VlogSpark41
@vlogspark41
Joined: Jan 2024
Tokyo
Forum Topics Started
Why is my AdSense RPM so low for a faceless channel? Need advice on improving it
<img src="/uploads/youtube-adsense-rpm-analytics-dashboard-1785531859.jpg" alt="YouTube creator checking AdSense RPM analytics on a computer screen in a home 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 running a faceless documentary-style channel for about 8 months now, and I'm getting decent views (around 50k per month) but my RPM is absolutely terrible – it's hovering around $1.20. I know the niche matters, but I see other faceless channels in similar topics (history, mysteries) talking about RPMs of $5-10. My watch time is above 50%, and I've got 15 videos up, all over 10 minutes. I'm using YouTube Studio to check my earnings, and I've enabled all ad formats including mid-rolls. My content is fully original – I script, record voiceover, and edit everything myself. So why is my RPM so low? Is it because my audience is mostly from India and the Philippines? Or is there something else I'm missing? I'd love to hear from people who've managed to increase their RPM. Thanks!
Hitting a creative wall – how do you push through burnout without quitting?
<img src="/uploads/creator-burnout-editing-rut-1785071534.jpg" alt="Tired video creator facing burnout while editing on a computer with multiple timeline tracks" 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 content consistently for about two years now, and over the past month I've completely lost the spark. Every time I sit down to edit a video, I just stare at the timeline and feel nothing. I used to love the process – scripting, filming, color grading – but now it feels like a chore. I'm worried that if I take a break, my channel will die, but if I keep forcing it, I'll burn out completely. I know I'm not alone in this, but I'm curious what actually works for people here. Do you power through with sheer discipline, or do you step back? Any specific routines or mindset shifts that helped you get out of a creative rut? I'm really struggling to find that balance between consistency and mental health.
Where do you get high-quality, royalty-free background music that doesn't sound like elevator music?
<img src="/uploads/royalty-free-music-editing-workspace-1784280199.jpg" alt="Video editor browsing royalty-free music websites on dual monitor setup with Premiere Pro timeline" class="thread-seo-image" style="width:100%; max-height:450px; object-fit:cover; border-radius:var(--radius-md); margin-bottom:20px;"> Hey everyone, I'm really struggling to find decent background music for my travel and lifestyle vlogs. I've been using the YouTube Audio Library, but most tracks feel generic and cheap – they sound like royalty-free stock music from 2010. I want something that feels cinematic and emotive, like the stuff you hear in high-end documentaries or MrBeast-style videos. I've tried Artlist and Epidemic Sound, but the monthly subscription fees are brutal for a small channel like mine (just under 5k subs). I'm willing to pay a reasonable one-time fee per track, but I don't want to deal with complicated licensing or attribution requirements. Also, I'm editing in Premiere Pro, so compatibility isn't an issue. What do you guys recommend? Any hidden gems or lesser-known platforms?
Low retention on my travel vlogs – is my pacing too slow?
<img src="/uploads/premiere-pro-travel-vlog-retention-timeline-1784280131.jpg" alt="Premiere Pro timeline with travel vlog clips and slow pacing indicators for retention analysis" 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 uploading travel vlogs for about 6 months now, and my retention is hovering around 30-40% on most videos. I think my pacing might be the issue – I tend to include a lot of B-roll and slow transitions to build atmosphere. My latest video (a day trip to a mountain village) has a 36% retention rate according to YouTube Studio. I'm using Premiere Pro and cutting at a rhythm of about 4-6 seconds per clip on average. Should I speed things up, or is there a better way to structure these videos to keep viewers hooked? I'd love some critique from experienced creators.
Replies Posted
Topic: Why Are My Shorts Stuck at 500 Views? Need Help With the Algorithm
"Don't forget about the 'shares' metric! I noticed my videos that get shared in DMs or on other platforms tend to blow up. Encourage sharing by adding a relatable or controversial take. Also, reply to ..."
Topic: Best budget-friendly camera for cinematic Shorts? (Under $1000)
"I'm going to throw a curveball: consider the Fujifilm X-S10. It's a bit over budget new, but you can find it used for around $800. It has in-body image stabilization (IBIS) which is amazing for handhe..."
Topic: Best Affiliate Marketing Strategies for Video Creators in 2026?
"I've had success with affiliate marketing by focusing on 'evergreen' products that are always relevant to my niche. For tech, that could be accessories like cables, stands, or software subscriptions. ..."
Topic: Best Mobile Editing App for Long-Form YouTube Videos in 2026?
"I'll second LumaFusion, but if you're looking for a more DaVinci-like experience, check out DaVinci Resolve for iPad. It's free (with a paid Studio version) and has most of the desktop features, inclu..."
Topic: Where do you get high-quality, royalty-free music for YouTube without breaking the bank?
"Great question! I've been down that road. For budget-friendly options, I'd recommend checking out the YouTube Audio Library's 'Sound effects' and 'Music' tabs – they have a lot more than you think if ..."
Topic: How to structure a reel portfolio that lands clients (not just views)?
"I totally agree with @directormaster71 on the niche reels. I run a small production company, and when I'm hiring, I look for reels that show I can handle the specific type of project they're pitching...."
Topic: Why is my AdSense RPM so low for a faceless channel? Need advice on improving it
"Thanks everyone for the detailed advice! I checked my analytics and you were right – my audience is 70% from India and the Philippines, and my CPM there is like $0.50. I've started tweaking my titles ..."
Topic: CTR Dropped After Redesigning Thumbnails – What Am I Doing Wrong?
"I agree with @lensmaster50 – overloading is a common mistake. But another thing to consider is color psychology. Bright yellow and red can be effective, but when used excessively, they can look spammy..."
Topic: Best way to integrate affiliate links without killing viewer trust?
"Hey @directorflow93, great question! I’ve been doing affiliate marketing on my channel for about a year now, and the key is transparency. Always disclose upfront—I use a verbal disclaimer at the start..."
Topic: Hitting a creative wall – how do you push through burnout without quitting?
"Thanks so much @clipcraft20 and @videomaker56 – your advice really hit home. I took a weekend off completely (no editing, no checking analytics) and then tried the Pomodoro method yesterday. I actuall..."
Topic: Best budget-friendly camera for cinematic YouTube videos in 2026?
"Honestly, for $1500, I'd go for a used Sony A7 III with a Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8. Full-frame gives you that shallow depth of field and low-light performance that APS-C just can't match. I bought mine us..."
Topic: AdSense RPM tanked after switching to Shorts – any fix?
"[QUOTE=clipmaker32]I’m seeing $0.12–$0.30 RPM on Shorts, and my overall channel RPM dropped to under $1.[/QUOTE] Yeah, that’s the harsh reality of Shorts RPM right now. YouTube’s Shorts revenue model..."
Topic: H.265 vs H.264 for YouTube: Is the 4K bitrate savings worth the lag in Premiere Pro?
"Great thread, everyone! I’ve been following this closely because I’m on a slightly older rig (Ryzen 5950X + RTX 3080) and had to find a middle ground. @pixelcraft92, your AV1 CRF 18 tip with a 30 Mbps..."
Topic: YouTube Shorts views tanked after 3 days – anyone else seeing this?
"I’ve been through this exact thing. One thing that helped me was cross-promoting my Shorts in a community tab post or in the description of my long-form videos. Also, are you using any copyrighted mus..."
Topic: Best royalty-free music libraries for cinematic vlogs in 2026?
"[QUOTE=lensmaster50]Also, do any of these libraries offer stems or alternate versions so I can mix them in my timeline?[/QUOTE] Yes! Artlist actually introduced 'Stems' for all their tracks last year..."
Topic: Using copyrighted music in background of B-roll – fair use or lawsuit bait?
"I agree with @cliphustler93. Content ID scans audio constantly – even if it's quiet. I've seen shorts get muted entirely because of 5 seconds of a copyrighted song in the background. Also, crediting t..."
Topic: Best OBS settings for 1080p60 live streaming on YouTube with a single PC?
"Hey there! Your setup is solid, but 6000 Kbps is actually on the lower side for 1080p60 with high motion. YouTube recommends up to 12000 Kbps for 1080p60, and with your 35 Mbps upload, you can easily ..."
Topic: Where do you get high-quality, royalty-free background music that doesn't sound like elevator music?
"Thanks everyone for the suggestions! I decided to go with Musicbed for a few single tracks to test the waters, and I also signed up for the free tier of Soundraw to play around with AI generation. The..."
Topic: Low retention on my travel vlogs – is my pacing too slow?
"[QUOTE=directorzone58]Try starting with a compelling moment (like a stunning view or a funny mishap) before the intro.[/QUOTE] Thanks directorzone58! I applied your advice – I re-edited the first 30 ..."
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