What to Do If Your YouTube Topic Doesn’t Do Well S16EP4
What to Do When Your YouTube Channel Is Not Getting Views or Growth
In this episode of Zulf Talks, Zulfiqar Ali addresses the elephant in the room for many creators: what happens when your topic isn’t gaining traction? While his current “Wonder Tell” project is seeing early success, Zulfiqar dives into his past experiences with channels like “Moto Whispers” to explain the difficult decision of when to pivot. He breaks down the difference between a passion project and a sustainable content strategy, focusing on the high time-commitment of outdoor filming versus the efficiency of studio-based content.
The discussion moves beyond vanity metrics, challenging creators to redefine what “success” looks like. Zulfiqar argues that having a “core five” active viewers who engage and comment is often more valuable for long-term growth than thousands of passive subscribers. By looking at your content objectively and comparing it to niche leaders, you can identify whether your hurdles are technical like audio quality and lighting or psychological, such as staying true to an authentic “calm” delivery in a world of high-energy hype.
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About the Host
Zulfiqar Ali
Zulfiqar Ali is the Managing Director of Trusted Creators. With over 20,000 videos produced across various digital platforms, Zulfiqar is an expert in content strategy, digital branding, and the psychological journey of the “solo-preneur.” Through the Zulf Talks podcast, he shares transparent, behind-the-scenes insights into building a media company from the ground up.
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Key Takeaway Points From Episode Transcript
- Moto Whispers Lessons: Even a monetized channel with 1,200 subscribers can be a candidate for pivoting if the production cost (whole weekends of filming) outweighs the personal joy or financial return.
- Transparency in Business: TrustedCreators.org is the parent company for all of Zulfiqar’s projects, highlighting that professional creators often manage a portfolio of “active” and “historic” channels.
- Defining Success: Success is achieving a consistent baseline. If you regularly get 8-9 views, your first goal should be to maintain those viewers and slowly build to 50 active viewers.
- Delivery Style: If you are a naturally calm and relaxed person, don’t force a high-energy “introvert-extrovert” persona just for views. You will eventually find an audience that appreciates your specific “wavelength.”
- The “Make-Believe” Trap: Be honest with yourself about quality. Is the audio difficult to follow? Is the lighting distracting? Practice and experience are the only cures for poor production value.
- Networking through Comments: Genuinely praising other creators and leaving thoughtful comments on their videos can lead their viewers to check out your unique take on the same topic.
- Batch Filming and Momentum: Recording the first four episodes of a series back-to-back helps capture a specific thought process, but taking breaks is essential to avoid “recording burnout.”
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