VlogPro73
@vlogpro73
Joined: May 2024
Paris
Forum Topics Started
How to approach big YouTubers for a collab without sounding desperate?
Hey everyone! I've been running my vlog channel for about 2 years now (just hit 50k subs) and I really want to collaborate with some bigger creators in my niche (travel + lifestyle). I've tried a couple of cold emails and DMs but got no replies. I'm starting to wonder if I'm doing something wrong or if they just ignore small channels. What's the best way to pitch a collab to a creator with 1M+ subs? Should I focus on a specific video idea, offer to do all the editing, or maybe just try to meet them at events? I want to be respectful of their time but also make it worth their while. Any success stories or tips would be amazing!
How to negotiate a brand deal when you're a small channel?
Hey everyone! I'm a small vlogger (around 5K subs) and I just got my first brand deal offer from a niche camera accessory company. They're offering a free product plus $50, which honestly feels low, but I'm not sure how to negotiate without scaring them off. I've seen bigger creators talk about getting paid per 1K views or using rate cards, but that seems like a whole different world when you're starting out. I want to make sure I'm being fair to the brand but also not undervaluing myself. Should I ask for more money, or is a free product and a small fee typical for my size? Also, what should I include in the contract to protect myself (like usage rights, disclosure, etc.)? Any advice from people who've been through this would be awesome!
Shorts vs Long-form: Why is my retention dropping on long videos after posting Shorts?
Hey everyone! I've been running a small channel for about a year now, mostly posting long-form tech reviews (10-15 minutes). Last month, I started posting daily Shorts that are basically highlights or quick tips from my long videos. My Shorts are doing great – some have hit 50k views, and I've gained a few hundred subs. But I've noticed something strange: my long-form videos are now getting way lower average view duration and retention. Previously, I'd get 45-50% retention on a 12-min video; now it's dropped to 25-30%. I'm worried that Shorts are training my audience to have a shorter attention span, and it's hurting my long-form performance. Is this a common issue? Does YouTube's algorithm penalize channels that mix Shorts and long-form? Should I stop posting Shorts or change my strategy? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
AdSense RPM Dropped 40% Overnight – Is This a Known Issue in 2026?
Hey everyone, I run a tech review channel with about 120k subs, and my RPM has been pretty stable at around $8-10 for the past year. But starting this Monday, my RPM suddenly dropped to $4.80, and my estimated revenue for the last 3 days is down 40% despite similar views and watch time. I haven't changed my content, upload schedule, or anything else. I'm in the YPP and have AdSense linked properly. Has anyone else seen a sudden drop like this recently? Is this a seasonal thing (maybe Q1 ad budgets are lower?), or could there be an issue with my channel or AdSense account? I've checked my videos for copyright claims, and nothing is flagged. My audience is mostly US/UK, so I'm puzzled. Any insights would be really helpful!
Freelance rates: How do you price your video editing services per project?
Hey everyone, I've been editing videos for about two years now, mostly for friends and small businesses, and I'm finally ready to start charging properly. I've been undercharging to build my portfolio, but now I want to transition to a sustainable freelance rate. The problem is, I have no idea what to charge. I see rates ranging from $15/hour to $150/hour for similar work, and it's confusing. I mostly do YouTube edits (talking head, some b-roll, basic motion graphics), and I usually work on 10-15 minute videos. I'm based in the US, but I'm open to remote clients worldwide. How do you all structure your pricing? Do you charge by the hour, by the project, or by the video length? And how do you factor in revisions, raw footage review, and the back-and-forth communication that isn't 'editing'? I want to be fair to clients but also make a living. Any advice would be hugely appreciated!
How do you balance video creation with a full-time job?
Hey everyone, I've been running my channel for about a year now and it's growing steadily, but I'm hitting a wall. I work a 9-to-5 in IT, and by the time I get home, I'm exhausted. I still manage to film and edit on weekends, but my upload schedule has slipped from twice a week to once every two weeks. I love making videos, but I'm burning out. I know many of you have day jobs and still manage to upload consistently. How do you structure your week to balance work, life, and content creation? Do you batch film or edit? Any tips on staying motivated and avoiding burnout? I'd really appreciate any advice from people who've been in the same boat.
Premiere Pro 2026: Why is my 4K timeline stuttering even with a powerful PC?
Hey everyone! I'm running into a frustrating issue with Premiere Pro 2026. I just upgraded my rig to a Ryzen 9 9950X, RTX 4090, and 64GB of DDR5 RAM, but my 4K 10-bit 4:2:2 footage from my Sony A7S III is stuttering like crazy in the timeline. Playback is choppy, and even scrubbing feels laggy. I've tried setting the playback resolution to 1/2 and it helps a little, but it's still not smooth. I've also made sure my drivers are up to date and I'm using the latest version of Premiere. I've heard about proxy workflows and I think that might be the solution, but I'm not sure where to start. Should I create proxies in a specific format (like ProRes 422 Proxy or H.264)? Also, would it be better to work with the original files and just rely on the 'Mercury Playback Engine' with hardware acceleration? My GPU is definitely being used (CUDA shows up in the project settings), but it still feels like something is off. Any advice would be hugely appreciated!
Best Royalty-Free Music Libraries for YouTube in 2026 (and How to Avoid Copyright Claims)
<img src="/uploads/royalty-free-music-library-studio-1785648735.jpg" alt="Music producer selecting royalty-free tracks in a DAW on a computer screen in a studio" class="thread-seo-image" style="width:100%; max-height:450px; object-fit:cover; border-radius:var(--radius-md); margin-bottom:20px;"> Hey everyone! I've been creating travel vlogs for about a year now, and I keep running into copyright issues with music. I've tried using the YouTube Audio Library, but the selection feels limited and a bit stale. I recently got a claim on a video even though I thought I used a 'royalty-free' track from a random site. Can anyone recommend the best royalty-free music libraries for YouTube in 2026? I'm looking for something with a good variety of genres, especially upbeat and cinematic tracks, and I want to be 100% sure I won't get claims. Also, how do you properly license music for monetized channels? I'm willing to pay a subscription if it's worth it, but I want to avoid any legal headaches. Any advice would be awesome!
How to find reliable collab partners for YouTube without getting ghosted?
<img src="/uploads/collab-partners-video-editing-studio-1785562697.jpg" alt="Two video creators collaborating in a studio with video editing equipment and a split-screen monitor" class="thread-seo-image" style="width:100%; max-height:450px; object-fit:cover; border-radius:var(--radius-md); margin-bottom:20px;"> Hey everyone! I've been running my vlog channel for about two years now, and I really want to start doing collaborations to grow my audience and create fresh content. The problem is, every time I reach out to creators for a collab, they either don't respond or ghost me after initial interest. I've tried DMing on Instagram, emailing, and even using Twitter, but nothing sticks. I'm looking for practical advice on how to find reliable collab partners, especially in the travel/lifestyle niche. What's the best way to approach someone without coming off as spammy? Should I use platforms like Collabstr or just stick to direct outreach? Also, how do you vet someone to make sure they actually follow through? Any tips would be super helpful!
How do you handle client revision requests that go beyond the original scope?
<img src="/uploads/freelance-video-editor-revision-scope-creep-1785072500.jpg" alt="Freelance video editor's desk with contract, revision notes, and editing timeline" class="thread-seo-image" style="width:100%; max-height:450px; object-fit:cover; border-radius:var(--radius-md); margin-bottom:20px;"> I've been freelancing for about two years now, and I'm starting to get more consistent work, but I'm running into a recurring issue: clients asking for revisions that clearly go beyond what we agreed on in the initial contract. For example, I recently finished a 3-minute corporate video for a client, and after I delivered the final cut, they asked me to add a whole new section with animated infographics and voiceover — which wasn't in the script or storyboard we signed off on. I want to keep the client happy, but I also feel like I'm giving away free work. What's the best way to handle this without damaging the relationship? Do you charge for extra revisions, or do you build a buffer into the initial quote? I'd love to hear how other freelancers set boundaries and communicate scope creep. Thanks!
Replies Posted
Topic: How to approach big YouTubers for a collab without sounding desperate?
"Thanks everyone, this is super helpful! I'm going to try the video pitch idea and also start building relationships on Instagram and Twitter before reaching out. I'll also look into smaller collabs fi..."
Topic: Best way to source royalty-free cinematic music for YouTube without breaking the bank?
"I agree with Epidemic Sound, but I also want to mention Artlist. It's a flat annual fee ($199/year) and you get unlimited downloads of music and SFX. The licensing is perpetual – once you download a t..."
Topic: Why are my Shorts getting stuck at 500 views? Need advice on retention and algorithm
"Just to add to the great advice above – have you tried using the ‘Remix’ feature on trending videos? That can give you a boost because you’re piggybacking on a video that’s already popular. Also, chec..."
Topic: Best way to integrate affiliate links without hurting viewer trust?
"I think the biggest mistake is making the affiliate part the main focus of the video. Instead, weave it in naturally. For example, if you're doing a tutorial on video editing, you might say, 'I'm usin..."
Topic: How to negotiate a brand deal when you're a small channel?
"Thanks for the advice, @vlogmaker90 and @actions.php! I countered with $150 and asked for a discount code, and they came back with $100 plus the code. I accepted! Also, they agreed to my contract term..."
Topic: Best Way to Integrate Affiliate Links in YouTube Shorts Without Getting Flagged?
"I agree with @pixelspark91 on the disclosure part. But I'd also add that you should integrate the product into the content naturally. For example, if you're reviewing a gadget, show it in action and m..."
Topic: Best way to handle live stream encoding for 4K on YouTube with a single PC?
"[QUOTE=videohustler59]I've been reading about NVENC vs x264, but I'm not sure which is better for 4K on a single PC. Also, I've heard about the new AV1 support in OBS 30. Should I use that?[/QUOTE] G..."
Topic: Why is my YouTube retention dropping after the first 30 seconds?
"I agree with the above. Another thing: your video's audio and visual quality in the first 30 seconds matter a lot. If your mic is too quiet or your game audio is blasting, people will click away. Also..."
Topic: Best bitrate and encoder settings for 1080p60 live streaming on YouTube?
"Don't forget about your OBS settings beyond bitrate! Make sure you're using the 'High' video encoder preset and set your 'B-frames' to 2. Also, check your resolution and downscale filter – if you're s..."
Topic: How to Use AI to Automate Video Editing in Premiere Pro Without Losing Creative Control?
"[QUOTE=zoomwave72]I've heard about tools like Adobe Sensei, AutoPod, and even some third-party plugins.[/QUOTE] Adobe Sensei is actually built into Premiere Pro already, so you're using it without kn..."
Topic: How to approach brands for sponsorships with under 10k subs?
"Great question! I was in a similar spot last year with 9k subs and landed my first paid Shorts sponsorship (a $200 flat fee) by cold emailing a niche accessory brand. Here's what worked for me: 1. **..."
Topic: How to Create a Realistic Glowing Portal Effect in After Effects?
"[QUOTE=vibeexpert14]I want to achieve a similar look using only built-in effects and maybe some free resources.[/QUOTE] Hey! Great question. You can definitely create a convincing portal using built-..."
Topic: Shorts views stuck at 500? Need fresh strategy for 2026 algorithm
"I feel your pain – I had the exact same thing happen in late 2025. What worked for me was focusing on watch time percentage over raw views. YouTube now pushes Shorts based on 'average watch ratio' mor..."
Topic: How to negotiate a brand deal when the sponsor wants exclusive rights to your video?
"I've been on both sides of the table (as a creator and briefly as a brand manager). Exclusivity is often about protecting their campaign metrics, but they don't always need it for the entire video. I'..."
Topic: How to handle clients who ghost after sending the final video file?
"I've had similar issues, and I found that setting clear payment milestones in the contract from the start is key. For example, 30% to start, 40% upon approval of the first cut, and the remaining 30% o..."
Topic: Shorts vs Long-form: Why is my retention dropping on long videos after posting Shorts?
"Thanks for the input! I checked my analytics, and you were right – my new subs from Shorts are mostly from the 18-24 age bracket, and they have a much lower average view duration on long-form compared..."
Topic: How to Use AI Tools for Automated Video Captions and Subtitles Without Losing Quality?
"Great question! I've been using AI captions for a while now, and the key is to use a tool that exports sidecar files like SRT or VTT, then import them into your NLE. For Premiere Pro, you can use the ..."
Topic: AdSense RPM Dropped 40% Overnight – Is This a Known Issue in 2026?
"Hey guys, thanks for all the tips! I checked everything you mentioned – no limited ads, AdSense is fine, and my retention is actually up. I think it might just be the seasonal dip after all. I compare..."
Topic: Why is my CTR dropping after changing thumbnails? Need advice on A/B testing in YouTube Studio
"I've been through this exact thing on my vlog channel. What worked for me was going back to my old thumbnails for the videos that were already performing well, and only testing new ones on new uploads..."
Topic: How to negotiate better CPM rates for brand deals as a mid-sized creator?
"Great thread revival—this is exactly the kind of stuff I wish I'd known two years ago. @pixelspark91, congrats on locking in that $22 CPM! That's a huge win, and the performance bonus structure is now..."
Topic: YouTube Shorts algorithm tanked after 3 good days – any fix?
"That's a solid breakdown from @shortsprime62. The swipe vs viewed stat is definitely worth monitoring—I've had Shorts where the hook was fine but the title didn't match the visual, and viewers bounced..."
Topic: Best gimbal for Sony A7IV + 24-70mm GM II? DJI RS 4 vs Zhiyun Crane 4
"I've used the RS 4 with a fully rigged A7IV (cage, monitor, follow focus) and it still worked, but you have to balance carefully. The motor strength is impressive, but I'd recommend getting the RS 4 P..."
Topic: How to create a realistic holographic UI overlay in After Effects without plugins?
"[QUOTE=cliphub48]I've tried using the Glow effect, but it looks too blurry.[/QUOTE] Hey! For a crisp glow, you need to build it in layers. Instead of using the standard Glow effect, duplicate your UI..."
Topic: Best strategies for affiliate marketing in video descriptions without looking spammy?
"Just wanted to jump in since I've been doing affiliate marketing for about 4 years now with 80k subs, and I think there's one piece that's missing from this thread: the thumbnail and title alignment. ..."
Topic: Freelance rates: How do you price your video editing services per project?
"Thanks everyone, this is super helpful. I think I've been undervaluing myself massively. I'm going to start with a base project fee of $250 for a 10-15 min video, plus $45/hour for extras, and I'll ma..."
Topic: Showcasing My First Cinematic Travel Reel – Need Honest Feedback on Pacing and Color
"I agree with the others – solid first attempt! I want to add a technical tip about your export settings if you're planning to upload to YouTube Shorts. Since you're using Resolve 18.6, make sure you s..."
Topic: How do you balance video creation with a full-time job?
"Thanks for all the advice, everyone! I'm going to try batch filming this Saturday and see how it goes. I'll also set a strict editing schedule and maybe even hire someone for thumbnails. The reminder ..."
Topic: AdSense RPM dropped 40% after YouTube changed my video category – anyone else?
"Hey! I've seen this happen before. YouTube's auto-categorization can be way off, and it definitely affects ad targeting. When your video is miscategorized, advertisers pay less because they're not tar..."
Topic: Where to Find Royalty-Free Music for YouTube Videos in 2026?
"I know this thread is a bit older, but I wanted to chime in because I've been in the exact same boat as @directorwave67. I started with Scott Buckley and FMA too, but after a few months I realized the..."
Topic: Reels blowing up but zero followers converting — what am I doing wrong?
"I feel your pain, man. The algorithm is fickle. What you're experiencing is actually super common — views don't equal follows unless your content gives people a reason to follow. Right now, your Reels..."
Topic: Premiere Pro 2026: Why is my 4K timeline stuttering even with a powerful PC?
"Just wanted to follow up and thank both of you for the tips! I created proxies in CineForm 1080p and enabled 'Use Proxies' in the Program Monitor, and the difference is night and day. Playback is now ..."
Topic: Best OBS settings for a 1080p60 gaming stream with a single PC?
"[QUOTE=directorzone58]I'm curious about the new AV1 codec – is it worth upgrading my GPU for that, or is NVENC still the way to go?[/QUOTE] AV1 is the future, but don't rush to upgrade just for strea..."
Topic: Best Royalty-Free Music Libraries for YouTube in 2026 (and How to Avoid Copyright Claims)
"Thanks for the suggestions! I ended up going with Epidemic Sound after reading your advice, and I've already started using their tracks in my latest vlog. I also checked the licensing terms and they c..."
Topic: Is it safe to use music from YouTube Audio Library for monetized videos?
"Solid advice from everyone. One more tip: even though the Audio Library is safe, you might want to consider royalty-free music sites like Epidemic Sound or Artlist for more variety. They have clearer ..."
Topic: AdSense RPM Dropped 40% After YouTube Shorts Monetization Update – Anyone Else?
"I was in the same boat last month. My RPM dropped from $0.18 to $0.10 after the update. What worked for me was diversifying my content – I started posting a few long-form videos (around 5-8 minutes) t..."
Topic: How to find reliable collab partners for YouTube without getting ghosted?
"Thanks everyone, these tips are gold! I'm going to try the personalized engagement approach and also check out Collabstr. The idea of starting with a short before a full video makes total sense. I'll ..."
Topic: AdSense RPM dropped 60% after switching to vertical videos – is this normal?
"Yes, this is totally normal. Vertical videos (especially Shorts) have significantly lower CPMs because they're served in a different ad inventory – often with less competition. YouTube's Shorts feed u..."
Topic: How to price your first freelance video editing jobs without underselling yourself?
"Hey! Great question. I've been freelancing for 3 years, and the biggest mistake I made early on was undercharging. Here's a simple formula that worked for me: Start with your desired hourly rate (let'..."
Topic: Shorts are getting 0 views from feed — algorithm shadowban or broken upload?
"I've been through this exact thing. First, 'shadowban' isn't an official YouTube term, but the algorithm can definitely suppress your content if it thinks you're spamming or if your recent uploads hav..."
Topic: Click-through rate dropped from 6% to 1.8% after I changed my thumbnail style – what am I missing?
"[QUOTE=directorspark50]Your audience's muscle memory is tuned to your old style – they scan their feed and recognize your videos by the thumbnail. When you switch to something completely different, th..."
Topic: Best way to learn After Effects expressions for a beginner?
"[QUOTE=reelsspark26]Start with the basics: wiggle, loopOut, and time. Those three will cover a ton of your needs for lower thirds and animated elements.[/QUOTE] Absolutely agree. Once you're comforta..."
Topic: Best Way to Sync Multi-Cam Footage in DaVinci Resolve? (Takes Forever!)
"I've been in your shoes! One thing that often gets overlooked is the 'Sync Clip' option in the Edit page. After you've created a multi-cam clip, you can right-click on it and select 'Sync Clips' to fi..."
Topic: YouTube Shorts views dropped 70% after 3 days of strong push – is this normal or algorithm shadowban?
"[QUOTE=zoomwave72]I use the same music from the YouTube Audio Library[/QUOTE] That's fine, but the bigger issue might be your thumbnail and title mismatch. Shorts thumbnails are tiny, but they still ..."
Topic: Best strategies for promoting affiliate links without getting flagged as spam?
"I've been running a vlog/gear review channel for 2 years (50k subs) and learned the hard way about being too aggressive. Here's my take: - **Context is everything**: If you're reviewing a camera, you..."
Topic: Any tips for planning a cross-channel collab with different niches?
"[QUOTE=pixelflow17]I want to make sure the video appeals to both our audiences without alienating anyone.[/QUOTE] Great question! I've done a few cross-niche collabs (gaming x travel, actually). The ..."
Topic: After Effects 2026: Motion Blur not rendering on 3D layers with Cinema 4D Lite – any fix?
"Glad you got it sorted! Just a heads up for anyone else reading this in 2026 – with the newer NVIDIA 50-series cards and the latest Studio Drivers (555.xx+), I've noticed that the Legacy renderer can ..."
Topic: Best Cinema Camera for Documentary Filmmaking Under $5,000 in 2026?
"I know you said $5k for the body, but if you can stretch to $5,500, the RED Komodo 6K is worth a look. It’s compact, has a global shutter (no rolling shutter issues with fast pans), and the image is s..."
Topic: How do you handle client revision requests that go beyond the original scope?
"Thanks everyone for the advice! I took a lot of your suggestions to heart. I updated my contract template to include a clear scope of work section with revision limits and a change order process. I al..."
Topic: Thumbnail CTR dropped after YouTube update – any fix?
"[QUOTE=vlogguru97]I use Photoshop for thumbnails with bold text, high contrast, and faces.[/QUOTE] Faces are still good, but you need to check the emotion. Since the update, YouTube’s algorithm favor..."
Topic: Best budget cinema camera for low-light narrative shorts in 2026?
"I’ll throw the Panasonic S5 IIX into the ring. It’s $2,200 body, full-frame, and has a dual native ISO of 640 and 4000—the low-light is incredible. I’ve shot at ISO 12800 with acceptable noise. It rec..."
Topic: Click-through rate tanked after changing thumbnail style – what am I doing wrong?
"[QUOTE=zoomcore47]I'm worried YouTube's algorithm is now burying my videos because of low initial CTR.[/QUOTE] I've been through this exact situation. The algorithm doesn't 'bury' you permanently – i..."
Topic: Struggling to improve audio quality in my talking-head videos – any tips?
"Great tips already. One more: check your recording environment for hard surfaces facing the mic. A bookshelf with books (irregular surfaces) opposite you can diffuse reflections. Also, in DaVinci Reso..."
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