Season 16 – Starting My YouTube Journey from Zero
Should you start a YouTube channel now?
With millions of creators already online, it is easy to feel like you are too late. I wanted to challenge that idea, so I am starting from zero and sharing every step of my New channel journey.
Overview of My Journey
- Should you start a YouTube channel now?
- My YouTube progress by Date
- I changed up my New YouTube Channel Video Thumbnail Design with GREAT Results
- Season 16 – Podcast SHOW Notes
After one month of creating = 27 Subs for 43 Videos
No audience, no budget, no shortcuts. Just consistency, transparency, and a clear goal to grow a real YouTube channel from scratch and share what works and what does not.
This is not just another YouTube tutorial. Although I have built successful channels through my business TrustedCreators.org, this new project is personal. No team, no sponsors, just me, my camera, and the lessons I learn along the way.
Long Videos do better over Shorts
In this post, I will walk you through each stage of the process from setup to upload. I will also share podcast episodes, channel stats, and weekly updates so you can follow the journey in real time.
My YouTube progress by Date
🗓️ [August 2025] – Committing to the Journey
I started my YouTube channel to document my creator journey and share real-time lessons from building an audience from scratch.
I aim to create honest my vision videos about Tv and Film starting with a focus on the New HBO Harry Potter Series due to air in 2027
I’m approaching this journey with patience, curiosity, and a commitment to consistency and build a community over quick results.
Podcast Episode: Episode 3 Looking at the Stats
Stats Snapshot: Overview of Current Stats and Videos
🗓️ [August 2025] – Setting Up the Channel
- Choosing a niche and name I chose to name the Channel WondaTell – (Wonder Television) Film, Movie and series dives.
- Creating branding (banner, logo, etc.)
- Writing an SEO-friendly About section
Stats Snapshot: [24 subs, 2890 views]
Here’s a selection of my first thumbnails I created for the videos, using simple text over images of me as the presenter alongside the topic.
I quickly realised that while my initial thumbnails were clean and straightforward, they weren’t getting the clicks I hoped for. Just getting 2.3% CTR (Click Through Rate) using simple text over an image of me and the topic wasn’t enough to stand out.
Zulf Talks Podcast Episode 4
I changed up my New YouTube Channel Video Thumbnail Design with GREAT Results
As I dug deeper into what drives clicks, I learned that effective thumbnails need to spark curiosity, create contrast, and clearly communicate value at a glance. It’s an area I’m now focusing on improving as I continue to test and learn what works best.
🗓️ [September 2025] – How to get views
- Topic Choice, why I picked it and what I want to record
- Improve Video Artwork
- How I dealt with fear of judgment, type of audience
Podcast Episode:
Stats Snapshot: 24 Subs 3000 Views
12th September 2025
I found a short did 7.8 times better then my other shorts so i doubled down on this type.
🗓️ [Week 3+] – Ongoing Growth and Lessons
- What videos are working
- Audience feedback and comments
- Algorithm insights
Podcast Episode: “YouTube Growth From Scratch: Real Numbers, Real Struggles”
Stats Snapshot: Keep updating weekly or monthly
You can see these episode show notes below and hear the full podcasts on Apple podcasts on your preferred podcast provider. See everywhere you can see and hear my episodes here
Season 16 – Podcast SHOW Notes
Starting My YouTube Journey from Zero
Explore detailed show notes, season breakdowns, and additional resources. CURRENTLY Recording IN PROGRESS Check back soon
