinely REALLY interested in and excited about is how to narrow things down. also - sometimes i have to force myself to NOT react to a new release no matter how excited i am about it if happen to have a really shitty day. it feels like a betrayal to myself which has only made me burnt out in the past. i think you started making videos during the pandemic, correct? it was a really good time to start making videos because there were A LOT more people watching and especially in kpop world. even if your subscribers have slowed down you have collected such an awesome community that will only grow with time. even if it grows a little slower now, thats okay! i think that's really natural. comparing is really so toxic. i know that shitty spiral so well and it's really easy to fall into. i think curating your feed, no matter the platform, can help with that. "dont recommend channel" is my best friend. for a while i couldnt even watch other reactors at all because it stressed me out so much. being mindful about your thoughts and trying to use comparisions as passion and motivation instead has worked for me. LIKE LOOK AT ME i've been doing this since 2017 and i have like 38k subs??? that's SO LITTLE compared to a lot of reactors who have been doing this for a much shorter amount of time. i've gotten so used to that thought that i dont care anymore because i enjoy making videos more than ever which i am SO HAPPY to say. but belieeeeeeve me i've had my extremely shitty periods of making reactions, too. it helps to remember why you started making videos in the first place! for me that is to connect with people who also like the same kpop as me, to put it simple. i havent even finished your video and i already typed all this shit but let me just say that i REALLY enjoy your reactions and the way you explain music and describe things in a way that i NEVER could. i love your insight so much and you're really funny too (sometimes not on purpose and i say that in a very loving way). other reactors who abuse the algorythm and clickbait are not getting views that you want to get I THINK. i dont think those views would benefit you, your channel or your community. at least thats how i like to think about it. i hope this massive letter helped somewhat and i probably could have explained things better and more cohesive but THEN IT WOULDNT HAVE BEEN MEEEE. if you want to dm me and keep this conversation going or if you have any questions or whatever then dont hesitate!!!! ALSO i would love for you to follow your passion and interest in whatever and however you want to create. make time to try a new type of video, maybe one of those that require a lot of editing and give yourself the time it takes to create it. and please share more of yourself and your personality in your videos. i pause to ramble on about myself and my experiences all the time BECAUSE I WANT TO and i know a lot of people are not interested which is fine, they can always skip ahead but a lot of people also enjoy it. its also our job as creators to kind of GENTLY remind our audience that yes we're here for the kpop but this is MY channel with MY rules and it's still about ME. you are not unlikable at all!! but i think sharing more is a way to allow your audience to connect with you. being vulnerable, like you are now and here, is really brave. i like to vent too sometimes and my community always listens and manages to pick me up and honestly it has helped me so much. it taught me to lean on them more when i need to. im not a therapist but i have been through a lot, processed trauma and addiction and it has taught me to be very much full of love over fear and gratitude over... whatever thet opposite is so please know that you can always DM me if you need a friend, orbit and reactor to listen and offer advice AND who knows what this weird and cringe job is all about then please do! my response is all over the place but i hope it finds you well and can offer some comfort, still! vlog style tour videos would be sooo interesting to see, if thats something you'd want to do. REMEMBER what you want matters most! you AND your videos are so loved by your community. i have to force myself to stop now goodbye

Lauryn L

Thank you for sharing how you’ve been feeling with us! It does suck when you feel like you put in so much effort towards something and you’re not getting the results you want. As someone who also tends to view things through a more negative lens, my only advice would be to focus on putting out content that you really think you’ll enjoy or interest you instead of trying to push out something for every new release. Maybe that could help you refocus and not feel as pressured or stressed with things. Posting concert experience videos seems like a good idea. Reactions to TikTok compilations, or save on drop-one game videos seem to do pretty well too. I don’t think it’s a you problem and more of the fact that YouTube is just over saturated with reactors nowadays.

Finnalian
>>141724450

Paul could also try making sure he always has heavily moisturized lips

Alistair McLennan

My two cents (actual market value of 0 cents): I think it's important for your own sake and the quality of what you're putting out that you do the things that interest you and that you enjoy. I'm afraid I'm not any kind of algorithm wrangler so I can't give you advice there but I'd say if it feels like the things you've been doing aren't working (for you) then shaking things up might not be a bad idea. But I'd definitely say you should lean into what you want to do, whatever that might be. There is definitely a dearth of good, focused Kpop video essays if you were interested in trying out your idea for longer form content. It probably won't earn you more views/subs quickly and it would, as you point out, be a lot of work that would make reactions more difficult to sustain, but if it's an idea you want to explore it might be worth it to try. For what it's worth, I find you plenty likable and I very much enjoy your take on things in your reactions! I think leaning more into what you want to do and what you enjoy will be healthier for you than chasing numbers. I certainly plan to stick around regardless. Not sure if any of that is helpful, but hopefully more insightful comments or your own deliberations will get you somewhere positive soon. Take care, sir!

Justin_AndaKage

First, opening up the way you did isn't easy, and I can feel your struggle. Another reactor recently went through a decline like yours and has been dealing with the same issues of “what am I doing wrong.” I want to say you're not doing anything wrong. Going for easy clickbait vids to get views, IMO isn't the best move. By reacting to overly popular groups, you will only drive negative attention to yourself and your community. I say react to the groups you want to, and you are invested in. Reaction to popular groups for views really comes off as fake. I have seen other reactors do that, and I (personally) don't like it. I always prefer genuine reactions. I wish I could give you suggestions, but I don't know how to help you out. I can say things like. Post-concert vlogs or do reactions to anime or K-dramas. But that's more work for something you're not happy with. I think it's less about what we want and more about what we want to do. Ultimately, we are here for your reactions and, in general, whatever you may have always wanted to do and held back from doing because of bullshit YT algo. Or thinking you're not doing enough for the 4th wall or Patreon. I can say adding more vids/work is NOT the answer. All it is going to do is leave you in your current state with more baggage. I enjoy your reactions, and even though I am a silent viewer, I would like for you to keep doing so. But you come first, and if you are unhappy and feel the need to step away temporarily or permanently. I understand and support any decision you make. I wish I could actually ✌️❤️ bro

AvailableIn4K

I'm somewhat new to the channel, but that's more because I came back to K-Pop after a couple year hiatus. I'm sure if I was watching when you started or in the couple of years after I'd have been here even longer. You're really only one of two reactors that I watch consistently, regardless of what videos you put out. I can only write this as a viewer, not a fellow reactor or YouTuber, so my read on certain things might be skewed. I think you touched on some aspects that would probably help (whether it would be a big help or not, I don't know), like having more consistent uploads close to around the time of an MVs release. It really only feels like a handful of reactors can get away with uploading reactions days later, but I find that they really only get big views on those types of "late" reactions if the group themselves is massive. It also feels like a lot of reactors have "their" group(s) that they themselves love, will consistently react to outside the comeback period (on Patreon & YT), and have a built-up a following in their YT subs that know to go to them first or second when an MV is released for that group. You mention the trouble with reacting to small groups, but I also think there's a strength there. With me as a viewer, if I'm looking for reactions to a smaller group that not many other people have reacted to, I'll consistently look for reactions to that MV or album for weeks after its initial release. My ult group is STAYC, and honestly not a lot of people make content for them. They'll be the usual reactors that check out their MVs when they release, barely know the members or their discography, and that's it. I really get nothing out of their reactions outside of getting that "hit" of whether they liked certain parts of the song that I also enjoyed. But because they don't have that same connection to the members that someone like you has because you've seen them live and consistently react to their content, I'll always value your reactions to their stuff more than someone else who just checks out the title track and then won't tune in for another 7+ months until the next comeback. I found the other person I consistently watch because of STAYC, and because they were reacting to content that maybe 5 other channels on YT had videos for (their cover of Doja Cat's 'Kiss Me More', their 1theK World Wide Cover videos, their covers on the STAYC channel, etc.) I wrote too much but in any case, this is just my thoughts as a viewer, and why I specifically come to you as a reactor. Thanks as always for everything.

Lunoki

Had to post this here, because Fourthwall has word count limit: Alright, this might be a book. I am a baker, but I am also a writer. I have also been exploring K-Pop for nearly 5 years now. I don’t follow almost all of the reactors I originally followed. And the reason I don’t follow them is pretty much for all the things you hate/refuse to do. By now, I know you know that I am a sucker for the underdog group. I’m not a reactor, so I can go to a site to see what comebacks are coming up for the month and check them out. I’ve discovered so many artists and groups this way. So, if you react to something and talk about how amazing it is and how blown away you are and how you want to see more, but then never react to that group/artist ever again because you didn’t get the numbers you wanted, you’ve lost my respect. It’s always the same, the channel starts with a genuine interest in K-Pop/K-Rock that inevitably becomes another BTS/Black Pink “Big Groups Only” page. If you’re not going to be genuine, then I don’t want to know you, and I certainly don’t want to support you. And, at the end of the day, how many of these viewers like and subscribe? It’s just pages and pages of “react to this song”. No “Please”. No “Thank you.” I support people who watch an MV/Performance and fall in love (or not - that’s okay, too), and I kind of feel like somewhere along the way you started seeing all of this as a job and not a joy. There was a period of time sometime in the past year or two where a lot of people fell off. Like, I think you disappeared for months. Or maybe just did the minimum. I know because I began to question if you still wanted to do this and wondered if it was time to jump ship. And I wonder if that might have hurt your numbers in the long run. More than a few of my fellow Universe are no longer here. So that’s one piece of advice: People want consistency. But, I know that’s hard when you’re feeling in doubt about things. My other piece of advice is to do what you love. I know you have an obligation to requests, but if it ends up going down a road you don’t want to go down - you have the choice to refund money and say “I’m sorry, I don’t enjoy doing that sort of content.” - and that includes me. I’m always going to request small groups. It’s what I do. It is my opinion that the fans of the smaller groups are the best kind of community to have surrounding you. I pay money for your time and your honest opinion. I know you sacrifice a lot of time reacting and editing a video for a group that won’t give you the numbers you’d like - and I”m sorry for that, but at the same time, I’m not. You have loyalty from a lot of people who like you because you are you and you will react to something because you like it, not because it will give you the numbers you want. Keep at it. Maybe you won’t have a million subscribers, but I’d like to think that what you do have is good supporters instead of fickle supporters. And who knows? Maybe if you react to enough content from a small group, you might get to interview them. I’ve seen that happen quite often. More than anything, you’ve got to remember what made you fall in love in the first place. I lost touch with that sometime last year. My Dad died of cancer and Pentagon disbanded (or not. Or whatever). I got bitter about K-Pop being more of a popularity contest than music appreciation. I quit my job and moved to a different town. I was unemployed for 4 months, but still stayed subscribed to you because you are one of the few good ones. And when you watch a Lucy performance and compare the lyrics to those important times that you spend with your mom, I know that I’ve made a good investment.

beemo

I feel like the only way to succeed on youtube is to post controversial or inflammatory opinions or to be completely over the top with your reactions because that's what the younger audience responds to. I'm glad you're not that type of reactor. I have noticed that the algorithm doesn't like to recommend your channel when I'm searching reactions after a new MV drops. Not sure why though since youtube knows I watch all of your videos and it still won't recommend your videos to me. Youtube, in general, kind of sucks lately. My only suggestion would be shorter intros since people have no attention span anymore. Also quick question, does fourthwall take a smaller cut than patreon? I was thinking about moving up to a higher tier and wondered which platform is better for you. Thanks for all that you do, I enjoy watching your content.

Roldy Reacts

I’ll be honest. I first started following and watching your videos because just based purely off your personality in your videos, you reminded me of someone who I would be friends with in real life. A lot of your thoughts about music and how you dissect it during a first reaction are things I would say. I wish I knew what the answer to your problems were, but I’m just a noob reactor myself. All I can say is to try to keep your head up bud, I think you’re doing a great job.

Nicoleicole

First off, I want to say that I appreciate your vulnerability in sharing your feelings and concerns with us. As a long-time Kpop fan, I've watched the trends ebb and flow, and creators come and go. While I do not have many specific suggestions, I want to say that despite your doubts, many of us find you very likeable and follow your content because it is You posting it. I started following your channel shortly after you started it bc you popped up in my suggestions, and while I haven't always had the same interests or opinions as you, I've stuck around because I've appreciated your authenticity in your reactions and the effort you've put in to support the artists you like. I think you, like many other reactors who started/had a boom in viewership during the pandemic days, are all experiencing the effects of oversaturation of reactors and the constant onslaught of releases in the Korean content space in an age where people are no longer stuck inside and able to consume it all. I think while it may not do great in growing numbers for your main channel, maybe trying out the long-format videos you originally set out to do would give you greater fulfillment. If your goal is to continue discovering things in Kpop that bring you joy, I think the community you've cultivated here is a good one that wants you to just pursue what will make you happy and have balance. However, if your goal is to rake in the major views, it sounds like you know what you need to do to unfortunately play into the YT algorithm & SEO-based systems. Like others have suggested, the consistency in posting is def a key thing for keeping the steady growth. But I also understand that shit happens, life gets busy, and time can fly in the blink of an eye without your realizing it. Again while I don't have much suggestions to offer up, I wanted to chime in with my support, thank you for the candid openness, and wish you well on trying to figure out what's best for your channel and yourself.

Robert Arthur

Hi Paul, I think maybe I've said this before, but I am an attorney practicing entertainment law, and one of my areas of focus is "influencers." That means Youtubers, mostly. I hate that term, but I can't find another one that works. I help my clients review agreements and give them advice on copyright and trademark issues, for the most part. I don't have much wisdom about channel building issues, but I hear the same thing from almost every Youtuber I've ever spoken with. The Youtube algorithm is mysterious and capricious, and nobody really understands what makes a video more successful than others. If you wanted to chase the analytics, you can A/B test some changes in thumbnails or titles and squeeze a little bit more juice from the orange, but you are probably wise to not do that. That doesn't seem to be the root of your problem. I also wrote you a very long Patreon DM at some point, about Youtuber burnout in reaction channels. I'm not sure most of it is relevant now, but the bottom line advice was to not wear yourself out doing lots of request videos for low-performing content. For a lot of Youtubers, requests grow to be a burden they eventually hate, more obligation than joy. In the end, even the Patreon money is not enough compensation for a job you hate. So it is important to (mostly) love what you do. Maybe it is the requests, maybe it is something else, but what I'm hearing in your video post today is that the purpose of your channel and the effort required for your channel became disconnected at some point. You are putting in effort, but that effort is not resulting in fulfillment of purpose. Youtube reaction channels exist for many reasons: making money, having fun, building community, practicing your performance skills, getting over phobias, killing time, etc. Maximizing analytics is not a valid purpose (well, it's a purpose for Google, but not for a channel owner). What is the main purpose of your channel? If you can answer that, you can develop a strategy, a brand identity, and make a plan. I don't think any of us are going anywhere soon. Channels remodel and restructure all the time. So take some time with the freedom to think and experiment with your channel, so you can love (most) of the effort you put into it.

Mark Bowley

Personally I would advise just do what you love and what gives you joy.. that may not give you huge views but you will be more enthusiastic happy and animated . Ir a real and enjoyable reaction which is what people want. That energy and love and interest will come across to the viewer. Tbh I think it's better to have a dedicated and supportive viewership than a larger fickle viewership . That leads you to overwork and become a jaded with your reactions. . Better to have that smaller base I feel and be happier though poorer than if you just want to gain larger viwerships.with more revenue

Onafhankelijkheid

Echoing what others said, the algorithm served you up as the Mamamoo My Con reaction. It was the BEST concert reaction I found and then watched a bunch of your videos and then subscribed here. That said, my KPop interest is limited to about 3 groups and you cover 1 of them. I don’t end up watching as often when I get busy. I do LOVE the way you do content and you have a wonderful personality and perspective. I’d love to see you make videos you love and I’d def watch longform content from you. If Contrapoints’ 3 hour dissertation on human sexuality as viewed through the lens of Twilight can get 3.9M views, I believe there’s a market for longform content on MANY topics 🥸😎

hi_k99

I've been enjoying ur reactions for a long time now, starting from youtube, especially back when u were getting into Day6 and all, and then patreon too. I had to unsubscribe for a while when I myself was jobless but the way you are just so honest in these reactions and there's nothing extra has rendered me unable to enjoy other reactors (not hate) thanks to the way your content is genuine. Ur the best form of yourself when you're doing something you like. But if we were to talk about reality, we can't help but do things that please to the target market, that being the kpop fanbase here. I myself only watch selective content of groups that I like but when I do have the leisure I learn about new groups and grow to like them here too. But for the sake of results, I would suggest diving deeper into some unfamiliar territory too perhaps, like the larger groups with more fanbase, obv BTS being one of them, maybe diverting to other areas of korean music even as you do dapple once in a while. I especially love it when you go back to 2nd and 3rd gen groups. Maybe you could reastart doing the whole discography thing (like all their title songs from debut till now) for different groups or do more general korean variety shows, or korean dramas. This will attract a wider variety of audience and like me who came for a Day6 or SVT or BTS or AKMU reaction, delve deeper into some of your other content once they realize how enjoyable your reactions and character is. Obv its easier for me to say this not knowing how much effort you already put in and if it actually even is manageable. But I just wanted to express my honest opinion imagining there would be others like me and it would help. Hope things turn out for the better for you, love to see you <3